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[sounderfan]

GOOD JOB, NWN! 

[Firedog]

http://crossfiresoccer.org/

Sad.

Xfire refuses to mention Sounders FC on their front page, refering to all clubs as merely "ODP," with no Sounders involvement. Um, they were wearing Sounders jerseys, people...

 

Really?  Someone asked and they said "no"?  You're the objective reporter type right?

[tornado]

No one should have to "ask". That's the name of the program, like it or not. The name should be respected if the club is going to put kids in the program and the kids are representing the SOUNDERS ODP program. It's not rocket science. Be proud of the Sounders name if kids in your club are going to be part of it.

Great job keeping it real NWN!

[Firedog]

Crossfire is not likely to give up their academy teams, and from what I hear they see the Sounders as a competition/threat to their brand.

That really is too bad.

Was it "too bad" when Crossfire and WPFC both offered Academy teams?  The state could support competing acadamies then but not now that the Sounders are involved?  No one's railing away about player choice now?  If there were enough kids to support two programs before, there still are - particularly if the Sounders will draw beyond State borders.  How Crossfire funds their academy program is a different discussion...

[Firedog]

No one should have to "ask". That's the name of the program, like it or not. The name should be respected if the club is going to put kids in the program and the kids are representing the SOUNDERS ODP program. It's not rocket science. Be proud of the Sounders name if kids in your club are going to be part of it.

Great job keeping it real NWN!

See it worked.  The newspaper guy got you all riled up with the choice of a word.  That was the point.  Keep it real.

[sounderfan]

http://crossfiresoccer.org/

Sad.

Xfire refuses to mention Sounders FC on their front page, refering to all clubs as merely "ODP," with no Sounders involvement. Um, they were wearing Sounders jerseys, people...

 

Really?  Someone asked and they said "no"?  You're the objective reporter type right?

Forgets?

Possible.

[tornado]

Doubtful.

Sweet Sounders  jersey's those kids wore to Arizona by the way.

[EWSoccer64]

Firedog,  Crossfire is still offering Academy teams.   So there are still two options, the "state" is still supporting two academy teams.
your point - at least as stated - is moot.

Crossfire is not likely to give up their academy teams, and from what I hear they see the Sounders as a competition/threat to their brand.

That really is too bad.

Was it "too bad" when Crossfire and WPFC both offered Academy teams?  The state could support competing acadamies then but not now that the Sounders are involved?  No one's railing away about player choice now?  If there were enough kids to support two programs before, there still are - particularly if the Sounders will draw beyond State borders.  How Crossfire funds their academy program is a different discussion...

[Firedog]

EW,

I'm clear that Crossfire will continue with its' Academy program. I must have misunderstood the collective sentiment of your posts and others that Crossfire's insistence on continuing was only about self serving greed and would provide no meaningful benefit to top level players.  Glad to know that's not what you meant.

[Squash]

EW,

I'm clear that Crossfire will continue with its' Academy program. I must have misunderstood the collective sentiment of your posts and others that Crossfire's insistence on continuing was only about self serving greed and would provide no meaningful benefit to top level players.  Glad to know that's not what you meant.

No i think most meant that too....... facts is facts

 

[Firedog]

Welcome back to the conversation webslinger.  Couldn't resist the bash?  Let me make sure I have the "facts" straight.  When the Academy teams were WP and XF, XF was in it for the greed and now that it's the Sounders (who may ultimately roster some of these players to sell tickets), it's still XF that's in it for the greed?

[sounderfan]

Welcome back to the conversation webslinger.  Couldn't resist the bash?  Let me make sure I have the "facts" straight.  When the Academy teams were WP and XF, XF was in it for the greed and now that it's the Sounders (who may ultimately roster some of these players to sell tickets), it's still XF that's in it for the greed?

Not anything I ever said, so don't put words in my mouth. I keep searching these forums for good word of mouth about Xfire, as I have no personal experience with them.
Needless to say, I am looking in the wrong place. 

[EWSoccer64]

EW,

I'm clear that Crossfire will continue with its' Academy program. I must have misunderstood the collective sentiment of your posts and others that Crossfire's insistence on continuing was only about self serving greed and would provide no meaningful benefit to top level players.  Glad to know that's not what you meant.

Actually, I think that you understood my points of the past rather well.  It is my belief that Crossfire is continueing its Academy program out of a very self-serving motivation.   Not in the belief that the players of the state can support, should have, or is best served with two academy teams.

I was merely trying to refute any idea that there was only going to be a single academy program next year.

It is interesting that the the continuation of the Crossfire Academy flied in the face of their entire philosophical program.  Unless, of course, one subscribes to the idea that the Crossfire Academy will be superior to the Sounders Academy.

[SoccerOnTheMenu]

Actually, I think that you understood my points of the past rather well.  It is my belief that Crossfire is continueing its Academy program out of a very self-serving motivation.   Not in the belief that the players of the state can support, should have, or is best served with two academy teams.

I was merely trying to refute any idea that there was only going to be a single academy program next year.

It is interesting that the the continuation of the Crossfire Academy flied in the face of their entire philosophical program.  Unless, of course, one subscribes to the idea that the Crossfire Academy will be superior to the Sounders Academy.

It is my belief that Crossfire continuing its Academy program is a very good decision that benefits the continued development of soccer in the Pac NW. In fact I think it is so far from self-serving it is actually sacrificial given the tough economic times that we are in. Knowing very well that somehow they have to subsidive the program through fundraising, private funds etc. Tough competition is farming ground for true excellence.

In the end, it is a win-win for the kids and those who refuse to acknowledge this point are simply blinded by years of slight, jealousy and envy for Bernie James. Get over it people.. We get it you don't like the guy but for once in your self conceited lives stop resolving everything XF to some personal vendetta on BJ.

The point of what academy is better is totally irrelevant. In the end, it is really about individual development rather than team development. For the player, the Academy is a vehicle to some destination. As already mentioned, competition will be fierce to get into the free Sounders Academy, this means that there will be deserving local players that just won't make this team. For these players who are willing to make the investment in money and time, the XF academy will be a wonderful option. In the academy not discounting coaching, competition etc individuals will get out what they put in for the most part; as in how hard they work. In some cases you will find that some individuals will work harder to secure opportunities that cost them something rather than opportunities that are freely handed to them.

More Opportunities for soccer hungry kids that's a great thing !!!

I bet you that if WPFC had kept its Academy, and XF had folded, the commentary we are seeing would be very different. Pretty sad.

-SOTM.

[Chinsofelvis]

Well, Socceronthemenu, it seems that the difference btwn WPFC and XF in this case is not that one kept its Academy and the other "folded," but that one was willing to cooperate with the Sounders and the other was not.  Isn't BJ's personal issue w/ Sounders what underlies the current state of affairs, having little to do with (chronological) children or the game of soccer?  We may never know if XF cooperation with the Sounders would have resulted in one or two Academy teams in the Puget Sound region, but it is certain that XF would rather be second independently than cooperate with the Sounders under any circumstance.  XF would also apparently rather avoid cooperation even at huge financial loss, since I believe XF is going to offer their Academy program free of tuition (maybe they will ask for donations, and they have certainly received some already).  I can hardly attribute any of this to XF altruism, and it looks for all the world like pride and pettiness to me.  On the contrary, WPFC has shown a selfless willingness to grow, share, and cooperate for the sake of larger and more far sighted common goals.  I have no dog in this fight, and I am wide open to clarification, so please help me come to a more flattering view of XF if you can.  Thanks. 

[Squash]

Well, Socceronthemenu, it seems that the difference btwn WPFC and XF in this case is not that one kept its Academy and the other "folded," but that one was willing to cooperate with the Sounders and the other was not.  Isn't BJ's personal issue w/ Sounders what underlies the current state of affairs, having little to do with (chronological) children or the game of soccer?  We may never know if XF cooperation with the Sounders would have resulted in one or two Academy teams in the Puget Sound region, but it is certain that XF would rather be second independently than cooperate with the Sounders under any circumstance.  XF would also apparently rather avoid cooperation even at huge financial loss, since I believe XF is going to offer their Academy program free of tuition (maybe they will ask for donations, and they have certainly received some already).  I can hardly attribute any of this to XF altruism, and it looks for all the world like pride and pettiness to me.  On the contrary, WPFC has shown a selfless willingness to grow, share, and cooperate for the sake of larger and more far sighted common goals.  I have no dog in this fight, and I am wide open to clarification, so please help me come to a more flattering view of XF if you can.  Thanks. 

Bingo

I have to add with B james.....he prided himself when he was fired/let go of the Sounders for not playing one of the owners sons and saying.... it just wasn't right, the kid wasn't good enough. I find it weird at the Pro level he had such pride, but at the youth level for a big donation he'll hide kids on the field and play them plenty. IMO.....he's a sell out for a paycheck. He can have all his donors, he's still a donkey at best in my mind. 

[juggles]

On the contrary, WPFC has shown a selfless willingness to grow, share, and cooperate for the sake of larger and more far sighted common goals. 

I think a bigger issue is that WPFC charged twice what Crossfire did and probably saw a financial hassle if they continued their academy program...there have been rumors of WPFC folding their program for financial reasons long before the Sounders arrived on the scens.

[Old Dog]

Any player,regardless of where they live,is eligible to play with ANY academy team. My guess would be that the out of state players would be from Oregon since the Portland area no longer has an academy program.

Hey Juggles it been awhile,

Actually what you just said is wrong. You can not live outside the US and you must live close enough to attend the 3 trainings a week. Some clubs lie about both of those BTW. You could not live in Utah and play for a Washington Academy. Trainings are just as important as games to the USSDA. They have made that clear and that is why they are having a hugh debate over the Vancouver MLS team. Per MLS rules they want every team to be in the Academy, but the Academy says this is about US development. I am sure money will win that discussion.

So, does that mean Toronto doesn't participate in the Academy system?

Correct, not as of right now.

[Left Foot]

Well, Socceronthemenu, it seems that the difference btwn WPFC and XF in this case is not that one kept its Academy and the other "folded," but that one was willing to cooperate with the Sounders and the other was not.  Isn't BJ's personal issue w/ Sounders what underlies the current state of affairs, having little to do with (chronological) children or the game of soccer?  We may never know if XF cooperation with the Sounders would have resulted in one or two Academy teams in the Puget Sound region, but it is certain that XF would rather be second independently than cooperate with the Sounders under any circumstance.  XF would also apparently rather avoid cooperation even at huge financial loss, since I believe XF is going to offer their Academy program free of tuition (maybe they will ask for donations, and they have certainly received some already).  I can hardly attribute any of this to XF altruism, and it looks for all the world like pride and pettiness to me.  On the contrary, WPFC has shown a selfless willingness to grow, share, and cooperate for the sake of larger and more far sighted common goals.  I have no dog in this fight, and I am wide open to clarification, so please help me come to a more flattering view of XF if you can.  Thanks. 

So exactly what would "cooperating" with the Sounders look like? Is running a parallel academy non-cooperative in and of itself? Or is there some way XFire could run an academy and not be vilified as selfish and vindictive?

[Old Dog]

On the contrary, WPFC has shown a selfless willingness to grow, share, and cooperate for the sake of larger and more far sighted common goals. 

I think a bigger issue is that WPFC charged twice what Crossfire did and probably saw a financial hassle if they continued their academy program...there have been rumors of WPFC folding their program for financial reasons long before the Sounders arrived on the scens.

Again stop drinking the kool aid, I think it great that your grandson is having success but please think for yourself and don't take what they say as gospel. BTW, WPFC has some former Xfire players so they know what was charged $3500 plus. WPFC paid $4500. $4500 covers the cost to run the program. WPFC rents the fields from the club and the Academy books pays for the coaches. The Academy at WPFC is a self funded program, they pay for all travel/food, can your Xfire club say that. Xfire wants to compete with the Sounders, I think that is great for the kids in Washington to have two options. Question, how much will all the other kids have to pay to support that idea?

BTW, if the merger was such a bad thing why did BK and BJ try to work a back door deal and leave WPFC out in the cold.

[Old Dog]

Well, Socceronthemenu, it seems that the difference btwn WPFC and XF in this case is not that one kept its Academy and the other "folded," but that one was willing to cooperate with the Sounders and the other was not.  Isn't BJ's personal issue w/ Sounders what underlies the current state of affairs, having little to do with (chronological) children or the game of soccer?  We may never know if XF cooperation with the Sounders would have resulted in one or two Academy teams in the Puget Sound region, but it is certain that XF would rather be second independently than cooperate with the Sounders under any circumstance.  XF would also apparently rather avoid cooperation even at huge financial loss, since I believe XF is going to offer their Academy program free of tuition (maybe they will ask for donations, and they have certainly received some already).  I can hardly attribute any of this to XF altruism, and it looks for all the world like pride and pettiness to me.  On the contrary, WPFC has shown a selfless willingness to grow, share, and cooperate for the sake of larger and more far sighted common goals.  I have no dog in this fight, and I am wide open to clarification, so please help me come to a more flattering view of XF if you can.  Thanks.  

So exactly what would "cooperating" with the Sounders look like? Is running a parallel academy non-cooperative in and of itself? Or is there some way XFire could run an academy and not be vilified as selfish and vindictive?

To me, both Clubs took two different paths. WPFC has around 450 members and fights to put something good out for the players. I think the overall record shows they have had some success. Crossfire has over, What, 2000 members and again has had some success. I think the true winners in this case will be the kids that have options. I think it also help to have two teams in the area to have a travel partner. Lets also remember that Portland will again have an academy team once the Timbers are up and running. The other question is the Canadian MLS team but I think that is being discussed at the USSF meetings going on as I write. It they are in that would be 4 teams in the general area and that again is great!

[Firedog]

Welcome back to the conversation webslinger.  Couldn't resist the bash?  Let me make sure I have the "facts" straight.  When the Academy teams were WP and XF, XF was in it for the greed and now that it's the Sounders (who may ultimately roster some of these players to sell tickets), it's still XF that's in it for the greed?

Not anything I ever said, so don't put words in my mouth. I keep searching these forums for good word of mouth about Xfire, as I have no personal experience with them.
Needless to say, I am looking in the wrong place. 

These comments weren't directed to you.  My earlier reply to you was about the one word that came out of your mouth that was "playing to the crowd" or is it "mob"?  The responses are so predictable.  Wind the crank and you get "...Pop goes the Weasle" every time.

Actually, if you're really looking for something good to say about XFire, you could talk about the 30 girls from the club that signed with colleges this week.  Granted, no one has been beating the drum.

[sounderfan]

Welcome back to the conversation webslinger.  Couldn't resist the bash?  Let me make sure I have the "facts" straight.  When the Academy teams were WP and XF, XF was in it for the greed and now that it's the Sounders (who may ultimately roster some of these players to sell tickets), it's still XF that's in it for the greed?

Not anything I ever said, so don't put words in my mouth. I keep searching these forums for good word of mouth about Xfire, as I have no personal experience with them.
Needless to say, I am looking in the wrong place. 

These comments weren't directed to you.  My earlier reply to you was about the one word that came out of your mouth that was "playing to the crowd" or is it "mob"?  The responses are so predictable.  Wind the crank and you get "...Pop goes the Weasle" every time.

Actually, if you're really looking for something good to say about XFire, you could talk about the 30 girls from the club that signed with colleges this week.  Granted, no one has been beating the drum.

I just linked two stories in the signees thread. Good stuff.

[Firedog]

 
[/quote]

 he's still a donkey at best in my mind. 
[/quote]

You know the donkey holds a pretty prominent place in history for providing transportation to the King of Kings.  Is it possible BJ is serving a greater good whether intended or not?  I don't know the man.  Not here to assess or judge his motives.  There must be some kids though that benefitted from their participation in the Academy.

[Left Foot]

Welcome back to the conversation webslinger.  Couldn't resist the bash?  Let me make sure I have the "facts" straight.  When the Academy teams were WP and XF, XF was in it for the greed and now that it's the Sounders (who may ultimately roster some of these players to sell tickets), it's still XF that's in it for the greed?

Not anything I ever said, so don't put words in my mouth. I keep searching these forums for good word of mouth about Xfire, as I have no personal experience with them.
Needless to say, I am looking in the wrong place. 

No doubt as to the source for any balanced view of XFire. Maybe ask some of the 2000 families there who, mostly, are having a good soccer experience. Naw, can't do that, 'cause if you listen to the haters here, Xfire parents are every one just stupid CPs who are drinking "the koolaid." The sad part is that folks will come on this forum claiming to be all about the kids and then, in their hatred for BJ, slander kids practically by name as having no talent and not deserving to play but just out there on a crossfire team because of who their daddy is. Not in keeping with the general tenor of the site and pathetic. Lots of good clubs out there with good programs, coaches families etc. just like Xfire. I know, I know, just another stupid, irrational CP drinking the koolaid.....jeesh

[Old Dog]

Actually what you just said is wrong. You can not live outside the US and you must live close enough to attend the 3 trainings a week. Some clubs lie about both of those BTW. You could not live in Utah and play for a Washington Academy. Trainings are just as important as games to the USSDA. They have made that clear and that is why they are having a hugh debate over the Vancouver MLS team. Per MLS rules they want every team to be in the Academy, but the Academy says this is about US development. I am sure money will win that discussion.

  Hey,old dog what's happening?You are correct about the US thing...I was taking that for granted. However,you may live anywhere and play anywhere as long as you are able to fulfill the team requirements about practices,etc.

But they are looking at address and want proof that they are attending the 3 trainings. I am sure they would ask to see the tickets if you said you fly to trainings IE Utah. Now that things are up and running, they (USSDA) feel they can force some issues that they turned a blind eye to in the past.

[sounderfan]

Welcome back to the conversation webslinger.  Couldn't resist the bash?  Let me make sure I have the "facts" straight.  When the Academy teams were WP and XF, XF was in it for the greed and now that it's the Sounders (who may ultimately roster some of these players to sell tickets), it's still XF that's in it for the greed?

Not anything I ever said, so don't put words in my mouth. I keep searching these forums for good word of mouth about Xfire, as I have no personal experience with them.
Needless to say, I am looking in the wrong place. 

No doubt as to the source for any balanced view of XFire. Maybe ask some of the 2000 families there who, mostly, are having a good soccer experience. Naw, can't do that, 'cause if you listen to the haters here, Xfire parents are every one just stupid CPs who are drinking "the koolaid." The sad part is that folks will come on this forum claiming to be all about the kids and then, in their hatred for BJ, slander kids practically by name as having no talent and not deserving to play but just out there on a crossfire team because of who their daddy is. Not in keeping with the general tenor of the site and pathetic. Lots of good clubs out there with good programs, coaches families etc. just like Xfire. I know, I know, just another stupid, irrational CP drinking the koolaid.....jeesh

I know a Crossfire Select family, but that doesn't seem to be (selects) where the venom is.

[juggles]

But they are looking at address and want proof that they are attending the 3 trainings. I am sure they would ask to see the tickets if you said you fly to trainings IE Utah. Now that things are up and running, they (USSDA) feel they can force some issues that they turned a blind eye to in the past.

I really don't think that the USSF has the time to deal with these sorts of issues. I'll bet that there are hundreds of players around the country that don't always attend the 3 practices per week. BTW,I'd love it if there was only a single academy program in the area and it was run by the Sounders. Hopefully this would get all of the egos out of the equation and stop the club/coach bashing.

[Old Dog]

But they are looking at address and want proof that they are attending the 3 trainings. I am sure they would ask to see the tickets if you said you fly to trainings IE Utah. Now that things are up and running, they (USSDA) feel they can force some issues that they turned a blind eye to in the past.

I really don't think that the USSF has the time to deal with these sorts of issues. I'll bet that there are hundreds of players around the country that don't always attend the 3 practices per week. BTW,I'd love it if there was only a single academy program in the area and it was run by the Sounders. Hopefully this would get all of the egos out of the equation and stop the club/coach bashing.

They don't go looking, but like anything else is this small soccer world, clubs report on clubs.

Hey, did you just hint   where we may see you next year?

[juggles]

Hey, did you just hint   where we may see you next year?

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