The Girls 2007 Thread

[Unregistered]

Ask the question in an email and get the response back in writing. It will give you some legs to stand on, when, rather than 18 kids, 24 show up on the first day of practice.

What ground to stand on, to leave? There's nothing in your contract stating how big a roster will be. And good luck finding another spot in the fall when you find out. Unfortunately clubs have people by the cajones but here's a hint: if the club is know for having big rosters they're not going to change that. If you think your kid might be player 18-22 you shouldn't be there to begin with. It isn't a good fit. Aim for a team where they'll be a starter for first off the bench. If your kid struggles to keep up during tryouts it's a good indication of things to come

[Unregistered]

Maybe the poster doesn't have a contract yet and can't ask the coach? Who knows but why post a snarky reply?

I wasn’t being snarky (well maybe a little). The poster said they didn’t want to come back to an empty roster. That implies that they know where their kid is playing next year. And even if they don’t, a parent could certainly ask their current coach where the kid stands and what things are looking like for a particular team for the next year. The reason parents don’t ask these questions is that they are usually afraid of the answer. Then when their kid ends up in a not-so-great situation for the year, they act like they were blindsided. I agree that coaches don’t offer information at tryout/contract time, but if parents don’t ask questions, they shouldn’t complain down the road.

I am not suggesting parents reach out to coaches during the course of the season, but every contract I have been emailed for my kid over the past several years has had a note from the coach that ends with something like “let me know if there are any questions” (from various coaches).

Also—using TS as a source for information that you are using to make any decision about your kid’s club decisions seems like the last thing you’d want to do.

[Unregistered]

Why be a jerk instead of offering some information? This entire site is littered with stories of coaches not being forthright with roster information.

why on earth would you think that you could get reliable information from this hellsite?

if you don't feel comfortable talking to the coach, why not other parents? On the sideline this weekend just start the conversation with something like "So... what are your plans for next year? We really like it here and are planning to stay but are worried because we read this website that makes people think everything is going to be constant upheaval.." Ok maybe you should adjust that a bit but I think you get what I'm saying.

[Unregistered]

I wasn’t being snarky (well maybe a little). The poster said they didn’t want to come back to an empty roster. That implies that they know where their kid is playing next year. And even if they don’t, a parent could certainly ask their current coach where the kid stands and what things are looking like for a particular team for the next year. The reason parents don’t ask these questions is that they are usually afraid of the answer. Then when their kid ends up in a not-so-great situation for the year, they act like they were blindsided. I agree that coaches don’t offer information at tryout/contract time, but if parents don’t ask questions, they shouldn’t complain down the road.

I am not suggesting parents reach out to coaches during the course of the season, but every contract I have been emailed for my kid over the past several years has had a note from the coach that ends with something like “let me know if there are any questions” (from various coaches).

Also—using TS as a source for information that you are using to make any decision about your kid’s club decisions seems like the last thing you’d want to do.

Always talk to people in real life if you want the closest to fact based information. Ask around. It's a small universe and chances are you know someone who knows someone. Think about like LinkedIn - network

[Unregistered]

why on earth would you think that you could get reliable information from this hellsite?

if you don't feel comfortable talking to the coach, why not other parents? On the sideline this weekend just start the conversation with something like "So... what are your plans for next year? We really like it here and are planning to stay but are worried because we read this website that makes people think everything is going to be constant upheaval.." Ok maybe you should adjust that a bit but I think you get what I'm saying.

Totally agree but some families won't be truthful either out of fear of retribution etc. Always talk to multiple people.

[Unregistered]

Totally agree but some families won't be truthful either out of fear of retribution etc. Always talk to multiple people.

Absolutely. Better to ask yourself-

is my player and family happy here?
has the coach and club been delivering an enjoyable development environment?
is the commuting for training and games doable or do you dread another year of this?

and remember that switching happens. your player probably will miss some of their old teammates but will almost certainly fit right in with the new ones and make new friends.

And if you really want to stay but are worried others are leaving, just talk to others about their experience at the club. What do they like, what bugs them? They might not tell you flat out they are leaving but you might have a better idea of where they are leaning.

[Unregistered]

Absolutely. Better to ask yourself-

is my player and family happy here?
has the coach and club been delivering an enjoyable development environment?
is the commuting for training and games doable or do you dread another year of this?

and remember that switching happens. your player probably will miss some of their old teammates but will almost certainly fit right in with the new ones and make new friends.

And if you really want to stay but are worried others are leaving, just talk to others about their experience at the club. What do they like, what bugs them? They might not tell you flat out they are leaving but you might have a better idea of where they are leaning.

op here and yes. Also keep in mind that people leave for many different reason, many of which may not apply to you. Don't have FOMO. If your kid is happy there, improving, getting good coaching etc all will be well. If it turns into a sh** show in the fall then don't pay the rest of the contract and look for a midseason move, but chances are it will be fine.

[Unregistered]

Are the ones losing their spots on blue getting offers for white considering blue was supposed to have the better players? White players losing their spots going to regional?

[Unregistered]

why on earth would you think that you could get reliable information from this hellsite?

if you don't feel comfortable talking to the coach, why not other parents? On the sideline this weekend just start the conversation with something like "So... what are your plans for next year? We really like it here and are planning to stay but are worried because we read this website that makes people think everything is going to be constant upheaval.." Ok maybe you should adjust that a bit but I think you get what I'm saying.

If you were currently on NEFC and had signed a Stars contract would you honestly discuss that on the sidelines? Most players and families are told to stay silent when they sign a contract for fear of causing flight from a club.

[Unregistered]

If you were currently on NEFC and had signed a Stars contract would you honestly discuss that on the sidelines? Most players and families are told to stay silent when they sign a contract for fear of causing flight from a club.

some parents will talk some won't. just like coaches.

but the receiving club (Stars in your example) would be more than happy with you telling others you are leaving (NEFC) and probably are the ones blabbing about it to begin with!

[Unregistered]

Are the ones losing their spots on blue getting offers for white considering blue was supposed to have the better players? White players losing their spots going to regional?

Some will get offered spots on White, some won’t. That is how it has played out previously in other age groups. That, and based on the 2 teams’ performances this year, you probably can’t make the argument that every player getting cut from Blue is better than the players on White. Will probably come down to need at particular positions and, as always, what a specific coach looks for in a player.

[Unregistered]

Are the ones losing their spots on blue getting offers for white considering blue was supposed to have the better players? White players losing their spots going to regional?

O7 or 08? I thought the 07 White was better than 07 Blue so they probably wouldn't be the players dropping to regional. 08 is a different story.

[Unregistered]

O7 or 08? I thought the 07 White was better than 07 Blue so they probably wouldn't be the players dropping to regional. 08 is a different story.

Outside of maybe the top 5 on each team the rest of the players are pretty similar so it’s just a question of coach preference. Since MF is staying as white coach he will likely just keep his current players so the drop from blue for many is likely to regional.

[Unregistered]

Outside of maybe the top 5 on each team the rest of the players are pretty similar so it’s just a question of coach preference. Since MF is staying as white coach he will likely just keep his current players so the drop from blue for many is likely to regional.

Sorry Stars White Dad, it is not that simple. Every coach is trying to improve their team. A player from blue could indeed be stronger than the white player, vice versa. I dont think anyone is safe anywhere.

[Unregistered]

Sorry Stars White Dad, it is not that simple. Every coach is trying to improve their team. A player from blue could indeed be stronger than the white player, vice versa. I dont think anyone is safe anywhere.

Coaches usually won't take on a new players unless they're confident the new player will improve the team and be a likely starter. Mid to lower level player that's interchangable with the rest? Not so much, especially if a player on the line is a good kid, parents pay on time and don't cause waves. You're an unknown to that coach, so are your parents, so you need to be better than, not equal to