Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It sounds shortsighted to me. A strong reputation is built on many factors — not just the number of players waiting to join, but also communication, organization, professionalism, and how families are treated throughout the process.

No serious player/family gives a heck about how some 5th team u11 waitlist player was treated or communicated with. If you demand to pay 3-4k for glorified rec for whatever reasons you have, expect glorified rec process and treatment.

Do serious players/families care that the club admins more or less told PA1 parents who are concerned about 80% of the top team leaving for other clubs that they have plenty of players to fill those spots so it really doesn’t matter to them? Just know what you’re getting into if you join a team here. They do not care in the least about development or your child.

Or just take the hint and spend your money elsewhere. YMMV.

Most large clubs are the same in this area. Players move from club to club all the time, so plenty of players to fill the spots of those who leave.

Most large clubs lose 80% of a top team at once and don’t pause to consider why people may be fleeing en masse? I mean sadly that’s probably true but a pretty sad statement on youth soccer in this area. I do think a lot of places would at least have the sense to pretend to care though rather than admitting they don’t care in the least who fills the spots so long as their check clears.

Um, Arlington brings in roughly 60-70% new kids at Academy age (U13). Have Plan B for your kid. If you are not on the Academy tram at U13 (on Red or White), leave the club because your DC will never be asked.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It sounds shortsighted to me. A strong reputation is built on many factors — not just the number of players waiting to join, but also communication, organization, professionalism, and how families are treated throughout the process.

No serious player/family gives a heck about how some 5th team u11 waitlist player was treated or communicated with. If you demand to pay 3-4k for glorified rec for whatever reasons you have, expect glorified rec process and treatment.

Do serious players/families care that the club admins more or less told PA1 parents who are concerned about 80% of the top team leaving for other clubs that they have plenty of players to fill those spots so it really doesn’t matter to them? Just know what you’re getting into if you join a team here. They do not care in the least about development or your child.

Or just take the hint and spend your money elsewhere. YMMV.

Most large clubs are the same in this area. Players move from club to club all the time, so plenty of players to fill the spots of those who leave.

Most large clubs lose 80% of a top team at once and don’t pause to consider why people may be fleeing en masse? I mean sadly that’s probably true but a pretty sad statement on youth soccer in this area. I do think a lot of places would at least have the sense to pretend to care though rather than admitting they don’t care in the least who fills the spots so long as their check clears.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve seen people say you don’t want to be on team 5 or 6. Can someone give me more details on why? How does the experience on the last team compare to ADP, for example?

The lower Arlington teams are a huge step up from ADP. Our daughter has also had an excellent experience on these teams - great coach, fun team, good and dedicated families. She has also moved up a team each year, so you are not stuck on these teams like people

I agree with this. My DC is on Arlington’s top team but has a classmate on one of the lower teams. That kid is very skilled, and I’m really impressed with their development and foundation as a player even without all the outside work and training. It ultimately comes down to objectives. If you’re looking for a solid platform to support middle and high school soccer down the road, Arlington’s lower teams can serve that purpose well, but you do need to be prepared to navigate some of the potential pitfalls others have already mentioned.

Arlington's top team sucks.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It sounds shortsighted to me. A strong reputation is built on many factors — not just the number of players waiting to join, but also communication, organization, professionalism, and how families are treated throughout the process.

No serious player/family gives a heck about how some 5th team u11 waitlist player was treated or communicated with. If you demand to pay 3-4k for glorified rec for whatever reasons you have, expect glorified rec process and treatment.

Or just take the hint and spend your money elsewhere. YMMV.

It points to a larger organizational and cultural problem which you seem to be part of. If you have a child in the club I hope for their sake you’re not naive enough to think they are untouchable on whatever team they may be on.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It sounds shortsighted to me. A strong reputation is built on many factors — not just the number of players waiting to join, but also communication, organization, professionalism, and how families are treated throughout the process.

No serious player/family gives a heck about how some 5th team u11 waitlist player was treated or communicated with. If you demand to pay 3-4k for glorified rec for whatever reasons you have, expect glorified rec process and treatment.

Or just take the hint and spend your money elsewhere. YMMV.

Anonymous wrote:
Which club treats the lower club teams the same as their top team? Please let us know so we can join. Seems like all local clubs treat their top team better than lower teams. They get away with it because there are more players trying out than spots available.