Will the Vancouver Timbers ever Grow UP?

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What will be different in the near future that will convince someone to lend WT_FC the money that they won't lend them today?

There are many options to garner lump sum payments. There is advertising that can be sold in 5 year periods, (local Real Estate firms & Insurance Agents are prime targets).

There are naming rights to the fields (Banks, Auto Dealerships) and there are exclusive vendor rights (Coke vs Pepsi & hot dogs).

There also should be a dedicated player fee to service the loans.

[Unregistered]

There are many options to garner lump sum payments. There is advertising that can be sold in 5 year periods, (local Real Estate firms & Insurance Agents are prime targets).

There are naming rights to the fields (Banks, Auto Dealerships) and there are exclusive vendor rights (Coke vs Pepsi & hot dogs).

There also should be a dedicated player fee to service the loans.

You think they haven't tried all of these over the past 4 years? They even hired a professional fundraiser for a year (the mayor of Washougal) and even he couldn't drum up any support within the community.

[Unregistered]

To get those players back all you have to do is get the best coaches. I doubt there is a single Vantucky parent that would drive if the coaching existed locally. To do that the GM needs to take some of the DOC savings and recruit and pay up for the better coaches in the Region and that would include 86ing Victor as his reputation would prevent reputable coaches from wanting to be associated with VT.

Not as simplistic as you state. First, who are the "best coaches"? "Best" by whose definition? "Best" at what cost? If the "best" are already at other clubs, what would be the motivation for the "best" to move to a club that is in flux?

We were among those that left and haven't regretted that decision for a second. Sadly, by the time VT regains any sense of respect, our child's youth playing days will be over. The merger was based on revenue and along the way the core mission/philosophy became dictated by revenue. There is no coming back. VT is simply reaping what they have sown in the last few years.

[Unregistered]

Not as simplistic as you state. First, who are the "best coaches"? "Best" by whose definition? "Best" at what cost? If the "best" are already at other clubs, what would be the motivation for the "best" to move to a club that is in flux?

We were among those that left and haven't regretted that decision for a second. Sadly, by the time VT regains any sense of respect, our child's youth playing days will be over. The merger was based on revenue and along the way the core mission/philosophy became dictated by revenue. There is no coming back. VT is simply reaping what they have sown in the last few years.

And I am among those that joined recently, and it has been great for us, do not anticipate leaving. Your situation is anecdotal and frankly, worth very little.

[Unregistered]

And I am among those that joined recently, and it has been great for us, do not anticipate leaving. Your situation is anecdotal and frankly, worth very little.

By your own admission you simply haven't been there long enough to opine on the matter. We were with the club through its various versions, VUSA, Columbia Timbers and finally ****. We watched it degrade over time because of a lack of integrity and cronyism and are glad we got out when we did.

Anecdotal? Gotta love newbies. Your rookie opinion is anecdotal and worth very little. Give it time and you will figure out why 200 advanced competition players left over the last year alone.

[Unregistered]

And I am among those that joined recently, and it has been great for us, do not anticipate leaving. Your situation is anecdotal and frankly, worth very little.

You never "anticipate" leaving. But, if they don't correct their course, you will soon understand why so many have.

[Unregistered]

One, Two, Three, Four

Not as simplistic as you state. First, who are the "best coaches"? "Best" by whose definition? "Best" at what cost? If the "best" are already at other clubs, what would be the motivation for the "best" to move to a club that is in flux?

We were among those that left and haven't regretted that decision for a second. Sadly, by the time VT regains any sense of respect, our child's youth playing days will be over. The merger was based on revenue and along the way the core mission/philosophy became dictated by revenue. There is no coming back. VT is simply reaping what they have sown in the last few years.

Step One: Agree upon a standardized club development program and style of play.
Step Two: Recruit the locally recognized best coaches for development at the younger ages and those with winning records U14+. You do this by giving them teams & ages of their choice, prime practice facilities, three teams and yes more money per team.
Step Three: Market those coaches!
Step Four: Hold open out of season camps featuring those coaches.

[Unregistered]

Fundraising Different than what I'm talking about

You think they haven't tried all of these over the past 4 years? They even hired a professional fundraiser for a year (the mayor of Washougal) and even he couldn't drum up any support within the community.

When you have a 3,000 member club that translates into a minimum of 6,000 adult customers 1/2 of whom are going to see the advertising and hear the name 24 times for practice over a 12 week season and at least 12 times for games for 108,000 potential exposures in a single season. Add in the visiting parent and you pick up a minimum 36,000 views for a total 142,000 for a single season.

Now add in the tournaments and the sprig season and you are talking about 500,000 potential exposures.

With naming rights and you get that exposure PLUS all of the mentions in the press and e-mails for tournaments and schedules. Think double the 500,000!

If a "fundraiser" can't sell that they should refund their fee.

[Unregistered]

Step One: Agree upon a standardized club development program and style of play.
Step Two: Recruit the locally recognized best coaches for development at the younger ages and those with winning records U14+. You do this by giving them teams & ages of their choice, prime practice facilities, three teams and yes more money per team.
Step Three: Market those coaches!
Step Four: Hold open out of season camps featuring those coaches.

All well and good suggestions, however, this is where **F falls short:

Step 1: they can't agree on minor issues let alone an overarching mission.
Step2: egos and alliances prevent the promising of particar teams and ages. Quite the opposite occurs. Promises of prime facilities? Where might those be? Remember you are talking about **FC.
Step 3: if you were lucky enough to attract the best coaches to this dysfunctional organization, why the need to market? Players and parents naturally gravitate to the "best"
Step4: get past step 3 first.

[Unregistered]

All well and good suggestions, however, this is where **F falls short:

Step 1: they can't agree on minor issues let alone an overarching mission.
Step2: egos and alliances prevent the promising of particar teams and ages. Quite the opposite occurs. Promises of prime facilities? Where might those be? Remember you are talking about **FC.
Step 3: if you were lucky enough to attract the best coaches to this dysfunctional organization, why the need to market? Players and parents naturally gravitate to the "best"
Step4: get past step 3 first.

Please can we just stop talking about WT_c? Somebody just write the obituary, relegate the kids to other clubs and expand the shooting range at Harmony.

[Unregistered]

Please can we just stop talking about WT_c? Somebody just write the obituary, relegate the kids to other clubs and expand the shooting range at Harmony.

That's the long term plan, but don't rush it.
W.T.F.c has now replaced Salmon Creek as the drama queen of Vantucky. Outsiders are enjoying the free entertainment.

[Unregistered]

Change

Have they posted the new positions?

[Unregistered]

Have they posted the new positions?

They've already filled them, with Sunny D and Gary O! Huge improvement!!!!

[Unregistered]

Say it aint so!

They've already filled them, with Sunny D and Gary O! Huge improvement!!!!

Seriously? Please reveal your source.

[Unregistered]

And I am among those that joined recently, and it has been great for us, do not anticipate leaving. Your situation is anecdotal and frankly, worth very little.

What team(s)?