Rumour Round Up

[TKBC]

North Delta has been the talk of soccer in BC for awhile. Many people are aware that several exec and good volunteers have left the club over some of the shenanigans the last president did that resulted in him being suspended from soccer for a long time. Many have left already for CFC or gone to other sports. I hear nearly 25% have left. The result of those legal issues they had resulted in the gaming grant being pulled combined with lawyer costs and damages they were required to pay further resulted in them not renewing the player development coach because they couldn't afford him. This has further resulted I expect in people leaving and so it goes. The snowball is rolling.
Also I have a friend that is coaching their part time and also coaches in Westminster District. He says they cant even pull together an executive because of the mass exodus.
With North Delta gravitating to BCTFC it again is a desperate attempt by that North Delta TD to secure his future once the money runs out further.
Bigger clubs like VFC are experiencing similar issues but from what I understand the TD there actually has the best interests of development as the drive. Hopefully he gets support of the new GM that has just come in.
BTW - CMF is not a perfect club either but I do believe the exec keeps the paid staff grounded relatively and the direction is consistent with the player development. Its easier though as they have all levels from house to Premier and everything in between. Not much reason to poach or take programming outside the club model. Surrey United same and CFC same. It appears that most of the PL clubs are doing well. chicken or egg. Did they receive franchises because they were doing well or they are doing well since they received franchises? not sure. Thats another thread I suspect.
Kamloops might be the new model to research as I am seeing that club and its successes. I dont have much info though. Maybe a Kamloops person can tell me what they are seeing??

Thanks.

The ND "mess" may clear up with the South Delta merger - if SD is running itself very well and ND players leave to register there then by virtue of self preservation the ND board will want to produce an equal product on and off the field. One would hope. (though I have no clue whatsoever if SD will be well-run, just guessing they will as Ladner and TSA were good clubs IME).

 

[soccer mom]

Thanks.

The ND "mess" may clear up with the South Delta merger - if SD is running itself very well and ND players leave to register there then by virtue of self preservation the ND board will want to produce an equal product on and off the field. One would hope. (though I have no clue whatsoever if SD will be well-run, just guessing they will as Ladner and TSA were good clubs IME).

 

[soccer mom]

TKBC - I agree. Competition is a great thing and keeps clubs growing and developing. If ND as in your example continues to roll backwards and the board sits idle and watches as the TD and paid managers continue to implement programs like Wolves ID camps and such than they will struggle and as you suggest their will be a continued exodus to Coastal and now to SD which I believe will get organized and produce good programs. I am not a SD person but do know their TD has a solid reputation and of course the Coastal track record is also strong over the years as has been previously mentioned in this string.
Kinda like in Westminster District where CMF has been dominant for many years as far as reputation and registered numbers which has equated to trophies and lack of soccer attrition and than Port Moody gets organized and becomes a viable option for families in this area. Further to that NCU has now started to produce some good programming too. So its encouraging to see how competition in this example seems to have made all 3 clubs stronger which can only be better for soccer as a whole. I might also add that Royal City seems to be developing as well.
So in Surrey will the emergence of new clubs become a wash out until the best organized survive or will they all flourish and survive. Lets hope for the latter.
Vancouver has had recent shake outs and some clubs have disappeared because they couldn't adapt to the times. ND Soccer Club in this case has much reason to worry because as you have said SD is becoming organized, Coastal is organized, and their are a bunch of Surrey clubs that may or may not become viable options as the 2 districts merge. It could be potential disaster unless that club makes changes to its TD and to its management or the board starts holding those paid people accountable. Wouldn't surprise me either if Royal City started pulling families across the Alex Fraser as well as they become better organized.
Lots of South Delta families used to play in Richmond as well because of the lack of critical mass in both TSC and Ladner. I could see how that merger could bring those families back.

Fun times ahead as Surrey Delta Districts merge.

 

[4_the_kids]

Those 5 clubs can relatively easily field gold level teams each. The city has about 450,000 people and is growing faster than any other city. CCB (and SFC in my experience) water down the level all by themselves by allowing too many gold-level teams from their own club. In my last u16 season there was 6 teams from CCB in Gold, and in u17 there was 5! 1 of those CCB teams smashed everyone and won the league in u16, but in u17 the CCB teams struggled relatively. Gold should say "max 2 gold teams per club" although TBF the only clubs who would have issue with that rule are CCB it seems.

And yes, I agree they'll surely merge again some point in the future when they realize they are struggling for resources and players, and start to win less medals.

Except those 5 clubs are drawing mainly out of one community being Newton. There is still Surrey United, Guildford and Coastal that draw from that 450,000 as well. Essentially we have 2 large clubs( 2000+ members) in Surrey United and Coastal, the rest are smaller i believe and in fact I think coastal is approaching or surpassing 4K
The cost of having staff coaches, development programs , BC Soccer Charter compliance will either force a merger or drive registration costs up ..................
I believe most TD's make around 60-65K before any paid head coach allocations within BCSPL or Metro teams or bonus etc.... For a club with 1000 members that is around 15% of income, for a club of 2000 it is around 8% and so on,. ( % based on average registration fee of $350, actual fees are less once gaming and other grants are applied) SO for a smaller club to have equal programming to a larger one requires a far greater percentage of total revenue making it somewhat unlikely there will be equal programming.
I have seen some of these Newton clubs lose out on money from registrations with their offers to secure teams, cheaper reg, coaches kids play for free, free kits etc... and then they trim the development program to make it up...

 

[easoccer]

IMHO Coaches kid should play for free at all clubs. It only costs the club a very small amount (kit, etc) and they get a coach in return.

I dont agree with incentives to secure teams though.

 

[soccer mom]

IMHO Coaches kid should play for free at all clubs. It only costs the club a very small amount (kit, etc) and they get a coach in return.

I dont agree with incentives to secure teams though.

 

[soccer mom]

the issue in this case becomes where do you draw the line. Coaches kids play free, asst coaches are on the field and spend as much time, so do they play for free? How about team managers who organize the season for each team with tourneys and kit purchases and communication etc? Than the team treasurer wants free, than the club executive who spends countless hours at exec meetings and helping out wants it for free etc. So although in principal its not a bad idea I am not sure how it would work. That's why things like coaches appreciation parties and manager pub nights and volunteer nights might be a better option for appreciation and keep coaches and volunteers coming back. Once you start buying volunteers you get volunteer coaches only interested in free registration and clock hours but not productive dedicated hours like coaches that are there for the love of coaching and development etc.

 

[easoccer]

I can't think of a single coach who does it just for the free registration. Maybe they exist, but it doesn't make sense financially for that reason alone.

It takes a LOT of work and patience to deal with youth at any age. 2 practices per week, game days, coaching courses to meet the mandatory requirements, self improvement, rides for kids, occasional lunches for kids who forgot, staying late waiting for parents to show up.

A head coach getting complementary registration is a great way for a club to show appreciation.

Ineffective coaching is another matter altogether. If the coach isn't fit, the coach isn't fit and that should be dealt with regardless.

 

[4_the_kids]

I can't think of a single coach who does it just for the free registration. Maybe they exist, but it doesn't make sense financially for that reason alone.

It takes a LOT of work and patience to deal with youth at any age. 2 practices per week, game days, coaching courses to meet the mandatory requirements, self improvement, rides for kids, occasional lunches for kids who forgot, staying late waiting for parents to show up.

A head coach getting complementary registration is a great way for a club to show appreciation.

Ineffective coaching is another matter altogether. If the coach isn't fit, the coach isn't fit and that should be dealt with regardless.

I agree - anything is appreciated. That wasn't really my point, I was more referring to the hand shake deals that go on in an attempt to lure teams and how those deals potentially effect revenue , and if revenue is affected its the development programs that get cut back first....

 

[CanadianSpur]

TKBC - I agree. Competition is a great thing and keeps clubs growing and developing. If ND as in your example continues to roll backwards and the board sits idle and watches as the TD and paid managers continue to implement programs like Wolves ID camps and such than they will struggle and as you suggest their will be a continued exodus to Coastal and now to SD which I believe will get organized and produce good programs. I am not a SD person but do know their TD has a solid reputation and of course the Coastal track record is also strong over the years as has been previously mentioned in this string.
Kinda like in Westminster District where CMF has been dominant for many years as far as reputation and registered numbers which has equated to trophies and lack of soccer attrition and than Port Moody gets organized and becomes a viable option for families in this area. Further to that NCU has now started to produce some good programming too. So its encouraging to see how competition in this example seems to have made all 3 clubs stronger which can only be better for soccer as a whole. I might also add that Royal City seems to be developing as well.
So in Surrey will the emergence of new clubs become a wash out until the best organized survive or will they all flourish and survive. Lets hope for the latter.
Vancouver has had recent shake outs and some clubs have disappeared because they couldn't adapt to the times. ND Soccer Club in this case has much reason to worry because as you have said SD is becoming organized, Coastal is organized, and their are a bunch of Surrey clubs that may or may not become viable options as the 2 districts merge. It could be potential disaster unless that club makes changes to its TD and to its management or the board starts holding those paid people accountable. Wouldn't surprise me either if Royal City started pulling families across the Alex Fraser as well as they become better organized.
Lots of South Delta families used to play in Richmond as well because of the lack of critical mass in both TSC and Ladner. I could see how that merger could bring those families back.

Fun times ahead as Surrey Delta Districts merge.

Just a quick point. Its Tri-Cities District now and not Westminster.

I would seriously question that NCU has started to produce quality programming. Their enrollment seem to continue to decline with fewer teams at all levels unless something has changed for this season. PoCo is really improving their product and there is some level of engagement with CMF that I think is beneficial for both clubs and, most importantly, the kids. Port Moody doesn't seam to be following LTPD at the lower ages and really not wanting to work with the other clubs in the district. Maybe my perception is wrong being a part of the CMF but that is what I am seeing.

 

[soccer mom]

Just a quick point. Its Tri-Cities District now and not Westminster.

I would seriously question that NCU has started to produce quality programming. Their enrollment seem to continue to decline with fewer teams at all levels unless something has changed for this season. PoCo is really improving their product and there is some level of engagement with CMF that I think is beneficial for both clubs and, most importantly, the kids. Port Moody doesn't seam to be following LTPD at the lower ages and really not wanting to work with the other clubs in the district. Maybe my perception is wrong being a part of the CMF but that is what I am seeing.

 

[soccer mom]

point taken on Tri cities district. Shows my age a bit. lol. Also point taken on NCU (my opinion was as an outsider and only based on what I hear). Anyone closer to that club will have better knowledge. i agree with your take on the Port Moody not having Pl could be beneficial.

 

[soccer mom]

I can't think of a single coach who does it just for the free registration. Maybe they exist, but it doesn't make sense financially for that reason alone.

It takes a LOT of work and patience to deal with youth at any age. 2 practices per week, game days, coaching courses to meet the mandatory requirements, self improvement, rides for kids, occasional lunches for kids who forgot, staying late waiting for parents to show up.

A head coach getting complementary registration is a great way for a club to show appreciation.

Ineffective coaching is another matter altogether. If the coach isn't fit, the coach isn't fit and that should be dealt with regardless.

 

[soccer mom]

either can I but your post said give them free registration and you get a coach. That's different than offering them free registration after they have coached. Semantics maybe but I read it that you were indicating in order to get coaches you offer free registration. Step up and the club will pay your fees. If that happens I assure you that some will step up in order to get the free registration and kit etc without really understanding the commitment level involved in coaching and possibly will not do a great job.
I also don't know of any coaches that do it for the free registration because I don't know of any clubs that offer free registration.
Another point is in order for a person to be a member of a club in most cases the constitutions will indicate that they have to pay and be in good standings with the predetermined registration fees. Collecting an honorarium in a sense might not put them in good standings with clubs as far as membership.

 

[easoccer]

either can I but your post said give them free registration and you get a coach. That's different than offering them free registration after they have coached. Semantics maybe but I read it that you were indicating in order to get coaches you offer free registration. Step up and the club will pay your fees. If that happens I assure you that some will step up in order to get the free registration and kit etc without really understanding the commitment level involved in coaching and possibly will not do a great job.
I also don't know of any coaches that do it for the free registration because I don't know of any clubs that offer free registration.
Another point is in order for a person to be a member of a club in most cases the constitutions will indicate that they have to pay and be in good standings with the predetermined registration fees. Collecting an honorarium in a sense might not put them in good standings with clubs as far as membership.

My post was in response to another post about the ways Newton clubs "lose" money. I never said it should be a selling point to entice new coaches, and I dont see it as a loss leader, but a benefit to both parties.

 

[TKBC]

Port Moody doesn't seam to be following LTPD at the lower ages and really not wanting to work with the other clubs in the district. Maybe my perception is wrong being a part of the CMF but that is what I am seeing.

I agree with others in this thread in that the perception is Tri-Cities clubs all seem to be following CMF's lead - ie, Port Moody's on-field standard is good!

But re: this post - how are they not following LTPD and if they are not why are they approved for entry into MSL by their district? (remember the district approves the application before the MSL league ever hears about them being interested - or so I am told).

 

[TKBC]

Someone asked if Surrey would wash out or all would thrive. Impossible to say, but I assume at some point some of the clubs will merge (again).

Surrey United will continue to thrive and be standard bearer. SFC will probably come out in the end along with CCB. Guildford is a bit of a niche up north, but it's easy to get around Surrey so they have to ensure they are providing quality programming.

Hopefully the Charter comes with guidelines that are enforced (meaning teams can't enter certain leagues if they are not in compliance).

 

[soccer mom]

And with delta district and surrey merging only muddies the water even more so. Seemingly will the surrey clubs be dragged into the mess that delta district and specifically north delta has created or will the rest of the district thrive like cfc has coming out of delta district. South Delta merging is positive for those clubs. Gonna be a power struggle as those boundaries become removed and free flow is allowed to happen between surrey and Delta clubs.

 

[easoccer]

The only way all of these clubs can put quality teams and proper development is through partnerships or merging together down the road.

Or poaching.

 

[4_the_kids]

And with delta district and surrey merging only muddies the water even more so. Seemingly will the surrey clubs be dragged into the mess that delta district and specifically north delta has created or will the rest of the district thrive like cfc has coming out of delta district. South Delta merging is positive for those clubs. Gonna be a power struggle as those boundaries become removed and free flow is allowed to happen between surrey and Delta clubs.

I think the only club that will be challenged under the merger is North Delta, most from Surrey wont drive to South Delta and Coastal was already a threat to Delta and the Newton clubs.
One might argue Delta District is being dragged into the mess of Newton as well....
The merger doesn't change the challenge with the smaller Newton clubs in fact they might benefit from North Delta membership moving , BC Tigers and Pacific United membership comes from either those playing only summer or from CCB and SFC..
Surrey United and Coastal will remain the gold standard.
As long as Guildford remains partnered with SU for BCSPL they should be fine, currently have good people there.
South Delta looks to be building something positive and no doubt will remain partner club with Coastal for BCSPL
I think CCB and SFC will remain stronger than BC Tiger and Pacific United , CCB needs to step up its programs to compete though...

In the end it will be business as usual , top talent will remain where they are if the programs are good or move to the bigger clubs, those who feel slighted will complain and bounce around until they get on a higher level team,...