Millions of dollars were spent across the country in youth soccer fees for 2019-2020. In most cases clubs required this payment before Jan 2020, whether you paid a lump sum or had a monthly payment plan. I've heard of some clubs (very few) that have issued any sort of refund back to families for the spring season. Where did the money go? I've heard that leagues and tournaments haven't issued refunds to the clubs, but instead will give them a credit for the future. Why is this acceptable? Another question that has me curious is whether some clubs or leagues applied and received PPP loans for small businesses. I believe, US Soccer received one back in April, not long after the DA league was terminated. I know it's easier said than done, but maybe this Covid_19 shutdown should open our (parents) eyes to pre-paying for services so far into the future.
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Some clubs paid their coaches through the season. Some may have had to pay for their fields. Some may have paid their administrators. -
Right. And since the clubs supposedly got credits towards the tournament registration for the 20/21 season, why are we being asked to pay the same tuition? At the least, they should reduce tuition next year as they won't be putting out the cash for all those expensive tournaments.Comment
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What clubs are you talking about? And what tournaments? Can't really talk in generalities about this since various clubs and tournaments are taking different approaches.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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I registered for Fall and they already started taking my month payments with no credit for Spring. I’m optimistic once the club gets their numbers in order we will get something back but I’m also pretty sure it will be insulting and low. I’m patient with the time of the return but I get how some other people aren’t. Especially if you’re moving to another club.Comment
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There are so many leagues and associations, there is no general rule on what is happening with fees/dues. EDP cancelled, but clearly stated they are not giving everything back. Most tournaments seem to just be giving a credit to a future tourney. I do not get the sense that everyone is just pocketing everything. As poster above points out, many clubs continued to pay coaches, admins, fields fees, etc. I am also sure clubs applied for PPP loans and got them as “non-profit”. However, I also think clubs lost a decent chunk of income in hosting tournaments, camps and add on training, etc. There are so many “new partnership” announcements, its clear that many clubs are being bought up out of financial ruin.
In the end, I am sure many clubs just do not have the means to give the refunds. Those that do also know that there are hundreds of kids waiting in line to play for them and that most parents are not going to pull their kids from a big team over $500 when they are shelling out thousands every year. They also know movement and tryouts is probably the lowest its ever been and parents and kids just don’t have a choice but to stay.
There is no happy ending on this coming so we need to ask for credits, but otherwise move on to bigger issues.Comment
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Waiting for all the lawsuits to start and youth soccer's books be torn wide open.Comment
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Where did the money go? Very simple.
People that sit in an office all day at leagues or tournaments. They never develop kids but they're making ridiculous money.
Top league! Showcase! You name it! Only in America do we fall for this. See if Europe, Africa or South America have showcases.Comment
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Why didn't these employees access the cares act like everybody else? I dont want to pay for the cares act plus also be forced to pay the employees that are basically unemployed but are doing meaningless virtual " training so they can keep unearned money".Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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Go and ask your all conquering Altirs.Comment
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High school soccer aged kids not playing any club soccer in the spring (their only season at this level - they don’t play a fall club season)
Still have to pay $3,000-$4,000 for that non-played spring season.
Payments due for next year...NOW!
What kind of horse crap is this that’s being tolerated by the consumers? I meant PARENTS.
A rollover to next season would have been the right answer. Too much to ask I suppose.Comment
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So here is my plan.
I can’t sue my club because kids will get blackballed. My state gives 6 year statute on suing over written contact. My kids will be out in 4 years.
If I am still unhappy then, I will sue in small claims court for the approximately $2 k I feel owed.
Just for some Personal satisfaction.Comment
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Dont they qualify for the loan forgiveness from the stimulus if they did? I bet many clubs will have their best profits ever this year .... MANY!Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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I havent signed either of my kids up and expressed concern to their coaches that the same will happen next year and I do not want to make another sizable donation to their club. What can they say or do? I am not signing them up again without a guarantee, in writing, from the club. We live in a blue state .... great chance we will be raising taxes to pay everyone to stay home for another year (for an even longer period next time) and get even lazier and fatter. It's on the club's management and I expect nothing. Oh well. Will have my kids play HS soccer, do winter sports and if they want to try out again in the spring somewhere, they can do that and we can get a prorated tuition.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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