Lol...you think that Spirit is providing the aid?

The paying customers pay for the "scholarship" through increase dues. Nothing is coming from Spirit pro account.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The oversaturation of DA and ECNL clubs in NoVa will continue to make it tough for the VA Spirit. Unless they build some real partnerships with some feeder clubs and/or start offering something better than the alternatives (significantly lower costs, more scholarships, marketing to and targeting of high quality players that need financial aid, frequent clinics with the pros players, etc.) and start putting out long term vision and messaging, it will be an up hill battle.

Exactly. Instead of having “select” players that play for free, WS should 100% be offering scholarships to those that are in FINANCIAL NEED.

If you are in financial need, did you apply to US Soccer? They have a financial aid program you can apply to directly. Did you ask Spirit about financial aid?

And if there ARE "select" players who are playing for free (presumably based on ability not need?) what is the criteria to earn that opportunity? Shouldn't that be transparent? Otherwise it's all backroom cigars and politics.

Do you know that to be the case? I am not personally aware of that.

I do not mean this rudely, but why would you know that unless you were a part of the coaching staff or club administration? Clubs don't generally want to acknowledge that this happens, and they certainly aren't going to announce this to all of the other families who are paying. I am aware of one family who has hinted that they are on scholarship with the Spirit. Could it be bluster? It absolutely could, but it also might not be.

Spirit may offer sibling discounts, which are common at clubs.

I think folks get a little ahead of themselves here.

The family in question who have hinted heavily they are "on scholarship" does not have a sibling there. Not saying they are on scholarship, only that it has been heavily hinted at by a family member that they are (and not for finances).

Really? OK. I believe you. I don't know what's worse: that they feel the need to hint that to people or that any player at Spirit is drawing that kind of support from Spirit. Financial need I get.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The oversaturation of DA and ECNL clubs in NoVa will continue to make it tough for the VA Spirit. Unless they build some real partnerships with some feeder clubs and/or start offering something better than the alternatives (significantly lower costs, more scholarships, marketing to and targeting of high quality players that need financial aid, frequent clinics with the pros players, etc.) and start putting out long term vision and messaging, it will be an up hill battle.

Exactly. Instead of having “select” players that play for free, WS should 100% be offering scholarships to those that are in FINANCIAL NEED.

If you are in financial need, did you apply to US Soccer? They have a financial aid program you can apply to directly. Did you ask Spirit about financial aid?

And if there ARE "select" players who are playing for free (presumably based on ability not need?) what is the criteria to earn that opportunity? Shouldn't that be transparent? Otherwise it's all backroom cigars and politics.

Do you know that to be the case? I am not personally aware of that.

I do not mean this rudely, but why would you know that unless you were a part of the coaching staff or club administration? Clubs don't generally want to acknowledge that this happens, and they certainly aren't going to announce this to all of the other families who are paying. I am aware of one family who has hinted that they are on scholarship with the Spirit. Could it be bluster? It absolutely could, but it also might not be.

There are people on scholarship for sure, through US Soccer and through Spirit. You do have to turn in an application, along with financial documents. I'm challenging that Spirit has given out a full ride for a player based on talent, not financial need. This may be another DCUM rumor.

At some point, there had been an email from Tom to the club families about how - in order to help many - the club had provided partial assistance to as many as they could, but that there were not full rides. The email also said aid was given out based on need.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The oversaturation of DA and ECNL clubs in NoVa will continue to make it tough for the VA Spirit. Unless they build some real partnerships with some feeder clubs and/or start offering something better than the alternatives (significantly lower costs, more scholarships, marketing to and targeting of high quality players that need financial aid, frequent clinics with the pros players, etc.) and start putting out long term vision and messaging, it will be an up hill battle.

Exactly. Instead of having “select” players that play for free, WS should 100% be offering scholarships to those that are in FINANCIAL NEED.

If you are in financial need, did you apply to US Soccer? They have a financial aid program you can apply to directly. Did you ask Spirit about financial aid?

And if there ARE "select" players who are playing for free (presumably based on ability not need?) what is the criteria to earn that opportunity? Shouldn't that be transparent? Otherwise it's all backroom cigars and politics.

Do you know that to be the case? I am not personally aware of that.

I do not mean this rudely, but why would you know that unless you were a part of the coaching staff or club administration? Clubs don't generally want to acknowledge that this happens, and they certainly aren't going to announce this to all of the other families who are paying. I am aware of one family who has hinted that they are on scholarship with the Spirit. Could it be bluster? It absolutely could, but it also might not be.

Spirit may offer sibling discounts, which are common at clubs.

I think folks get a little ahead of themselves here.

The family in question who have hinted heavily they are "on scholarship" does not have a sibling there. Not saying they are on scholarship, only that it has been heavily hinted at by a family member that they are (and not for finances).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The oversaturation of DA and ECNL clubs in NoVa will continue to make it tough for the VA Spirit. Unless they build some real partnerships with some feeder clubs and/or start offering something better than the alternatives (significantly lower costs, more scholarships, marketing to and targeting of high quality players that need financial aid, frequent clinics with the pros players, etc.) and start putting out long term vision and messaging, it will be an up hill battle.

Exactly. Instead of having “select” players that play for free, WS should 100% be offering scholarships to those that are in FINANCIAL NEED.

If you are in financial need, did you apply to US Soccer? They have a financial aid program you can apply to directly. Did you ask Spirit about financial aid?

And if there ARE "select" players who are playing for free (presumably based on ability not need?) what is the criteria to earn that opportunity? Shouldn't that be transparent? Otherwise it's all backroom cigars and politics.

Do you know that to be the case? I am not personally aware of that.

I do not mean this rudely, but why would you know that unless you were a part of the coaching staff or club administration? Clubs don't generally want to acknowledge that this happens, and they certainly aren't going to announce this to all of the other families who are paying. I am aware of one family who has hinted that they are on scholarship with the Spirit. Could it be bluster? It absolutely could, but it also might not be.

Spirit may offer sibling discounts, which are common at clubs.

I think folks get a little ahead of themselves here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The oversaturation of DA and ECNL clubs in NoVa will continue to make it tough for the VA Spirit. Unless they build some real partnerships with some feeder clubs and/or start offering something better than the alternatives (significantly lower costs, more scholarships, marketing to and targeting of high quality players that need financial aid, frequent clinics with the pros players, etc.) and start putting out long term vision and messaging, it will be an up hill battle.

Exactly. Instead of having “select” players that play for free, WS should 100% be offering scholarships to those that are in FINANCIAL NEED.

If you are in financial need, did you apply to US Soccer? They have a financial aid program you can apply to directly. Did you ask Spirit about financial aid?

And if there ARE "select" players who are playing for free (presumably based on ability not need?) what is the criteria to earn that opportunity? Shouldn't that be transparent? Otherwise it's all backroom cigars and politics.

Do you know that to be the case? I am not personally aware of that.

I do not mean this rudely, but why would you know that unless you were a part of the coaching staff or club administration? Clubs don't generally want to acknowledge that this happens, and they certainly aren't going to announce this to all of the other families who are paying. I am aware of one family who has hinted that they are on scholarship with the Spirit. Could it be bluster? It absolutely could, but it also might not be.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The oversaturation of DA and ECNL clubs in NoVa will continue to make it tough for the VA Spirit. Unless they build some real partnerships with some feeder clubs and/or start offering something better than the alternatives (significantly lower costs, more scholarships, marketing to and targeting of high quality players that need financial aid, frequent clinics with the pros players, etc.) and start putting out long term vision and messaging, it will be an up hill battle.

Exactly. Instead of having “select” players that play for free, WS should 100% be offering scholarships to those that are in FINANCIAL NEED.

WS isnt here to support you. You are here to support Spirit.

Ha, good irony. Spirit is doomed if that is true.

In the Spirit of your post, we are all doomed.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The oversaturation of DA and ECNL clubs in NoVa will continue to make it tough for the VA Spirit. Unless they build some real partnerships with some feeder clubs and/or start offering something better than the alternatives (significantly lower costs, more scholarships, marketing to and targeting of high quality players that need financial aid, frequent clinics with the pros players, etc.) and start putting out long term vision and messaging, it will be an up hill battle.

Exactly. Instead of having “select” players that play for free, WS should 100% be offering scholarships to those that are in FINANCIAL NEED.

If you are in financial need, did you apply to US Soccer? They have a financial aid program you can apply to directly. Did you ask Spirit about financial aid?

And if there ARE "select" players who are playing for free (presumably based on ability not need?) what is the criteria to earn that opportunity? Shouldn't that be transparent? Otherwise it's all backroom cigars and politics.

Do you know that to be the case? I am not personally aware of that.

It’s absoulutely true. But, it’s happening at all the clubs, whether you want to believe it or not.

Are you with Spirit, or are you speculating? And to be honest, who at Spirit is "so good" they are worth that?

It’s not just Spirit. I’m not sure anyone at any of theses clubs is that good. But, it’s definitely still happening.

If it's happening (everywhere), I'm surprised that there hasn't been more complaining. Seems to me, if you are paying full boat (a big price tag) for your DS and he is playing moderate minutes but not a regular starter, but a similar player (maybe better, maybe not -- I suppose it depends on what a club/coach is looking at and for, and when) is paying $0 and playing more, wouldn't that piss you off? Would you want to look for a new home for DS where he would play more because the political appointee wasn't always top dog?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The oversaturation of DA and ECNL clubs in NoVa will continue to make it tough for the VA Spirit. Unless they build some real partnerships with some feeder clubs and/or start offering something better than the alternatives (significantly lower costs, more scholarships, marketing to and targeting of high quality players that need financial aid, frequent clinics with the pros players, etc.) and start putting out long term vision and messaging, it will be an up hill battle.

Exactly. Instead of having “select” players that play for free, WS should 100% be offering scholarships to those that are in FINANCIAL NEED.

If you are in financial need, did you apply to US Soccer? They have a financial aid program you can apply to directly. Did you ask Spirit about financial aid?

And if there ARE "select" players who are playing for free (presumably based on ability not need?) what is the criteria to earn that opportunity? Shouldn't that be transparent? Otherwise it's all backroom cigars and politics.

Do you know that to be the case? I am not personally aware of that.

It’s absoulutely true. But, it’s happening at all the clubs, whether you want to believe it or not.

Are you with Spirit, or are you speculating? And to be honest, who at Spirit is "so good" they are worth that?

It’s not just Spirit. I’m not sure anyone at any of theses clubs is that good. But, it’s definitely still happening.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The oversaturation of DA and ECNL clubs in NoVa will continue to make it tough for the VA Spirit. Unless they build some real partnerships with some feeder clubs and/or start offering something better than the alternatives (significantly lower costs, more scholarships, marketing to and targeting of high quality players that need financial aid, frequent clinics with the pros players, etc.) and start putting out long term vision and messaging, it will be an up hill battle.

Exactly. Instead of having “select” players that play for free, WS should 100% be offering scholarships to those that are in FINANCIAL NEED.

If you are in financial need, did you apply to US Soccer? They have a financial aid program you can apply to directly. Did you ask Spirit about financial aid?

And if there ARE "select" players who are playing for free (presumably based on ability not need?) what is the criteria to earn that opportunity? Shouldn't that be transparent? Otherwise it's all backroom cigars and politics.

Do you know that to be the case? I am not personally aware of that.

It’s absoulutely true. But, it’s happening at all the clubs, whether you want to believe it or not.

Are you with Spirit, or are you speculating? And to be honest, who at Spirit is "so good" they are worth that?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The oversaturation of DA and ECNL clubs in NoVa will continue to make it tough for the VA Spirit. Unless they build some real partnerships with some feeder clubs and/or start offering something better than the alternatives (significantly lower costs, more scholarships, marketing to and targeting of high quality players that need financial aid, frequent clinics with the pros players, etc.) and start putting out long term vision and messaging, it will be an up hill battle.

Exactly. Instead of having “select” players that play for free, WS should 100% be offering scholarships to those that are in FINANCIAL NEED.

If you are in financial need, did you apply to US Soccer? They have a financial aid program you can apply to directly. Did you ask Spirit about financial aid?

And if there ARE "select" players who are playing for free (presumably based on ability not need?) what is the criteria to earn that opportunity? Shouldn't that be transparent? Otherwise it's all backroom cigars and politics.

Do you know that to be the case? I am not personally aware of that.

It’s absoulutely true. But, it’s happening at all the clubs, whether you want to believe it or not.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The oversaturation of DA and ECNL clubs in NoVa will continue to make it tough for the VA Spirit. Unless they build some real partnerships with some feeder clubs and/or start offering something better than the alternatives (significantly lower costs, more scholarships, marketing to and targeting of high quality players that need financial aid, frequent clinics with the pros players, etc.) and start putting out long term vision and messaging, it will be an up hill battle.

Exactly. Instead of having “select” players that play for free, WS should 100% be offering scholarships to those that are in FINANCIAL NEED.

WS isnt here to support you. You are here to support Spirit.

Ha, good irony. Spirit is doomed if that is true.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The oversaturation of DA and ECNL clubs in NoVa will continue to make it tough for the VA Spirit. Unless they build some real partnerships with some feeder clubs and/or start offering something better than the alternatives (significantly lower costs, more scholarships, marketing to and targeting of high quality players that need financial aid, frequent clinics with the pros players, etc.) and start putting out long term vision and messaging, it will be an up hill battle.

Exactly. Instead of having “select” players that play for free, WS should 100% be offering scholarships to those that are in FINANCIAL NEED.

If you are in financial need, did you apply to US Soccer? They have a financial aid program you can apply to directly. Did you ask Spirit about financial aid?

And if there ARE "select" players who are playing for free (presumably based on ability not need?) what is the criteria to earn that opportunity? Shouldn't that be transparent? Otherwise it's all backroom cigars and politics.

Do you know that to be the case? I am not personally aware of that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The oversaturation of DA and ECNL clubs in NoVa will continue to make it tough for the VA Spirit. Unless they build some real partnerships with some feeder clubs and/or start offering something better than the alternatives (significantly lower costs, more scholarships, marketing to and targeting of high quality players that need financial aid, frequent clinics with the pros players, etc.) and start putting out long term vision and messaging, it will be an up hill battle.

Exactly. Instead of having “select” players that play for free, WS should 100% be offering scholarships to those that are in FINANCIAL NEED.

If you are in financial need, did you apply to US Soccer? They have a financial aid program you can apply to directly. Did you ask Spirit about financial aid?

And if there ARE "select" players who are playing for free (presumably based on ability not need?) what is the criteria to earn that opportunity? Shouldn't that be transparent? Otherwise it's all backroom cigars and politics.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The oversaturation of DA and ECNL clubs in NoVa will continue to make it tough for the VA Spirit. Unless they build some real partnerships with some feeder clubs and/or start offering something better than the alternatives (significantly lower costs, more scholarships, marketing to and targeting of high quality players that need financial aid, frequent clinics with the pros players, etc.) and start putting out long term vision and messaging, it will be an up hill battle.

Exactly. Instead of having “select” players that play for free, WS should 100% be offering scholarships to those that are in FINANCIAL NEED.

If you are in financial need, did you apply to US Soccer? They have a financial aid program you can apply to directly. Did you ask Spirit about financial aid?