Does switching club teams make me bad?

[Unregistered]

My son is changing clubs. Does that make me one of "those" parents?

http://acoachinglife.wordpress.com/2...s-perspective/

[Unregistered]

I think the article suggests that you are one of "those parents" if you badmouth the former club, burn bridges, and are always looking for the "next best thing". Switching clubs in and of itself doesn't make you one of "those parents". Of course, I might be biased because my child did switch clubs-because we felt that her first club did some unethical things and did not want to be a part of that. So, my child left and has never looked back. It was the best move our family could have made!

[Unregistered]

We had been at the same club for a few years before we decided to switch. Old club's approach was a recruiting style to build teams and the new clubs was player development. My son was the primary driver of the decision. In his words "I just don't see myself getting better if I stay".

However, after our decision the parents of the original club did give us some grief (minor and jokingly). However, the DOC gave us a terrible time. I was prepared to highly recommend the club we were leaving because it can be a right fit for some players and families, it just wasn't the right fit for my son. However, the DOC seemed to show his true colors when we left and I cannot in good concious recommend that club to anyone. So, burning bridges can go both ways.

Given the reaction after we left and the impact of the new clubs training, we made the best decision. The only regret is I wish we left one year earlier.

[Mydaughterkicksballs]

No it does not make one of those bad parents. In the soccer world the other clubs grass is always greener for one reason or another. Different clubs offer training, fitness and out of town travel. Do what you think is best for your soccer player. A person just needs to remember that the DOC are just politicans trying to keep the players, coaches and soccerfans happy.

To many of us parents think or believe our little "Johny or Suzie" talents are a gift to the soccer gods.

Good Luck with your next soccer adventure

[Unregistered]

Our player went to play for another club during the winter (off) season. We were immediately shut off of all communication from our old team, the parents of our old team were told that we had "quit" or our player was "let go". I can only imagine that they were doing "damage control" in anticipation of us actually leaving, but our player was playing up a year for this new team and in no was playing against their old team and we had communicated in writing that we were only playing for Winter 1 season only and would return afterwards.

They (DOC, Old coach and Team manager) alienated us so bad, it was an easy way to move on. Fortunately, it was for the better, the club that we went to then put our player on their best team this spring, in a starting position and they are in the running now for the State Cup (old team didnt make it very far). The training, communication and overall experience was well worth it.

Im sure we are labeled by some as one of those "club jumping" families. We were with the old club since kindergarten (7 years) and now they've lost us forever. They shoved us away.

[Unregistered]

Our player went to play for another club during the winter (off) season. We were immediately shut off of all communication from our old team, the parents of our old team were told that we had "quit" or our player was "let go". I can only imagine that they were doing "damage control" in anticipation of us actually leaving, but our player was playing up a year for this new team and in no was playing against their old team and we had communicated in writing that we were only playing for Winter 1 season only and would return afterwards.

They (DOC, Old coach and Team manager) alienated us so bad, it was an easy way to move on. Fortunately, it was for the better, the club that we went to then put our player on their best team this spring, in a starting position and they are in the running now for the State Cup (old team didnt make it very far). The training, communication and overall experience was well worth it.

Im sure we are labeled by some as one of those "club jumping" families. We were with the old club since kindergarten (7 years) and now they've lost us forever. They shoved us away.

As much as I hate to admit it, I believe this happens a lot. We had 1 player leave and I couldn't believe the parents!! I never once heard the coach say anything (of course that's not to say they didn't). When asked they said; "They made the decision they felt was right" and that was it. I have heard similar stories from players who now play for our club. I'm sure we are guilty too but man, give it a rest. If it's not the right fit just wish them well wherever they land and move on. My 2 cents.

[Unregistered]

As much as I hate to admit it, I believe this happens a lot. We had 1 player leave and I couldn't believe the parents!! I never once heard the coach say anything (of course that's not to say they didn't). When asked they said; "They made the decision they felt was right" and that was it. I have heard similar stories from players who now play for our club. I'm sure we are guilty too but man, give it a rest. If it's not the right fit just wish them well wherever they land and move on. My 2 cents.

I agree. If clubs DOC's and coaches were gracious and supportive when families leave they may find that same player/family returning and being even more supportive of the club.