Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^Barca. God, it was mother f@cking refreshing not going through tryouts last spring with my kids...and will be again this Spring. Makes for a much nicer spring season as well when not totally eclipsed by weeks of Club tryouts vs practices and frantic parents/players wondering where they stand. They invest in the kids they have. You can’t develop players when you cut and recruit continually every 10 months.

Crap players making the team, never gets better, and has no incentive to work hard to earn your spot.

That’s a very American way to think. On the other hand, the players do get better every season as they get a firmer grasp on what is a very difficult style to execute properly. They have multiple teams with fluidity between the rosters, so you do have to work hard to earn your spot, whether on the specific, as a starter, etc. They just don’t cut players from the PROGRAM.

Agree. There is definitely serious motivation/competition in the older age groups. My kid knows if you continually miss training--it will affect play time. If you don't continually give 100% intensity in training session, you will be replaced by a hungry kid in another training group. And there are a lot of hungry players. They also sit kids with continued behavioral issues-even if they are a top player. This never happened at other Clubs we were with. The difference is---Barca walks the talk. This is 100% FAIR. It's not like a place where you meet every standard, challenge, etc. that the Club says will get you moved up--and then you are ignored. That is what breaks kids down and makes them not like the sport. BUT, if you make the kid feel like they are in the driver's seat, in charge of their development and keep your word and reward them when they meet the set goals--they will work harder. When you haven't been giving that intensity or you aren't developing as quickly as others---the reasons given make 100% complete sense and as a parent/player you can see exactly what they are seeing and what you need to do to move back up or get more playing time. It's the first time a trainer or coach has given us very detailed areas to work on that are spot on with our individual kids, sometimes we didn't see it but once pointed out--yes--we see it too. We had so many random, vague reviews at other Clubs where it didn't even feel like they knew who your kid was (actually he's a leftie coach) and they weren't even helpful because there was not detail with them. We want constructive criticism, but as a former player when it's some bogus horsesh*t that doesn't even match up with your kid, there is no good in that. There aren't tangible areas given and, frankly, it's either because the coach is not a good coach or they just don't know the player as well because they are coaching so many different teams. Further, the training groups are all doing the same things and they all have coaches very dedicated to the players they are working with and other coaches/TD are always moving around training sessions and attending games. They keep records, videos, etc. on the players.

My kids have gotten their confidence back since being with Barca. They are motivated players again and they are having fun. There is real comradery with the players. And, I see a definite improvement in their game. But, the love of the game coming back is the best. Some of these places just break kids down and lie to them.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:^Barca. God, it was mother f@cking refreshing not going through tryouts last spring with my kids...and will be again this Spring. Makes for a much nicer spring season as well when not totally eclipsed by weeks of Club tryouts vs practices and frantic parents/players wondering where they stand. They invest in the kids they have. You can’t develop players when you cut and recruit continually every 10 months.

Crap players making the team, never gets better, and has no incentive to work hard to earn your spot.

That’s a very American way to think. On the other hand, the players do get better every season as they get a firmer grasp on what is a very difficult style to execute properly. They have multiple teams with fluidity between the rosters, so you do have to work hard to earn your spot, whether on the specific, as a starter, etc. They just don’t cut players from the PROGRAM.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are leaving the current club in FFX, U9 coach is a prick and knew it was time when my DS got into the car after practice and said, "I don't like soccer anymore, it's not fun".

He gives up on the kids when they loose during games, but yet claims he's all about development. He scolds the kids with back handed sarcastic comments during the games. Just an overall bad coach and shouldn't be working with kids. Club however keeps giving him new teams/jobs with hte club. We've paid so we will stay until the end of spring.

Must be BRYC

You clearly have an ax to grind, hut truth be told, this story is sadly white common in many clubs.

If it was BRYC it wouldn’t be U9.

Wow Siri! Let me try again: this story is quite common in many clubs.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are leaving the current club in FFX, U9 coach is a prick and knew it was time when my DS got into the car after practice and said, "I don't like soccer anymore, it's not fun".

He gives up on the kids when they loose during games, but yet claims he's all about development. He scolds the kids with back handed sarcastic comments during the games. Just an overall bad coach and shouldn't be working with kids. Club however keeps giving him new teams/jobs with hte club. We've paid so we will stay until the end of spring.

Must be BRYC

You clearly have an ax to grind, hut truth be told, this story is sadly white common in many clubs.

Anonymous wrote:We are leaving the current club in FFX, U9 coach is a prick and knew it was time when my DS got into the car after practice and said, "I don't like soccer anymore, it's not fun".

He gives up on the kids when they loose during games, but yet claims he's all about development. He scolds the kids with back handed sarcastic comments during the games. Just an overall bad coach and shouldn't be working with kids. Club however keeps giving him new teams/jobs with hte club. We've paid so we will stay until the end of spring.

Must be BRYC

Anonymous wrote:Every club has a rec program. No need to worry about being cut or replaced.

Our family participates in the insanity of DMV travel soccer. We pay a lot of money, and harbor no illusions of a financial return on our investment. We do it, though, exactly for these kind of life experiences.

You didn't make the team? Work hard. Or find a different team.

Coach doesn't value you? Work hard, or find a better situation.

Style of play doesn't fit with your abilities? Work harder. Or find a better situation.

This is life. Coming onto a new team, getting along with people you've just met based on working towards a common goal, eventually becoming friends, etc.

Self-assessment, taking criticism, working through disappointment, not letting success get to ones head--all of this is why we play.

What you say makes sense in theory, but I disagree with how this plays out in reality. At most clubs at younger ages, unless you are at the absolute top of the talent heap or physically advanced, working harder that other kids does not necessarily get you ahead in travel soccer. Most club's top team coaches want players who will help them win now and will not hesitate to bump a technical, smaller play maker to a lower team when the man-child striker with a mustache shows up at tryouts.

Also, how would you propose that 10, 11, 12, and 13 year olds look to "find a better situation." Do they call coaches?

I agree with another poster who said that if a coach is doing his job, your kid should know where she stands going into tryouts. If they are on the bubble, on coach should have a problem if you are looking around for a better fit. Do any coaches actually provide this information to their players?

Similarly, telling your kid "work harder" to earn a spot and/or more playing time only works if kids receive regular constructive feedback on areas of their games which need improvement, which hardly any club gives. Being cut or put on the bench and ignored is demoralizing, not motivating, and that is what many coaches do. Some aspects of player development take time, even those who are working hard.

To respond to a PP who asked where to go so that you don't have to worry about being cut, most larger clubs have A, B, and C teams. For years, I tried to find a club with a B team for my child with a great coach and solid training. Unlike the PP whose kids earn valuable life lessons by switching teams every year, I'm not interested in that. My kids aren't going to be national team players. They are serious and committed, but for them it is about improving, becoming friends with teammates, having fun, and playing in high school. Both my kids and I would be fine with a lower pressure, more stable B team, as long as we get some value for the money and it is a good fit.

As another poster accurately stated, once you get demoted to a B or even C team, both the quality of training and player pool drops in most clubs. The coaches aren't invested, and tend to not stay around long. You might go through several coaches during a single season. If the club's talent pool isn't deep, some of the kids will be the level of rec players, and they may or may not show up at practice or games. Unless the age group has quality training, which allows A, B and C team players to receive identical training, this dynamic becomes self-fulfilling The club will tell the B team player that she isn't good enough for the A team, but should work hard to advance. Then they leave her to get better by scrimmaging less skilled teammates every practice on 1/4 of a field. Or, she's playing an entire game in 100 degree weather on hot turf because there are only a few subs, none of whom can pass or receive a pass. The kid has no chance.

As the PP says, at most clubs the B and C teams subsidize the A team, with lower tier players receiving inferior training for same cost. I would be ok with that if my kid is happy, but that has not been the case. Another drawback is that when you tell B team players that they need to work hard to play their way onto the A team, it reduces their commitment to their existing team. And of course, top teams are much more likely to add outside player to the A team during the season than they are to promote from within the age group.

A word of advice based several bad seasons- DO NOT accept a B team offer that feels like a bad fit just because you kid is told he will get chances to play with the A team. That may or may not happen. Usually, the mechanism for advancement is too uncertain to be motivating, especially for a kid whose lack of confidence or lack of physical development is the main factor holding him or her back from playing on the top team. I have seen smart, strong players who have an advanced understanding of the game give up because they were a step too slow for the A team and relegated to a "let's all run around and have fun" B team. Why not just play rec for way less money and travel?

If you can find a B or C team with a great coach, quality practices, and where your kid is in the middle of a relatively consistent talent pool with similarly motivated kids, that would be a good situation. If your kid is in the middle of the talent pool going in, there is room for improvement during the season and playing on the team will be more fun. If our kid is the best player on a B or C team with motivated players, it can be an opportunity to lead. On the other hand, if your kid is by far the best player on the team and the teammates are less skilled and less invested, it can be an expensive exercise in frustration. Unfortunately, it's close to impossible to figure out of you will be getting that tryout time. I would ask a coach where they think your child falls in terms of the level of play and level of commitment of the team. It is more motivating to work your way up on your team and for your coach and teammates than to work in a vacuum hoping that your coach will go to bat for you with an A team coach. Most clubs do not demote top team players so there is limited room for advancement, and some B team coaches don't want to see their best players move up. If given a B team offer and your kid hopes to get A team opportunities, ask how many kids are on the A team roster. If there are more than 16-18, opportunities will be limited.

I completely agree with the PP who says that it would be wonderful to find a program based on true player development. I'm not a Barca parent, but that model is appealing for that reason. I have a kid who plays rec soccer too, and it is great fun, but it doesn't develop players.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Question! Moving my family back to NOVA. Was more intrigued with this thread for honest answers. Daughter currently plays DA, but not too impressed with DA teams other than FCV. Too far for us to drive, would reconsider ECNL. Daughter is 04 player. Was going to ask current coach, but didn’t want to see a change in playing time.

sadly, honest answers here are few and far between. What is the question?

Looking for an organization that develops players, competitive team and a strong coaching staff. No parent coaches.

I recommend contacting coaches/TDs at BRYC, WSVA, Mclean, Arlington and VDA. Go to some practices and get an idea of practice location, coaching style and how your DD fits in. All solid clubs with several pros/cons depending on age group.

agreed. We could all give our opinions of all of these (90% of these forums are occupied with stripping down other clubs) but in the end, you have your own priorities, likes and dislikes, and logistical constraints.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Question! Moving my family back to NOVA. Was more intrigued with this thread for honest answers. Daughter currently plays DA, but not too impressed with DA teams other than FCV. Too far for us to drive, would reconsider ECNL. Daughter is 04 player. Was going to ask current coach, but didn’t want to see a change in playing time.

sadly, honest answers here are few and far between. What is the question?

Looking for an organization that develops players, competitive team and a strong coaching staff. No parent coaches.

I recommend contacting coaches/TDs at BRYC, WSVA, Mclean, Arlington and VDA. Go to some practices and get an idea of practice location, coaching style and how your DD fits in. All solid clubs with several pros/cons depending on age group.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Question! Moving my family back to NOVA. Was more intrigued with this thread for honest answers. Daughter currently plays DA, but not too impressed with DA teams other than FCV. Too far for us to drive, would reconsider ECNL. Daughter is 04 player. Was going to ask current coach, but didn’t want to see a change in playing time.

sadly, honest answers here are few and far between. What is the question?

Looking for an organization that develops players, competitive team and a strong coaching staff. No parent coaches.

Anonymous wrote:Imagine if coaches were 100% committed to developing their players, and didn’t have to spend any time recruiting or dealing with the politics that come with yearly cuts? Jockeying for playing time, who’s leaving, who’s staying, keeping parents happy so they don’t leave, keeping players from sabotaging each other.

Imagine if players were 100% committed to the team and their teammates. Not always competing with each other but learning to get along, play as a team, cheer for each other, win or lose as a team.

It’s not utopia but there is a valid case to be made for a program based on true player development not recruitment. There will always be some level of turnover as kids decide to focus on other sports, families move to and from the area.

That exists! It's called recreational leagues. But it sounds like that a bunch of crap also there with some of the posts i hear about player cards and insane coaches.

But for competitive, selective programs, why force a fit on competing values and expectations for those who want to provide or receive something specifically different than someone else and you don't realize it upfront at the commitment, but somewhere 8 months down the road. That shouldn't be an issue.

Anonymous wrote:I have a close friend from college that coaches in the area and he said he had a conversation with his TD regarding his 1st and 2nd team. He was the age group lead and due to the lack of performance with his 1st team, he was told to only focus his attention on that team. Then he was given a few activities to give the 2nd team to keep them "occupied".

Basically if you aren't on the 1st team in your age group, you are not important and you are just a funding source.

It's a warning sign when a club implements a player pool approach of 25 kids under one coach. The bottom half of the pool is a funding source and never gets the attention of the coach.

I have a close friend from college that coaches in the area and he said he had a conversation with his TD regarding his 1st and 2nd team. He was the age group lead and due to the lack of performance with his 1st team, he was told to only focus his attention on that team. Then he was given a few activities to give the 2nd team to keep them "occupied".

Basically if you aren't on the 1st team in your age group, you are not important and you are just a funding source.

Anonymous wrote:Question! Moving my family back to NOVA. Was more intrigued with this thread for honest answers. Daughter currently plays DA, but not too impressed with DA teams other than FCV. Too far for us to drive, would reconsider ECNL. Daughter is 04 player. Was going to ask current coach, but didn’t want to see a change in playing time.

sadly, honest answers here are few and far between. What is the question?

Anonymous wrote:So thinking about changing clubs. Kid is on the second. No problem with that but man ....I usually hang at practice because practice is in the middle of rush hour. The coach coaches the A & B teams. The B team really just scrimmages by themselves. I mean it’s like 99% of the time the coach is with the A team while the B team just does their own thing on the other 1/2 of the field. It’s a big club. Most parents do not hang around. I do not even think they know what’s going on. I feel like I am paying to subsidize the A team and getting no instructions for my kid.

You are doing exactly that. We laughed, it was so blatantly obvious at our former Club. The field didn’t have lights and in the Fall when it would get dark at practice, the A team practiced on the portion of the field that caught light from adjacent baseball field and the B-D teams literally practiced in the pitch black dark?. They were 10. They were so enamored with that A team and every other kid felt like a second-class citizen. The services were not equal.

Some kids have a good tryout, some have a bad one. You sometimes get a kid on the A team that then sucks it up for the next 9 months. Kids also change frequently. I like the concept of an Academy where kids can move throughout the year and it’s not put in a bad light—they can quickly move back up as well. Child player development doesn’t fit in the travel Club model. It does not allow for these changes throughout the year or for kids to even play up ages or down if needed periodically as they grow physically and mentally. Too much focus is on “colors”. It can make for a toxic environment some places.