Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Now it is:

U9 & U10
1. Red
2. Black
3. White
4. Silver
5. Gold

U11+
1. Phoenix (girls) / Eagles (boys)
2. Red
3. Black
4. White

Totally confusing because red is the top team at U10 and becomes the 2nd team at U11.

The naming convention is confusing. So the top teams U11+ have names but the rest are color? I always through Red was the top team and Black was the second team. So to compare to MYS: Phoenix is MYS Green, Red is MYS White, and Black or MYS Gold? I've seen Red play MYS Green a few times along with other Pre-ECNL teams so I'm surprised they are at the MYS White level.

I’m the PP. Yes, totally confusing. You have it correct for U11+. Starting at U11, red “becomes” Phoenix, and black “becomes” red. Everyone gets moved up!

Starting at U13, Phoenix moves to ECNL-R (against MYS green) and red plays in NCSL (against MYS white, if in the same division).

Anonymous wrote:
Now it is:

U9 & U10
1. Red
2. Black
3. White
4. Silver
5. Gold

U11+
1. Phoenix (girls) / Eagles (boys)
2. Red
3. Black
4. White

Totally confusing because red is the top team at U10 and becomes the 2nd team at U11.

The naming convention is confusing. So the top teams U11+ have names but the rest are color? I always through Red was the top team and Black was the second team. So to compare to MYS: Phoenix is MYS Green, Red is MYS White, and Black or MYS Gold? I've seen Red play MYS Green a few times along with other Pre-ECNL teams so I'm surprised they are at the MYS White level.

Here are the coaches as currently listed on the VYS website:

1. Kevin James Technical Director
2. Michel Vanderhart Director of Coaching - Girls
3. Vincent Kooijman Assistant Director of Coaching - Girls U9-U12
4. Regi Hinds Director of Goalkeeping - Girls U9-U12
5. Adam Coolbaugh Assistant Director of Coaching - Girls U13-U19
6. Dale Blair Assistant Director of Coaching - Girls U13-U19
7. Steve Lehany Director of Coaching - Boys
8. Gwyn Jones Assistant Director of Coaching - Boys U9-U12
9. Babak Yektafar Assistant Director of Coaching - Boys U13-U19
10. John Ciampa Assistant Director of Coaching - Boys U13-U19
11. Austin Roser Director of Goalkeeping - U13-U19
12. Richard Gunney Director of Coach Development

Based on my knowledge:

1. Not an active "coach" and doesn't frequent practices or games - may show up occasionally - I find him to be supportive - he has taken kids aside and offered technical coaching perspectives which my kid appreciated.
2. You may find him at various practices and games when he isn't otherwise occupied by his BRAVE/FXUnion team coaching responsibilities. I think this coach is misunderstood on this board. He is very particular in his approach and system. He has a very particular player in mind for his teams. His demeanor is Dutch, which means he can be playful, if not completely aloof. He prefers familiarity and fit to his style of play over taking a risk on talent in my personal view. I believe him to be a very smart coach, but not the most personable to some players/parents. Don't take it personally. If your kid plays for him they will learn.
3. I have little direct experience with this coach but have seen him around a lot since his arrival. I think he is a good coach based on what I have seen. Patient. Vocal in a productive way. Knows his stuff and comes prepared. (These are observations in watching practices occurring before my kids' practices and on occasion when he has subbed as a coach)
4. I don't know anything about this coach to offer a perspective.
5. A great coach and person who is totally invested in the player through positive reinforcement and patient coaching. Maybe our favorite coach of the bunch. Totally all in on ensuring your kid gets the attention you are paying for. Open for communication. Is building his experience and will be great. You would be lucky to have him as your kid's coach.
6. The new guy. Came from the professional Fulham Club in England, I believe. Has some serious coaching experience. Not sure how it will translate to youth. But having spoken to him he seems likely to be a great addition. He gave a talk/workshop a year ago and it was interesting to hear his perspectives. FYI. I think VYS offers some great seminars for players in the club in terms of performance training, dealing with injuries, college recruiting and bringing in experts who add to the value of the practice/game schedule. Too few players/parents take advantage of these opportunities.
7. Not familiar with this coach.
8. Seen him speak at several VYS organized presentations/seminars. He is in charge of college recruiting. I believe he is or has been a college coach. I haven't seen him on the pitch coaching, but he seems like a good guy. Has been responsive to our questions through email.
9. I am not familiar with this coach.
10. Not familiar with this coach (I have daughters, not sons - so you'll see a trend)
11. My limited exposure to this coach is that he is good. It seems he has a good interaction with the players and is well liked. I haven't seen him in a game situation.
12. A very good coach. Although he I think recently has split some time with coaching a national team (Welsh?) so hasn't taken on specific team duties. Spoken to him many times. Seen him run practices and coach on the sidelines. Great guy.

I am also going to throw a shout out to Oscar who isn't on the coaching list, but on the operations side of VYS. Totally awesome dude and helpful on a bunch of stuff that isn't necessarily about coaching.

Our family has had a lot of exposure to VYS coaching on the girls side and I have more good things to say than bad. This is not a coaching slate that motivates through yelling and humiliation. Current and past coaches that I am familiar with are all good.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:VYS has set rosters, but in the random case they have players who can’t commit to playing a particular game they are very good about playing players up. This isn’t an issue for more than 1-2 players max and frankly it gives players who are younger to get some experience playing against older players. This is a positive rather than a negative.

What age group?

I have experience with the birth years 06 / 07 / 08 / 09 / 10 as of this current season.

I have seen players moved up to older age groups on occasion. I have seen players given the opportunity to temporarily play down within the player's same age group, but nothing is permanent and the decision to do so is up to the player to accept the offer. For example, the 08 team might be in tournament some weekend, but the 07 team needs a player in the same tournament (e.g., WAGS). So they might ask the 08 player if they want to play up. Similarly on occasion they might ask a Phoenix/Eagle player if they want play down in their own age group because they need a player for a lower level team. There are rules on playing above/below your age.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How are the coaches for 2013G teams? Red and Black. Parent feedback? Thanks.

WB is a decent coach, but a bit eccentric. Takes the game seriously and your child will learn from him. Plays a very defensive-oriented scheme (doesn’t like his 2 & 3 attacking), which is different from some other VYS coaches. Pretty strict, but not abusive or a horrible yeller. He falls somewhere in the middle of the coaches we’ve had.

ZS is a super nice guy. Seems popular with parents and players. Can’t speak to more than that.

So he develops players? We're not a fan of coaches who just want to win games instead of training and developing players to become better. Have dealt with these "I just want to win games" coaches and it's horrible for team moral and player development. Are players set in 1-2 positions throughout the season or does he rotate as needed or just to experiment?

Yes, he absolutely develops players. He is a second team coach (not a Phoenix coach), and views his job as helping to get girls to Phoenix/Brave (now Union). He helped to get my DD there. Honestly, there were some even more impactful VYS coaches that helped her, but I wouldn’t hesitate to have another kid play under him.

That said, I do think he keeps the girls in the same position too much, but I think that is an opportunity for all the VYS girls’ coaches. They specialize way too soon, especially for non-top team players.

I'm confused by VYS team ranking. Is red their top team and black their second team? I'm from MYS and for 2013 we have green then white then gold. I thought VYS was red then black with red being the equivalent to MYS' green team.

Boys side is red, black, white.

Younger age groups are red, black, white

Older age groups, phoenix (girls) and eagles (boys) is the top team.

Top team is same as McLean green.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How are the coaches for 2013G teams? Red and Black. Parent feedback? Thanks.

WB is a decent coach, but a bit eccentric. Takes the game seriously and your child will learn from him. Plays a very defensive-oriented scheme (doesn’t like his 2 & 3 attacking), which is different from some other VYS coaches. Pretty strict, but not abusive or a horrible yeller. He falls somewhere in the middle of the coaches we’ve had.

ZS is a super nice guy. Seems popular with parents and players. Can’t speak to more than that.

So he develops players? We're not a fan of coaches who just want to win games instead of training and developing players to become better. Have dealt with these "I just want to win games" coaches and it's horrible for team moral and player development. Are players set in 1-2 positions throughout the season or does he rotate as needed or just to experiment?

Yes, he absolutely develops players. He is a second team coach (not a Phoenix coach), and views his job as helping to get girls to Phoenix/Brave (now Union). He helped to get my DD there. Honestly, there were some even more impactful VYS coaches that helped her, but I wouldn’t hesitate to have another kid play under him.

That said, I do think he keeps the girls in the same position too much, but I think that is an opportunity for all the VYS girls’ coaches. They specialize way too soon, especially for non-top team players.

I'm confused by VYS team ranking. Is red their top team and black their second team? I'm from MYS and for 2013 we have green then white then gold. I thought VYS was red then black with red being the equivalent to MYS' green team.

They changed it a few years ago.

It used to be:

U9 & U10
1. Red
2. Black
3. White
4. Silver
5. Gold

U11+
1. Phoenix (girls) / Eagles (boys)
2. Black
3. White
4. Silver

Now it is:

U9 & U10
1. Red
2. Black
3. White
4. Silver
5. Gold

U11+
1. Phoenix (girls) / Eagles (boys)
2. Red
3. Black
4. White

Totally confusing because red is the top team at U10 and becomes the 2nd team at U11.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How are the coaches for 2013G teams? Red and Black. Parent feedback? Thanks.

WB is a decent coach, but a bit eccentric. Takes the game seriously and your child will learn from him. Plays a very defensive-oriented scheme (doesn’t like his 2 & 3 attacking), which is different from some other VYS coaches. Pretty strict, but not abusive or a horrible yeller. He falls somewhere in the middle of the coaches we’ve had.

ZS is a super nice guy. Seems popular with parents and players. Can’t speak to more than that.

So he develops players? We're not a fan of coaches who just want to win games instead of training and developing players to become better. Have dealt with these "I just want to win games" coaches and it's horrible for team moral and player development. Are players set in 1-2 positions throughout the season or does he rotate as needed or just to experiment?

Yes, he absolutely develops players. He is a second team coach (not a Phoenix coach), and views his job as helping to get girls to Phoenix/Brave (now Union). He helped to get my DD there. Honestly, there were some even more impactful VYS coaches that helped her, but I wouldn’t hesitate to have another kid play under him.

That said, I do think he keeps the girls in the same position too much, but I think that is an opportunity for all the VYS girls’ coaches. They specialize way too soon, especially for non-top team players.

I'm confused by VYS team ranking. Is red their top team and black their second team? I'm from MYS and for 2013 we have green then white then gold. I thought VYS was red then black with red being the equivalent to MYS' green team.

Boys side is red, black, white.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How are the coaches for 2013G teams? Red and Black. Parent feedback? Thanks.

WB is a decent coach, but a bit eccentric. Takes the game seriously and your child will learn from him. Plays a very defensive-oriented scheme (doesn’t like his 2 & 3 attacking), which is different from some other VYS coaches. Pretty strict, but not abusive or a horrible yeller. He falls somewhere in the middle of the coaches we’ve had.

ZS is a super nice guy. Seems popular with parents and players. Can’t speak to more than that.

So he develops players? We're not a fan of coaches who just want to win games instead of training and developing players to become better. Have dealt with these "I just want to win games" coaches and it's horrible for team moral and player development. Are players set in 1-2 positions throughout the season or does he rotate as needed or just to experiment?

Yes, he absolutely develops players. He is a second team coach (not a Phoenix coach), and views his job as helping to get girls to Phoenix/Brave (now Union). He helped to get my DD there. Honestly, there were some even more impactful VYS coaches that helped her, but I wouldn’t hesitate to have another kid play under him.

That said, I do think he keeps the girls in the same position too much, but I think that is an opportunity for all the VYS girls’ coaches. They specialize way too soon, especially for non-top team players.

What is the general consensus of the 1st team girls coach of Phoenix?

It depends on the age group.

U11 and U12 is VK, who I think is good.
U13, U15, and U17 have a new coach.
U14 is RG, who I really like.
U16 and U19 is AR, who is a converted boys coach (and I don’t know).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How are the coaches for 2013G teams? Red and Black. Parent feedback? Thanks.

WB is a decent coach, but a bit eccentric. Takes the game seriously and your child will learn from him. Plays a very defensive-oriented scheme (doesn’t like his 2 & 3 attacking), which is different from some other VYS coaches. Pretty strict, but not abusive or a horrible yeller. He falls somewhere in the middle of the coaches we’ve had.

ZS is a super nice guy. Seems popular with parents and players. Can’t speak to more than that.

So he develops players? We're not a fan of coaches who just want to win games instead of training and developing players to become better. Have dealt with these "I just want to win games" coaches and it's horrible for team moral and player development. Are players set in 1-2 positions throughout the season or does he rotate as needed or just to experiment?

Yes, he absolutely develops players. He is a second team coach (not a Phoenix coach), and views his job as helping to get girls to Phoenix/Brave (now Union). He helped to get my DD there. Honestly, there were some even more impactful VYS coaches that helped her, but I wouldn’t hesitate to have another kid play under him.

That said, I do think he keeps the girls in the same position too much, but I think that is an opportunity for all the VYS girls’ coaches. They specialize way too soon, especially for non-top team players.

I'm confused by VYS team ranking. Is red their top team and black their second team? I'm from MYS and for 2013 we have green then white then gold. I thought VYS was red then black with red being the equivalent to MYS' green team.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:U16 seemed to have a lot of new players trying out last night. More than usual.

That is what I heard too, girls from Alexandria and Arlington 16u need a club since they chopped the bottom team. It will be interesting to see how it plays out. Will MYS have large numbers too next week? Will VYS add another team?

Can you or anyone else tell me more about the chopping of the bottom team? We are newer to travel and trying to figure out how it progresses as you get older if not one of the best. Thank you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How are the coaches for 2013G teams? Red and Black. Parent feedback? Thanks.

WB is a decent coach, but a bit eccentric. Takes the game seriously and your child will learn from him. Plays a very defensive-oriented scheme (doesn’t like his 2 & 3 attacking), which is different from some other VYS coaches. Pretty strict, but not abusive or a horrible yeller. He falls somewhere in the middle of the coaches we’ve had.

ZS is a super nice guy. Seems popular with parents and players. Can’t speak to more than that.

So he develops players? We're not a fan of coaches who just want to win games instead of training and developing players to become better. Have dealt with these "I just want to win games" coaches and it's horrible for team moral and player development. Are players set in 1-2 positions throughout the season or does he rotate as needed or just to experiment?

Yes, he absolutely develops players. He is a second team coach (not a Phoenix coach), and views his job as helping to get girls to Phoenix/Brave (now Union). He helped to get my DD there. Honestly, there were some even more impactful VYS coaches that helped her, but I wouldn’t hesitate to have another kid play under him.

That said, I do think he keeps the girls in the same position too much, but I think that is an opportunity for all the VYS girls’ coaches. They specialize way too soon, especially for non-top team players.

What is the general consensus of the 1st team girls coach of Phoenix?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How are the coaches for 2013G teams? Red and Black. Parent feedback? Thanks.

WB is a decent coach, but a bit eccentric. Takes the game seriously and your child will learn from him. Plays a very defensive-oriented scheme (doesn’t like his 2 & 3 attacking), which is different from some other VYS coaches. Pretty strict, but not abusive or a horrible yeller. He falls somewhere in the middle of the coaches we’ve had.

ZS is a super nice guy. Seems popular with parents and players. Can’t speak to more than that.

So he develops players? We're not a fan of coaches who just want to win games instead of training and developing players to become better. Have dealt with these "I just want to win games" coaches and it's horrible for team moral and player development. Are players set in 1-2 positions throughout the season or does he rotate as needed or just to experiment?

Yes, he absolutely develops players. He is a second team coach (not a Phoenix coach), and views his job as helping to get girls to Phoenix/Brave (now Union). He helped to get my DD there. Honestly, there were some even more impactful VYS coaches that helped her, but I wouldn’t hesitate to have another kid play under him.

That said, I do think he keeps the girls in the same position too much, but I think that is an opportunity for all the VYS girls’ coaches. They specialize way too soon, especially for non-top team players.

Anonymous wrote:Vienna is a rec club, any serious players will go to a more established program. They advertise a european coaching staff but those guys don't care about the players and are always in and out of different jobs in Europe.

VYS is a great club that develops competitive players. In the past maybe it was true that these players then left at older ages for the competitive clubs with ECNL options but it’s not the case the last few years with VYS in ECNL-R and ECNL-N (BRAVE and now FVU).

Anonymous wrote:Vienna is a rec club, any serious players will go to a more established program. They advertise a european coaching staff but those guys don't care about the players and are always in and out of different jobs in Europe.

VYS was a great club for our kids to get their start in soccer. Sure, by the teenage years they had moved onto other clubs that play in more competitive leagues, but at the younger ages especially, VYS was a great experience.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:How are the coaches for 2013G teams? Red and Black. Parent feedback? Thanks.

WB is a decent coach, but a bit eccentric. Takes the game seriously and your child will learn from him. Plays a very defensive-oriented scheme (doesn’t like his 2 & 3 attacking), which is different from some other VYS coaches. Pretty strict, but not abusive or a horrible yeller. He falls somewhere in the middle of the coaches we’ve had.

ZS is a super nice guy. Seems popular with parents and players. Can’t speak to more than that.

So he develops players? We're not a fan of coaches who just want to win games instead of training and developing players to become better. Have dealt with these "I just want to win games" coaches and it's horrible for team moral and player development. Are players set in 1-2 positions throughout the season or does he rotate as needed or just to experiment?