Feet Expanding

Uncle Numanga wrote:

mslater wrote:Smart move by Feet. They import 2 or 3 strong teams/coaches in their struggling age groups and their brand perception could rebound among the U13 and under crowd in a matter of months. They're already solid in the older age groups. It's a win-win for NTX soccer (if they can execute).

Really? Since when?

1978

LHD wrote:

Uncle Numanga wrote:

mslater wrote:Smart move by Feet. They import 2 or 3 strong teams/coaches in their struggling age groups and their brand perception could rebound among the U13 and under crowd in a matter of months. They're already solid in the older age groups. It's a win-win for NTX soccer (if they can execute).

Really? Since when?

1978

Thanks.... now I am cleaning up spewed coffee from my laptop.

Uncle Numanga wrote:

mslater wrote:Smart move by Feet. They import 2 or 3 strong teams/coaches in their struggling age groups and their brand perception could rebound among the U13 and under crowd in a matter of months. They're already solid in the older age groups. It's a win-win for NTX soccer (if they can execute).

Really? Since when?

Unc what club teams are solid in the older age groups here in North Texas?

#2420 wrote:

Uncle Numanga wrote:

mslater wrote:Smart move by Feet. They import 2 or 3 strong teams/coaches in their struggling age groups and their brand perception could rebound among the U13 and under crowd in a matter of months. They're already solid in the older age groups. It's a win-win for NTX soccer (if they can execute).

Really? Since when?

Unc what club teams are solid in the older age groups here in North Texas?

Here ya go!

http://events.gotsport.com/events/?eventid=19335

JeffM wrote:Does anyone know if there is a timetable for this expansion? Will the green grow this spring, or will it wait till June?

The website says ".....Effective today, the D’Feeters Soccer Club will expand to a two tiered team format. One tier will be known as D’Feeters ECNL, to fulfill our commitments to the Elite Clubs National League......."



I guess the Today being referenced here is the Today you read that notice. Wide open timetable.

Regardless of the timetable, I think this is a very good move for Feet and will be even better for U13 and younger teams. Feet was losing a ton of players who did not want to fit into their filter-up system, but had some mild passion to play soccer at some level above rec. Now Feet can capture some of that group.



As to merging, it only depends on what Feet wants to achieve with this growth. If the idea is achieve instant growth and recognition, then a merger with another well-established club like Andro or Liverpool will make sense.

But if the idea is to achieve slow growth as referenced in the message, then a build up option starting at U5 Academy or a merger with a small independent club will provide a logical path to growth.

One thing not mentioned is, will Feet still stay All Girls Club?

More importantly, IMO, is Feet's willingness to allow some leverage to practice locations. While DCC is very central, I think opening up the availability to practice East or West will help not only the older age groups but the U5's-U10's that are a lot of the times made up of quality players from local neighborhoods and associations.

1more_dd_dad wrote:More importantly, IMO, is Feet's willingness to allow some leverage to practice locations. While DCC is very central, I think opening up the availability to practice East or West will help not only the older age groups but the U5's-U10's that are a lot of the times made up of quality players from local neighborhoods and associations.

You nailed that one! I took mine to exactly one practice to check them out, but coming from where we live to that location was a PAIN, and who practices at 4:30 in the afternoon on a weekday. Maybe if I was a stay at home.. if only.

I could see Feet in Plano, Allen, Richardson (Andro stomping grounds) and would instantly pick up DDs.

Soccerfan09 wrote:

1more_dd_dad wrote:More importantly, IMO, is Feet's willingness to allow some leverage to practice locations. While DCC is very central, I think opening up the availability to practice East or West will help not only the older age groups but the U5's-U10's that are a lot of the times made up of quality players from local neighborhoods and associations.

You nailed that one! I took mine to exactly one practice to check them out, but coming from where we live to that location was a PAIN, and who practices at 4:30 in the afternoon on a weekday. Maybe if I was a stay at home.. if only.

I could see Feet in Plano, Allen, Richardson (Andro stomping grounds) and would instantly pick up DDs.

and there are fields everywhere for free....

GL to the D'Feeters club.... bon chance

1more_dd_dad wrote:More importantly, IMO, is Feet's willingness to allow some leverage to practice locations. While DCC is very central, I think opening up the availability to practice East or West will help not only the older age groups but the U5's-U10's that are a lot of the times made up of quality players from local neighborhoods and associations.

Anyone interested in this breaking news by D'Feeters would do well to check the club's history. They tried this several years ago and then yanked the rug out from beneath the "feet" of a bunch of academy players rather late in the game. Seems the organization came to the realization that they needed to expand if they were going to stay relevant. Anyone feeling deja vous yet? Long story short, the club signed some academy teams away from another club... and then changed their minds shortly before signing. "We've always been a one team per age group club and will stay that way" were the famous last words by a certain Skip Scarfone. Better get it in writing this time around.

LHD wrote:

Uncle Numanga wrote:

mslater wrote:Smart move by Feet. They import 2 or 3 strong teams/coaches in their struggling age groups and their brand perception could rebound among the U13 and under crowd in a matter of months. They're already solid in the older age groups. It's a win-win for NTX soccer (if they can execute).

Really? Since when?

1978

You should really check the older teams records. Not exactly solid. No higher than 16th in any ECNL age group from U15-U17. They are in the B Bracket at U18, so I didn't include that and the U14's are 7th out of 8 teams in the Texas Conference.

Xara wrote:

1more_dd_dad wrote:More importantly, IMO, is Feet's willingness to allow some leverage to practice locations. While DCC is very central, I think opening up the availability to practice East or West will help not only the older age groups but the U5's-U10's that are a lot of the times made up of quality players from local neighborhoods and associations.

Anyone interested in this breaking news by D'Feeters would do well to check the club's history. They tried this several years ago and then yanked the rug out from beneath the "feet" of a bunch of academy players rather late in the game. Seems the organization came to the realization that they needed to expand if they were going to stay relevant. Anyone feeling deja vous yet? Long story short, the club signed some academy teams away from another club... and then changed their minds shortly before signing. "We've always been a one team per age group club and will stay that way" were the famous last words by a certain Skip Scarfone. Better get it in writing this time around.

Double S is an Academy coach. Anything said or stated by him should not be put in stone. He doesn't run the club or make any decisions.

giggedy wrote:

Xara wrote:

1more_dd_dad wrote:More importantly, IMO, is Feet's willingness to allow some leverage to practice locations. While DCC is very central, I think opening up the availability to practice East or West will help not only the older age groups but the U5's-U10's that are a lot of the times made up of quality players from local neighborhoods and associations.

Anyone interested in this breaking news by D'Feeters would do well to check the club's history. They tried this several years ago and then yanked the rug out from beneath the "feet" of a bunch of academy players rather late in the game. Seems the organization came to the realization that they needed to expand if they were going to stay relevant. Anyone feeling deja vous yet? Long story short, the club signed some academy teams away from another club... and then changed their minds shortly before signing. "We've always been a one team per age group club and will stay that way" were the famous last words by a certain Skip Scarfone. Better get it in writing this time around.

Double S is an Academy coach. Anything said or stated by him should not be put in stone. He doesn't run the club or make any decisions.

It was the club that was at the time pursuing the two team system with the idea being that it would start at the U10 academy age. SS is an agent of the club and acting per their approval. It was all sailing along fine, and the plug was suddenly pulled shortly before the QT. Regardless of what SS may have said, D'Feeters allowed it all to happen and then left a bunch of parents and girls scrambling due to broken promises.

Xara wrote:

giggedy wrote:

Xara wrote:

1more_dd_dad wrote:More importantly, IMO, is Feet's willingness to allow some leverage to practice locations. While DCC is very central, I think opening up the availability to practice East or West will help not only the older age groups but the U5's-U10's that are a lot of the times made up of quality players from local neighborhoods and associations.

Anyone interested in this breaking news by D'Feeters would do well to check the club's history. They tried this several years ago and then yanked the rug out from beneath the "feet" of a bunch of academy players rather late in the game. Seems the organization came to the realization that they needed to expand if they were going to stay relevant. Anyone feeling deja vous yet? Long story short, the club signed some academy teams away from another club... and then changed their minds shortly before signing. "We've always been a one team per age group club and will stay that way" were the famous last words by a certain Skip Scarfone. Better get it in writing this time around.

Double S is an Academy coach. Anything said or stated by him should not be put in stone. He doesn't run the club or make any decisions.

It was the club that was at the time pursuing the two team system with the idea being that it would start at the U10 academy age. SS is an agent of the club and acting per their approval. It was all sailing along fine, and the plug was suddenly pulled shortly before the QT. Regardless of what SS may have said, D'Feeters allowed it all to happen and then left a bunch of parents and girls scrambling due to broken promises.

Are you talking about '01s? If so I'm pretty sure that happened at U9 and it was a year and half before QT.

Xara wrote:

giggedy wrote:

Xara wrote:

1more_dd_dad wrote:More importantly, IMO, is Feet's willingness to allow some leverage to practice locations. While DCC is very central, I think opening up the availability to practice East or West will help not only the older age groups but the U5's-U10's that are a lot of the times made up of quality players from local neighborhoods and associations.

Anyone interested in this breaking news by D'Feeters would do well to check the club's history. They tried this several years ago and then yanked the rug out from beneath the "feet" of a bunch of academy players rather late in the game. Seems the organization came to the realization that they needed to expand if they were going to stay relevant. Anyone feeling deja vous yet? Long story short, the club signed some academy teams away from another club... and then changed their minds shortly before signing. "We've always been a one team per age group club and will stay that way" were the famous last words by a certain Skip Scarfone. Better get it in writing this time around.

Double S is an Academy coach. Anything said or stated by him should not be put in stone. He doesn't run the club or make any decisions.

It was the club that was at the time pursuing the two team system with the idea being that it would start at the U10 academy age. SS is an agent of the club and acting per their approval. It was all sailing along fine, and the plug was suddenly pulled shortly before the QT. Regardless of what SS may have said, D'Feeters allowed it all to happen and then left a bunch of parents and girls scrambling due to broken promises.

While not being aware of the situation from the D'Feet camp myself over your accusations, I bet somebody from that side could give a completely different story.

But I'm not saying that is or is not what happened. I'm just thinking that is a strange choice of a person to put quotes on based on his position. I don't think that Jesse Torres would be a proper spokesperson for Liverpool, nor would Katt Webb for Solar, nor would Gil Kang for FC Dallas, et cetera.

I was told quite a while back, by Double S himself, that Feet was going to 2 teams per age group and exactly which group they were going to bring aboard. But I'm not believing it until I see it because I know it isn't his position to make those decisions.

Uncle Numanga wrote:

LHD wrote:

Uncle Numanga wrote:

mslater wrote:Smart move by Feet. They import 2 or 3 strong teams/coaches in their struggling age groups and their brand perception could rebound among the U13 and under crowd in a matter of months. They're already solid in the older age groups. It's a win-win for NTX soccer (if they can execute).

Really? Since when?

1978

You should really check the older teams records. Not exactly solid. No higher than 16th in any ECNL age group from U15-U17. They are in the B Bracket at U18, so I didn't include that and the U14's are 7th out of 8 teams in the Texas Conference.

Really Unc....you're going there? I'm a little surprised at you. So much for diplomacy as we grow older, wiser. What is your definition of solid?

Results

giggedy wrote:

Xara wrote:

1more_dd_dad wrote:More importantly, IMO, is Feet's willingness to allow some leverage to practice locations. While DCC is very central, I think opening up the availability to practice East or West will help not only the older age groups but the U5's-U10's that are a lot of the times made up of quality players from local neighborhoods and associations.

Anyone interested in this breaking news by D'Feeters would do well to check the club's history. They tried this several years ago and then yanked the rug out from beneath the "feet" of a bunch of academy players rather late in the game. Seems the organization came to the realization that they needed to expand if they were going to stay relevant. Anyone feeling deja vous yet? Long story short, the club signed some academy teams away from another club... and then changed their minds shortly before signing. "We've always been a one team per age group club and will stay that way" were the famous last words by a certain Skip Scarfone. Better get it in writing this time around.

Double S is an Academy coach. Anything said or stated by him should not be put in stone. He doesn't run the club or make any decisions.

They actually tried this back when the 94's were going select, and i didnt believe it when we were told the plan. I DID GET IT IN WRITING from the President of the club (and still have it). But they still went back on there word. I have no harsh feelings to the players of Feet, there are a bunch of good girls there but the staff will lie to your face if it helps them that day.

If they do follow through dont expect much as there second teams.

Two points to address: Feet’s plan to expand, Unc’s position suggesting Feet would not be considered “solid” in the older age groups.

First, the expansion issue. Since inception, Feet has operated successfully (by the standards of most) as an all girls, 1 team per age group club. The opportunities for expansion or mergers have presented themselves a number of times over the years. Bottom-line is that the club’s leadership didn’t feel those moves were in the club’s best interest…..so things remained status quo. I cannot attest to nor deny some of the specific instances referenced in prior posts but I can verify that the expansion issue has been on the table for the last 1-2 years (more specifically at the Academy level going forward).

However, with the advent of ECNL, the culture and demands have changed. There is no question that for Feet to be relevant, going forward, they will have to abandon their “old school” mentality and succumb to the new demands that ECNL will require. This club has never been run as a “business first” enterprise….it was always about the girls and the soccer…and it’s always been run by “old school” soccer guys, not businessmen. While I respect where the club has been, I also feel we need to take the next step….and that next step has to be a deeper player pool. The drop-off in performance in our younger age groups would suggest that we’re behind the curve…..I can’t disagree with that. But it’s clear that the “powers that be” understand that things have to change. How that plays out, remains to be seen. I, for one, am sad that will be the case. There was a certain pride and uniqueness (at least, internally) that came with our family-type structure and the ability to stave off the mega club mentality. And despite a specific naysayer, I think few would argue that historically, Feet have been a solid club.

Coming soon….in a chapter near you: “Why Feet would be considered ‘Solid’ in the older age groups.” (subtitled: “Is Unc that big of a dumbass….or has he just reverted to his less-mature pot-stirring days?”)

Deeper player pool? Really? How many players on the top Sting or Texans teams come from other teams within their club? Very few. In fact, our team has none and Sting has one that came through the club. While it would be nice to have a minor league system to prepare raw players for bigger things, the truth is, it just doesn't work that way. Feet should know that. The only reason to add other teams is economics.

As far as stirring the pot, maybe a little. But why not, it's been a little boring around here.

Uncle Numanga wrote:Deeper player pool? Really? How many players on the top Sting or Texans teams come from other teams within their club? Very few. In fact, our team has none and Sting has one that came through the club. While it would be nice to have a minor league system to prepare raw players for bigger things, the truth is, it just doesn't work that way. Feet should know that. The only reason to add other teams is economics.

As far as stirring the pot, maybe a little. But why not, it's been a little boring around here.

Yeah....really. You might want to re-check your facts. Though I'm not all that familiar with your 95 squad, I know of 1 on your team that came from Red North. Your 96 Texan team has 2 that I know of (one dual-rostered with ECNL/LHGCL teams and 1 from Texans Austin).

Those aside, I'll give you 2 examples where our team would have benefited dramatically. Last year Feet 96 was in a very solid stretch, having only lost 1 game in a full year, when we were decimated by injuries. Despite having an 18 person roster, we were playing games with anywhere from 10-12 players for an extended period. In approx 4 games we played appreciable time with only 10. We proceeded to lose 5 of our next 9 games. Do you think we would have benefited from being able to pull up 2-3 kids from another team?

Secondarily, at signing time, we had 2-3 bubble kids on our existing roster, as well as 4-5 kids trying out that were solid players that we didn't really have a spot for. In addition, some injured kids that we knew wouldn't be ready to go for a few months after the start of the new year. You don't think there's a value to having a 2nd team that we could offer them spots on? They would have the ability to be part of the club, rehab, get playing time and work their way back. The bubble kids would have had a spot with the club and had the ability to play ECNL while others were hurt....or even earn a spot back permanently. Believe me, we could have benefited dramatically from having a 2nd team. We still haven't recovered from that stretch...as our record will show.

I can assure you at Feet, it's not about the economics, it's about remaining relevant.

there, they're and their....

Absolutely no dog in this fight whatsoever but I have enjoyed this thread greatly. Personally I have respected the Feet way of one team per age group keeping "select" soccer truly "select". However, there is no denying the recent drop off of league results. Personally I don't think this lessens their ability to develop quality players.

Undeniable facts/standings as of today:

U11 - LH D1 11th place
U12 - LH D2 8th place
U13 - LH D2 6th place
U14 - ECNL 7th place
U15 - ECNL 5th place conference bracket 18th place national bracket
U16 - ECNL 6th place conference bracket 19th place national bracket
U17 - ECNL 5th place conference bracket 16th place national bracket
U18 - ECNL 2nd place conference bracket 5th place national bracket

I don't recall where I saw the list of college commitments or when but I am pretty sure Feet was fairly well represented. It may not show in the standings but isn't it really about development anyways.

What is so wrong with Feet and Fever merger. Both have good players. Both have good coaches. One is ECNL, other could benefit from that. I had heard that was gonna happen at one point, then it went cold. I get there would be some issues, (practices, who will coach what team, ect..) but make it work. It could work! Come on Penn and Bradford let's get to the table. Big picture looks great.

Fact is, Feet never wanted it to be about the money, they wanted to be about development, in a good environment that woudl prepare the player for what they will experience when they get to to college. The training, learning the game and not being dead set on win, win,win. Developing players! UNC, you come from a place where all of the focus is on winning. How is the development over there? I all to often have seen girls leave your club because they were just beat down and told they werent good enough. We will just replace you. Or, we are ahead in the game so lets pack the box and not play straight up soccer. What does that teach exactly?

I would love to see some stats on how many players dropped out of soccer after their first year of college because they were not prepared for what was coming at them. They were not taught integrity, how to be humble and how to work hard on learning the game in case the college they attend plays them in a different position than what they were used to.

Let me tell you, if you are in club right now at the U14 or below level, you need to step back and ask yourself, "is my daughter truly learning respect for the game and how the game is played, or is she being taught to always send it to one person everytime because that is how we win?"
Too much emphasis is put on winning and not learning. If you learn the game, you will win.
Being in the middle of the pack in standings is not a problem. When a college coach approaches your daughter and says "she is a great forward but want her as a defender and will give her a fully scholarship if she can play that position. Has she ever played it?"
Its a problem if your answer is "my daughter has never played it but she can learn". Your answer should be "my daughter is a soccer player, she can play any position"

Your daughter might score 100 goals this but many coaches will be looking at the players around her that made it happen.

All of the D'Feeter coaches have other jobs. They dont coach for a living. It was never about being a business. Yes they get paid and not like some of the other club coaches that do it as their only source of income.

The only way Feet, as a club, can keep up with attracting players is to expand to offer more options. They are a victim of the business this has become.

I have never my decision to play my daughter for Feet. She has learned valuable life lessons that stretch a lot further than just soccer. Her coach is a heck of role model and for as much time as she spends at soccer practice, I want her being influenced by someone that is as good of a person as he is a coach.

96Guru wrote:Fact is, Feet never wanted it to be about the money, they wanted to be about development, in a good environment that woudl prepare the player for what they will experience when they get to to college. The training, learning the game and not being dead set on win, win,win. Developing players! UNC, you come from a place where all of the focus is on winning. How is the development over there? I all to often have seen girls leave your club because they were just beat down and told they werent good enough. We will just replace you. Or, we are ahead in the game so lets pack the box and not play straight up soccer. What does that teach exactly?

I would love to see some stats on how many players dropped out of soccer after their first year of college because they were not prepared for what was coming at them. They were not taught integrity, how to be humble and how to work hard on learning the game in case the college they attend plays them in a different position than what they were used to.

Let me tell you, if you are in club right now at the U14 or below level, you need to step back and ask yourself, "is my daughter truly learning respect for the game and how the game is played, or is she being taught to always send it to one person everytime because that is how we win?"
Too much emphasis is put on winning and not learning. If you learn the game, you will win.
Being in the middle of the pack in standings is not a problem. When a college coach approaches your daughter and says "she is a great forward but want her as a defender and will give her a fully scholarship if she can play that position. Has she ever played it?"
Its a problem if your answer is "my daughter has never played it but she can learn". Your answer should be "my daughter is a soccer player, she can play any position"

Your daughter might score 100 goals this but many coaches will be looking at the players around her that made it happen.

All of the D'Feeter coaches have other jobs. They dont coach for a living. It was never about being a business. Yes they get paid and not like some of the other club coaches that do it as their only source of income.

The only way Feet, as a club, can keep up with attracting players is to expand to offer more options. They are a victim of the business this has become.

I have never my decision to play my daughter for Feet. She has learned valuable life lessons that stretch a lot further than just soccer. Her coach is a heck of role model and for as much time as she spends at soccer practice, I want her being influenced by someone that is as good of a person as he is a coach.

Now Unc step to the plate and defend your club rock star. Don't be Shy!!!

Nice post 96Guru.You should post more often. Instead of letting it bottle up!

96Guru wrote:Fact is, Feet never wanted it to be about the money, they wanted to be about development, in a good environment that woudl prepare the player for what they will experience when they get to to college. The training, learning the game and not being dead set on win, win,win. Developing players! UNC, you come from a place where all of the focus is on winning. How is the development over there? I all to often have seen girls leave your club because they were just beat down and told they werent good enough. We will just replace you. Or, we are ahead in the game so lets pack the box and not play straight up soccer. What does that teach exactly?

I would love to see some stats on how many players dropped out of soccer after their first year of college because they were not prepared for what was coming at them. They were not taught integrity, how to be humble and how to work hard on learning the game in case the college they attend plays them in a different position than what they were used to.

Let me tell you, if you are in club right now at the U14 or below level, you need to step back and ask yourself, "is my daughter truly learning respect for the game and how the game is played, or is she being taught to always send it to one person everytime because that is how we win?"
Too much emphasis is put on winning and not learning. If you learn the game, you will win.
Being in the middle of the pack in standings is not a problem. When a college coach approaches your daughter and says "she is a great forward but want her as a defender and will give her a fully scholarship if she can play that position. Has she ever played it?"
Its a problem if your answer is "my daughter has never played it but she can learn". Your answer should be "my daughter is a soccer player, she can play any position"

Your daughter might score 100 goals this but many coaches will be looking at the players around her that made it happen.

All of the D'Feeter coaches have other jobs. They dont coach for a living. It was never about being a business. Yes they get paid and not like some of the other club coaches that do it as their only source of income.

The only way Feet, as a club, can keep up with attracting players is to expand to offer more options. They are a victim of the business this has become.

I have never my decision to play my daughter for Feet. She has learned valuable life lessons that stretch a lot further than just soccer. Her coach is a heck of role model and for as much time as she spends at soccer practice, I want her being influenced by someone that is as good of a person as he is a coach.

Good post. We need more posts that say, "We do it better and this is how..."

What's the over/under on Hassan's annual salary? $200K?