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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 11, 2016 8:47:01 GMT -5
Ok... I'm a little confused here.
Can we all agree or assume that AtlUTD Academy will be regarded as the top tier club for player development/ resources/ career path for soccer in Georgia and even the South East? (not saying that other clubs cant develop, just saying they will attract the best players)
As a parent, we want what we think is best for our child. Plus, if the child has expressed interest in another club for whatever reason (friends, better coaching, or just the fact that its the MLS academy) you would want to look into that opportunity...right?
Ok so here's my issue.
I have heard from other soccer friends that the 04 MLS Academy has already been selected and a team has been chosen to go to the Dallas Cup. (one of the best, if not the biggest tournament in the US).
The opportunity has been given to the GA United club affiliations players. Why not other Clubs or have they?
I heard that CF wants nothing to do with ATLUTD?? Is this true? Has the MLS Academy reached out to the CF coaches? If so, would they tell us that they did? Why wouldnt CF want any relationship with ATLUTD?? (besides money)
If you found out that AtlUTD did in fact contact the coach and the coach didnt inform the parent, would you be upset? Would the club even allow them to guest play in this tournament?
As a parent, what am I supposed to tell my child when they ask, why didnt I get selected?? Why didnt I get a chance?
It's pretty upsetting that if true a club wouldnt allow an opportunity.
Sorry for my vent but when I heard from other parents that they had an opportunity and we (our club players) didnt because our club didnt want us to speak with them, I got pretty upset.
Any thoughts on this?
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Post by Soccerhouse on Feb 11, 2016 9:03:30 GMT -5
From what I've been told, Atlanta United asked Concorde to send out their top 2004s for evaluation and the response from Concorde was they they would have to wait until the end of the spring season when they were no longer Concorde Players etc.
So to your point, there is no question the handful of 2004s that got picked to go to Dallas cup have a distinct advantage to make the 2004 roster come when ever player selections are. However, they are and will be constantly looking for better players that could easily replace the players they have identified by then. Some players might not show well in Dallas, and to be honest lose their spots. From what I gather they chose the best 04s from the alliance clubs scrimmages(this is always up for debate "best"). They had to start somewhere and to get a roster together quickly for Dallas Cup, it was easier to start with the Alliance clubs, what you know and who you know etc. Either way Dallas will be an amazing experience for these kids, and it is rather unfortunate.
But yes, I agree, as a parent you should be upset if your kids were not given the same opportunity because the club said no. The ultimate goal of Atlanta Uniteds academy is be the top academy in the city and that all the clubs would want to send their top kids to it, and that includes Concorde. Its just not a good way to start off and foster a good working relationship with what will be the premier club in the city.
It will be interesting to see how this effects future relationships between Atlanta united and Concorde, because the ultimate goal was that they were working at this together to benefit all players regardless of club affiliation......
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 11, 2016 9:55:42 GMT -5
I figured they did contact the coaches.
I'm really upset at the leadership of the Club. We have heard nothing about AtlUTD. Really dont hear anything from them unless they want something ($) to be honest.
For whatever reason, the club should allow the same opportunity as other clubs. What if you had a family that was moving out of state? This would be a great opportunity to be seen. Great opportunity all around.
They want the kids to stay focused about the Spring season....lol what a joke. By not telling the kids nor the parents, it's more of a distraction because now they hear from others that a team has been selected and they didnt get the opportunity. We as a parent should be informed. Let's us know whats going on and the reasoning behind it. That way we can at least try to make our kids understand instead of being blindsided.
What a crappy way to handle this Concorde and you should be ashamed.
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Post by soccerfutbolfam on Feb 11, 2016 12:29:59 GMT -5
I think it is sad that only a few clubs were contacted. There are a lot of talented kids in the area and some can't go to those clubs because of distance or possibly financial reasons.
Perhaps this is one problem with soccer in America - it's a 'rich/middle' class kid's sport and if you can't pay, you can't play.
And I agree, people should be told and others invited. In reality, I expected AtlUTD to have an open tryout with a fee similar to what they did in Jan for the pros.
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Post by Keeper on Feb 11, 2016 12:58:52 GMT -5
Same old Concorde....Same old politics...
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Post by oldboy on Feb 11, 2016 16:04:42 GMT -5
Concorde's DA teams will compete in the same league with AUFC. With that said, why would Concorde offer up their players for evaluation?
I agree that unless the MLS club is simply incompetent, they will be the best academy program in the area. But as an academy program that has to compete with AUFC on the field, I don't think you can fault Concorde for taking the stance they did (assuming of course that's what happened). They won't simply cede superiority to AUFC, however inevitable it might be.
It makes sense for the GA United clubs. None of them have to compete on the field with AUFC. They should push the best players to the higher competitive level. If they had U16 and U18 DA, I imagine their response to an "evaluation" offer would have been different as well.
You can look at other areas of the country where clubs compete with MLS in the DA. None of those clubs are lining up to feed their players to the MLS program.
It's part of the problem with having the MLS clubs in the DA. If there were a higher tier that only included MLS academies, I think you would find clubs more than willing to send their best players up.
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Post by rifle on Feb 11, 2016 17:15:14 GMT -5
Clubs claim to have the players' best interests as their top priority. Unless that conflicts with the club's intere$t, apparently.
Talk is cheap.
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Post by oldboy on Feb 11, 2016 17:25:19 GMT -5
The DA itself is set up as an ID program for the top 100 or so kids in the country. For the rest of the players they are there to make up the numbers.
The true best interest of 99.9% of players likely lies outside the DA entirely.
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Post by zizou on Feb 12, 2016 9:35:57 GMT -5
Same old Concorde....Same old politics... I know nothing about this club other than what I see on field and what I hear from (mostly disgruntled) parents. Why do people go there if there is what seems to be a lack of basic trust?
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Post by silverback on Feb 12, 2016 12:00:27 GMT -5
While I agree most parents/players focusing on winning, the focus should be on player development (physical/skills, mental/game awareness, etc), especially at the younger ages (up to U15), regardless of what club you go to.
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Post by silverback on Feb 12, 2016 15:31:21 GMT -5
While I agree most parents/players focusing on winning, the focus should be on player development (physical/skills, mental/game awareness, etc), especially at the younger ages (up to U15), regardless of what club you go to. I would agree with you and also say that is virtually never the case in reality. The most development-minded coach will see his team evaporate if they don't win games. Parents and players want to win. At U9 and at U19. If a coach in the Atlanta area doesn't win consistently, he won't keep his top players long enough to develop anything. Theory versus reality. Reality usually wins out. Agree. I would recommend if you find yourself in this position, I would strongly suggest parents look into extra training sessions on the side, encourage your kids to practice skills on their own in the back yard (juggling, kicking against a wall, touches/dribbling, "tricks", tennis soccer, etc. and make it fun). Also, I would strongly suggest video as a teaching tool which probably means you have to get out there and video tape your kids games. I personally learned more about soccer from one of my son's coaches who was a fanatic about video and this helped my kid out tremendously. At the end of the day, if the club is putting more emphasis on winning versus skills development, then it's important for the parents to step in and help the players develop the skills on the side. I know I am preaching to the choir as most folks in this forum get it, but its disappointing when some players who have great potential never realize this potential because of what you said, "reality (of winning) usually wins out".
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Post by footy on Feb 14, 2016 22:56:14 GMT -5
So let's say a kid doesn't make AUFC DA. Would the next best thing be Concorde DA (assuming they make the team), with the philosophy that any DA is better than none, or maybe try to go to an RPL team?
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Post by infoguy on Feb 16, 2016 7:24:34 GMT -5
So let's say a kid doesn't make AUFC DA. Would the next best thing be Concorde DA (assuming they make the team), with the philosophy that any DA is better than none, or maybe try to go to an RPL team? My understanding from friends with older kids is that DA offers more exposure, for sure. But, it isn't necessarily a given that a DA team as a unit is better than an RPL team composed of kids that have played together a long time. I see RPL as the best of both worlds--play at a high level and also play for the high school.
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 16, 2016 9:48:05 GMT -5
I understand what your saying OLDBOY and agree. Yes you want some good competition spread-out throughout the clubs. This is for sure the case at other MLS cities. Not sure how much that will help by awarding 8x U12 DA's with 2 teams right at the start. That's a lot of U12 players.
The main issue I have is that the the club is not giving the opportunity at ALL. At the least tell the parents what is going on and why. This has already caused friction between Coach/Club/Parent. If you DO NOT communicate you will loose your top players.
Also, heard a rumor that if you tryout for AtlUTD and do not make it that you will not be aloud back?? What is that all about if true.
Anyways, I wouldn't be surprised if all the 04's don't go and try out. What will CF do then? Not let the ones that didnt make it back...lol Pretty stupid. I already heard that most if not all the North and Central CF 04's are going to try out.
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Post by chelsea14 on Feb 16, 2016 10:34:13 GMT -5
I cannot imagine a club is worse at communicating than Concorde.
Have you heard a single word from them about the mandate? It's as if they are unaware of it.
Every end of season has been the same...no communication on coaching changes, who will stay or go. All information is gleaned via rumor and other parents hearsay.
I think they feel this is the way to keep numbers, by not communicating things you may not want to hear.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Feb 16, 2016 10:47:52 GMT -5
"Also, heard a rumor that if you tryout for AtlUTD and do not make it that you will not be allowed back?? What is that all about if true. " If this is true, the demise of concorde is near. Not only will that burn bridges with your kids,parents, customers but also with Atlanta United. Atlanta United truly wants to partner with every club in this city from what I"ve heard. They want the best of the best regardless of club affiliation. I get club loyalty etc, but if the product is free (what we have been told) at Atlanta United, not sure how concorde can take that stance. Doesn't surprise me though. The bread n butter for concorde now is also concorde north. Its clearly taken over as the dominant branch because of the player pool. ha, allthingsoccer I had to like and dislike that post -- thats dirty stuff!!
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 16, 2016 11:25:56 GMT -5
lol Soccerhouse... Its dirty and CF holds the bar of soap. They can wish to use it to clean things up or hold on to it and it keep getting dirtier.
I'm just really upset. I'm sick and tired of the lack of communication from the club and the lack of best interest of the player.
You can not run a business by not communicating to your customers. Last I looked, its the parents who keeps the club afloat.
I think CF thinks they will have a strong hold by having the older DA's along with AtlUTD. So the choice will be only those two clubs. I get that and that most likely will be the case. Unless... more clubs will be awarded those age groups in the future (which very well could happen).
From what I have seen in the younger age groups, its the coaches who are bringing in the talent. Not so much the club. If only two coaches in the north decided to go somewhere else the whole north program would crumble. What does that say about your "program". Its says NO PROGRAM. What is the clubs mission, what the the foundation, what is the path?? Its all down to the coach.
Like chelsea14 said "Every end of season has been the same...no communication on coaching changes, who will stay or go. All information is gleaned via rumor and other parents hearsay."
Why play games? Be honest. Be transparent with the parents. Get organized CONCORDE! You could be great.
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Post by footy on Feb 16, 2016 11:35:58 GMT -5
The challenging part is the timing of the tryouts. Concorde RPL and DA tryouts are sometimes on the same days but at different times, and GA United U13/14 tryouts for last year were after Concorde DA tryouts. Who knows when AUFC will hold theirs and how much of them will be open tryouts vs. invitation only. Add the age mandate and there will be a lot of chaos going into the summer.
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Post by goteam on Feb 19, 2016 10:30:09 GMT -5
It should come as no surprise that Concorde's priority is Concorde. They may be for tax purposes a non profit but that should give you no reason to think they place your child and the game of soccer first. It is a business. There is ZERO communication. I can only infer that this is purposeful because knowledge is power and maybe this would cause you along with many others to leave the club. They have no interest in monitoring their coaches and even when parents complain, they look the other way. They make it quite clear, if you don't like the way they do things.. leave .. there are 5 kids in line after yours.
Of course if we all ran our businesses the way they do we'd be out of business but because we all want our kids to have the opportunity to play on a good quality team we put up with it.
JumpJump, and all those who are interested in the ATLUTD program.. it is up to you to resourceful and not think that Concorde is going to pave the way for your child to play elsewhere. Concorde has always only cared and invested in their top team so it is insanity to think they are going to aide you in the development of your child if it is with ATLUTD.
You are right they could be great. IF only: If only they weeded out the crap coaches, if they had any amount of emphasis on soccer skills, if they only developed who they had already in the system instead of having us donate money every year for them to give scholarships to poach players from other clubs, if only they communicated and got out in front of issues that are important to players and their family, if only they valued business that is given to them and in turn gave the customer what it is that they are paying for. Frankly, I'm happy about the light being shone and the truth being shared. I can tell you the only possibility of change will only come when masses leave with their pocketbooks in hand.
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 19, 2016 11:49:13 GMT -5
agree goteam. I agree, as time goes on the light is now shining and think Concorde is struggling to find themselves. The lack of leadership is just astounding.
I have been looking the other way because my son is being developed. Not because of the club but the coach. He's made great friendships and enjoys what he is going.
I think you will see power shift this year. Most of the top CF players will try out at the MLS academy (from the parents that I have spoken with). If the rumor holds true that they will not allow the ones back who don't make it, I heard most will end up at UFA...lol.
I hope other parents look at this and learn. The power is the parents. We want transparency on child's development, clubs mission/vision, coaches bios etc.. We are the ones investing in our child's development.
Look at all the DA clubs (the good ones), they all have a vision. They all have a path outlined for success. They all communicate with the the parents. As a parent, you can make an educated decision on what is the best place for your player. One club might have a better specialize training program that fits perfect for your player.
I could go on and on.
Ready for change.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Feb 19, 2016 12:07:09 GMT -5
Clubs should always have what is in the best interest for the kids -- when they out grow their current situation, they should be encouraged and recommended to move on. Concorde sending/having kids selected for the Atlanta United team should be an honor vs perceived by their leadership as a negative. It will only bite them more and more in the A** as time goes on. Concorde has always seemed to be the destination club in this city, where as new transplant would first look there for their kids given the name etc. I think Ga United began to remove that perception for the DAs, and I think clubs that embrace the MLS team will be attractive to new families and kids now moving to the city etc.
The hard part is building a soccer team, you can't have a team full of "superstars" you need role players, worker bees, and kids with high soccer IQs. Their are dozens of kids that can complement a star, but very few superstars in each group.
Their is a reason Atlanta United hired TA, dude knows 100% what he is doing and is an unbelievable coach.
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Post by footy on Feb 19, 2016 12:16:03 GMT -5
All 3 Concorde and Georgia United DA teams play each other tomorrow. Should be interesting.
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Post by diceshooter on Feb 19, 2016 16:15:28 GMT -5
Though I understand the ideas and emotions behind this thread, I still don't get it. I think parents are expecting too much from a soccer club. I also think that the soccer clubs create these expectations because they want people to think they have the key to developing players (which they don't).
In my opinion, a soccer club is a place to play. I would prefer a better run club than a poor one, but I am definitely not losing any sleep because Concorde is not "communicating with me" (which I take as "telling me what to do"). I don't want Concorde telling me where my kid is playing next year. I only want Concorde to continue providing the platform through which my kid can train and then display his talents.
Is Concorde perfect? Of course not! However, in a place where soccer clubs come and go, they have continued to have teams playing at the highest level in multiple formats, help get kids in college, and generally provide an acceptable environment for their designated clientele. If that isn't for you, you will leave and try something else. In fact, if I determine something else is better for the overall development of my son as a player and person, I would leave as well. But that isn't the end of the world.
Meanwhile, I am enjoying the level of play for my kid that no other Georgia team can offer.
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 20, 2016 17:52:11 GMT -5
diceshooter... No platform to play. The only thing is the coach. Sure CF has some good coaches as other clubs do as well. I'm only expecting communication. Which most clubs do well. I want to know where my coach has been and who the next one is.
Let's say you have a player or players that AtlUTD was interested in. They contacted the coach and asked them if those players can come play at Dallas Cup for the MLS Academy. Then in turn, your coach says no and doesnt even tell the parents about it. Then on top of that, the coach tells you if you do go try out at end of season and you don't make it, you won't be aloud to play for CF anymore.
What if a different opportunity came up and it was an international or another MLS or whatever. Do you trust that your coach will let you know that they have been contacted about your player?? From the actions above I honestly can't say they will.
Yes, CF has done great things. They still do. But they need to start getting with the times or they will be left behind. Can they be better... of course. Just like all the other clubs. No one is perfect. I'm not saying they are.
If you invest 3/4/5k a year with the club, I just just think it would be nice to know whats up. At least have a plan or make the parent think you have one. Don't try and hide things.
Anyways, I have been with the club over 5 years. Nothing has changed. They are who they are and it has worked for them. I get it. I just think by not being proactive or adapting its going to hurt them down the road. Do they care? Probably not. Not saying its end of the world. It is what it is
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Post by diceshooter on Feb 22, 2016 10:03:47 GMT -5
j4k I definitely see your point and I do not disagree with you on it. I agree that other clubs are better at communicating and have a better club structure. I just think there are positives and negatives to everything (and not just with clubs, but with every choice in life). Thus, you may get more structure at a club, but that comes with the cost of less freedom. I think we all should consider that. Sometimes we get so caught up in what we are not getting, that we forget about what we are getting. However, if what you are not getting is the most important thing for you, you should go to where you can get it.
But I have personally witnessed many parents leave a situation with a team or a club because of what they were not getting there, only to soon be disappointed at what they were not getting at the new place. Even more importantly, they found they missed what they had at the old place.
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Post by allthingsoccer on Feb 23, 2016 0:01:31 GMT -5
diceshooter, I agree the grass isnt always greener on the other side. All clubs have issues. Some of the same and some different. I'm just hoping maybe someone from the club (management) is looking at this and maybe can wake up. (wishful thinking I know)
I love the club. We havent left yet. They develop just as good as any. We like our coach (only reason why we havent left already).
I'm just upset that CF would stop an opportunity from happening and then threaten if you try and seek that opportunity. I dont get it. At least explain to me as to why. The silence is making me believe they dont have a good answer and hidden agenda. Loosing a lot of trust. Its a marriage of so sorts. It goes both ways.
Anyways, nothing i can do. Just glad the forum is here for me to vent and get some things off my chest. Feel better now. Lets play some futbol.
Speaking of... think CF is having a tournament this weekend??
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Post by infoguy on Feb 23, 2016 7:40:37 GMT -5
I tell you, from what I've heard, I don't know how CF attracts players, particularly due to how they treat potential new players during tryouts. A very good friend of mine, whose child would be an asset for any team, said that the coaches on the first night of tryouts were on their cell phones and not watching the players. Even her child noticed, that's how bad it was. That is inexcusable to treat kids that way, especially those who choose CF for their first night of tryouts.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Feb 23, 2016 9:16:39 GMT -5
Yea, a lot of the same crap everywhere when you start talking about the big clubs.
However, I do think that with the u12s - 2004s Atlanta United will make its best attempts to bring in kids from all clubs in the city and have representation for those that deserve to be there.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Feb 23, 2016 9:24:55 GMT -5
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Post by alacrity174 on Feb 29, 2016 15:24:41 GMT -5
I understand what your saying OLDBOY and agree. Yes you want some good competition spread-out throughout the clubs. This is for sure the case at other MLS cities. Not sure how much that will help by awarding 8x U12 DA's with 2 teams right at the start. That's a lot of U12 players. The main issue I have is that the the club is not giving the opportunity at ALL. At the least tell the parents what is going on and why. This has already caused friction between Coach/Club/Parent. If you DO NOT communicate you will loose your top players. Also, heard a rumor that if you tryout for AtlUTD and do not make it that you will not be aloud back?? What is that all about if true. Anyways, I wouldn't be surprised if all the 04's don't go and try out. What will CF do then? Not let the ones that didnt make it back...lol Pretty stupid. I already heard that most if not all the North and Central CF 04's are going to try out. Let's not forget that AUFC in the guise of Mr Anan isn't overly Con Fire friendly and has already voiced his preference for GUSA kids. Possibly not all Con Fire fault. Add in that if the player is good enough to warrant serious consideration by the MLS DA they will get it.
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