|
Post by lefty on Aug 11, 2020 22:40:28 GMT -5
I'm upset that one of our uniform shirts was $68 dollars. Multiple kids and it adds up. And I don't care that it is for two years. $68 for one game shirt is too much. Why do we need three different color shorts and socks? They just need 2-3 shirts, one color short and sock. Does anyone have any common sense make these uniform decisions or are the decision maker's pockets being lined so much that they don't care? I really want to know - what were you thinking?
|
|
|
Post by rifle on Aug 12, 2020 5:31:52 GMT -5
The thought process is thus:
These willing suckers have disposable income, so let’s go get as much as we can. Until market forces change, nothing will change.
|
|
|
Post by Futsal Gawdess on Aug 12, 2020 6:23:02 GMT -5
I'm upset that one of our uniform shirts was $68 dollars. Multiple kids and it adds up. And I don't care that it is for two years. $68 for one game shirt is too much. Why do we need three different color shorts and socks? They just need 2-3 shirts, one color short and sock. Does anyone have any common sense make these uniform decisions or are the decision maker's pockets being lined so much that they don't care? I really want to know - what were you thinking? They are not "kick-backs" Per Se. The clubs do get reimbursed in the form of a credited dollar amounts tied to the dollar amount spent by the players n families. So if you charge $350 per player, on an average team of 16, each team spends over $5500 and now multiply that by just your top teams from 12-18 and you're already pushing $40,000. Add in 2nd/3rd/4th team uniform kits and the odd family wanting the additional accessories(masks, hats, ear muffs, gloves, etc.) and you get the idea. So say the provider gives the club 10% credit to be used to outfit the coaching staff. At $40,000, that's $4,000 available for those super warm jackets the coaches wear on the sidelines as the parents hold hand warmers and drink kombucha to stay warm. Now You Know(NYK)...
|
|
|
Post by cornerkick on Aug 12, 2020 7:04:35 GMT -5
I'm upset that one of our uniform shirts was $68 dollars. Multiple kids and it adds up. And I don't care that it is for two years. $68 for one game shirt is too much. Why do we need three different color shorts and socks? They just need 2-3 shirts, one color short and sock. Does anyone have any common sense make these uniform decisions or are the decision maker's pockets being lined so much that they don't care? I really want to know - what were you thinking? That is alot of money for a youth soccer jersey. The fees are getting out of control, club fees, team fees, kits, it really should be an inexpensive sport to play.
|
|
|
Post by ga3v3 on Aug 12, 2020 7:09:31 GMT -5
And if you make a suggestion to get parents behind change you get bashed and told to take your kids back to rec...
|
|
|
Post by oraclesfriend on Aug 12, 2020 8:10:05 GMT -5
I'm upset that one of our uniform shirts was $68 dollars. Multiple kids and it adds up. And I don't care that it is for two years. $68 for one game shirt is too much. Why do we need three different color shorts and socks? They just need 2-3 shirts, one color short and sock. Does anyone have any common sense make these uniform decisions or are the decision maker's pockets being lined so much that they don't care? I really want to know - what were you thinking? 1) I agree that $68 is a lot for a jersey for kids, particularly the young ones that may grow out of it in less than the 2 year cycle 2) I do not think the clubs should have a third kit 3) You do need 2 different colors for socks in case the other team is wearing the same color. The refs are looking at their legs/feet to determine those close calls on who kicked the ball out 4) while I understand the concern on the shorts I also prefer them to wear different shorts especially at the young ages where they are taking quick looks at their teammates for passing. The more different the uniform the easier to pick out their teammates. I will also say that there are clubs that have only 2 kits. There are clubs that arrange for cheaper uniforms for their teams. ga3v3 there is always the option to push for change by changing clubs, not just going back to rec.
|
|
|
Post by mistergrinch on Aug 12, 2020 8:18:45 GMT -5
The idea of one color shorts is fine.. except that when you train 3-4x/week then play games that weekend, you'll be buying 4 pairs anyway. Most clubs training shorts are cheap solid color shorts anyway.
$68 is a bit steep for a jersey, but if they're quality and last 2 years.. is that really bad? How much is a decent polo style shirt for school and how long will it last?
|
|
|
Post by Soccerhouse on Aug 12, 2020 8:20:50 GMT -5
< u13 or any small sided soccer -- teams should have to only buy one color of shorts/socks and then purchase 2 different jersey top colors.
|
|
|
Post by DunwoodySoccerDad on Aug 12, 2020 8:31:23 GMT -5
The idea of one color shorts is fine.. except that when you train 3-4x/week then play games that weekend, you'll be buying 4 pairs anyway. Most clubs training shorts are cheap solid color shorts anyway. $68 is a bit steep for a jersey, but if they're quality and last 2 years.. is that really bad? How much is a decent polo style shirt for school and how long will it last? agree on your last point - you want a quality product on your kid when they're sweating like crazy and need to stay cool. And you also want it to last 2 years, the typical uniform cycle for clubs, considering how often it gets worn & washed. Had the season not been cut short this past year, my daughter would have worn her jerseys roughly 35-40 times each (home jersey & away jersey). So they got a ton of use.
|
|
|
Post by Futsal Gawdess on Aug 12, 2020 8:55:02 GMT -5
And if you make a suggestion to get parents behind change you get bashed and told to take your kids back to rec... I've never understood the nuanced thought process being employed by us parents. I have to say it may be the greatest slight of hand ever orchestrated when you factor in that PARENTS have full control, yet we acquiesce at every turn to everyone one and every other entity involved in youth soccer. For those, about to come after my statement to inform me they are not sheep and subservient to the clubs, please save it, because i'm generalizing here. How? We never push back on practice times, club books, club fees, location of practices, # of practices, # of tourneys, location of tourneys, costs of tourneys(CF has some nerve charging $725, but then again Disney Jr. is upwards of $1600+ just to go play a local team in the final), or even the likability or ability of an assigned coach. At some point in time, the parents are going to have to say enough is enough, but my experience is that we the parents are not motivated or pressed, till the topic is about homegrown players, Tophat(now maybe Concorde Fire) and Covid vs Flu numbers...
|
|
|
Post by DunwoodySoccerDad on Aug 12, 2020 9:07:42 GMT -5
And if you make a suggestion to get parents behind change you get bashed and told to take your kids back to rec... I've never understood the nuanced thought process being employed by us parents. I have to say it may be the greatest slight of hand ever orchestrated when you factor in that PARENTS have full control, yet we acquiesce at every turn to everyone one and every other entity involved in youth soccer. For those, about to come after my statement to inform me they are not sheep and subservient to the clubs, please save it, because i'm generalizing here. How? We never push back on practice times, club books, club fees, location of practices, # of practices, # of tourneys, location of tourneys, costs of tourneys(CF has some nerve charging $725, but then again Disney Jr. is upwards of $1600+ just to go play a local team in the final), or even the likability or ability of an assigned coach. At some point in time, the parents are going to have to say enough is enough, but my experience is that we the parents are not motivated or pressed, till the topic is about homegrown players, Tophat(now maybe Concorde Fire) and Covid vs Flu numbers... I have MANY thoughts on this topic, too much to post here but I completely agree. Concorde is a great example - been around a long time, ton of kids in their system, ton of talent has come through, etc. And yet from a parent point of view, they look like they're run by the Keystone Cops. Why? Because to your point, they can and no one holds them accountable. Kids leave but then they add more who are new to club soccer and don't know any better. Kids want to play for Concorde (big brand name) and the folks running Concorde know this completely. They feel no pressure to change what they're doing. I wish we'd never wasted our money there but we did make some good friends/connections and it taught us a lot about what to avoid in a club. By the way, it's one reason I so enjoy being a TM - I get to push back on some things before it ever makes its way to the parents, with tournaments being the best example.
|
|
|
Post by ga3v3 on Aug 12, 2020 9:27:40 GMT -5
I'm upset that one of our uniform shirts was $68 dollars. Multiple kids and it adds up. And I don't care that it is for two years. $68 for one game shirt is too much. Why do we need three different color shorts and socks? They just need 2-3 shirts, one color short and sock. Does anyone have any common sense make these uniform decisions or are the decision maker's pockets being lined so much that they don't care? I really want to know - what were you thinking? 1) I agree that $68 is a lot for a jersey for kids, particularly the young ones that may grow out of it in less than the 2 year cycle 2) I do not think the clubs should have a third kit 3) You do need 2 different colors for socks in case the other team is wearing the same color. The refs are looking at their legs/feet to determine those close calls on who kicked the ball out 4) while I understand the concern on the shorts I also prefer them to wear different shorts especially at the young ages where they are taking quick looks at their teammates for passing. The more different the uniform the easier to pick out their teammates. I will also say that there are clubs that have only 2 kits. There are clubs that arrange for cheaper uniforms for their teams. ga3v3 there is always the option to push for change by changing clubs, not just going back to rec. “I will also say that there are clubs that have only 2 kits. There are clubs that arrange for cheaper uniforms for their teams. ga3v3 there is always the option to push for change by changing clubs, not just going back to rec.“ We did just that. Along with choosing less expensive clubs/leagues, we try to purchase used uniforms ( worked this season for 2 kids for a total of $150, and making all payments by check and not credit card so we can pick up and walk away anytime we’d like without an auto draft to CC. One player is still at one of the Expensive big 5 Clubs but solely due to coach which in our case makes sense to justify the high cost.
|
|
|
Post by atlfutboldad on Aug 12, 2020 10:17:41 GMT -5
Our "boring" kits jerseys were $39 (but we had to buy 3). I agree on single shorts color, get a couple pairs for tournaments, you're good. 2 pairs of each socks color is handy also.
But which clubs require training shorts? The 4 clubs we've been at really only had a color requirement for shorts and socks.
You know what's crazy? Requiring 3 different training shirts.
|
|
|
Post by oraclesfriend on Aug 12, 2020 10:57:23 GMT -5
Our "boring" kits jerseys were $39 (but we had to buy 3). I agree on single shorts color, get a couple pairs for tournaments, you're good. 2 pairs of each socks color is handy also. But which clubs require training shorts? The 4 clubs we've been at really only had a color requirement for shorts and socks. You know what's crazy? Requiring 3 different training shirts. UFA starting requiring training shorts the last uniform cycle but they were cheap ones, like $12. I agree that different training shirts is silly. One color is sufficient.
|
|
|
Post by futbolista25 on Aug 12, 2020 11:01:37 GMT -5
There are many ways to cut down prices on uniforms.
1. Select an affordable option. The only problem with this is that many club already use this option and everyone will look the same.
2. Try a different brand. There are plenty of good soccer brands that aren't Nike or Adidas. Give brands such as Joma, Umbro, or Hummel a try. Those brands prices will be less expensive and the quality is sometimes even better at a lower price.
3. Parents should have a say in buying uniforms. If the price is too expensive, let the club directors know about it and look for other options. Paying anything more than 40 dollars for a jersey is absolutely ridiculous.
|
|
|
Post by wolves97 on Aug 12, 2020 11:31:42 GMT -5
And if you make a suggestion to get parents behind change you get bashed and told to take your kids back to rec... I've never understood the nuanced thought process being employed by us parents. I have to say it may be the greatest slight of hand ever orchestrated when you factor in that PARENTS have full control, yet we acquiesce at every turn to everyone one and every other entity involved in youth soccer. For those, about to come after my statement to inform me they are not sheep and subservient to the clubs, please save it, because i'm generalizing here. How? We never push back on practice times, club books, club fees, location of practices, # of practices, # of tourneys, location of tourneys, costs of tourneys(CF has some nerve charging $725, but then again Disney Jr. is upwards of $1600+ just to go play a local team in the final), or even the likability or ability of an assigned coach. At some point in time, the parents are going to have to say enough is enough, but my experience is that we the parents are not motivated or pressed, till the topic is about homegrown players, Tophat(now maybe Concorde Fire) and Covid vs Flu numbers... I'm going to caveat this with the statement that we are WELL outside the Thunderdome of Metro Atlanta: Is it really that bad that the parents have no input at all, or that the clubs either are too big or too controlling to care? Our club registration fees pay for two sets of uniforms (Under Armor) and we don't require practice uniforms. I won't tell you what we pay. It's a small club, but we do get out and play some really good games. NOT going toe to toe with any of the big boys' top teams, but we hold our own I think
|
|
|
Post by bogan on Aug 12, 2020 11:55:55 GMT -5
I've never understood the nuanced thought process being employed by us parents. I have to say it may be the greatest slight of hand ever orchestrated when you factor in that PARENTS have full control, yet we acquiesce at every turn to everyone one and every other entity involved in youth soccer. For those, about to come after my statement to inform me they are not sheep and subservient to the clubs, please save it, because i'm generalizing here. How? We never push back on practice times, club books, club fees, location of practices, # of practices, # of tourneys, location of tourneys, costs of tourneys(CF has some nerve charging $725, but then again Disney Jr. is upwards of $1600+ just to go play a local team in the final), or even the likability or ability of an assigned coach. At some point in time, the parents are going to have to say enough is enough, but my experience is that we the parents are not motivated or pressed, till the topic is about homegrown players, Tophat(now maybe Concorde Fire) and Covid vs Flu numbers... I'm going to caveat this with the statement that we are WELL outside the Thunderdome of Metro Atlanta: Is it really that bad that the parents have no input at all, or that the clubs either are too big or too controlling to care? Our club registration fees pay for two sets of uniforms (Under Armor) and we don't require practice uniforms. I won't tell you what we pay. It's a small club, but we do get out and play some really good games. NOT going toe to toe with any of the big boys' top teams, but we hold our own I think You mean there’s soccer outside of Atlanta?
|
|
|
Post by wolves97 on Aug 12, 2020 11:58:32 GMT -5
Hard to believe but yeah
|
|
|
Post by Soccerhouse on Aug 12, 2020 12:07:29 GMT -5
I get it -- the cost savings from purchases is converted to a % to $$$$ to outfit the coaches. A single teams uniform expenses is probably around ~$10,000 I'll like to see some sort of discount pushed to the parents -- Perfect example - I have multiple kids and buy 3 sets of kits, and drop close to $1500 bucks and don't event get %10 off!
come one -- that is the problem.
|
|
|
Post by mistergrinch on Aug 12, 2020 12:48:06 GMT -5
I get it -- the cost savings from purchases is converted to a % to $$$$ to outfit the coaches. A single teams uniform expenses is probably around ~$10,000 I'll like to see some sort of discount pushed to the parents -- Perfect example - I have multiple kids and buy 3 sets of kits, and drop close to $1500 bucks and don't event get %10 off! come one -- that is the problem. Put it on a good points credit card and at least get a free trip out of it. "-)
|
|
|
Post by hammertime on Aug 12, 2020 13:20:34 GMT -5
For my older son three jerseys and three training tops (for pregame warmup) are a must for tournaments. Otherwise we'd have to find a laundry at some point as those things STINK after a game.
Also I think most leagues require the Home team have light shirt and socks but don't mandate the shorts also be light.
So right there is a need for three jerseys, two shorts and two socks for a weekend. Adding another short and sock color doesn't add that much more to the overall cost.
And I'm OK paying $70 for a jersey as part of the cost is adding specific number, patches, club sponsorship, etc. What is really obnoxious is that the apparel companies discontinue uniforms every two years to force everyone to buy whole new kits. It's great if you can get two years out of a kit but if you have kids coming in during the middle of the cycle or your age group is moving from academy to state league or SCCL or ENCL in the middle of a cycle you might be getting new uniforms every year for a period.
|
|
|
Post by lefty on Aug 12, 2020 19:17:11 GMT -5
Very good point about needing two different shorts and sock colors, you're absolutely right about that but no, there is no reason for a $70 jersey. Sorry. We've had $25-$30 Nike Park jerseys or whatever they are called for years passed down and the quality is fine. And that cost included all the iron-ons.
I think the fact that we had to buy new kits at all right now and then to have one of the kits include a $70 shirt is a slap in the face. It's arrogant and a "bad look". I'm sure many of you are rolling your eyes that I'm upset about a $70 shirt. You know what? Yeah, I'd rather put some more cash towards college fund or SAT/ACT prep class because even though one kid is top shelf, I'm not delutional. Or how about this, perhaps I would have been more included to give more to the sholarship pool at the club if you didn't include this crazy shirt in the kit?
|
|
|
Post by oraclesfriend on Aug 12, 2020 19:57:52 GMT -5
Very good point about needing two different shorts and sock colors, you're absolutely right about that but no, there is no reason for a $70 jersey. Sorry. We've had $25-$30 Nike Park jerseys or whatever they are called for years passed down and the quality is fine. And that cost included all the iron-ons. I think the fact that we had to buy new kits at all right now and then to have one of the kits include a $70 shirt is a slap in the face. It's arrogant and a "bad look". I'm sure many of you are rolling your eyes that I'm upset about a $70 shirt. You know what? Yeah, I'd rather put some more cash towards college fund or SAT/ACT prep class because even though one kid is top shelf, I'm not delutional. Or how about this, perhaps I would have been more included to give more to the sholarship pool at the club if you didn't include this crazy shirt in the kit? Tophat did not make parents get new kits this year but adidas ran out of the old shorts. Part of it is the fault of the companies (Adidas, Nike) for not having stock. Granted they seem to be having trouble with new stock as well as the UFA uniforms were delayed.
|
|
|
Post by guest on Aug 12, 2020 21:49:25 GMT -5
LAX gets one reversible top and one pair shorts. Done. Then again you gotta buy pads, sticks, helmets, gloves, etc so maybe it’s a wash...
|
|
|
Post by Keeper on Aug 12, 2020 22:42:34 GMT -5
haha wow, What club threw in a $70 jersey? I mean come on thats kind of on the parents for letting the club get so out of control they ordered a probably $90 retail jersey for kids.
|
|
|
Post by ball2futbol on Aug 13, 2020 8:07:49 GMT -5
This year soocer.com had an automatic default to order a specific minimum number of club items, including practice jerseys, warmup jackets, shorts and socks etc. that you couldn't minimize from the club/team page. Sorry we don't need another 4 pair of soccer socks. You literally had to order everything, get to the checkout area of the website and remove each item from the cart you were not in need of. Which still required a minimum purchase of certain items. SMH! I agree as parents we allow these things to happen without recourse.
|
|
|
Post by mightydawg on Aug 13, 2020 8:31:34 GMT -5
Funny how opinions change with the posts. Just a couple of weeks ago some on here were advocating that the club could determine what brand of cleats and head bands kids wear.
|
|
|
Post by bogan on Aug 13, 2020 8:36:53 GMT -5
Funny how opinions change with the posts. Just a couple of weeks ago some on here were advocating that the club could determine what brand of cleats and head bands kids wear. [br Yeah, when you pay attention it’s like, “wait, what?!”
|
|
|
Post by scottsterling on Aug 13, 2020 8:39:33 GMT -5
Clubs primary (or even top 5) concern is not what it will cost the parent. Look at the increase in fees and additional costs that have added in the last few years. Why would they think most of us would have a problem with a $70 jersey when you will drop stacks to travel all over the south to play the same level of competition you could get here in the metro region (top teams usually excluded). We have obviously bought in and endorsed the fleecing of ourselves.
Agreed this is a market issue. You can complain on the soccer board but what have you said to the club? Likely nothing as we all know mst clubs are capricious and juvenile in their responses.
|
|
|
Post by atlfutboldad on Aug 13, 2020 9:57:02 GMT -5
I think our uniforms minimum was $210 (3 jerseys, 3 socks, 2 shorts)...but there was the $13 pregame warmup jersey (new this year), and the new warmup tracksuit and half-zip for another $130 (and the obligatory backpack if you didn't have one). Looks like we're planning to use the 3rd kit more this year.
|
|