Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whoa--a lot of drama in here.

I'm an 04 WS VA parent and don't see any big issues. I'm happy with the way the team is progressing from last year. We all knew about the issue with the age group going combined.

I'm with the people who think that people who don't like the EDP option should leave and should have thought more about it earlier. This is really more an issue to take up with US Soccer, who set the age groups. Who knows, they may change it soon to help in future years.

Overall it's not a good way to judge WS in general, as they are doing lots of things the right way.

You're fine with ~80 kids all crammed onto a field? Ok, if that works for you. I think WS does some things right. It's why I signed up for a second year, but it doesn't mean I'm giving a free pass on the rest. I will give them a little time to even it out, but then they have to do better.

And I see the politics other posters have talked about too, but I think in the end, those folks only expose their own kid to the wrong type of challenge and put them in an environment where they can't excel, so it will work itself out.

Playing up doesn't always lead to playing better; sometimes being in your own age group does.

I seriously doubt that 80 kids are on the field at the same time. That sounds a bit exaggerated.

How many kids could also be playing up to demonstrate this rampant politics that you speak of?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whoa--a lot of drama in here.

I'm an 04 WS VA parent and don't see any big issues. I'm happy with the way the team is progressing from last year. We all knew about the issue with the age group going combined.

I'm with the people who think that people who don't like the EDP option should leave and should have thought more about it earlier. This is really more an issue to take up with US Soccer, who set the age groups. Who knows, they may change it soon to help in future years.

Overall it's not a good way to judge WS in general, as they are doing lots of things the right way.

You're fine with ~80 kids all crammed onto a field? Ok, if that works for you. I think WS does some things right. It's why I signed up for a second year, but it doesn't mean I'm giving a free pass on the rest. I will give them a little time to even it out, but then they have to do better.

And I see the politics other posters have talked about too, but I think in the end, those folks only expose their own kid to the wrong type of challenge and put them in an environment where they can't excel, so it will work itself out.

Playing up doesn't always lead to playing better; sometimes being in your own age group does.

I seriously doubt that 80 kids are on the field at the same time. That sounds a bit exaggerated.

How many kids could also be playing up to demonstrate this rampant politics that you speak of?

It isn't 80 kids. I'm there every Monday. This is one of the posters who has a bone to pick with either WS or DA in general and is trying to make a point. I think it's been pretty well exposed by multiple WS parents at this point.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whoa--a lot of drama in here.

I'm an 04 WS VA parent and don't see any big issues. I'm happy with the way the team is progressing from last year. We all knew about the issue with the age group going combined.

I'm with the people who think that people who don't like the EDP option should leave and should have thought more about it earlier. This is really more an issue to take up with US Soccer, who set the age groups. Who knows, they may change it soon to help in future years.

Overall it's not a good way to judge WS in general, as they are doing lots of things the right way.

You're fine with ~80 kids all crammed onto a field? Ok, if that works for you. I think WS does some things right. It's why I signed up for a second year, but it doesn't mean I'm giving a free pass on the rest. I will give them a little time to even it out, but then they have to do better.

And I see the politics other posters have talked about too, but I think in the end, those folks only expose their own kid to the wrong type of challenge and put them in an environment where they can't excel, so it will work itself out.

Playing up doesn't always lead to playing better; sometimes being in your own age group does.

I seriously doubt that 80 kids are on the field at the same time. That sounds a bit exaggerated.

How many kids could also be playing up to demonstrate this rampant politics that you speak of?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whoa--a lot of drama in here.

I'm an 04 WS VA parent and don't see any big issues. I'm happy with the way the team is progressing from last year. We all knew about the issue with the age group going combined.

I'm with the people who think that people who don't like the EDP option should leave and should have thought more about it earlier. This is really more an issue to take up with US Soccer, who set the age groups. Who knows, they may change it soon to help in future years.

Overall it's not a good way to judge WS in general, as they are doing lots of things the right way.

You're fine with ~80 kids all crammed onto a field? Ok, if that works for you. I think WS does some things right. It's why I signed up for a second year, but it doesn't mean I'm giving a free pass on the rest. I will give them a little time to even it out, but then they have to do better.

And I see the politics other posters have talked about too, but I think in the end, those folks only expose their own kid to the wrong type of challenge and put them in an environment where they can't excel, so it will work itself out.

Playing up doesn't always lead to playing better; sometimes being in your own age group does.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whoa--a lot of drama in here.

I'm an 04 WS VA parent and don't see any big issues. I'm happy with the way the team is progressing from last year. We all knew about the issue with the age group going combined.

I'm with the people who think that people who don't like the EDP option should leave and should have thought more about it earlier. This is really more an issue to take up with US Soccer, who set the age groups. Who knows, they may change it soon to help in future years.

Overall it's not a good way to judge WS in general, as they are doing lots of things the right way.

US Soccer is added a U16 Pilot division out west.

They can't expand it soon enough with all the whining. I really like the fact that they are responsive to problems and willing to pilot and push out changes that are needed. It's a good sign for the future.

Anonymous wrote:Whoa--a lot of drama in here.

I'm an 04 WS VA parent and don't see any big issues. I'm happy with the way the team is progressing from last year. We all knew about the issue with the age group going combined.

I'm with the people who think that people who don't like the EDP option should leave and should have thought more about it earlier. This is really more an issue to take up with US Soccer, who set the age groups. Who knows, they may change it soon to help in future years.

Overall it's not a good way to judge WS in general, as they are doing lots of things the right way.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Whoa--a lot of drama in here.

I'm an 04 WS VA parent and don't see any big issues. I'm happy with the way the team is progressing from last year. We all knew about the issue with the age group going combined.

I'm with the people who think that people who don't like the EDP option should leave and should have thought more about it earlier. This is really more an issue to take up with US Soccer, who set the age groups. Who knows, they may change it soon to help in future years.

Overall it's not a good way to judge WS in general, as they are doing lots of things the right way.

US Soccer is added a U16 Pilot division out west.

Anonymous wrote:Whoa--a lot of drama in here.

I'm an 04 WS VA parent and don't see any big issues. I'm happy with the way the team is progressing from last year. We all knew about the issue with the age group going combined.

I'm with the people who think that people who don't like the EDP option should leave and should have thought more about it earlier. This is really more an issue to take up with US Soccer, who set the age groups. Who knows, they may change it soon to help in future years.

Overall it's not a good way to judge WS in general, as they are doing lots of things the right way.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DA season starts in 9 days. Its a red flag if rosters are not set. I suspect they are. I'm not buying the "earn your spot" thing considering that offers went out months ago. The 04 coach is the assistant EDP coach as well. Since the EDP 03 team is comprised of 04 /03 players, the 04 EDP players are practicing with the 04 DA team while the 03s EDP players are practicing with the 03/02 DA team ( assumption). This causes a crowded enviroment for training. I dont see this changing.

As far as parent politics, sigh. Its pathetic and it's very active. Everyone knows who is doing it. Everyone knows when it has benifited a kid and when another kid has gotten screwed. Mostly done by helicopter parents who partake in social engineering

And which age group are you with?

The one that allows me to make the observation that I just provided. Obviously.

So why don't you just talk about these issues with your fellow parents on the sideline or elsewhere? What is it that you hope to gain by complaining about something that affects a single age group on an anonymous forum as if you are writing a angry Yelp review? And how did you come to the conclusion that you are speaking for the other parents? Every club, every team has their problems and this is the problem with your situation, but why should anyone not affiliated with the team or club care? What objective do you hope to obtain by venting your frustrations here?

Will it improve the immediate situation? And if so then how?

It sounds to me like there are two issues at play here, one is uncertainty over roster assignments and the other is a matter of logistics. I could see the first issue being very stressful but if you are going to go ballistic because a practice ran over in time then good grief. Did your team get shorted on their practice time? Unless it happens all the time you are being overly dramatic.

If the roster decision turns out to not be of your liking then YOU have a decision to make. If the roster decision does turn out to your liking then you have just been guilty of over reacting on a forum and all will be forgotten in time. Then you are left with the logistical issues and those you should just address directly with the coaches because that is the only way they can be resolved.

Not the PP. There are several problems actually.
1. Uncertainty of roster issues when initially parents were told the roster would be 18-20. When we received DA offers, no one thought that between the commitment + deposit (barring some major change over the summer like the player refuses to come to practice or something), that a player could be moved over to EDP.
2. Practices with 25-30 players on the field is hardly effective.
3. Parent politics that harms both the players teams they are placed on and the teams they insist their DDs play with
4. Not enough field space on Mondays or enough coaches for such a large group

These are legitimate complaints. And some of the problems were addressed before committing, promises were made, and then once again, Spirit didn't live up to what it said.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DA season starts in 9 days. Its a red flag if rosters are not set. I suspect they are. I'm not buying the "earn your spot" thing considering that offers went out months ago. The 04 coach is the assistant EDP coach as well. Since the EDP 03 team is comprised of 04 /03 players, the 04 EDP players are practicing with the 04 DA team while the 03s EDP players are practicing with the 03/02 DA team ( assumption). This causes a crowded enviroment for training. I dont see this changing.

As far as parent politics, sigh. Its pathetic and it's very active. Everyone knows who is doing it. Everyone knows when it has benifited a kid and when another kid has gotten screwed. Mostly done by helicopter parents who partake in social engineering

And which age group are you with?

The one that allows me to make the observation that I just provided. Obviously.

So why don't you just talk about these issues with your fellow parents on the sideline or elsewhere? What is it that you hope to gain by complaining about something that affects a single age group on an anonymous forum as if you are writing a angry Yelp review? And how did you come to the conclusion that you are speaking for the other parents? Every club, every team has their problems and this is the problem with your situation, but why should anyone not affiliated with the team or club care? What objective do you hope to obtain by venting your frustrations here?

Will it improve the immediate situation? And if so then how?

It sounds to me like there are two issues at play here, one is uncertainty over roster assignments and the other is a matter of logistics. I could see the first issue being very stressful but if you are going to go ballistic because a practice ran over in time then good grief. Did your team get shorted on their practice time? Unless it happens all the time you are being overly dramatic.

If the roster decision turns out to not be of your liking then YOU have a decision to make. If the roster decision does turn out to your liking then you have just been guilty of over reacting on a forum and all will be forgotten in time. Then you are left with the logistical issues and those you should just address directly with the coaches because that is the only way they can be resolved.

This is the most reasonable post over the last page of this mess of a thread.

Pretty clear that most of the posts here come with an agenda.

Actually, the clearest agenda of all is yours. Every time anyone says anything about WS, you insult, badger and abuse the poster in order to cover up the fact that there are problems. We aren't FCV or Loudoun people. We are actual WS parents with our kids in the program.

Sorry if honesty is hard for you, but at some point, reality must be faced. People could tolerate one year of crap, because it was a start up. But expectations are that things will get better, promises were made that they would, emails came from the top, and yet, it looks like another year of more of the same crap. Teams with huge groups at practices, parent politics is growing, and WS is either oblivious to the unrest (doubt it), or doesn't want to address it because it doesn't have answers. Just more platitudes.

And the fact remains that several parents have posted here indicating minimal or no issues concerning these topics. Very odd, don't you think?

Nope. Either it doesn't affect their age group (for example the U13s don't have a problem with too many players at practice and only the U15s and U17s have EDP mixed in), don't assume that this board is a scientific sample of Spirit parents (some aren't from this area or just flat out don't post), and in some cases, they could be one of the meddling parents who have benefited and now need to defend the club that gives their complaints special attention by changing where their kid practices. Some may also be so new to the club, they haven't caught on yet.

So, not odd at all. Normal in fact.

New poster here. Wow, you have gone awfully out of your way to push this message. Why are you trying so hard to justify these complaints on an anonymous board?

Agree with this.

Don't you people have day jobs?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DA season starts in 9 days. Its a red flag if rosters are not set. I suspect they are. I'm not buying the "earn your spot" thing considering that offers went out months ago. The 04 coach is the assistant EDP coach as well. Since the EDP 03 team is comprised of 04 /03 players, the 04 EDP players are practicing with the 04 DA team while the 03s EDP players are practicing with the 03/02 DA team ( assumption). This causes a crowded enviroment for training. I dont see this changing.

As far as parent politics, sigh. Its pathetic and it's very active. Everyone knows who is doing it. Everyone knows when it has benifited a kid and when another kid has gotten screwed. Mostly done by helicopter parents who partake in social engineering

And which age group are you with?

The one that allows me to make the observation that I just provided. Obviously.

So why don't you just talk about these issues with your fellow parents on the sideline or elsewhere? What is it that you hope to gain by complaining about something that affects a single age group on an anonymous forum as if you are writing a angry Yelp review? And how did you come to the conclusion that you are speaking for the other parents? Every club, every team has their problems and this is the problem with your situation, but why should anyone not affiliated with the team or club care? What objective do you hope to obtain by venting your frustrations here?

Will it improve the immediate situation? And if so then how?

It sounds to me like there are two issues at play here, one is uncertainty over roster assignments and the other is a matter of logistics. I could see the first issue being very stressful but if you are going to go ballistic because a practice ran over in time then good grief. Did your team get shorted on their practice time? Unless it happens all the time you are being overly dramatic.

If the roster decision turns out to not be of your liking then YOU have a decision to make. If the roster decision does turn out to your liking then you have just been guilty of over reacting on a forum and all will be forgotten in time. Then you are left with the logistical issues and those you should just address directly with the coaches because that is the only way they can be resolved.

This is the most reasonable post over the last page of this mess of a thread.

Pretty clear that most of the posts here come with an agenda.

Actually, the clearest agenda of all is yours. Every time anyone says anything about WS, you insult, badger and abuse the poster in order to cover up the fact that there are problems. We aren't FCV or Loudoun people. We are actual WS parents with our kids in the program.

Sorry if honesty is hard for you, but at some point, reality must be faced. People could tolerate one year of crap, because it was a start up. But expectations are that things will get better, promises were made that they would, emails came from the top, and yet, it looks like another year of more of the same crap. Teams with huge groups at practices, parent politics is growing, and WS is either oblivious to the unrest (doubt it), or doesn't want to address it because it doesn't have answers. Just more platitudes.

And the fact remains that several parents have posted here indicating minimal or no issues concerning these topics. Very odd, don't you think?

Nope. Either it doesn't affect their age group (for example the U13s don't have a problem with too many players at practice and only the U15s and U17s have EDP mixed in), don't assume that this board is a scientific sample of Spirit parents (some aren't from this area or just flat out don't post), and in some cases, they could be one of the meddling parents who have benefited and now need to defend the club that gives their complaints special attention by changing where their kid practices. Some may also be so new to the club, they haven't caught on yet.

So, not odd at all. Normal in fact.

New poster here. Wow, you have gone awfully out of your way to push this message. Why are you trying so hard to justify these complaints on an anonymous board?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DA season starts in 9 days. Its a red flag if rosters are not set. I suspect they are. I'm not buying the "earn your spot" thing considering that offers went out months ago. The 04 coach is the assistant EDP coach as well. Since the EDP 03 team is comprised of 04 /03 players, the 04 EDP players are practicing with the 04 DA team while the 03s EDP players are practicing with the 03/02 DA team ( assumption). This causes a crowded enviroment for training. I dont see this changing.

As far as parent politics, sigh. Its pathetic and it's very active. Everyone knows who is doing it. Everyone knows when it has benifited a kid and when another kid has gotten screwed. Mostly done by helicopter parents who partake in social engineering

And which age group are you with?

The one that allows me to make the observation that I just provided. Obviously.

So why don't you just talk about these issues with your fellow parents on the sideline or elsewhere? What is it that you hope to gain by complaining about something that affects a single age group on an anonymous forum as if you are writing a angry Yelp review? And how did you come to the conclusion that you are speaking for the other parents? Every club, every team has their problems and this is the problem with your situation, but why should anyone not affiliated with the team or club care? What objective do you hope to obtain by venting your frustrations here?

Will it improve the immediate situation? And if so then how?

It sounds to me like there are two issues at play here, one is uncertainty over roster assignments and the other is a matter of logistics. I could see the first issue being very stressful but if you are going to go ballistic because a practice ran over in time then good grief. Did your team get shorted on their practice time? Unless it happens all the time you are being overly dramatic.

If the roster decision turns out to not be of your liking then YOU have a decision to make. If the roster decision does turn out to your liking then you have just been guilty of over reacting on a forum and all will be forgotten in time. Then you are left with the logistical issues and those you should just address directly with the coaches because that is the only way they can be resolved.

This is the most reasonable post over the last page of this mess of a thread.

Pretty clear that most of the posts here come with an agenda.

Actually, the clearest agenda of all is yours. Every time anyone says anything about WS, you insult, badger and abuse the poster in order to cover up the fact that there are problems. We aren't FCV or Loudoun people. We are actual WS parents with our kids in the program.

Sorry if honesty is hard for you, but at some point, reality must be faced. People could tolerate one year of crap, because it was a start up. But expectations are that things will get better, promises were made that they would, emails came from the top, and yet, it looks like another year of more of the same crap. Teams with huge groups at practices, parent politics is growing, and WS is either oblivious to the unrest (doubt it), or doesn't want to address it because it doesn't have answers. Just more platitudes.

And the fact remains that several parents have posted here indicating minimal or no issues concerning these topics. Very odd, don't you think?

Nope. Either it doesn't affect their age group (for example the U13s don't have a problem with too many players at practice and only the U15s and U17s have EDP mixed in), don't assume that this board is a scientific sample of Spirit parents (some aren't from this area or just flat out don't post), and in some cases, they could be one of the meddling parents who have benefited and now need to defend the club that gives their complaints special attention by changing where their kid practices. Some may also be so new to the club, they haven't caught on yet.

So, not odd at all. Normal in fact.

New poster here. Wow, you have gone awfully out of your way to push this message. Why are you trying so hard to justify these complaints on an anonymous board?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DA season starts in 9 days. Its a red flag if rosters are not set. I suspect they are. I'm not buying the "earn your spot" thing considering that offers went out months ago. The 04 coach is the assistant EDP coach as well. Since the EDP 03 team is comprised of 04 /03 players, the 04 EDP players are practicing with the 04 DA team while the 03s EDP players are practicing with the 03/02 DA team ( assumption). This causes a crowded enviroment for training. I dont see this changing.

As far as parent politics, sigh. Its pathetic and it's very active. Everyone knows who is doing it. Everyone knows when it has benifited a kid and when another kid has gotten screwed. Mostly done by helicopter parents who partake in social engineering

And which age group are you with?

The one that allows me to make the observation that I just provided. Obviously.

So why don't you just talk about these issues with your fellow parents on the sideline or elsewhere? What is it that you hope to gain by complaining about something that affects a single age group on an anonymous forum as if you are writing a angry Yelp review? And how did you come to the conclusion that you are speaking for the other parents? Every club, every team has their problems and this is the problem with your situation, but why should anyone not affiliated with the team or club care? What objective do you hope to obtain by venting your frustrations here?

Will it improve the immediate situation? And if so then how?

It sounds to me like there are two issues at play here, one is uncertainty over roster assignments and the other is a matter of logistics. I could see the first issue being very stressful but if you are going to go ballistic because a practice ran over in time then good grief. Did your team get shorted on their practice time? Unless it happens all the time you are being overly dramatic.

If the roster decision turns out to not be of your liking then YOU have a decision to make. If the roster decision does turn out to your liking then you have just been guilty of over reacting on a forum and all will be forgotten in time. Then you are left with the logistical issues and those you should just address directly with the coaches because that is the only way they can be resolved.

This is the most reasonable post over the last page of this mess of a thread.

Pretty clear that most of the posts here come with an agenda.

Actually, the clearest agenda of all is yours. Every time anyone says anything about WS, you insult, badger and abuse the poster in order to cover up the fact that there are problems. We aren't FCV or Loudoun people. We are actual WS parents with our kids in the program.

Sorry if honesty is hard for you, but at some point, reality must be faced. People could tolerate one year of crap, because it was a start up. But expectations are that things will get better, promises were made that they would, emails came from the top, and yet, it looks like another year of more of the same crap. Teams with huge groups at practices, parent politics is growing, and WS is either oblivious to the unrest (doubt it), or doesn't want to address it because it doesn't have answers. Just more platitudes.

And the fact remains that several parents have posted here indicating minimal or no issues concerning these topics. Very odd, don't you think?

Nope. Either it doesn't affect their age group (for example the U13s don't have a problem with too many players at practice and only the U15s and U17s have EDP mixed in), don't assume that this board is a scientific sample of Spirit parents (some aren't from this area or just flat out don't post), and in some cases, they could be one of the meddling parents who have benefited and now need to defend the club that gives their complaints special attention by changing where their kid practices. Some may also be so new to the club, they haven't caught on yet.

So, not odd at all. Normal in fact.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DA season starts in 9 days. Its a red flag if rosters are not set. I suspect they are. I'm not buying the "earn your spot" thing considering that offers went out months ago. The 04 coach is the assistant EDP coach as well. Since the EDP 03 team is comprised of 04 /03 players, the 04 EDP players are practicing with the 04 DA team while the 03s EDP players are practicing with the 03/02 DA team ( assumption). This causes a crowded enviroment for training. I dont see this changing.

As far as parent politics, sigh. Its pathetic and it's very active. Everyone knows who is doing it. Everyone knows when it has benifited a kid and when another kid has gotten screwed. Mostly done by helicopter parents who partake in social engineering

And which age group are you with?

The one that allows me to make the observation that I just provided. Obviously.

So why don't you just talk about these issues with your fellow parents on the sideline or elsewhere? What is it that you hope to gain by complaining about something that affects a single age group on an anonymous forum as if you are writing a angry Yelp review? And how did you come to the conclusion that you are speaking for the other parents? Every club, every team has their problems and this is the problem with your situation, but why should anyone not affiliated with the team or club care? What objective do you hope to obtain by venting your frustrations here?

Will it improve the immediate situation? And if so then how?

It sounds to me like there are two issues at play here, one is uncertainty over roster assignments and the other is a matter of logistics. I could see the first issue being very stressful but if you are going to go ballistic because a practice ran over in time then good grief. Did your team get shorted on their practice time? Unless it happens all the time you are being overly dramatic.

If the roster decision turns out to not be of your liking then YOU have a decision to make. If the roster decision does turn out to your liking then you have just been guilty of over reacting on a forum and all will be forgotten in time. Then you are left with the logistical issues and those you should just address directly with the coaches because that is the only way they can be resolved.

This is the most reasonable post over the last page of this mess of a thread.

Pretty clear that most of the posts here come with an agenda.

Actually, the clearest agenda of all is yours. Every time anyone says anything about WS, you insult, badger and abuse the poster in order to cover up the fact that there are problems. We aren't FCV or Loudoun people. We are actual WS parents with our kids in the program.

Sorry if honesty is hard for you, but at some point, reality must be faced. People could tolerate one year of crap, because it was a start up. But expectations are that things will get better, promises were made that they would, emails came from the top, and yet, it looks like another year of more of the same crap. Teams with huge groups at practices, parent politics is growing, and WS is either oblivious to the unrest (doubt it), or doesn't want to address it because it doesn't have answers. Just more platitudes.