I see the standings in rcl and ecnl and they seem to be dominating every age group. How do they do it? What is their secret? I would love to see more teams emerge and challenge them, but other than Seattle united, I just don’t see it.
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It's pretty much an economic/demographic issue. The club is located, centrally, to a large number of players, and is also in a higher socio-economic location than most other clubs in the State of Washington. This has afforded them multiple levels of opportunity that are tough to match elsewhere. Not trying to take away from their staff or business model, but it's not likely it would have the same level success in other locations.Originally posted by Guest View Post -
And these things build from a young age: Crossfire starts off ahead because of the above points, then each year top players leave other clubs to join them. Their success and location make this possible.Comment
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Best coaches, most desirable club in the area for top players, draws best players, great team spirit, and most supportive parents make Crossfire the best club in the Northwest.Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
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The foundation of the clubs success from U-8 to U-14 on the boys side can be accredited to one man only- Troy Leatherman. The guy dedicated his life to the success of the club.Comment
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What about their style of play? Would you guys say they have a certain style of play or do they play differently from each other?Comment
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I've not found that they have a club-wide cohesive style of play. Generally, they have better players (due to the economic/demographic issues above), and their success attracts players/parents, so the rich get richer. You could give the equivalent aged team in Maple Valley Pep Guardiola and Crossfire would still win, and if they didn't Crossfire has the resources to hire him from Maple Valley.Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
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I agree with the ideas that location plays a big part. They are close enough to draw the Seattle players, most Seattle players wouldn't consider the drive at a young age but it seems like at the older age group they are willing to make the sacrifice. Being in Redmond allows them to draw in the next big soccer hubs like Bellevue and Redmond. Further East families are willing to make the journey.
As stated by someone else, I am sure they have a great staff and culture, but location location location is key in this business.Comment
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Crossfire was successful long before Troy or any other coach for that matter.Originally posted by Guest View Post
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XF has a few things going for it, they have a good location, also have ECNL which other nearby RCL clubs don't have, so they draw top players from those clubs as the kids get older. They have a good tournament location, which allows them to make a lot of $$ so they can do things like cover the cost of girls ECNL, further attracting players from other clubs. As the kids get older there is less promotion from within and more kids coming from outside the club, but that's the reality of being at any big club. Their jrs program is free and kids want to stay with their friends so you get some families that may not have otherwise considered premier soccer. Lots of exposure to players in other smaller clubs through their skills camps, classes and overnight camp too.
They have good coaches for 1st and 2nd team anything below that it's a bit of a crapshoot.
They have made smart business choices along the way, and have always been stable and no major controversy or cheating scandals.Comment
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":Generally, they have better players (due to the economic/demographic issues above),"
you parents think it is all about you! If you have money you will have better players... News flash the best players (not to mention most pro players at the highest levels) in most sports don't come from families paying thousands on training... if you are in that mindset gl have fun throwing money away. the nba nfl and european and south american soccer isnt full of suburban rich kids.
Plain and simple crossfire plays to win games.
.. they don't pander to you bs'ing yourselves about how important "development is". Winning attracts COMPETITIVE kids... the kids tired of losing every game because the coach wants to "develop them". When these competitive kids get on a competitive team they are successful... that success brings more competitive kids etc etc.
In France and Brazil and Germany and England these kids develop themselves 4-8 hrs a week more than your kids. With no parents around. No coaches.. they practice at clubs in their own neighborhoods most of the time. And still have time in the day to play with their friends.. when playing outside with their friends what activity do you think the choose? In short the clubs can't build that into your kids. You kids develop themselves... your kid can do more for himself in an hour working on his own weaknesses than a club will do for him in a whole yr. That is why crossfire so successful.. they aren't pandering to that idea.. kids work as a team and in groups to win games... develop on your own time, play direct and to the point in matches. Win games, win games, attract dedicated players, etc etc. In that club when your kid misses the initiative he gets passed and replaced by a motivated player.Comment
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Also they don't pander to your loyalty bs either.. they are a soccer club. They work on soccer. You are a consumer and are not bound to their product. Neither should be loyal both should be demanding. Then to their product quality and you to your investment in a soccer club.Comment
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Thank you Bernie- I just hope the plan is not for you to coach 8-10 year olds next seasonOriginally posted by Guest View PostComment
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Like being mentioned by other posts, XF as a club, its business model won't fail. Its location can attract many players around this area, regardless who runs the club and who coaches the teams. But, it will get harder to keep top players, probably losing players to Sounders and SU, etc. I'll be amazed if another team can win a national title this year. Troy, was an important piece for XF club on player development. It was a huge loss to XF regardless how Bernie wanted to mitigate his departure.Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
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