Seeing how the foursome of FCD, Texans, Andromeda, and Solar currently have the top 5 teams in D1 and have 14 of the 30 U11 Classic teams, I have a question or two.
In general, is the coaching at these clubs superior to smaller clubs? What coaches at smaller clubs deserve respect for teaching the game?
Im not looking for bashing of individual coaches and/or clubs. Im looking for positive information.

Big doesn't always mean better. Unfortunately, it's like a snowball. The big clubs seem to be getting bigger because many parents think that big is better or that their bb will get more opportunities/exposure at the larger clubs (maybe some validity to this if you're bb is at the top of the food chain).
I like Ayses for player development...just a personal opinion. They're not big, not small, but they seem to always field some competitive teams.

I would say that in general, the answer to your question is not necessarily. I take our coach as an example. He is a small independant (Riverplate) and as he grows and makes a name for himself as do other coaches who work with him (ie. Figo), it becomes hard for them to draw talent as the dark side has too much to offer (they can afford scholarships, offer scholarship potential down the road, they have programs such as jrs., etc. etc.). Coaches get offers from the darkside that are too good to pass up, or their teams or organizations get gobbled up by Darth Vader himself. Does that mean the coaching is better at the clubs, not necessarily, but these coaches now have access and opportunity to grow. But in theory you have to be a decent coach or at least have good contacts to land at the clubs to begin with.

BTW, that is one of the benefits of the large clubs, the kids get exposure and opportunities that would be unlikely with an independant, such as training with other coaches and teams, scrimmaging consistantly agains better teams, skills, etc. etc.

And not sure about other clubs, but at Andromeda you get FREE BEER at the clubhouse along with free wireless so the parents don't just kill time while waiting for their bbs to get better............(I guess FREE is relative.......).

happyfeet wrote:Big doesn't always mean better. Unfortunately, it's like a snowball. The big clubs seem to be getting bigger because many parents think that big is better or that their bb will get more opportunities/exposure at the larger clubs (maybe some validity to this if you're bb is at the top of the food chain).
I like Ayses for player development...just a personal opinion. They're not big, not small, but they seem to always field some competitive teams.

Where is their competitive 99 team?

Whoa can we get a confirmation on that AXX? Free beer, now theres a selling point.

Sorry got distracted by axx's offer of free beer that flows like water from the gods. I like barca's play best out of all the independents.

go99 wrote:Whoa can we get a confirmation on that AXX? Free beer, now theres a selling point.

Next time you are there, check out the orange gatorade coolers outside. You've never seen any before with a CO2 connection have you...........

Axxman wrote:

happyfeet wrote:Big doesn't always mean better. Unfortunately, it's like a snowball. The big clubs seem to be getting bigger because many parents think that big is better or that their bb will get more opportunities/exposure at the larger clubs (maybe some validity to this if you're bb is at the top of the food chain).
I like Ayses for player development...just a personal opinion. They're not big, not small, but they seem to always field some competitive teams.

Where is their competitive 99 team?

Certainly didn't mean they have dominating teams in all age groups, but like a lot of small clubs, their performance is sporadic for the very reasons you mentioned in your post on the big clubs. Here's where they're at this year (season to date):
U19 D1 Grand Champion
U17 nothing
U16 D1 9th
U15 D2 3rd
U14 nothing
U13 nothing
U12 D3 1st (moving to D2)
U11 nothing

happyfeet wrote:

Axxman wrote:

happyfeet wrote:Big doesn't always mean better. Unfortunately, it's like a snowball. The big clubs seem to be getting bigger because many parents think that big is better or that their bb will get more opportunities/exposure at the larger clubs (maybe some validity to this if you're bb is at the top of the food chain).
I like Ayses for player development...just a personal opinion. They're not big, not small, but they seem to always field some competitive teams.

Where is their competitive 99 team?

Certainly didn't mean they have dominating teams in all age groups, but like a lot of small clubs, their performance is sporadic for the very reasons you mentioned in your post on the big clubs. Here's where they're at this year (season to date):
U19 D1 Grand Champion
U17 nothing
U16 D1 9th
U15 D2 3rd
U14 nothing
U13 nothing
U12 D3 1st (moving to D2)
U11 nothing

Nice, looks like they do well where they put their focus. I thought at one time they had a 99 team but perhaps I'm mistaken. I certainly like their new facilities!

happyfeet wrote:

Axxman wrote:

happyfeet wrote:Big doesn't always mean better. Unfortunately, it's like a snowball. The big clubs seem to be getting bigger because many parents think that big is better or that their bb will get more opportunities/exposure at the larger clubs (maybe some validity to this if you're bb is at the top of the food chain).
I like Ayses for player development...just a personal opinion. They're not big, not small, but they seem to always field some competitive teams.

Where is their competitive 99 team?

Certainly didn't mean they have dominating teams in all age groups, but like a lot of small clubs, their performance is sporadic for the very reasons you mentioned in your post on the big clubs. Here's where they're at this year (season to date):
U19 D1 Grand Champion
U17 nothing
U16 D1 9th
U15 D2 3rd
U14 nothing
U13 nothing
U12 D3 1st (moving to D2)
U11 nothing

Correction:
U17 9th Place D2
U16: 4th Place D1, 9th Place D1, 5th Place D2
U15: 2nd Place D2, 3rd Place D2, 6th Place D3, 7th Place D3
U14 1st Place D2
U13: Plano
U12: 8th Place D2, 1st Place D2, Plano x 1
U11: Plano x 2

soccermom97b wrote:

happyfeet wrote:

Axxman wrote:

happyfeet wrote:Big doesn't always mean better. Unfortunately, it's like a snowball. The big clubs seem to be getting bigger because many parents think that big is better or that their bb will get more opportunities/exposure at the larger clubs (maybe some validity to this if you're bb is at the top of the food chain).
I like Ayses for player development...just a personal opinion. They're not big, not small, but they seem to always field some competitive teams.

Where is their competitive 99 team?

Certainly didn't mean they have dominating teams in all age groups, but like a lot of small clubs, their performance is sporadic for the very reasons you mentioned in your post on the big clubs. Here's where they're at this year (season to date):
U19 D1 Grand Champion
U17 nothing
U16 D1 9th
U15 D2 3rd
U14 nothing
U13 nothing
U12 D3 1st (moving to D2)
U11 nothing

Correction:
U17 9th Place D2
U16: 4th Place D1, 9th Place D1, 5th Place D2
U15: 2nd Place D2, 3rd Place D2, 6th Place D3, 7th Place D3
U14 1st Place D2
U13: Plano
U12: 8th Place D2, 1st Place D2, Plano x 1
U11: Plano x 2

You're right...I didn't count the new Longhorns teams, but not sure where you're getting U12 1st place D2? I show Kicks FC

sorry, meant 1st place D3 for U12

It also depends on how you define good. There are good coaches in every division. I have a 17 year old that played on an independent for three years. I have a 14 year that has played on one large club and one mid size. To me, it is really what you are wanting. Can the coach help your child develop? Does the team chemistry help your child develop? Do they like practice? Is the team dedicated to improving? Those are my questions. As a Dad, I am encouraging my son to go to college and be successful in the workforce. We really aren't living out dreams of being a professional soccer player. If we were, that would probably change how we would shop.

Thanks Mr. Clean.

There aren't any dreams of professional level soccer. I just want my son to enjoy the game and develop confidence. He wants to play high school soccer. I may be wrong, but I think if he sticks with it and develops his skills then he will have no trouble playing at the high school level. If he wants to pursue college ball then ----- who knows?
Beyond that, I just enjoy watching my kids do stuff.