Once again, this is because coaches coach teams and players play the game. The "club" does neither. Furthermore TD's don't spend enough time coaching their coaches to adhere to a certain "way" or "style" of playing. All clubs will provide you a Powerpoint or website purporting to have a consistent style, levels, maturation process, etc. It is all marketing BS. Clubs spend zero to little time ensuring this happens. Why? Because their TD's are ALSO coaching their own teams and don't have time to do this

Not all clubs. At our club every team really follows the same style. Every team does the exact same thing at practice. Coaches rotate so teams don’t get accustomed. TD does not coach a team. A and B teams get taught the same methods. Generalizations are never good. Find a club or team that works for your child.

Anonymous wrote:A page ago Loudoun Dad was calling people clowns and asking for videos of other teams...1 gets posted and the excuse train rolls in.

That FCV video had plenty issues too. For one, the FCV coach is yelling “switch the field” to his players over and over. Joy sticking players is really not good development. Second the game starts with both teams launching the ball down the field to the other team. So much for possession soccer in the first 30 seconds.

A page ago Loudoun Dad was calling people clowns and asking for videos of other teams...1 gets posted and the excuse train rolls in.

The above was a excellent post. Imagine how much more info like this could be provided while sitting in traffic heading to Springfield.

I love it. The thread has become a discourse on soccer styles and tactics. So I'll join in.

Let's use FCV as an example, but I could substitute the words "McLean","Arlington","Loudoun","BRYC", etc. and I could substitute the words "ECNL" and "B/C" teams also. Most FCV "United" and "Elite" play proverbial "kickball". A few don't. Also, FCV DA teams do not play kickball. This proves the point that as a "club" FCV is not consistently developing a style of play. Once again, this is because coaches coach teams and players play the game. The "club" does neither. Furthermore TD's don't spend enough time coaching their coaches to adhere to a certain "way" or "style" of playing. All clubs will provide you a Powerpoint or website purporting to have a consistent style, levels, maturation process, etc. It is all marketing BS. Clubs spend zero to little time ensuring this happens. Why? Because their TD's are ALSO coaching their own teams and don't have time to do this. Every coaching asset at a club must always be "coaching" in order to earn coaching fee revenue. Otherwise they are an "overhead" asset and for a low margin business, overhead assets are trouble. Most people running soccer clubs (and usually also the head TD/Coach) do not have the business acumen to understand the long term benefits of committing overhead to a strategic goal. They understand it in theory (hence the Powerpoints) but do not have the discipline to stick to it. The moral of this story is, if you want to play a good soccer style, get on a team with a good coach and with good players (regardless of the club or league the team is associated with). If given relatively equal coaches / teams, pick the club that is logistically better for your family and/or most likely to retain your coach.

Kickball v. direct v. possession. Clearly the ability to play a combination of direct and possession is necessary to have team success and both should be taught at the right ages to kids. What many perceive as kickball is either a) panic by the players on the pitch; or b) the lack of consistent emphasis on playing effectively to either feet or space with situational awareness. Most of these coaches know the right way to play, but may not understand the right way to teach it and drill into player's heads. Consistency is key. Positive reinforcement is key. However, when an undisciplined coach has a lot of speed and talent up top, they will be tempted to just boot the ball up to Johnny (or Sally) in order to get a goal and a win. Works against weaker teams, but not against better defensive teams. Also, regardless of style of play, an occasional instance of kickball actually keeps the defense on their toes and honest, especially if pressing a high line. Also, don't be overly enamored with "pure possession" and "build out of the back" soccer. That also has its pitfalls and any coach that does not grasp this needs some training. Outside of the obvious individual foot skills, passing, 1-1 defending ability, and fitness the real important emphasis for coaches are: creating and moving into space, composure with intensity, situational awareness, and team defending (by all players, not just defenders).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those aren't excuses.....that's reality. Until last year, Loudoun had no place for their top girls to compete at the highest levels after U12, so many left for programs that did. Not a slight on Loudoun - just a fact. In a few years, if you compare the 07s, 08s, 09s, 10s, etc. across the area and all of those teams are struggling, then you can draw your own conclusion. But until that point, you're just comparing apples to oranges.

I would say 06 and up. Most of these girls will stay now with Loudoun. I know for fact girls that played Loudoun, eventually left to go McLean because of ECNL. Not going to happen any longer. Of course, there might be one or two here in there. This will keep Loudoun more competitive. Time will show this.

So any naysayers can eat a big fat one...

If Loudoun was so good as developing, driving far away isn't desirable and the GDA is so restrictive, they never should have left in the first place for FCV or McLean or anywhere else. Fact is that Loudoun is NOT doing a good job across the board at developing and players that want more, leave. That will continue even if less go to FCV. Loudoun wants to keep players and attract players from far away like McLean supposedly did, they would simply do a better job at developing. Kickball trophies at U-little ages mean nothing in the long run.

Huh? They left previously for ECNL and DA to play in the top leagues. That’s the point. The are now staying now that Loudoun has ECNL.

Loudoun is keeping players now that are rising to ECNL ages. That is no longer in doubt.

You and I agree. This other dude can't comprehend the situation. Also, not sure why he talks about Loudoun playing kickball. I think his soccer knowledge is very limited.

Playing kickball. Lol.

In order to encompass an entire club to playing kickball, a LOT of games would have to be watched, and I doubt anyone here goes to clubs games on that level that would show that.

EVERY club has a team or two or three that play just kickball type soccer. But you cant take that one team and say an entire club plays that way. Its far reaching and ignorant.

Not only that but what's so wrong with kickball? If I can recall there are professional teams that play kickball to each is own a win is a win

I think you are confusing kickball where players kick a big ball forward to absolutely no one and have some fast kid up top to run it down and score off it with playing direct. Watch professional soccer for a little while and you will see the difference.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those aren't excuses.....that's reality. Until last year, Loudoun had no place for their top girls to compete at the highest levels after U12, so many left for programs that did. Not a slight on Loudoun - just a fact. In a few years, if you compare the 07s, 08s, 09s, 10s, etc. across the area and all of those teams are struggling, then you can draw your own conclusion. But until that point, you're just comparing apples to oranges.

I would say 06 and up. Most of these girls will stay now with Loudoun. I know for fact girls that played Loudoun, eventually left to go McLean because of ECNL. Not going to happen any longer. Of course, there might be one or two here in there. This will keep Loudoun more competitive. Time will show this.

So any naysayers can eat a big fat one...

If Loudoun was so good as developing, driving far away isn't desirable and the GDA is so restrictive, they never should have left in the first place for FCV or McLean or anywhere else. Fact is that Loudoun is NOT doing a good job across the board at developing and players that want more, leave. That will continue even if less go to FCV. Loudoun wants to keep players and attract players from far away like McLean supposedly did, they would simply do a better job at developing. Kickball trophies at U-little ages mean nothing in the long run.

Huh? They left previously for ECNL and DA to play in the top leagues. That’s the point. The are now staying now that Loudoun has ECNL.

Loudoun is keeping players now that are rising to ECNL ages. That is no longer in doubt.

You and I agree. This other dude can't comprehend the situation. Also, not sure why he talks about Loudoun playing kickball. I think his soccer knowledge is very limited.

Playing kickball. Lol.

In order to encompass an entire club to playing kickball, a LOT of games would have to be watched, and I doubt anyone here goes to clubs games on that level that would show that.

EVERY club has a team or two or three that play just kickball type soccer. But you cant take that one team and say an entire club plays that way. Its far reaching and ignorant.

Not only that but what's so wrong with kickball? If I can recall there are professional teams that play kickball to each is own a win is a win

Please don’t ever post about development again when you say “what’s so wrong with kickball”.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those aren't excuses.....that's reality. Until last year, Loudoun had no place for their top girls to compete at the highest levels after U12, so many left for programs that did. Not a slight on Loudoun - just a fact. In a few years, if you compare the 07s, 08s, 09s, 10s, etc. across the area and all of those teams are struggling, then you can draw your own conclusion. But until that point, you're just comparing apples to oranges.

I would say 06 and up. Most of these girls will stay now with Loudoun. I know for fact girls that played Loudoun, eventually left to go McLean because of ECNL. Not going to happen any longer. Of course, there might be one or two here in there. This will keep Loudoun more competitive. Time will show this.

So any naysayers can eat a big fat one...

If Loudoun was so good as developing, driving far away isn't desirable and the GDA is so restrictive, they never should have left in the first place for FCV or McLean or anywhere else. Fact is that Loudoun is NOT doing a good job across the board at developing and players that want more, leave. That will continue even if less go to FCV. Loudoun wants to keep players and attract players from far away like McLean supposedly did, they would simply do a better job at developing. Kickball trophies at U-little ages mean nothing in the long run.

Huh? They left previously for ECNL and DA to play in the top leagues. That’s the point. The are now staying now that Loudoun has ECNL.

Loudoun is keeping players now that are rising to ECNL ages. That is no longer in doubt.

You and I agree. This other dude can't comprehend the situation. Also, not sure why he talks about Loudoun playing kickball. I think his soccer knowledge is very limited.

Playing kickball. Lol.

In order to encompass an entire club to playing kickball, a LOT of games would have to be watched, and I doubt anyone here goes to clubs games on that level that would show that.

EVERY club has a team or two or three that play just kickball type soccer. But you cant take that one team and say an entire club plays that way. Its far reaching and ignorant.

Not only that but what's so wrong with kickball? If I can recall there are professional teams that play kickball to each is own a win is a win

Long ball does happen depending on who you are playing against. Doesn't mean you are a bad team. It is a way of reducing pressure in certain situations, and works on counters. Now to me, kickball is just kicking the ball without any thought behind it period. That happens in every team, but as long as it doesn't happen often.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those aren't excuses.....that's reality. Until last year, Loudoun had no place for their top girls to compete at the highest levels after U12, so many left for programs that did. Not a slight on Loudoun - just a fact. In a few years, if you compare the 07s, 08s, 09s, 10s, etc. across the area and all of those teams are struggling, then you can draw your own conclusion. But until that point, you're just comparing apples to oranges.

I would say 06 and up. Most of these girls will stay now with Loudoun. I know for fact girls that played Loudoun, eventually left to go McLean because of ECNL. Not going to happen any longer. Of course, there might be one or two here in there. This will keep Loudoun more competitive. Time will show this.

So any naysayers can eat a big fat one...

If Loudoun was so good as developing, driving far away isn't desirable and the GDA is so restrictive, they never should have left in the first place for FCV or McLean or anywhere else. Fact is that Loudoun is NOT doing a good job across the board at developing and players that want more, leave. That will continue even if less go to FCV. Loudoun wants to keep players and attract players from far away like McLean supposedly did, they would simply do a better job at developing. Kickball trophies at U-little ages mean nothing in the long run.

Huh? They left previously for ECNL and DA to play in the top leagues. That’s the point. The are now staying now that Loudoun has ECNL.

Loudoun is keeping players now that are rising to ECNL ages. That is no longer in doubt.

You and I agree. This other dude can't comprehend the situation. Also, not sure why he talks about Loudoun playing kickball. I think his soccer knowledge is very limited.

Playing kickball. Lol.

In order to encompass an entire club to playing kickball, a LOT of games would have to be watched, and I doubt anyone here goes to clubs games on that level that would show that.

EVERY club has a team or two or three that play just kickball type soccer. But you cant take that one team and say an entire club plays that way. Its far reaching and ignorant.

Not only that but what's so wrong with kickball? If I can recall there are professional teams that play kickball to each is own a win is a win

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those aren't excuses.....that's reality. Until last year, Loudoun had no place for their top girls to compete at the highest levels after U12, so many left for programs that did. Not a slight on Loudoun - just a fact. In a few years, if you compare the 07s, 08s, 09s, 10s, etc. across the area and all of those teams are struggling, then you can draw your own conclusion. But until that point, you're just comparing apples to oranges.

I would say 06 and up. Most of these girls will stay now with Loudoun. I know for fact girls that played Loudoun, eventually left to go McLean because of ECNL. Not going to happen any longer. Of course, there might be one or two here in there. This will keep Loudoun more competitive. Time will show this.

So any naysayers can eat a big fat one...

If Loudoun was so good as developing, driving far away isn't desirable and the GDA is so restrictive, they never should have left in the first place for FCV or McLean or anywhere else. Fact is that Loudoun is NOT doing a good job across the board at developing and players that want more, leave. That will continue even if less go to FCV. Loudoun wants to keep players and attract players from far away like McLean supposedly did, they would simply do a better job at developing. Kickball trophies at U-little ages mean nothing in the long run.

Huh? They left previously for ECNL and DA to play in the top leagues. That’s the point. The are now staying now that Loudoun has ECNL.

Loudoun is keeping players now that are rising to ECNL ages. That is no longer in doubt.

You and I agree. This other dude can't comprehend the situation. Also, not sure why he talks about Loudoun playing kickball. I think his soccer knowledge is very limited.

Playing kickball. Lol.

In order to encompass an entire club to playing kickball, a LOT of games would have to be watched, and I doubt anyone here goes to clubs games on that level that would show that.

EVERY club has a team or two or three that play just kickball type soccer. But you cant take that one team and say an entire club plays that way. Its far reaching and ignorant.

If a club has a defined playing style and coaching philosophy you will not have such rouge teams. One would hope that a club could at least exercise such oversight with their top level teams. If their top level teams can’t adhere to a style what teams will?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those aren't excuses.....that's reality. Until last year, Loudoun had no place for their top girls to compete at the highest levels after U12, so many left for programs that did. Not a slight on Loudoun - just a fact. In a few years, if you compare the 07s, 08s, 09s, 10s, etc. across the area and all of those teams are struggling, then you can draw your own conclusion. But until that point, you're just comparing apples to oranges.

I would say 06 and up. Most of these girls will stay now with Loudoun. I know for fact girls that played Loudoun, eventually left to go McLean because of ECNL. Not going to happen any longer. Of course, there might be one or two here in there. This will keep Loudoun more competitive. Time will show this.

So any naysayers can eat a big fat one...

If Loudoun was so good as developing, driving far away isn't desirable and the GDA is so restrictive, they never should have left in the first place for FCV or McLean or anywhere else. Fact is that Loudoun is NOT doing a good job across the board at developing and players that want more, leave. That will continue even if less go to FCV. Loudoun wants to keep players and attract players from far away like McLean supposedly did, they would simply do a better job at developing. Kickball trophies at U-little ages mean nothing in the long run.

Huh? They left previously for ECNL and DA to play in the top leagues. That’s the point. The are now staying now that Loudoun has ECNL.

Loudoun is keeping players now that are rising to ECNL ages. That is no longer in doubt.

You and I agree. This other dude can't comprehend the situation. Also, not sure why he talks about Loudoun playing kickball. I think his soccer knowledge is very limited.

Playing kickball. Lol.

In order to encompass an entire club to playing kickball, a LOT of games would have to be watched, and I doubt anyone here goes to clubs games on that level that would show that.

EVERY club has a team or two or three that play just kickball type soccer. But you cant take that one team and say an entire club plays that way. Its far reaching and ignorant.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those aren't excuses.....that's reality. Until last year, Loudoun had no place for their top girls to compete at the highest levels after U12, so many left for programs that did. Not a slight on Loudoun - just a fact. In a few years, if you compare the 07s, 08s, 09s, 10s, etc. across the area and all of those teams are struggling, then you can draw your own conclusion. But until that point, you're just comparing apples to oranges.

I would say 06 and up. Most of these girls will stay now with Loudoun. I know for fact girls that played Loudoun, eventually left to go McLean because of ECNL. Not going to happen any longer. Of course, there might be one or two here in there. This will keep Loudoun more competitive. Time will show this.

So any naysayers can eat a big fat one...

If Loudoun was so good as developing, driving far away isn't desirable and the GDA is so restrictive, they never should have left in the first place for FCV or McLean or anywhere else. Fact is that Loudoun is NOT doing a good job across the board at developing and players that want more, leave. That will continue even if less go to FCV. Loudoun wants to keep players and attract players from far away like McLean supposedly did, they would simply do a better job at developing. Kickball trophies at U-little ages mean nothing in the long run.

Huh? They left previously for ECNL and DA to play in the top leagues. That’s the point. The are now staying now that Loudoun has ECNL.

Loudoun is keeping players now that are rising to ECNL ages. That is no longer in doubt.

You and I agree. This other dude can't comprehend the situation. Also, not sure why he talks about Loudoun playing kickball. I think his soccer knowledge is very limited.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those aren't excuses.....that's reality. Until last year, Loudoun had no place for their top girls to compete at the highest levels after U12, so many left for programs that did. Not a slight on Loudoun - just a fact. In a few years, if you compare the 07s, 08s, 09s, 10s, etc. across the area and all of those teams are struggling, then you can draw your own conclusion. But until that point, you're just comparing apples to oranges.

I would say 06 and up. Most of these girls will stay now with Loudoun. I know for fact girls that played Loudoun, eventually left to go McLean because of ECNL. Not going to happen any longer. Of course, there might be one or two here in there. This will keep Loudoun more competitive. Time will show this.

So any naysayers can eat a big fat one...

If Loudoun was so good as developing, driving far away isn't desirable and the GDA is so restrictive, they never should have left in the first place for FCV or McLean or anywhere else. Fact is that Loudoun is NOT doing a good job across the board at developing and players that want more, leave. That will continue even if less go to FCV. Loudoun wants to keep players and attract players from far away like McLean supposedly did, they would simply do a better job at developing. Kickball trophies at U-little ages mean nothing in the long run.

Huh? They left previously for ECNL and DA to play in the top leagues. That’s the point. The are now staying now that Loudoun has ECNL.

Loudoun is keeping players now that are rising to ECNL ages. That is no longer in doubt.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Those aren't excuses.....that's reality. Until last year, Loudoun had no place for their top girls to compete at the highest levels after U12, so many left for programs that did. Not a slight on Loudoun - just a fact. In a few years, if you compare the 07s, 08s, 09s, 10s, etc. across the area and all of those teams are struggling, then you can draw your own conclusion. But until that point, you're just comparing apples to oranges.

I would say 06 and up. Most of these girls will stay now with Loudoun. I know for fact girls that played Loudoun, eventually left to go McLean because of ECNL. Not going to happen any longer. Of course, there might be one or two here in there. This will keep Loudoun more competitive. Time will show this.

So any naysayers can eat a big fat one...

If Loudoun was so good as developing, driving far away isn't desirable and the GDA is so restrictive, they never should have left in the first place for FCV or McLean or anywhere else. Fact is that Loudoun is NOT doing a good job across the board at developing and players that want more, leave. That will continue even if less go to FCV. Loudoun wants to keep players and attract players from far away like McLean supposedly did, they would simply do a better job at developing. Kickball trophies at U-little ages mean nothing in the long run.

Anonymous wrote:Those aren't excuses.....that's reality. Until last year, Loudoun had no place for their top girls to compete at the highest levels after U12, so many left for programs that did. Not a slight on Loudoun - just a fact. In a few years, if you compare the 07s, 08s, 09s, 10s, etc. across the area and all of those teams are struggling, then you can draw your own conclusion. But until that point, you're just comparing apples to oranges.

I would say 06 and up. Most of these girls will stay now with Loudoun. I know for fact girls that played Loudoun, eventually left to go McLean because of ECNL. Not going to happen any longer. Of course, there might be one or two here in there. This will keep Loudoun more competitive. Time will show this.

So any naysayers can eat a big fat one...