frankly, i think parents get vilified way too much. some deserved of course. Parents PAY for all this. ALOT. Parents have a lot of time invested. ALOT. there is much that is missed for practices, scrimmages, tournaments, skills sessions. The parents allow this whole structure to exist, the coaches are PAID by the parents, they work for the parents( this galls the coaches, but secretly they know it). Many of these "coaches" would be in lines of work that i promise you would command less authority, autonomy and pay than what they receive from the PARENTS. The only reason that parents put up with this nonsense that clubs pull is that they love their kids and don't want them to pay for it by pulling out. So here's to you, mr and mrs 4 nights a week of practice, games on the weekend, year round soccer, paying the bills of north texas soccer.

soccerisgood123 wrote:frankly, i think parents get vilified way too much. some deserved of course. Parents PAY for all this. ALOT. Parents have a lot of time invested. ALOT. there is much that is missed for practices, scrimmages, tournaments, skills sessions. The parents allow this whole structure to exist, the coaches are PAID by the parents, they work for the parents( this galls the coaches, but secretly they know it). Many of these "coaches" would be in lines of work that i promise you would command less authority, autonomy and pay than what they receive from the PARENTS. The only reason that parents put up with this nonsense that clubs pull is that they love their kids and don't want them to pay for it by pulling out. So here's to you, mr and mrs 4 nights a week of practice, games on the weekend, year round soccer, paying the bills of north texas soccer.

Well said! There are times we suffer from fatigue or a lack of motivation but in the end we do what's best for our children. Rugrats better appreciate this!!!

soccerisgood123 wrote:frankly, i think parents get vilified way too much. some deserved of course. Parents PAY for all this. ALOT. Parents have a lot of time invested. ALOT. there is much that is missed for practices, scrimmages, tournaments, skills sessions. The parents allow this whole structure to exist, the coaches are PAID by the parents, they work for the parents( this galls the coaches, but secretly they know it). Many of these "coaches" would be in lines of work that i promise you would command less authority, autonomy and pay than what they receive from the PARENTS. The only reason that parents put up with this nonsense that clubs pull is that they love their kids and don't want them to pay for it by pulling out. So here's to you, mr and mrs 4 nights a week of practice, games on the weekend, year round soccer, paying the bills of north texas soccer.

Now imagine if we just did not put up with this crap... We need more parents to get upset with the current state of the system so we can truly change it. There is no reason soccer should cost as much as it does.

Ok, finally I understand. Since we pay for it, we should be able to act however we want. Since we pay for it, we should be able to tell the coaches whatever we want. Since we pay for it, we can act like fools on the sidelines. Since we pay for it, we should be able to coach the games.. Makes sense to me

It doesnt have to cost as much.. There are many teams/coaches that dont charge as much.

"Ok, finally I understand. Since we pay for it, we should be able to act however we want. Since we pay for it, we should be able to tell the coaches whatever we want. Since we pay for it, we can act like fools on the sidelines. Since we pay for it, we should be able to coach the games.. Makes sense to me

It doesnt have to cost as much.. There are many teams/coaches that dont charge as much."

actually, you don't. You missed the whole point, parents aren't the enemy, they are the foundation of the whole thing.......

yellowboots wrote:

Ok, finally I understand. Since we pay for it, we should be able to act however we want. Since we pay for it, we should be able to tell the coaches whatever we want. Since we pay for it, we can act like fools on the sidelines. Since we pay for it, we should be able to coach the games.. Makes sense to me

It doesnt have to cost as much.. There are many teams/coaches that dont charge as much.

I dont believe this is what the post was trying to say... Parents should act appropriately but as should the coaching staff. Some of the coaches in this area act as if they are above everything... they coach soccer, and are paid to do this by the parents. If we are all treating each other with respect we should not have any issues.

The options for playing select soccer with an inexpensive team is about 20% of the poplulation of the teams (used 98 D1 teams for example only two teams are less than $1500)

yellowboots wrote:

It doesnt have to cost as much.. There are many teams/coaches that dont charge as much.

Anyone know of an 02 team in Lewisville/Flower Mound/Carrollton general area that does not charge as much as the bigger clubs?

yellowboots wrote:
It doesnt have to cost as much. There are many teams/coaches that dont charge as much.

Or you can practice on your own for free, right?
But seriously, there are some less expensive teams, but not that many.

Some of those teams have a VERY GOOD coaches, who are willing to sacrifice part of their pay
to make it easier on the parents.

But there is one very common problem with those teams:
Not many skilled players are willing to play for "no-name" team.
Because of that, average level of the players on the team is kind of "low"
That affects the progress of every better_then_average player.

Parents need to understand, that in club soccer, you pay for training not for "guaranteed" playing time.

I agree though, that sometimes I feel like a slave:)
Parents should have a bit more rights, i.e. getting out of the contract if there is a valid reason...

If this existed, clubs/coaches would be more willing to listen to parents and
be competitive with the pricing too...

Not certain that I agree that great players aren't on some of the indy teams, but I definitely agree that the parents need some rights around the contracts.

For instance, during the summer, yep, even in June, a player can't guest for another team in a tournament without the previous coach's permission. How does that make sense? The kid is obviously shopping for a reason, so why let the coach he wants to leave be able to hold him back?

Soccerinsanity wrote:Not certain that I agree that great players aren't on some of the indy teams, but I definitely agree that the parents need some rights around the contracts.

For instance, during the summer, yep, even in June, a player can't guest for another team in a tournament without the previous coach's permission. How does that make sense? The kid is obviously shopping for a reason, so why let the coach he wants to leave be able to hold him back?

If you send your tournament release to North Texas they will sign instead of the coach and fax it back to you. I agree that the contracts are very lopsided.

Actually, even in June, NTX now expects an attempt to get the coach's release. If he won't sign it, then the Youth Commissioner will call the coach and ask him to explain himself. If the team is in a tournament the same weekend, you can forget the release w/o coach's permission. Any coach that will restrain a player in June should be exposed to prospective buyers.

Actually the commissioner doesn't even call the coach. The parents said she was apologetic about it but I have never seen those nice parents as angry as they were after that experience!

rqps wrote:

yellowboots wrote:

Ok, finally I understand. Since we pay for it, we should be able to act however we want. Since we pay for it, we should be able to tell the coaches whatever we want. Since we pay for it, we can act like fools on the sidelines. Since we pay for it, we should be able to coach the games.. Makes sense to me

It doesnt have to cost as much.. There are many teams/coaches that dont charge as much.

I dont believe this is what the post was trying to say... Parents should act appropriately but as should the coaching staff. Some of the coaches in this area act as if they are above everything... they coach soccer, and are paid to do this by the parents. If we are all treating each other with respect we should not have any issues.

The options for playing select soccer with an inexpensive team is about 20% of the poplulation of the teams (used 98 D1 teams for example only two teams are less than $1500)

I think the reason for such high fees is because thats what parents really want. The "haves" want the fees to be very expensive so that most of the "have-nots" can't afford to compete. I know of great kids in Irving that didn't even want to drive to North Dallas because it would cost too much. If and when soccer gets mainstreamed, it will become more of a "poor mans" sport just like it is on most other highly competitive countries. Look at the Change even Dallas has gone through since FC Dallas came around.

AND! wrote:

rqps wrote:

yellowboots wrote:

Ok, finally I understand. Since we pay for it, we should be able to act however we want. Since we pay for it, we should be able to tell the coaches whatever we want. Since we pay for it, we can act like fools on the sidelines. Since we pay for it, we should be able to coach the games.. Makes sense to me

It doesnt have to cost as much.. There are many teams/coaches that dont charge as much.

I dont believe this is what the post was trying to say... Parents should act appropriately but as should the coaching staff. Some of the coaches in this area act as if they are above everything... they coach soccer, and are paid to do this by the parents. If we are all treating each other with respect we should not have any issues.

The options for playing select soccer with an inexpensive team is about 20% of the poplulation of the teams (used 98 D1 teams for example only two teams are less than $1500)

I think the reason for such high fees is because thats what parents really want. The "haves" want the fees to be very expensive so that most of the "have-nots" can't afford to compete. I know of great kids in Irving that didn't even want to drive to North Dallas because it would cost too much. If and when soccer gets mainstreamed, it will become more of a "poor mans" sport just like it is on most other highly competitive countries. Look at the Change even Dallas has gone through since FC Dallas came around.

That's what school sports are for......why in the world do you think high school soccer is so attacked and belittled in the club environment? Rather than saying "haves" and "have-nots", you might just say that high school sports are there for those that don't need to pay. If you ever eliminate the costs, you're going to take soccer out of the reach of alot of kids that enjoy and learn great things from it now.

starbuck wrote:

AND! wrote:

rqps wrote:

yellowboots wrote:

Ok, finally I understand. Since we pay for it, we should be able to act however we want. Since we pay for it, we should be able to tell the coaches whatever we want. Since we pay for it, we can act like fools on the sidelines. Since we pay for it, we should be able to coach the games.. Makes sense to me

It doesnt have to cost as much.. There are many teams/coaches that dont charge as much.

I dont believe this is what the post was trying to say... Parents should act appropriately but as should the coaching staff. Some of the coaches in this area act as if they are above everything... they coach soccer, and are paid to do this by the parents. If we are all treating each other with respect we should not have any issues.

The options for playing select soccer with an inexpensive team is about 20% of the poplulation of the teams (used 98 D1 teams for example only two teams are less than $1500)

I think the reason for such high fees is because thats what parents really want. The "haves" want the fees to be very expensive so that most of the "have-nots" can't afford to compete. I know of great kids in Irving that didn't even want to drive to North Dallas because it would cost too much. If and when soccer gets mainstreamed, it will become more of a "poor mans" sport just like it is on most other highly competitive countries. Look at the Change even Dallas has gone through since FC Dallas came around.

That's what school sports are for......why in the world do you think high school soccer is so attacked and belittled in the club environment? Rather than saying "haves" and "have-nots", you might just say that high school sports are there for those that don't need to pay. If you ever eliminate the costs, you're going to take soccer out of the reach of alot of kids that enjoy and learn great things from it now.

If i understand you right......
Its FREE right here in Dallas at FC Dallas. They seem to enjoy and learn great things.

I think the reason for such high fees is because thats what parents really want. The "haves" want the fees to be very expensive so that most of the "have-nots" can't afford to compete. I know of great kids in Irving that didn't even want to drive to North Dallas because it would cost too much. If and when soccer gets mainstreamed, it will become more of a "poor mans" sport just like it is on most other highly competitive countries. Look at the Change even Dallas has gone through since FC Dallas came around.

I hear how expensive it is hear in relation to the rest of the world or states.

Canada indoor costs Brampton youth soccer Club (my old club my how times have changed) http://bramptonyouthsoccerclub.ca/Indoor%20Season/2011%202012/2011%20-%202012%20Indoor%20Brochure%20final.pdf $185 plus 295 if you play competitive

Maine Competitive fees 1,150 for the team ( Not as much supply demand in northern Maine ( plus I would think the season is a lot shorter.

San Diego http://www.nomadssoccer.org/news/161249.html $2,000 plus

Couldn't find the exact costs in England but saw plenty of articles of parents and writer concerned about the rising fee costs of youth football in England becoming prohibitive for parents and a need for reform.

With my short research it seems that this topic is not unique to North Texas. I think I will continue my research when I have more time. But jut thought to some food for thought.

AND! wrote:

rqps wrote:

yellowboots wrote:

Ok, finally I understand. Since we pay for it, we should be able to act however we want. Since we pay for it, we should be able to tell the coaches whatever we want. Since we pay for it, we can act like fools on the sidelines. Since we pay for it, we should be able to coach the games.. Makes sense to me

It doesnt have to cost as much.. There are many teams/coaches that dont charge as much.

I dont believe this is what the post was trying to say... Parents should act appropriately but as should the coaching staff. Some of the coaches in this area act as if they are above everything... they coach soccer, and are paid to do this by the parents. If we are all treating each other with respect we should not have any issues.

The options for playing select soccer with an inexpensive team is about 20% of the poplulation of the teams (used 98 D1 teams for example only two teams are less than $1500)

I think the reason for such high fees is because thats what parents really want. The "haves" want the fees to be very expensive so that most of the "have-nots" can't afford to compete. I know of great kids in Irving that didn't even want to drive to North Dallas because it would cost too much. If and when soccer gets mainstreamed, it will become more of a "poor mans" sport just like it is on most other highly competitive countries. Look at the Change even Dallas has gone through since FC Dallas came around.

That is the most ridiculous thing you have posted yet and that is quite a feat. Do you think the "haves" got that way by being stupid with their money? Thats hilarious.

my2cents wrote:

AND! wrote:

rqps wrote:

yellowboots wrote:

Ok, finally I understand. Since we pay for it, we should be able to act however we want. Since we pay for it, we should be able to tell the coaches whatever we want. Since we pay for it, we can act like fools on the sidelines. Since we pay for it, we should be able to coach the games.. Makes sense to me

It doesnt have to cost as much.. There are many teams/coaches that dont charge as much.

I dont believe this is what the post was trying to say... Parents should act appropriately but as should the coaching staff. Some of the coaches in this area act as if they are above everything... they coach soccer, and are paid to do this by the parents. If we are all treating each other with respect we should not have any issues.

The options for playing select soccer with an inexpensive team is about 20% of the poplulation of the teams (used 98 D1 teams for example only two teams are less than $1500)

I think the reason for such high fees is because thats what parents really want. The "haves" want the fees to be very expensive so that most of the "have-nots" can't afford to compete. I know of great kids in Irving that didn't even want to drive to North Dallas because it would cost too much. If and when soccer gets mainstreamed, it will become more of a "poor mans" sport just like it is on most other highly competitive countries. Look at the Change even Dallas has gone through since FC Dallas came around.

That is the most ridiculous thing you have posted yet and that is quite a feat. Do you think the "haves" got that way by being stupid with their money? Thats hilarious.

This is not the most ridiculous thing i've ever post by far. LOL You seem to have gotten upset, and feel that you are being stupid with your money. How the "haves" in this country got their money doesn't matter, hell the original people of these lands and other lands around the world would consider the wealth blood money anyway. lOl Haves spend their money on what they want. I dont consider it to be stupid but actually smart to try to make it too expensive for the most competitive soccer players to play. You want to give your kids a advantage, have things, go places, experience things, that others may not be able to afford. Thats why you want to be a "have" right. Based on what you're implying it would be stupid to spend your money on sending your child to the Hockaday School when there are much cheaper private schools in the area that compete academically. Or $30 on an 100% cotton nike shirt instead of $12 dollars on an 100% cotton no name brand shirt. When it comes to sports like soccer and basketball, The STUPID part may be that your paying your way right out of real success because based on money spent the "have nots" are winning the battle.
Larry Bird said that if he was a "have" he would've never been great because he would've been doing drills with cones and coaches instead of playing for hours everyday on the park with the other "poor" kids. Clint Dempsey grew up playing with the immigrant kids in the trailer park and he is the most successful soccer player we have now. Some Sports are a different animal, more money spent, less chance of success. Why is another conversation.LOL LOL
6 out of the top 10 U14 classic 1 teams are Relatively free, 4 out of the top 5. Top classic 1 U15 is "free"'. LOL. Then you throw in the scholarship players on the expensive teams... WOW
Not Hatin' just Statin'

'. LOL. Then you throw in the scholarship players on the expensive teams... WOW
Not Hatin' just Statin'[/quote]

Some would say this is why soccer is so expensive!

Not all, by far, but some of the haves and have nots are a difference between how the parents choose to spend their money. There's a pyrite parent that swears she doesn't have the money to pay for soccer, but she has plenty of tequila parties every single weekend. Skip one party a month, she'd have the fees. On the other side of the fence, there are parents who scrimp and save their pennies to enable their kids to play. A lot of it is a choice.

Soccerinsanity wrote:'. LOL. Then you throw in the scholarship players on the expensive teams... WOW
Not Hatin' just Statin'

Some would say this is why soccer is so expensive!

Not all, by far, but some of the haves and have nots are a difference between how the parents choose to spend their money. There's a pyrite parent that swears she doesn't have the money to pay for soccer, but she has plenty of tequila parties every single weekend. Skip one party a month, she'd have the fees. On the other side of the fence, there are parents who scrimp and save their pennies to enable their kids to play. A lot of it is a choice.[/quote]

bottom line is that it comes down to supply and demand. Frankly, it is an easy sell. (Little johnny rocketlegs has huge potential as a player..but he needs to play for our club/team to 'develop')

99% of the parents think that their kid is an elite player. Even though they come off the bench. Or, at the very least, MUCH, MUCH better than they actually are.

After all, there's a forum for 04's!

omega striker wrote:

Soccerinsanity wrote:'. LOL. Then you throw in the scholarship players on the expensive teams... WOW
Not Hatin' just Statin'

Some would say this is why soccer is so expensive!

Not all, by far, but some of the haves and have nots are a difference between how the parents choose to spend their money. There's a pyrite parent that swears she doesn't have the money to pay for soccer, but she has plenty of tequila parties every single weekend. Skip one party a month, she'd have the fees. On the other side of the fence, there are parents who scrimp and save their pennies to enable their kids to play. A lot of it is a choice.

[/quote]
Don't Blame the player's parent because the club offers them a scholarship. That what we are all working for right, scholarships? College scholarships are also paid for thru tuition that others pay.
Players get scholarships based on ability not financial need. When my son's got scholarships no one asked for my tax returns. The scholarships are used as a recruitment tool. Hard work pays off. Travel, food, camps, Training fees, Club Fees, uniforms, and warmups for two kids add up. Thanks for the Scholarship money.. Next the Developmental academy fully funded by the parents that pay those high fees.

Laimport wrote:bottom line is that it comes down to supply and demand. Frankly, it is an easy sell. (Little johnny rocketlegs has huge potential as a player..but he needs to play for our club/team to 'develop')

99% of the parents think that their kid is an elite player. Even though they come off the bench. Or, at the very least, MUCH, MUCH better than they actually are.

After all, there's a forum for 04's!

AND! wrote: Don't Blame the player's parent because the club offers them a scholarship. That what we are all working for right, scholarships? College scholarships are also paid for thru tuition that others pay.
Players get scholarships based on ability not financial need. When my son's got scholarships no one asked for my tax returns. The scholarships are used as a recruitment tool. Hard work pays off. Travel, food, camps, Training fees, Club Fees, uniforms, and warmups for two kids add up. Thanks for the Scholarship money.. Next the Developmental academy fully funded by the parents that pay those high fees.

Laugh. If one's goal is to get club scholarships for their son, you are doing it wrong, IMO. I think most of us are doing it because its fun. Free $ is free $, but hell, you'll get a lot more bang for your buck if you took all the soccer time and invested it into your actual job.

Your mileage may vary.

Number13 wrote:

AND! wrote: Don't Blame the player's parent because the club offers them a scholarship. That what we are all working for right, scholarships? College scholarships are also paid for thru tuition that others pay.
Players get scholarships based on ability not financial need. When my son's got scholarships no one asked for my tax returns. The scholarships are used as a recruitment tool. Hard work pays off. Travel, food, camps, Training fees, Club Fees, uniforms, and warmups for two kids add up. Thanks for the Scholarship money.. Next the Developmental academy fully funded by the parents that pay those high fees.

Laugh. If one's goal is to get club scholarships for their son, you are doing it wrong, IMO. I think most of us are doing it because its fun. Free $ is free $, but hell, you'll get a lot more bang for your buck if you took all the soccer time and invested it into your actual job.

Your mileage may vary.

Not... Scholarships are not the goal, my kids play totally for fun. Since they are just playing for fun when Scholarships are offered to them why not take them. I would never take fun soccer or music time away from my kids, the bucks dont matter.

((((((((((IMO. I think most of us are doing it because its fun)))))))))) Yea right. If you're just doing it for fun you would be playing rec. soccer where its much much less pressure and more of a chance to be strictly for fun. I watch classic league games and i see very little smiles. No smiles no fun. So you don't have to justify paying your kids into mediocrity, its your money. The more you spend the more mediocre they get. LOL

Not Hatin' Just Statin'