I am very excited about the club my son is playing with now. The coaches,parents, and kids are all top notch people. They have treated my family like one of their own, and I'm proud to be part of such a great organization. Thanks guys.

Oh yea And the team is AWESOME!!

Parents play a big role in making it feel like home. They can also play a huge part on how outsiders see the team. A good team is more than good kids. It is a whole part that makes it great. I have seen teams where parents are in cliques or parents screaming at their kids to score more goals so the other team won't talk trash on here or just parents that tell kids to take out other kids.

Soccer27 wrote:Parents play a big role in making it feel like home. They can also play a huge part on how outsiders see the team. A good team is more than good kids. It is a whole part that makes it great. I have seen teams where parents are in cliques or parents screaming at their kids to score more goals so the other team won't talk trash on here or just parents that tell kids to take out other kids.

Good stuff here and so true. My couple/few years experience with Academy Soccer suggests that it's about "all of the above". Coach, Parents, Kids, Frequency of play, ability to compete, etc. All play an important part in our decision making process and overall satisfaction WRT the club we play with. The Coach may be the single most critical component. Even the most enjoyable Parents in the Metroplex couldn't overcom a scenario where my kid wasn't getting anything out of the program. None the less, the other factors are important variables and you're much better off if each component listed is a positive in your opinion. Oh and colorful shoes.. That's always a plus.

Soccer27 wrote:Parents play a big role in making it feel like home. They can also play a huge part on how outsiders see the team. A good team is more than good kids. It is a whole part that makes it great. I have seen teams where parents are in cliques or parents screaming at their kids to score more goals so the other team won't talk trash on here or just parents that tell kids to take out other kids.

Years ago when we started down this road I got this advice. Spend time with the other parents because even if the coach , club and team meet all your criteria it will all go bad if the parents are not the the type of people you are comfortable around. Six years later I still think it was great advice and am greatful for it.