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Academy Bar-Hopping?
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How many Academy programs has your DD spent at least 1 season with?
Academy Bar-Hopping?
Did (or has) your DD stay with the same team throughout her entire time in Academy? Or did you experiment around before signing that first contract? Did your DD run with multiple Academy teams in parallel? Is your DD still playing with the same team she first started with in Academy?
If your DD stayed (or is staying) with one Academy team the entire way… In hindsight would you have experimented more and compelled your DD to see more of what’s available out there? Would you consider your choice to work exclusively with one coach a regrettable decision?
What about the other side? Did anyone here visit with multiple Academy teams and now regret that decision?
bigtex75081- TxSoccer Author
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
bigtex75081 wrote:In another string that’s going on right now, Sweeper expressed regret for not having his DD play or train with several teams while on the Academy level. (FYI… According to his reply his DD is very happy with where she is now and so is he.) I saw that comment though and my mind immediately raced with questions. (My DD is still on the Academy level.) Instead of trying to hijack that string I’ve decided to start a new one. So now I’m fishing for advice.
Did (or has) your DD stay with the same team throughout her entire time in Academy? Or did you experiment around before signing that first contract? Did your DD run with multiple Academy teams in parallel? Is your DD still playing with the same team she first started with in Academy?
If your DD stayed (or is staying) with one Academy team the entire way… In hindsight would you have experimented more and compelled your DD to see more of what’s available out there? Would you consider your choice to work exclusively with one coach a regrettable decision?
What about the other side? Did anyone here visit with multiple Academy teams and now regret that decision?
Had similar thought, but wondering if it is too late if your DD is an 02 who is 4 mos away from qualification.
oldboot- TxSoccer Postmaster
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
Assuming your DD was up for it... With 4 months away from qualification wouldn't that be the BEST time to be working with 2 or more academies in parallel?oldboot wrote:bigtex75081 wrote:In another string that’s going on right now, Sweeper expressed regret for not having his DD play or train with several teams while on the Academy level. (FYI… According to his reply his DD is very happy with where she is now and so is he.) I saw that comment though and my mind immediately raced with questions. (My DD is still on the Academy level.) Instead of trying to hijack that string I’ve decided to start a new one. So now I’m fishing for advice.
Did (or has) your DD stay with the same team throughout her entire time in Academy? Or did you experiment around before signing that first contract? Did your DD run with multiple Academy teams in parallel? Is your DD still playing with the same team she first started with in Academy?
If your DD stayed (or is staying) with one Academy team the entire way… In hindsight would you have experimented more and compelled your DD to see more of what’s available out there? Would you consider your choice to work exclusively with one coach a regrettable decision?
What about the other side? Did anyone here visit with multiple Academy teams and now regret that decision?
Had similar thought, but wondering if it is too late if your DD is an 02 who is 4 mos away from qualification.
bigtex75081- TxSoccer Author
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
oldboot wrote:bigtex75081 wrote:In another string that’s going on right now, Sweeper expressed regret for not having his DD play or train with several teams while on the Academy level. (FYI… According to his reply his DD is very happy with where she is now and so is he.) I saw that comment though and my mind immediately raced with questions. (My DD is still on the Academy level.) Instead of trying to hijack that string I’ve decided to start a new one. So now I’m fishing for advice.
Did (or has) your DD stay with the same team throughout her entire time in Academy? Or did you experiment around before signing that first contract? Did your DD run with multiple Academy teams in parallel? Is your DD still playing with the same team she first started with in Academy?
If your DD stayed (or is staying) with one Academy team the entire way… In hindsight would you have experimented more and compelled your DD to see more of what’s available out there? Would you consider your choice to work exclusively with one coach a regrettable decision?
What about the other side? Did anyone here visit with multiple Academy teams and now regret that decision?
Had similar thought, but wondering if it is too late if your DD is an 02 who is 4 mos away from qualification.
It's not to late. If you are thinking about looking now it the time to start.
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
jj4mel wrote:My DD came from REC to Academy to train with Kat Webb. We moved around to different clubs, but the team stayed together. Once we merged with SRSA, the teams still stayed in tact for the most part. My DD is still playing with girls she played with at 4. We have gone to skills practices with other teams in years past. However, I think the skills practices she currently gets with Derek Missimo can't be beat. My DD is not interested in any other teams, and I am honestly not interested in any other clubs or coaches. Derek M, Ray C, and Adrian S are about as good as it gets.
Don't forget to clarify, as good as it gets for you and your DD. I am sure you aren't intending that everyone else out there is stupid because they didn't go your route. As stated several times, the whole thing is very relative. Also, do you really know for sure, what other groups did you give solid time and comittment too to know for 100% that it wouldn't be a better fit?
It sounds like you are in a great situation and it worked out, and maybe you did give other places quality looks, but I do laugh at the people who have been in the same place since their dd was 4 and know for a fact that it is the bestest thing ever and ever.
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
butt3r wrote:jj4mel wrote:My DD came from REC to Academy to train with Kat Webb. We moved around to different clubs, but the team stayed together. Once we merged with SRSA, the teams still stayed in tact for the most part. My DD is still playing with girls she played with at 4. We have gone to skills practices with other teams in years past. However, I think the skills practices she currently gets with Derek Missimo can't be beat. My DD is not interested in any other teams, and I am honestly not interested in any other clubs or coaches. Derek M, Ray C, and Adrian S are about as good as it gets.
Don't forget to clarify, as good as it gets for you and your DD. I am sure you aren't intending that everyone else out there is stupid because they didn't go your route. As stated several times, the whole thing is very relative. Also, do you really know for sure, what other groups did you give solid time and comittment too to know for 100% that it wouldn't be a better fit?
It sounds like you are in a great situation and it worked out, and maybe you did give other places quality looks, but I do laugh at the people who have been in the same place since their dd was 4 and know for a fact that it is the bestest thing ever and ever.
That's just funny because I can see the girl in your avatar using those exact words in a conversation
nukem- TxSoccer Author
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
butt3r wrote:jj4mel wrote:My DD came from REC to Academy to train with Kat Webb. We moved around to different clubs, but the team stayed together. Once we merged with SRSA, the teams still stayed in tact for the most part. My DD is still playing with girls she played with at 4. We have gone to skills practices with other teams in years past. However, I think the skills practices she currently gets with Derek Missimo can't be beat. My DD is not interested in any other teams, and I am honestly not interested in any other clubs or coaches. Derek M, Ray C, and Adrian S are about as good as it gets.
Don't forget to clarify, as good as it gets for you and your DD. I am sure you aren't intending that everyone else out there is stupid because they didn't go your route. As stated several times, the whole thing is very relative. Also, do you really know for sure, what other groups did you give solid time and comittment too to know for 100% that it wouldn't be a better fit?
It sounds like you are in a great situation and it worked out, and maybe you did give other places quality looks, but I do laugh at the people who have been in the same place since their dd was 4 and know for a fact that it is the bestest thing ever and ever.
I agree it is important to look around and find the right team for your DD's long term development. It's not really complicated. When I coached at Feet, my daughter played at Feet for convenience. At that time I thought that was right decision. After trying Solar Blue and moving to Solar Red and then SRSA. I didn't make the same choices for my BB and he played all his Academy years at FCD and well we regret not giving him other opportunities. Your decision(s) should be based on the quality of coach and players involved. This combo leads to better training sessions and better individual development. As a coach with a good understanding of soccer, it is in the details of individual technical play and tactical team understanding that make the best teams. Usually the results follow, but they really do NOT matter. A casual observer or even a soccer novice can easily determine the better teams by just watching the different teams style of play. Like JJ, I feel I have my DD at the perfect place and couldn't be happier. My DD is a much better player then when she joined her team, she is happy, she likes her teammates, and is having lots of fun. Sorry to disappoint anyone that this statement upsets on this forum. I wish that everyone finds the best soccer team for their girl. Sometimes that means making more than one stop and trying a few out.
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
jj4mel wrote:My DD came from REC to Academy to train with Kat Webb. We moved around to different clubs, but the team stayed together. Once we merged with SRSA, the teams still stayed in tact for the most part. My DD is still playing with girls she played with at 4. We have gone to skills practices with other teams in years past. However, I think the skills practices she currently gets with Derek Missimo can't be beat. My DD is not interested in any other teams, and I am honestly not interested in any other clubs or coaches. Derek M, Ray C, and Adrian S are about as good as it gets.
My condolences on all of the referenced coaches. The good news is therapy for children has come a long way in recent years. Check with your health insurance provider before proceeding for any out of pocket expenses you might encounter.
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
I do not think any answer or approach is right for everyone. The right approach will depend mainly on "what you want your DD to get out of soccer" and "what works best for your DD." "The right approach" will be vastly different, for example, if your primary goal is for your daughter to be one of the top soccer players in NTx than if your primary goal is for your daughter to learn the "life lessons" of playing a team sport. Also, "the right approach" will be vastly different if your DD is focued/driven to win and be a better soccer player than if your DD focuses more on the friendship/comraderie of her current teammates. For most, I suspect that their situation is some combination of all of the above...
Having said that, I believe it is always a good idea to comparison shop for the following two reasons: 1) As evidenced by several examples provided by other parents, your current team situation may change drastically beyond your control (e.g., your DD may not make the team, the team may implode) 2) You may find a team/coach that better meet your and your DD's needs than the current one. Signing an one-year contract is a major commitment. Invest the time to make sure that you are making the right decision and that you have options just in case something goes not according to your plan. That means more than "window shopping" (i.e., showing up for one practice).
BTW, our DD and her team went from rec to spending the longest and most miserable year (at least for our DD) with one of the "top academy coaches." She then attended several practices with three other "top teams/coaches" before settling on one. At least for us, it was pretty obvious where she was happy and which coach/team was best fit for her.
Last edited by jae on 08/03/12, 09:59 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
butt3r wrote:Jae's longest post ever. Thinking about jj4mel, if she has been with KW since she was 4 that is at least 4 clubs...right?
Only 3. Sting, Mustangs and Solar. We followed the coach, not the club. Started with Kat when she was 6 along with about 5-6 of her rec teammates.
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
butt3r- TxSoccer Postmaster
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
I didn't expect though to see that the largest % of responders (at the time I'm posting this) to the poll have employed 3+ Academy teams during their DD's career. I honestly expected the large majority to have only employed 1 program. Watching those results has been eye-catching for me.
So, there's been...
1. Responses from people that stayed with 1 program/coach and are glad they did that.
2. Responses from people that have stayed with 1 program and regret not trying out others.
3. Responses that people visited with multiple programs and are glad for that.
What I haven't seen yet is a response stating their DD worked with multiple academy programs and now regret having done so. Did anybody out there work with multiple programs and now considers it a mistake?
I appreciate all of your inputs. I'm looking for all advice. I want to make sure that my DD navigates through Academy with the best possible experience.
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
bigtex75081 wrote:I know the sentiments about finding a happy situation for your DD is the correct path. Whether that happens with the 1st team or the 10th team, what matters is that she's having fun and advancing.
I didn't expect though to see that the largest % of responders (at the time I'm posting this) to the poll have employed 3+ Academy teams during their DD's career. I honestly expected the large majority to have only employed 1 program. Watching those results has been eye-catching for me.
So, there's been...
1. Responses from people that stayed with 1 program/coach and are glad they did that.
2. Responses from people that have stayed with 1 program and regret not trying out others.
3. Responses that people visited with multiple programs and are glad for that.
What I haven't seen yet is a response stating their DD worked with multiple academy programs and now regret having done so. Did anybody out there work with multiple programs and now considers it a mistake?
I appreciate all of your inputs. I'm looking for all advice. I want to make sure that my DD navigates through Academy with the best possible experience.
My dd has only been rostered with 2 teams in her nearly 4yrs with Academy. She has met and guest played with many. All great experiences. I don't ever regret letting her meet other coaches, teams and players. I think it has made her more confident because she can now walk onto almost any team and do her job. We stayed with her first team way too long because it was a "top" team. She thought it was the end of the world when we told her we were leaving but she now realizes that she will make friends with the girls at any teams she goes to. We have always been honest with her about how academy/select soccer works. Coach may love her personally, but his job requires he do whats best for his team. He is paid to do that and that might mean if a better player comes along...her spot could be taken. She totally gets it and knows that if that happened, she will find another place with girls she can have fun with and play the game she adores. I think it has made her more mature and while of course it would be upsetting to lose her spot...she wouldn't take it personally and lose confidence in herself.
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
DD advanced well and was noticed by other coaches when doing extra sessions - asked to play as a guest player in tournaments. Played well, added another practice with a second team. Quality of practice was better with second team, so we added an indoor league with them and attended all practices during the winter.
Come spring, I talked with team 1 coach about playing two teams / different leagues - there would be 3 potential conflicts with games. He said he would rater have a 100% committed player - fair enough. Same day ironically - got a call from another coach (from a great team) looking for position my DD played - presented with the same scenario I gave coach 1- coach 3 accepted and wanted DD to play when she could. Started attending practices of team 3 as well and like the dynamic and development opportunities.
OK - long story - short points.
1. Three organizations, 4 coaches - great experiences with all.
2. DD is developing and getting better each week and is having fun.
I would not change a thing. It has taught her to accept change, meet new people and accept different instruction styles. Each day is different and interesting, and DD is bummed when there is a day off. We cannot go at this rate forever - but we will ride it as long as possible.
ALSO - DD has done privates with KW off and on for a year now - DD loves her and I would recommend her for skill development to anyone who wants to see immediate improvement - she has been instrumental in developing a large percentage of the top 03 girls in DFW...
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
Jjmilk, don't let but butter talk down to you. I doubt he/she even has any kids. Buttbutter is the kind of person that is jealous of winners and prob is a 40 yr old virg.butt3r wrote:jj4mel wrote:My DD came from REC to Academy to train with Kat Webb. We moved around to different clubs, but the team stayed together. Once we merged with SRSA, the teams still stayed in tact for the most part. My DD is still playing with girls she played with at 4. We have gone to skills practices with other teams in years past. However, I think the skills practices she currently gets with Derek Missimo can't be beat. My DD is not interested in any other teams, and I am honestly not interested in any other clubs or coaches. Derek M, Ray C, and Adrian S are about as good as it gets.
Don't forget to clarify, as good as it gets for you and your DD. I am sure you aren't intending that everyone else out there is stupid because they didn't go your route. As stated several times, the whole thing is very relative. Also, do you really know for sure, what other groups did you give solid time and comittment too to know for 100% that it wouldn't be a better fit?
It sounds like you are in a great situation and it worked out, and maybe you did give other places quality looks, but I do laugh at the people who have been in the same place since their dd was 4 and know for a fact that it is the bestest thing ever and ever.
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
Thanks for the coachspeakAndrofan wrote:Each child and family is different, what works for one might derail another. My DD spent winter working with 2 different teams, and futsal. She came to me and said she only wanted to work with one of the teams and futsal so we made the switch. It has to be about the kid and the right mix for them.
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
What I haven't seen yet is a response stating their DD worked with multiple academy programs and now regret having done so. Did anybody out there work with multiple programs and now considers it a mistake?
Maybe because a reason your DD wouldn't gain valuable knowledge/experience/exposure from this is if the DD got burned out visiting and playing for all those teams, LOL. Some kids are really up and gung ho about all that but I imagine some do get burn out. In that case they wouldn't be here to respond to your poll.
I have to say I'm a pretty loyal person. I would not mind DD guesting but only if it did not interfere with her primary team. And I would only change teams for a pretty serious reason. But, I'm also realistic that as we approach Select things can change and she might need a back up plan or two and, if so, I'd like to know her options. So I am always talking to other parents about their team/coach/club. I watch and listen to other coaches at games whenever I can (you can tell a lot that way). I watch the skills of the kids on the team. We've also done skills classes/camps with other clubs/coaches and they will already at least be familiar with DD should we ever need a change and may want her for their team or can make a recommendation on a good fit for her. And we get exposure to other coaches in this way too and have the chance to see if DD likes them (and us as well). So I really like the low key opportunity that camps/skills classes, etc, give us to explore other teams/clubs without feeling like we are "team shopping".
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
USA203 wrote:What I haven't seen yet is a response stating their DD worked with multiple academy programs and now regret having done so. Did anybody out there work with multiple programs and now considers it a mistake?
Maybe because a reason your DD wouldn't gain valuable knowledge/experience/exposure from this is if the DD got burned out visiting and playing for all those teams, LOL. Some kids are really up and gung ho about all that but I imagine some do get burn out. In that case they wouldn't be here to respond to your poll.
I have to say I'm a pretty loyal person. I would not mind DD guesting but only if it did not interfere with her primary team. And I would only change teams for a pretty serious reason. But, I'm also realistic that as we approach Select things can change and she might need a back up plan or two and, if so, I'd like to know her options. So I am always talking to other parents about their team/coach/club. I watch and listen to other coaches at games whenever I can (you can tell a lot that way). I watch the skills of the kids on the team. We've also done skills classes/camps with other clubs/coaches and they will already at least be familiar with DD should we ever need a change and may want her for their team or can make a recommendation on a good fit for her. And we get exposure to other coaches in this way too and have the chance to see if DD likes them (and us as well). So I really like the low key opportunity that camps/skills classes, etc, give us to explore other teams/clubs without feeling like we are "team shopping".
As long as you know the loyalty is a one way street. If your DD stops contributing or he finds someone better she loses playtime. Also, the other parents aren't going to be loyal to you. If they find a better opportunity they are gone, same with the coach. Your loyalty should be 100% to your DD, not the club, coach, team, or other parents.
Saying your team, coach, star players won't do what is best for them is ignorant.
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
coachr wrote:Jjmilk, don't let but butter talk down to you. I doubt he/she even has any kids. Buttbutter is the kind of person that is jealous of winners and prob is a 40 yr old virg.butt3r wrote:jj4mel wrote:My DD came from REC to Academy to train with Kat Webb. We moved around to different clubs, but the team stayed together. Once we merged with SRSA, the teams still stayed in tact for the most part. My DD is still playing with girls she played with at 4. We have gone to skills practices with other teams in years past. However, I think the skills practices she currently gets with Derek Missimo can't be beat. My DD is not interested in any other teams, and I am honestly not interested in any other clubs or coaches. Derek M, Ray C, and Adrian S are about as good as it gets.
Don't forget to clarify, as good as it gets for you and your DD. I am sure you aren't intending that everyone else out there is stupid because they didn't go your route. As stated several times, the whole thing is very relative. Also, do you really know for sure, what other groups did you give solid time and comittment too to know for 100% that it wouldn't be a better fit?
It sounds like you are in a great situation and it worked out, and maybe you did give other places quality looks, but I do laugh at the people who have been in the same place since their dd was 4 and know for a fact that it is the bestest thing ever and ever.
I'm not 40!
butt3r- TxSoccer Postmaster
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
butt3r wrote:coachr wrote:
Jjmilk, don't let but butter talk down to you. I doubt he/she even has any kids. Buttbutter is the kind of person that is jealous of winners and prob is a 40 yr old virg.
I'm not 40!
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Re: Academy Bar-Hopping?
As long as you know the loyalty is a one way street. If your DD stops contributing or he finds someone better she loses playtime. Also, the other parents aren't going to be loyal to you. If they find a better opportunity they are gone, same with the coach. Your loyalty should be 100% to your DD, not the club, coach, team, or other parents.
Yup, I know. And I've seen some things happen to various friends. But if she changes teams it would be the same way on that other team. If she's a decent player and wants to play hard, there will be a team out there for her somewhere but I'm not looking for "making D1" or a specific high goal like that so it may be different for me/us. If things change and she goes back to rec, that's fine too. Just no cheerleading!!!
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