I think in general the pay to play model in every sport has forced clubs into taking players who are better suited for recreational sports. Parents then think because their child made a "club" team that they are bestowed with certain athletic gifts that some simply may not possess. BUT because they are now paying for the activity there is an expectation; and when the expectation is not fulfilled--the club coach receives the blame.

Coaches should always honor their commitments to hold a certain number of training sessions and be present at games in leagues and tournaments. They are also responsible for developing the capable player and many do a wonderful job of this. What coaches cannot do in all cases is create passion for the game; a work ethic, the desire to practice, and a sense of responsibility to ones team. They can try; and do -- but the follow through is needed at home.

This coupled with the fact that there are far too many club teams in Massachusetts; too many leagues and too many individuals wanting to call themselves professional coaches leads to too many empty promises and too many kids playing a sport they may not even care for, never mind have the aptitude for.

Parents become dissatisfied for a number of reasons. Disappointment in a team's performance; dislike for a coaching style; and dismay that the money they are shelling out for their child to become an 'elite' player is not working out the way they want it to. They are also disappointed in many cases because they truly cannot live through their children and be satisfied.

The uptick in parental complaints (and I am a parent, not a coach) comes from not only wanting to believe in an unrealistic dream --- but also failing to perform the type of research they would put into buying a new car or appliance --into the club they are paying for. We are far too eager to believe a recruiter's statement of "your child has talent." And less willing to interview other parents; track the progress of children with similar capabilities, ask for customer service survey responses and watch numerous practices before committing our money to a club.

Right now, oversight from the leagues at either the local or national levels has nothing to do with consumer (parent or player) satisfaction.

Thanks for this thread reiterating some many of your themes, BTNT. At least on the subject of parental negligence you can speak with authority, from experience.

Not BTNT, another parent.

No, knowledgable soccer people know that real problem in youth soccer is the parents. They think they can buy soccer success for their child just as they did their Mercedes and BMW. Clubs won't say so openly but they are happy to take their money but little Landon and Mia are playing on the C or D team. Unless they very good and work their liitle butts off for years which is highly unlikely given that their parents just don't get it.

To me most coaches are pawns in it all - most just want to make an ok living teaching soccer. Much of it is driven by

- Pay to play system
- Above creates greedy club owners (some of whom are coaches themselves, some not) creating B and C teams, taking any kid whose parent can cut a check
- Poorly run state organizations and too many other leagues that will also take any club that writes a check
- Parents expecting way more than their spawn can ever deliver, including that college scholarship that most likely will never materialize

Most of the posts are true, but another problem is the lack of quality youth coaches. There are just not that many good ones.

which is driven by too many teams - spreads the player and coaching talent too thin. A good club will invest in coach training, a poor one will not. Just like any other job you need to constantly improve.

The OP's mistake was lumping all coaches into the same bucket. I doubt that many look at some staff guy coaching a C or D team as symptomatic of the problems in club soccer. It is the primary wage earners (DOC's & Stake Holders) that most people point to when they think of as "the coaches".

You give too much credence to Talking Soccer soccer elitists. The vast majority of club parents are not dissatisfied with the state of youth soccer. Most have very realistic expectations which don't include scholarships, D1 soccer, or professional careers. The majority of club soccer players play because they enjoy the game and their parents want to give them the opportunity to realize their potential - whatever it may be. For some that may just be getting out of the house for some weekend competition and exercise. For others it may give them the skills necessary to make their high school team. For a miniscule few, it could be college soccer or beyond.

The argument that there are too many clubs, with too many poor coaches, in too many leagues is so old and tired - and completely meaningless. There are destination teams that will supply good coaching and combine the talent from the lesser teams for those few that are good enough (and want to work hard to be the best). For the rest, just let them enjoy the game.

....and pay too much for a poor quality product

Agreed, if a kid wants to play then give him a place.
So what if he isn't good enough to make the top team. If he is having fun and getting exercise then it might be enough.
Clubs provide the opportunity and should get a fee for their service.

This is exactly the thinking that has turned club soccer into the equivalent of what town soccer USED to be only with paid coaches and slightly less politics. :)

Outstanding discussion, other than the reference to BTDT.
Thank you for some very astute observations. As the OP, it is gratifying to see this occur and I generally concur.
T/S is similar to a car forum where all you hear from are the dissatisfied owners.

Only if that is all you are listening for. The issue you are referring to with TS is too many here seem to have an all or nothing mindset. Opinions either fit with what they personally want for themselves or their own or they attack them as a threat. Sort of like political discussion in this country. Respect for differing opinions has gone out the window but that doesn't mean that everyone here is dissatisfied. There are plenty here that simply refuse to see the world through rose colored glasses.