Anonymous wrote:I find the "practice player" option offered by ASA to be pretty appalling. Pay $550 but only play in games if a "real" player is not available? No thanks.

Let me help explain. Practice player formerly called a "reserve" did not pay the same price as a "real" player as you called it. That has been the way they have done it in the past so I assume they will handle the same way this year. The practice players pays less, goes to all training and all league games. They do not go to travel tournaments like Northeast Regionals in NJ or such unless of course and injury has occured or a "real" player cannot go. From my experience the reserve player has gotten every opportunity a "real" player has gotten on my kids team. Meaning that player ended up at every tournament due to reasons mentioned above and paid considerably less to get the same value.

Now from ST James website their league cost for Futsal is $900-$950. Alexandria is $550 per player. The practice player I assume as described above will be less and it should be.

Given what I stated here (from 3 years of experience) what do you find appalling?
Seems to me Alex is significantly lower in cost and the practice player gets a fair deal. They are a practice player because they are not one of the top players on the squad but the are on the cusp. Allowing them to play on the team and engage with the top players will advance them to a "real" player versus dropping them to the second team where they play with less skilled players

Hope that helps explain it

What rankings?
There are no rankings for Futsal

The game mentioned was between St James 04 comprised entirely of ST James DA players who we all know are the top players in the area. Just ask any DA (former) parent. The Alexandria team was comprised entirely of players from their CCL team that train Futsal yearly. It was a one goal game at halftime that like in futsal ended up a multi goal win by St James. Lets not kid ourselves here, a local club that plays futsal and draws only upon local players versus at the time the top 04 DA team in the area. That is the piece left out.

Just a distinction worthy of noting. Again Alexandria nor St James are "ranked". no one is.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The St. James is holding another player ID session for futsal tomorrow night (Saturday 11/7). They will be playing indoor futsal at the pretty awesome St. James recreation center.

https://thestjames.sportngin.com/register/form/582926014

DATES + TIMES - November 7th

6:00-7:15PM - Boys & Girls - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

7:30-8:45PM - Boys & Girls - 2000, 2001, 2002. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

My 06 son played St James last year in a tournament in Alexandria and they were absolutely terrible. If it's expensive, I wouldn't do it. Remember to get anything out of training, you need to be with a competitive group. Most of these kids had almost zero skill.

Alexandria's top teams did not play that tournament - second and third teams did. You clearly don't know what you are talking about, so if I were you, I'd can it. Alexandria is one of the best club futsal programs in the country.

What are you talking about? I wasn't talking about Alexandria at all. I was saying the St. James team wasn't any good....yes, I saw them play. So sure, if you are looking to have fun and whatever happens, happens. Fine. Do as you will. Futsal is not enjoyable for anyone when the kids playing can't dribble and have a poor touch. The ball just runs out of bounds constantly. If that's what you want to spend your money on, that's OK with me. I'm not sure where my kid is playing futsal this winter. We haven't figured that out yet. Maybe he won't. Weird year.

Programs usually vary by age groups. Last year at the armory tournament I watched the FCV/St James 04 girls team demolish the ASA team, and the ASA team had 2 national futsal players on it (the goalie and a striker).

Exposing once again the meaninglessness of rankings.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The St. James is holding another player ID session for futsal tomorrow night (Saturday 11/7). They will be playing indoor futsal at the pretty awesome St. James recreation center.

https://thestjames.sportngin.com/register/form/582926014

DATES + TIMES - November 7th

6:00-7:15PM - Boys & Girls - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

7:30-8:45PM - Boys & Girls - 2000, 2001, 2002. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

My 06 son played St James last year in a tournament in Alexandria and they were absolutely terrible. If it's expensive, I wouldn't do it. Remember to get anything out of training, you need to be with a competitive group. Most of these kids had almost zero skill.

Alexandria's top teams did not play that tournament - second and third teams did. You clearly don't know what you are talking about, so if I were you, I'd can it. Alexandria is one of the best club futsal programs in the country.

What are you talking about? I wasn't talking about Alexandria at all. I was saying the St. James team wasn't any good....yes, I saw them play. So sure, if you are looking to have fun and whatever happens, happens. Fine. Do as you will. Futsal is not enjoyable for anyone when the kids playing can't dribble and have a poor touch. The ball just runs out of bounds constantly. If that's what you want to spend your money on, that's OK with me. I'm not sure where my kid is playing futsal this winter. We haven't figured that out yet. Maybe he won't. Weird year.

My bad. Misread your email. Thought you said your son played Alexandria at the St James last year, which was state cup. For whatever reason, Alexandria did not put first teams into the tournament.

What are you talking about? I wasn't talking about Alexandria at all. I was saying the St. James team wasn't any good....yes, I saw them play. So sure, if you are looking to have fun and whatever happens, happens. Fine. Do as you will. Futsal is not enjoyable for anyone when the kids playing can't dribble and have a poor touch. The ball just runs out of bounds constantly. If that's what you want to spend your money on, that's OK with me. I'm not sure where my kid is playing futsal this winter. We haven't figured that out yet. Maybe he won't. Weird year.

I don't know. My son is on an ASA blue soccer team, and the kids that we saw when he tried out at the Saint James seemed mostly close to his level. I don't want to pay the amount that the St. James is charging when a cheaper outdoor option is available closer by through ASA, but I didn't think that the players were bad. But maybe your child is on a very top team, and so you have very high expectations?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The St. James is holding another player ID session for futsal tomorrow night (Saturday 11/7). They will be playing indoor futsal at the pretty awesome St. James recreation center.

https://thestjames.sportngin.com/register/form/582926014

DATES + TIMES - November 7th

6:00-7:15PM - Boys & Girls - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

7:30-8:45PM - Boys & Girls - 2000, 2001, 2002. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

My 06 son played St James last year in a tournament in Alexandria and they were absolutely terrible. If it's expensive, I wouldn't do it. Remember to get anything out of training, you need to be with a competitive group. Most of these kids had almost zero skill.

Alexandria's top teams did not play that tournament - second and third teams did. You clearly don't know what you are talking about, so if I were you, I'd can it. Alexandria is one of the best club futsal programs in the country.

What are you talking about? I wasn't talking about Alexandria at all. I was saying the St. James team wasn't any good....yes, I saw them play. So sure, if you are looking to have fun and whatever happens, happens. Fine. Do as you will. Futsal is not enjoyable for anyone when the kids playing can't dribble and have a poor touch. The ball just runs out of bounds constantly. If that's what you want to spend your money on, that's OK with me. I'm not sure where my kid is playing futsal this winter. We haven't figured that out yet. Maybe he won't. Weird year.

Programs usually vary by age groups. Last year at the armory tournament I watched the FCV/St James 04 girls team demolish the ASA team, and the ASA team had 2 national futsal players on it (the goalie and a striker).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The St. James is holding another player ID session for futsal tomorrow night (Saturday 11/7). They will be playing indoor futsal at the pretty awesome St. James recreation center.

https://thestjames.sportngin.com/register/form/582926014

DATES + TIMES - November 7th

6:00-7:15PM - Boys & Girls - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

7:30-8:45PM - Boys & Girls - 2000, 2001, 2002. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

My 06 son played St James last year in a tournament in Alexandria and they were absolutely terrible. If it's expensive, I wouldn't do it. Remember to get anything out of training, you need to be with a competitive group. Most of these kids had almost zero skill.

Alexandria's top teams did not play that tournament - second and third teams did. You clearly don't know what you are talking about, so if I were you, I'd can it. Alexandria is one of the best club futsal programs in the country.

What are you talking about? I wasn't talking about Alexandria at all. I was saying the St. James team wasn't any good....yes, I saw them play. So sure, if you are looking to have fun and whatever happens, happens. Fine. Do as you will. Futsal is not enjoyable for anyone when the kids playing can't dribble and have a poor touch. The ball just runs out of bounds constantly. If that's what you want to spend your money on, that's OK with me. I'm not sure where my kid is playing futsal this winter. We haven't figured that out yet. Maybe he won't. Weird year.

Can we stop with the BS. Alexandria is not one of the best futsal programs in the country, they are one of a handful in the DC region. Futsal at the the adult level makes no money. There are no endorsements, scholarships or material gains from this activity. It is a revenue producer only for youth clubs who market the idea that it may make kids better soccer players and can be done inside. Nobody cares about or ranks clubs that participate in a sport that nobody plays seriously. The weather is not too terrible around here. Kids should just go outside and play soccer. Don’t be a sucker and buy (what seems like a ridiculous amount) into the hype.

Not the PP, but why should we do that when my son really enjoys futsal? He wants to play futsal, not soccer outdoors. We earn a decent salary and he is our only child, so we plan to try to facilitate that for him, if possible. Of course he won't win a scholarship or endorsement, but that's the case for the VAST majority of kids that play most sports.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The St. James is holding another player ID session for futsal tomorrow night (Saturday 11/7). They will be playing indoor futsal at the pretty awesome St. James recreation center.

https://thestjames.sportngin.com/register/form/582926014

DATES + TIMES - November 7th

6:00-7:15PM - Boys & Girls - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

7:30-8:45PM - Boys & Girls - 2000, 2001, 2002. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

My 06 son played St James last year in a tournament in Alexandria and they were absolutely terrible. If it's expensive, I wouldn't do it. Remember to get anything out of training, you need to be with a competitive group. Most of these kids had almost zero skill.

Alexandria's top teams did not play that tournament - second and third teams did. You clearly don't know what you are talking about, so if I were you, I'd can it. Alexandria is one of the best club futsal programs in the country.

Can we stop with the BS. Alexandria is not one of the best futsal programs in the country, they are one of a handful in the DC region. Futsal at the the adult level makes no money. There are no endorsements, scholarships or material gains from this activity. It is a revenue producer only for youth clubs who market the idea that it may make kids better soccer players and can be done inside. Nobody cares about or ranks clubs that participate in a sport that nobody plays seriously. The weather is not too terrible around here. Kids should just go outside and play soccer. Don’t be a sucker and buy (what seems like a ridiculous amount) into the hype.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The St. James is holding another player ID session for futsal tomorrow night (Saturday 11/7). They will be playing indoor futsal at the pretty awesome St. James recreation center.

https://thestjames.sportngin.com/register/form/582926014

DATES + TIMES - November 7th

6:00-7:15PM - Boys & Girls - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

7:30-8:45PM - Boys & Girls - 2000, 2001, 2002. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

My 06 son played St James last year in a tournament in Alexandria and they were absolutely terrible. If it's expensive, I wouldn't do it. Remember to get anything out of training, you need to be with a competitive group. Most of these kids had almost zero skill.

Alexandria's top teams did not play that tournament - second and third teams did. You clearly don't know what you are talking about, so if I were you, I'd can it. Alexandria is one of the best club futsal programs in the country.

Zero skill? That won't be an issue based on what I saw at tryouts.

I'm not the PP who is being so rude (that is a terrible way to talk about kids), but rather, the father of the child who tried out for an 08 team. The kids were definitely atheltic and seemed like they could be good soccer players. I didn't see a lot of the type of foot skills or passing strategies that I am more used to seeing in futsal. That doesn't mean that the kids couldn't be taught these skills and strategies. I am completely sure they could. My concern is that there is going to be a learning curve. That is not a bad thing, unless you are super into futsal. My son is, so I am not sure this is for us. If a kid is a soccer player primarily looking to stay in shape and for something fun to do in the winter at a lovely facility with other soccer players, I would absolutely say take an offer from St. James. The coaches seemed nice and energetic.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The St. James is holding another player ID session for futsal tomorrow night (Saturday 11/7). They will be playing indoor futsal at the pretty awesome St. James recreation center.

https://thestjames.sportngin.com/register/form/582926014

DATES + TIMES - November 7th

6:00-7:15PM - Boys & Girls - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

7:30-8:45PM - Boys & Girls - 2000, 2001, 2002. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

My 06 son played St James last year in a tournament in Alexandria and they were absolutely terrible. If it's expensive, I wouldn't do it. Remember to get anything out of training, you need to be with a competitive group. Most of these kids had almost zero skill.

Zero skill? That won't be an issue based on what I saw at tryouts. I don't know how St. James will stack up against the competition, but hey, you get better by playing better teams. I'm looking forward to the St. James futsal season and will certainly share my experience with the board here as we see how it goes.

Where is your son playing futsal this year?

The St. James is holding another player ID session for futsal tomorrow night (Saturday 11/7). They will be playing indoor futsal at the pretty awesome St. James recreation center.

https://thestjames.sportngin.com/register/form/582926014

DATES + TIMES - November 7th

6:00-7:15PM - Boys & Girls - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

7:30-8:45PM - Boys & Girls - 2000, 2001, 2002. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006


My 06 son played St James last year in a tournament in Alexandria and they were absolutely terrible. If it's expensive, I wouldn't do it. Remember to get anything out of training, you need to be with a competitive group. Most of these kids had almost zero skill.

My son tried out for a spot with their 08 team. Based on the tryout, it didn't seem that the issue was that the kids were bad atheltes. But, they weren't experienced futsal players.

Anonymous wrote:The St. James is holding another player ID session for futsal tomorrow night (Saturday 11/7). They will be playing indoor futsal at the pretty awesome St. James recreation center.

https://thestjames.sportngin.com/register/form/582926014

DATES + TIMES - November 7th

6:00-7:15PM - Boys & Girls - 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

7:30-8:45PM - Boys & Girls - 2000, 2001, 2002. 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006

My 06 son played St James last year in a tournament in Alexandria and they were absolutely terrible. If it's expensive, I wouldn't do it. Remember to get anything out of training, you need to be with a competitive group. Most of these kids had almost zero skill.