Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

What has happened to the Clearwater Chargers competitive program?

Collapse
X
  •  
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

    What has happened to the Clearwater Chargers competitive program?

    It seems that if you grew up in Tampa Bay and played high level competitive soccer in the 70's-90's, you played for CC. This includes a lot of the parents of kids playing today in Clubs around the area. However the Clearwater Chargers haven't been developing talent for many years. When the DA program (which was losing millions annually) went bankrupt a few years ago due to COVID and poor management, CC lost the ability to just steal and pillage players developed at other Clubs for their DA teams. Now that the DA is gone (yes I know they STILL have DA signs up at locations and on the website, but it's gone parents) and other Clubs have ECNL, MLS Next, and other options, they are no longer relevant in competitive soccer anymore, except for a few standout teams.

    CC has been hemorrhaging coaches and talent to other Clubs for a few years now, but apparently things are really starting to look bleak after tryouts. PM is scrambling to make just one team at certain age groups. Post tryouts, the Clearwater Chargers are openly advertising and looking to fill roster spots for boys players at 2004/2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010, and looking for girls players 2004/2005, 2009 and 2010.

    Status of Chargers competitive program (feel free to check standings):
    1. Most MLS Next teams are near the bottom of table and not competitive > https://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext/standings/2021-2022/
    2. Most girls ECNLR teams are near the bottom and not competitive. This club shouldn't have ECNLR for girls in the first place, and they are really fortunate there is no relegation in this league after the last 2 seasons of failed results. They have not earned their spot, nor can they compete. > https://public.totalglobalsports.com...ules-standings
    3. Most teams in Sunshine Academy Conference are at the bottom and not competitive. Word is that parents at most age groups are openly revolting against playing in this league again due to extensive travel and incredibly poor results. > https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/5401

    There are much better options all over now, including Florida Premier, TBU, WFF, Celtic, and hell even Strictly and PCU have better results. MLSNext players (and other teams) are being asked to have 50% of their trainings in Lakewood Ranch, which is a logistical nightmare for families who live in Pinellas (and Lakewood Ranch). All that travel for their kid to be placed in a league where they are overmatched and not competitive.

    What happened here? This used to be the destination for top players in the area. What caused this downfall or is it just a changing soccer landscape in the Tampa Bay area?

    #2
    spot on and its only going to get worse. landscape has changed and arrogance is a big part of the problem. tryout numbers were embarrassing, especially for some of the MLSNext teams. barely enough players for 1 full sided game. meanwhile at other clubs, they are running 2 and 3 full sided games during tryouts. The 06 and 07 MLSN teams are the most competitive, and rumor has it the 07 MLSN team is losing a handful of their starters next season to other clubs. so those spots will be filled by lower level club players and the slide will continue. Pete and Roberto are stuck in the 90's and LWR isn't the answer

    Comment


      #3
      Originally posted by Guest View Post
      It seems that if you grew up in Tampa Bay and played high level competitive soccer in the 70's-90's, you played for CC. This includes a lot of the parents of kids playing today in Clubs around the area. However the Clearwater Chargers haven't been developing talent for many years. When the DA program (which was losing millions annually) went bankrupt a few years ago due to COVID and poor management, CC lost the ability to just steal and pillage players developed at other Clubs for their DA teams. Now that the DA is gone (yes I know they STILL have DA signs up at locations and on the website, but it's gone parents) and other Clubs have ECNL, MLS Next, and other options, they are no longer relevant in competitive soccer anymore, except for a few standout teams.

      CC has been hemorrhaging coaches and talent to other Clubs for a few years now, but apparently things are really starting to look bleak after tryouts. PM is scrambling to make just one team at certain age groups. Post tryouts, the Clearwater Chargers are openly advertising and looking to fill roster spots for boys players at 2004/2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010, and looking for girls players 2004/2005, 2009 and 2010.

      Status of Chargers competitive program (feel free to check standings):
      1. Most MLS Next teams are near the bottom of table and not competitive > https://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext/standings/2021-2022/
      2. Most girls ECNLR teams are near the bottom and not competitive. This club shouldn't have ECNLR for girls in the first place, and they are really fortunate there is no relegation in this league after the last 2 seasons of failed results. They have not earned their spot, nor can they compete. > https://public.totalglobalsports.com...ules-standings
      3. Most teams in Sunshine Academy Conference are at the bottom and not competitive. Word is that parents at most age groups are openly revolting against playing in this league again due to extensive travel and incredibly poor results. > https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/5401

      There are much better options all over now, including Florida Premier, TBU, WFF, Celtic, and hell even Strictly and PCU have better results. MLSNext players (and other teams) are being asked to have 50% of their trainings in Lakewood Ranch, which is a logistical nightmare for families who live in Pinellas (and Lakewood Ranch). All that travel for their kid to be placed in a league where they are overmatched and not competitive.

      What happened here? This used to be the destination for top players in the area. What caused this downfall or is it just a changing soccer landscape in the Tampa Bay area?
      Lots of talented teams at flames now

      Comment


        #4
        18 wins across 5 teams in girls ecnlr this season. EIGHTEEN TOTAL WINS. league averages 16-18 games per season. U16 girls had 10 of those wins. so remaining 4 teams average 2 wins per season. no u13 girls team

        thats epic futility. shocked they get to remain in a league where results are this bad

        Comment


          #5
          Really though a lot of players are picked for academy mls teams because of individual performance . Don’t worry so much about how good a team is.

          Comment


            #6
            They are most definitely one of the top clubs in the state when it comes to obnoxious parents.

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by Guest View Post
              It seems that if you grew up in Tampa Bay and played high level competitive soccer in the 70's-90's, you played for CC. This includes a lot of the parents of kids playing today in Clubs around the area. However the Clearwater Chargers haven't been developing talent for many years. When the DA program (which was losing millions annually) went bankrupt a few years ago due to COVID and poor management, CC lost the ability to just steal and pillage players developed at other Clubs for their DA teams. Now that the DA is gone (yes I know they STILL have DA signs up at locations and on the website, but it's gone parents) and other Clubs have ECNL, MLS Next, and other options, they are no longer relevant in competitive soccer anymore, except for a few standout teams.

              CC has been hemorrhaging coaches and talent to other Clubs for a few years now, but apparently things are really starting to look bleak after tryouts. PM is scrambling to make just one team at certain age groups. Post tryouts, the Clearwater Chargers are openly advertising and looking to fill roster spots for boys players at 2004/2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010, and looking for girls players 2004/2005, 2009 and 2010.

              Status of Chargers competitive program (feel free to check standings):
              1. Most MLS Next teams are near the bottom of table and not competitive > https://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext/standings/2021-2022/
              2. Most girls ECNLR teams are near the bottom and not competitive. This club shouldn't have ECNLR for girls in the first place, and they are really fortunate there is no relegation in this league after the last 2 seasons of failed results. They have not earned their spot, nor can they compete. > https://public.totalglobalsports.com...ules-standings
              3. Most teams in Sunshine Academy Conference are at the bottom and not competitive. Word is that parents at most age groups are openly revolting against playing in this league again due to extensive travel and incredibly poor results. > https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/5401

              There are much better options all over now, including Florida Premier, TBU, WFF, Celtic, and hell even Strictly and PCU have better results. MLSNext players (and other teams) are being asked to have 50% of their trainings in Lakewood Ranch, which is a logistical nightmare for families who live in Pinellas (and Lakewood Ranch). All that travel for their kid to be placed in a league where they are overmatched and not competitive.

              What happened here? This used to be the destination for top players in the area. What caused this downfall or is it just a changing soccer landscape in the Tampa Bay area?
              What is the point of a post like this? Families that are plugged in with youth soccer in the Tampa Bay Area already know all this. Families that are not plugged in don’t care. So why take the 30 minutes to type all this Captain Obvious?

              Comment


                #8
                Originally posted by Guest View Post

                What is the point of a post like this? Families that are plugged in with youth soccer in the Tampa Bay Area already know all this. Families that are not plugged in don’t care. So why take the 30 minutes to type all this Captain Obvious?
                It’s another thinly disguised propaganda piece from Florida Premier - like 85% of the posts related to the Tampa Bay Area.

                Comment


                  #9
                  Poor management in the face of a changing soccer climate (change of leagues etc) so they were unprepared for the loss of the DA

                  Aging population in the surrounding area means less kids as new developments spring up in Hillsborough and Pasco counties

                  Arrogance in the face of both.

                  Aging leadership that just wanted to (wants to) hang on for a few more years before medicare kicks in and hasn't been interested in growth for a decade.

                  They should have merged with TBU/WFF/Celtic or FP years ago.

                  Originally posted by Guest View Post
                  It seems that if you grew up in Tampa Bay and played high level competitive soccer in the 70's-90's, you played for CC. This includes a lot of the parents of kids playing today in Clubs around the area. However the Clearwater Chargers haven't been developing talent for many years. When the DA program (which was losing millions annually) went bankrupt a few years ago due to COVID and poor management, CC lost the ability to just steal and pillage players developed at other Clubs for their DA teams. Now that the DA is gone (yes I know they STILL have DA signs up at locations and on the website, but it's gone parents) and other Clubs have ECNL, MLS Next, and other options, they are no longer relevant in competitive soccer anymore, except for a few standout teams.

                  CC has been hemorrhaging coaches and talent to other Clubs for a few years now, but apparently things are really starting to look bleak after tryouts. PM is scrambling to make just one team at certain age groups. Post tryouts, the Clearwater Chargers are openly advertising and looking to fill roster spots for boys players at 2004/2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010, and looking for girls players 2004/2005, 2009 and 2010.

                  Status of Chargers competitive program (feel free to check standings):
                  1. Most MLS Next teams are near the bottom of table and not competitive > https://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext/standings/2021-2022/
                  2. Most girls ECNLR teams are near the bottom and not competitive. This club shouldn't have ECNLR for girls in the first place, and they are really fortunate there is no relegation in this league after the last 2 seasons of failed results. They have not earned their spot, nor can they compete. > https://public.totalglobalsports.com...ules-standings
                  3. Most teams in Sunshine Academy Conference are at the bottom and not competitive. Word is that parents at most age groups are openly revolting against playing in this league again due to extensive travel and incredibly poor results. > https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/5401

                  There are much better options all over now, including Florida Premier, TBU, WFF, Celtic, and hell even Strictly and PCU have better results. MLSNext players (and other teams) are being asked to have 50% of their trainings in Lakewood Ranch, which is a logistical nightmare for families who live in Pinellas (and Lakewood Ranch). All that travel for their kid to be placed in a league where they are overmatched and not competitive.

                  What happened here? This used to be the destination for top players in the area. What caused this downfall or is it just a changing soccer landscape in the Tampa Bay area?

                  Comment


                    #10
                    Originally posted by Guest View Post
                    It seems that if you grew up in Tampa Bay and played high level competitive soccer in the 70's-90's, you played for CC. This includes a lot of the parents of kids playing today in Clubs around the area. However the Clearwater Chargers haven't been developing talent for many years. When the DA program (which was losing millions annually) went bankrupt a few years ago due to COVID and poor management, CC lost the ability to just steal and pillage players developed at other Clubs for their DA teams. Now that the DA is gone (yes I know they STILL have DA signs up at locations and on the website, but it's gone parents) and other Clubs have ECNL, MLS Next, and other options, they are no longer relevant in competitive soccer anymore, except for a few standout teams.

                    CC has been hemorrhaging coaches and talent to other Clubs for a few years now, but apparently things are really starting to look bleak after tryouts. PM is scrambling to make just one team at certain age groups. Post tryouts, the Clearwater Chargers are openly advertising and looking to fill roster spots for boys players at 2004/2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010, and looking for girls players 2004/2005, 2009 and 2010.

                    Status of Chargers competitive program (feel free to check standings):
                    1. Most MLS Next teams are near the bottom of table and not competitive > https://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext/standings/2021-2022/
                    2. Most girls ECNLR teams are near the bottom and not competitive. This club shouldn't have ECNLR for girls in the first place, and they are really fortunate there is no relegation in this league after the last 2 seasons of failed results. They have not earned their spot, nor can they compete. > https://public.totalglobalsports.com...ules-standings
                    3. Most teams in Sunshine Academy Conference are at the bottom and not competitive. Word is that parents at most age groups are openly revolting against playing in this league again due to extensive travel and incredibly poor results. > https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/5401

                    There are much better options all over now, including Florida Premier, TBU, WFF, Celtic, and hell even Strictly and PCU have better results. MLSNext players (and other teams) are being asked to have 50% of their trainings in Lakewood Ranch, which is a logistical nightmare for families who live in Pinellas (and Lakewood Ranch). All that travel for their kid to be placed in a league where they are overmatched and not competitive.

                    What happened here? This used to be the destination for top players in the area. What caused this downfall or is it just a changing soccer landscape in the Tampa Bay area?
                    Troll Alert

                    Funny how the author omits that the MLS U16 team won the division and is the only team in the state to qualify for the playoffs in Dallas. Oops. Not something Florida Premier or TBU like to talk about. As this is a critical age group and a critical year for identification from colleges and potential professional leagues It’s perfectly understandable why these clubs with under performing teams don’t like to have that knowledge be disseminated because why would facts important to anyone?

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Originally posted by Guest View Post
                      It seems that if you grew up in Tampa Bay and played high level competitive soccer in the 70's-90's, you played for CC. This includes a lot of the parents of kids playing today in Clubs around the area. However the Clearwater Chargers haven't been developing talent for many years. When the DA program (which was losing millions annually) went bankrupt a few years ago due to COVID and poor management, CC lost the ability to just steal and pillage players developed at other Clubs for their DA teams. Now that the DA is gone (yes I know they STILL have DA signs up at locations and on the website, but it's gone parents) and other Clubs have ECNL, MLS Next, and other options, they are no longer relevant in competitive soccer anymore, except for a few standout teams.

                      CC has been hemorrhaging coaches and talent to other Clubs for a few years now, but apparently things are really starting to look bleak after tryouts. PM is scrambling to make just one team at certain age groups. Post tryouts, the Clearwater Chargers are openly advertising and looking to fill roster spots for boys players at 2004/2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 and 2010, and looking for girls players 2004/2005, 2009 and 2010.

                      Status of Chargers competitive program (feel free to check standings):
                      1. Most MLS Next teams are near the bottom of table and not competitive > https://www.mlssoccer.com/mlsnext/standings/2021-2022/
                      2. Most girls ECNLR teams are near the bottom and not competitive. This club shouldn't have ECNLR for girls in the first place, and they are really fortunate there is no relegation in this league after the last 2 seasons of failed results. They have not earned their spot, nor can they compete. > https://public.totalglobalsports.com...ules-standings
                      3. Most teams in Sunshine Academy Conference are at the bottom and not competitive. Word is that parents at most age groups are openly revolting against playing in this league again due to extensive travel and incredibly poor results. > https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/5401

                      There are much better options all over now, including Florida Premier, TBU, WFF, Celtic, and hell even Strictly and PCU have better results. MLSNext players (and other teams) are being asked to have 50% of their trainings in Lakewood Ranch, which is a logistical nightmare for families who live in Pinellas (and Lakewood Ranch). All that travel for their kid to be placed in a league where they are overmatched and not competitive.

                      What happened here? This used to be the destination for top players in the area. What caused this downfall or is it just a changing soccer landscape in the Tampa Bay area?
                      TBU going down the same path

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Originally posted by Guest View Post
                        Poor management in the face of a changing soccer climate (change of leagues etc) so they were unprepared for the loss of the DA

                        Aging population in the surrounding area means less kids as new developments spring up in Hillsborough and Pasco counties

                        Arrogance in the face of both.

                        Aging leadership that just wanted to (wants to) hang on for a few more years before medicare kicks in and hasn't been interested in growth for a decade.

                        They should have merged with TBU/WFF/Celtic or FP years ago.


                        "Arrogance in the face of both." This is spot on!
                        I have been involved with several clubs in the area over the years but by far CC is the most snob-ish and arrogant club there is from the top to the bottom! Everyone in that club think they are the best there is because of their past glory but none of the current players or families actually give a damn what they were 20 years ago.
                        It is closely followed by TBU though. So TBU beware and take a lesson from how CC is doing because you are on the same path.

                        Comment


                          #13
                          Originally posted by Guest View Post

                          "Arrogance in the face of both." This is spot on!
                          I have been involved with several clubs in the area over the years but by far CC is the most snob-ish and arrogant club there is from the top to the bottom! Everyone in that club think they are the best there is because of their past glory but none of the current players or families actually give a damn what they were 20 years ago.
                          It is closely followed by TBU though. So TBU beware and take a lesson from how CC is doing because you are on the same path.
                          You should check out the mom-and-pop, hillbilly club up in the sticks - Florida Premier - they're arrogant without having any past glory - beside 42 years of Rec Soccer.

                          Comment


                            #14
                            No thanks. If it were 5 years ago, I'd have stayed at CC. Now with HS aged kids, I'll stay at TBU. If there were younger, I probably would head a bit further north.

                            By the way, CC claims a title won by blackwatch before they took that over. I'm pretty sure Spirit had one or 2 before FP took them over. Did the TBU titles all happen after it was the result of a merger or are they claiming some legacy championships too? I really don't know (and don't care much... I just know in my kids age group they are still the top)

                            Originally posted by Guest View Post

                            You should check out the mom-and-pop, hillbilly club up in the sticks - Florida Premier - they're arrogant without having any past glory - beside 42 years of Rec Soccer.

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Originally posted by Guest View Post

                              You should check out the mom-and-pop, hillbilly club up in the sticks - Florida Premier - they're arrogant without having any past glory - beside 42 years of Rec Soccer.
                              ECNL liked them and that’s all that matters

                              Comment

                              Previously entered content was automatically saved. Restore or Discard.
                              Auto-Saved
                              x
                              Insert: Thumbnail Small Medium Large Fullsize Remove  
                              x
                              Working...
                              X