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[Gaucho]

When my daughter joined her current club (I won't mention names)...I didn't know the difference between state and PDL classifications.

Following a year of learning about the system of each....I am perplexed to as why some clubs chose to abandon the state system in favor of the PDL.

Is it truly for better competition...and like playing like? Or is it for financial gain in the long run...Large clubs monopolizing areas and causing smaller clubs to fold?

I believe it is the latter. I also believe the PDL Clubs have a sense of superiority over the non PDL clubs. But when it comes time to scrimmage a PDL club, most have declined our invitation....

I think egg on face...and a summer of beating PDL clubs in tourneys have someting to do with this

Are we...the non PDL...not worthy? :roll:

[Syngy]

I won't go as far as to say not worthy, but there are certainly pdl's out there that don't know what they're missing when they pass up a practice game.

[meluvsoccer]

Ah man, you found it out.  Now everyone will know just what the PDL is all about (forget about wanting to develop players and get to a point where Washington can compete consistently with the likes of the rest of Region IV).

The PDL is all about the big dogs.  They don't care about nobody else.  Just bring the $ and they'll get rich off of all that money that just pours in.  They don't even have to pay for the rent for the office, referees and fields any longer.  They let the non-PDL teams take care of that for them as they want all that money to stuff their pockets with.

As far as playing non-PDL - give me a break.  Why? They don't want to play anyone that ain't PDL.  Why lower themselves?  And if you beat one of them. A fluke. Not because you're better. It's just..... Well you know....  ah, you'll never understand.

All those clubs forming a monopoly?  Wait, only 1 can form a monopoly.  That's it, they will all form One large club throughout the state and be that monopoly.  Then there will not be any worry about who the top dog is.  They're looking for a name to call the club, so start thinking up a good one.

Pretty soon, they'll be able to reach past Washington. Look out Oregon, Idaho and Then off to Region IV.

I even heard a coup is in the making for the State Cup draw.  Since it was opened up, I heard that they want to go in and make sure that only PDL teams get the byes in the draws.

Remember all those coaches and Coaching Directors care nothing for the players and doing what they can to develop the best players that they can.  They just want the power, money and fame that comes from being an elitist.

If ya want in, fork over the money.  Prepare to bow low to the almighty CDs and cow tow to the coaches.


'Cause baby, perception is everything.

[Gaucho]

I spent a year naive to the entire situation....shame on me for just being a parent who loves to watch his kid compete....fairly of course

[ineedtogetalife]

I think you are reading too much into it.  It's pretty difficult to field a full team for scrimmages, let alone have a full field available for non league games. I think that most teams want to scrimmage teams they may face (in league) or who have faced the opponents they have or will, to see how they will do.

Our team is PDL and the only teams asking to play us in preparation for state happen to also be PDL.   Even though we will face non PDL teams in cup play. We are lucky if we can except  any scrimmage invitations due to Basketball season and other things that come up this time of year.

[Syngy]

All I care about is watching soccer and developing players.  If my dd's team is in the pdl or not I don't care.  Tell me where to be and I'll be there to support, it's as simple as that.

[ineedtogetalife]

All I care about is watching soccer and developing players.  If my dd's team is in the pdl or not I don't care.  Tell me where to be and I'll be there to support, it's as simple as that.

 I wish that all CP's (PDL or Non PDL) felt that way.  

[Syngy]

Well HOMER is allowed to be simplistic, right :?:  :?:  :?:

[Dragon]

Doubt their gonna "coup" all the byes (the PDL)....

If that happened, it would then be the PDL STATE CUP, not WSYSA State Cup

[soccersidelines]

When my daughter joined her current club (I won't mention names)...I didn't know the difference between state and PDL classifications.

Following a year of learning about the system of each....I am perplexed to as why some clubs chose to abandon the state system in favor of the PDL.

Is it truly for better competition...and like playing like? Or is it for financial gain in the long run...Large clubs monopolizing areas and causing smaller clubs to fold?

I believe it is the latter. I also believe the PDL Clubs have a sense of superiority over the non PDL clubs. But when it comes time to scrimmage a PDL club, most have declined our invitation....

I think egg on face...and a summer of beating PDL clubs in tourneys have someting to do with this

Are we...the non PDL...not worthy? :roll:

Gaucho....Is your kid happy? If so then they are worthy whatever team they’re on.

Summer tournaments are something for parents and web sites to talk about. As for scrimmages, give teams a break, they are not on the same schedule as your team. Coaches have a plan and usually stick with it throughout the year.

I think what you need to focus on is the PDL and non-PDL fall league. This is where the kids start showing those skills developed in the the summer. Think of the fall league play as an enormous funnel sending all teams directly into the State Championship Cup…..the brass ring. For players and teams wanting to play at the highest level.... winning the US Youth Washington State Championship is that brass ring. You can complain either way about PDL/Non-PDL, but that tournament is in place to be the great equalizer.

Just to give you a little background on the PDL startup. Some coaches got together and decided that to provide a place for kids to compete at a higher level, they would start the PDL. I believe their goal was for the PDL teams to compete regionally and nationally. I'm not part of the PDL decision making but, I know several current PDL coaches that led great independent teams to championships. They now feel the PDL can provide a juggernaut of teams all being able to not only compete but beat the other state champions, either at regional’s or nationals.

My daughter is PDL and I can say no one looks down on anybody. You compete where you want to compete. I have a kid that just graduated and the other in mid school; I have seen select soccer for a bit. Don't worry about the brass ring. If the kids want it, they will tell you. PDL, D1, Developmental,District whatever…. make sure your kid is happy, if not; help them find the team where they will get their brass ring.

[Dragon]

So where should we go to find the ring?

[cheese]

So where should we go to find the ring?

Right here.  :twisted:

[gotta want it]

Thought there would be a treasure hunt.

[soccersidelines]

So where should we go to find the ring?

Crossfire

[sockemgirlz]

Ah man, you found it out.  Now everyone will know just what the PDL is all about (forget about wanting to develop players and get to a point where Washington can compete consistently with the likes of the rest of Region IV).

The PDL is all about the big dogs.  They don't care about nobody else.  Just bring the $ and they'll get rich off of all that money that just pours in.  They don't even have to pay for the rent for the office, referees and fields any longer.  They let the non-PDL teams take care of that for them as they want all that money to stuff their pockets with.

As far as playing non-PDL - give me a break.  Why? They don't want to play anyone that ain't PDL.  Why lower themselves?  And if you beat one of them. A fluke. Not because you're better. It's just..... Well you know....  ah, you'll never understand.

All those clubs forming a monopoly?  Wait, only 1 can form a monopoly.  That's it, they will all form One large club throughout the state and be that monopoly.  Then there will not be any worry about who the top dog is.  They're looking for a name to call the club, so start thinking up a good one.

Pretty soon, they'll be able to reach past Washington. Look out Oregon, Idaho and Then off to Region IV.

I even heard a coup is in the making for the State Cup draw.  Since it was opened up, I heard that they want to go in and make sure that only PDL teams get the byes in the draws.

Remember all those coaches and Coaching Directors care nothing for the players and doing what they can to develop the best players that they can.  They just want the power, money and fame that comes from being an elitist.

If ya want in, fork over the money.  Prepare to bow low to the almighty CDs and cow tow to the coaches.


'Cause baby, perception is everything.

Maybe I am the minority of coaches and parents that doesn't agree with the above statement, but I know for a fact that not all PDL coaches fit the stereotype you are trying to create.... in fact I would reach far to say that most are completely opposite of what you say.  
I joined a club based on a phone conversation as I didn't live here yet.  The PDL didn't exist when I started coaching here.  I was told about it the next year and am learning about it sometimes from the parents on my team or WPS before the email from the club reaches me.... I am no different as a coach PDL or non-PDL, I just want the girls to enjoy soccer, leave with smiles, and learn how the game will help them be better people later in life.

[Dragon]

So where should we go to find the ring?

Crossfire

Thanks.  Now I know

[Soccer Freak]

Ah man, you found it out.  Now everyone will know just what the PDL is all about (forget about wanting to develop players and get to a point where Washington can compete consistently with the likes of the rest of Region IV).

The PDL is all about the big dogs.  They don't care about nobody else.  Just bring the $ and they'll get rich off of all that money that just pours in.  They don't even have to pay for the rent for the office, referees and fields any longer.  They let the non-PDL teams take care of that for them as they want all that money to stuff their pockets with.

As far as playing non-PDL - give me a break.  Why? They don't want to play anyone that ain't PDL.  Why lower themselves?  And if you beat one of them. A fluke. Not because you're better. It's just..... Well you know....  ah, you'll never understand.

All those clubs forming a monopoly?  Wait, only 1 can form a monopoly.  That's it, they will all form One large club throughout the state and be that monopoly.  Then there will not be any worry about who the top dog is.  They're looking for a name to call the club, so start thinking up a good one.

Pretty soon, they'll be able to reach past Washington. Look out Oregon, Idaho and Then off to Region IV.

I even heard a coup is in the making for the State Cup draw.  Since it was opened up, I heard that they want to go in and make sure that only PDL teams get the byes in the draws.

Remember all those coaches and Coaching Directors care nothing for the players and doing what they can to develop the best players that they can.  They just want the power, money and fame that comes from being an elitist.

If ya want in, fork over the money.  Prepare to bow low to the almighty CDs and cow tow to the coaches.


'Cause baby, perception is everything.

Maybe I am the minority of coaches and parents that doesn't agree with the above statement, but I know for a fact that not all PDL coaches fit the stereotype you are trying to create.... in fact I would reach far to say that most are completely opposite of what you say.  
I joined a club based on a phone conversation as I didn't live here yet.  The PDL didn't exist when I started coaching here.  I was told about it the next year and am learning about it sometimes from the parents on my team or WPS before the email from the club reaches me.... I am no different as a coach PDL or non-PDL, I just want the girls to enjoy soccer, leave with smiles, and learn how the game will help them be better people later in life.

have to agree with sockemz...  she truly cares about the girls and their development....  We didn't go to EFC for PDL.. we went there because my daughter wanted Brooke to be her coach!!!!  

But have also seen PDL coaches and DOCs that could care less about that and more about the $$$...  and non-pdl coaches that could care less about development of players...

We are blessed with what my daughter chose this year... I feel sorry for others that get the side of the PDL where development doesn't matter.. just the "W"

PDL or non PDL, it is whatever team is best for your child and their development.

[Dragon]

Last sentence says it all :mrgreen:

[sosoccer]

This past year at tryouts I ranked priorities with my daughter on the team she wanted to be on...and no where was their a notation of PDL on it.  I think that each player/child develops at different rates.  What seems right now doesn't always play out that way in 2-3 years.

Isn't it important to just be on a team that you like and inspires you to try your hardest?

[Edson Arantes]

Ah man, you found it out.  Now everyone will know just what the PDL is all about (forget about wanting to develop players and get to a point where Washington can compete consistently with the likes of the rest of Region IV).

The PDL is all about the big dogs.  They don't care about nobody else.  Just bring the $ and they'll get rich off of all that money that just pours in.  They don't even have to pay for the rent for the office, referees and fields any longer.  They let the non-PDL teams take care of that for them as they want all that money to stuff their pockets with.

As far as playing non-PDL - give me a break.  Why? They don't want to play anyone that ain't PDL.  Why lower themselves?  And if you beat one of them. A fluke. Not because you're better. It's just..... Well you know....  ah, you'll never understand.

All those clubs forming a monopoly?  Wait, only 1 can form a monopoly.  That's it, they will all form One large club throughout the state and be that monopoly.  Then there will not be any worry about who the top dog is.  They're looking for a name to call the club, so start thinking up a good one.

Pretty soon, they'll be able to reach past Washington. Look out Oregon, Idaho and Then off to Region IV.

I even heard a coup is in the making for the State Cup draw.  Since it was opened up, I heard that they want to go in and make sure that only PDL teams get the byes in the draws.

Remember all those coaches and Coaching Directors care nothing for the players and doing what they can to develop the best players that they can.  They just want the power, money and fame that comes from being an elitist.

If ya want in, fork over the money.  Prepare to bow low to the almighty CDs and cow tow to the coaches.


'Cause baby, perception is everything.

I don't think that MeLuv has yet removed the tongue from his cheek.

[meluvsoccer]

Ah man, you found it out.  Now everyone will know just what the PDL is all about (forget about wanting to develop players and get to a point where Washington can compete consistently with the likes of the rest of Region IV).

The PDL is all about the big dogs.  They don't care about nobody else.  Just bring the $ and they'll get rich off of all that money that just pours in.  They don't even have to pay for the rent for the office, referees and fields any longer.  They let the non-PDL teams take care of that for them as they want all that money to stuff their pockets with.

As far as playing non-PDL - give me a break.  Why? They don't want to play anyone that ain't PDL.  Why lower themselves?  And if you beat one of them. A fluke. Not because you're better. It's just..... Well you know....  ah, you'll never understand.

All those clubs forming a monopoly?  Wait, only 1 can form a monopoly.  That's it, they will all form One large club throughout the state and be that monopoly.  Then there will not be any worry about who the top dog is.  They're looking for a name to call the club, so start thinking up a good one.

Pretty soon, they'll be able to reach past Washington. Look out Oregon, Idaho and Then off to Region IV.

I even heard a coup is in the making for the State Cup draw.  Since it was opened up, I heard that they want to go in and make sure that only PDL teams get the byes in the draws.

Remember all those coaches and Coaching Directors care nothing for the players and doing what they can to develop the best players that they can.  They just want the power, money and fame that comes from being an elitist.

If ya want in, fork over the money.  Prepare to bow low to the almighty CDs and cow tow to the coaches.


'Cause baby, perception is everything.

I don't think that MeLuv has yet removed the tongue from his cheek.

Yeah, it macks it har for people to unnerstan what I saing when tha hapen

[soccerworld]

The competition in the PDL this year was tremendous. When we played district a year a go it was not very balanced. However in PDL, every game was a great competition.  I do agree about some clubs that only care about bottom dollar and wins. Rumor is that some clubs abuse the player pass in order to pad their point total by the end of the season, especially if they were not having that successful of a first half. I am glad our club remains ethical and play with the team we have always fielded. But again, playing against consistently high level teams has made us stronger and better. You usually play up to competition which makes you better :lol:

[meluvsoccer]

Ah man, you found it out.  Now everyone will know just what the PDL is all about (forget about wanting to develop players and get to a point where Washington can compete consistently with the likes of the rest of Region IV).

The PDL is all about the big dogs.  They don't care about nobody else.  Just bring the $ and they'll get rich off of all that money that just pours in.  They don't even have to pay for the rent for the office, referees and fields any longer.  They let the non-PDL teams take care of that for them as they want all that money to stuff their pockets with.

As far as playing non-PDL - give me a break.  Why? They don't want to play anyone that ain't PDL.  Why lower themselves?  And if you beat one of them. A fluke. Not because you're better. It's just..... Well you know....  ah, you'll never understand.

All those clubs forming a monopoly?  Wait, only 1 can form a monopoly.  That's it, they will all form One large club throughout the state and be that monopoly.  Then there will not be any worry about who the top dog is.  They're looking for a name to call the club, so start thinking up a good one.

Pretty soon, they'll be able to reach past Washington. Look out Oregon, Idaho and Then off to Region IV.

I even heard a coup is in the making for the State Cup draw.  Since it was opened up, I heard that they want to go in and make sure that only PDL teams get the byes in the draws.

Remember all those coaches and Coaching Directors care nothing for the players and doing what they can to develop the best players that they can.  They just want the power, money and fame that comes from being an elitist.

If ya want in, fork over the money.  Prepare to bow low to the almighty CDs and cow tow to the coaches.


'Cause baby, perception is everything.

Maybe I am the minority of coaches and parents that doesn't agree with the above statement, but I know for a fact that not all PDL coaches fit the stereotype you are trying to create.... in fact I would reach far to say that most are completely opposite of what you say.  
I joined a club based on a phone conversation as I didn't live here yet.  The PDL didn't exist when I started coaching here.  I was told about it the next year and am learning about it sometimes from the parents on my team or WPS before the email from the club reaches me.... I am no different as a coach PDL or non-PDL, I just want the girls to enjoy soccer, leave with smiles, and learn how the game will help them be better people later in life.

Sockem (and all the rest that thought this was anything other what EA was so kind to point out).

This was TOTALLY tongue in cheek.  In fact, if you were here when I wrote it, you would have seen the sarcasm on my face.

I guess I am just tired of people thinking that the Clubs and coaches in the PDL are after the almighty dollar. Or that they think they are better than anyone else.   The PDL has issues, but it is NOT due to money grubbing, egotistical maniacs who care not a cent for the players.  I would say it is just the opposite.
Are there egotistical coaches et al in the PDL. Sure. But there are in non-PDL as well.
I think the majority of coaches (PDL or not) share your views on training, developing and just having fun.

But, there will be those who perceive what they want to perceive. That is why I ended my post with "'Cause baby, perception is everything".  

BTW, I have not heard any rumors about any coups (or that PDL teams don't have to pay for refs, fields etc).    And, do you think that the PDL could even reach out into Oregon, much less Region IV?

[Squash]

I actually think it's naive to not think some are doing it for themselves.

The fact is some are..................

 :|  :|

The majority do it for the kids for sure.....

[meluvsoccer]

I actually think it's naive to not think some are doing it for themselves.

The fact is some are..................

 :|  :|

The majority do it for the kids for sure.....

Right, but it is not a conspiracy by the PDL.  Just some rogues out there sprinkled amongst the daisies.  

[2 CENTS]

The PDL is awesome, they are doing an excellent job. As I Look over the state cup list I see most of the teams are PDL, in just a couple short years they have developed all of these teams and players right to the top.
I heard they were going to start developing players in Renton, Auburn, Whatcom, Lacey and another area up north and possible a couple more mergers to come shortly. I also heard they are going to make some more B & C teams for everybody, isn't that cool, soon there will be a lot of choices for everybody.
It is pretty amazing how they built this program so quickly, I heard some teams are already competing nationally, this should validate the PDL for sure. I think we should be thanking these DOC's for volunteering all of their time.
Soon the rogues, the haters, the goofy names and the tunnels will be gone and there will be lots of choices for everybody, red, white, blue, purple, black, green and orange, all they need to do is keep up the wonderful communication and everybody will be happy..  :mrgreen:

[monday]

With all the new neighborhoods being built all over the region, I would guess that these new areas will want to stay closer to home.   Probably new clubs are on the horizon and they will want some guidelines on how to join into the PDL.  Will there be an Emeral City Seattle and an Emerald City Eastside?    Or WPFC South Hill?

Is the PDL thinking of franchising their clubs.  I was also thinking NWN Spokane.

[Fab]

I actually think it's naive to not think some are doing it for themselves.

The fact is some are..................

 :|  :|

The majority do it for the kids for sure.....

Right, but it is not a conspiracy by the PDL.  Just some rogues out there sprinkled amongst the daisies.  

You need to read ``Gulliver's Travels'' if really want perfect your irony, meluvsoccer. Few seemed to pick up on your sarcasm.

But your thinking, of course, is flawed regarding the pdl -- as is everyone else's who blindly support an organization that is proving to be against the development of kids in this state.

Yes, there are good pdl coaches and docs. But until you can answer this question -- and nobody has yet -- your whole argument falls apart.

If the pdl is about developing kids, then it would open the league to the top teams -- not just a pre-selected group of elite clubs that happen to charge the highest fees and promote the biggest egos -- but allow true competition for everyone who has earned the right to be there.

If the pdl is truly about elevating the level of play for everyone, then the lords of the league would have worked with the state association to find a solution for everyone. Instead, the petulant princes and princesses of the PDL threatened to walk out, beat their chest and rant if they didn't get EVERYTHING they wanted -- like the spoiled and coddled brats they are (exceptions duly noted here).

If the pdl is truly about promoting the developing of high-level soccer for all of the state's youth, then its coaches and DOCS wouldn't be telling prospective parents and prospects that the only league worth play for is the PDL. (We know the cynical subtexting messaging at play, here. We know about the whispers, and we know what is really said behind the closed doors).

If the pdl kings and queens truly believed in their product and in their business model, they would be willing to freely play non-pdl teams (appropriate levels of ability, of course) and they wouldn't hide behind the development of monopoly cartel. They would open their gated soccer community and welcome competition and choice from the four corners of this state.

If the pdl was truly a success model, why is it that no other state association or elite league in the country supports the idea of exclusivity and a subjective criteria and high barriers to entry in order to let ALL kids reach their potential as soccer players.

Until you answer those questions, Meluv, you don't have a leg to stand on. Nor do any of the other pdl supporters.  

I, for one, hope the newly elected and enlightened state association president can bring some order to this unfortunate con game that is only going to lead to higher fees for parents and an imbalance of competition that is unhealthy for everyone at every level.

[vms]

Fab, I felt the same way about the Academy. The exclusivity rubbed me the wrong way. But after analyzing what has happened (to date), the Academy seems to be working for those who are truly decisive in wanting to play soccer at the highest level. These kids week in and week out are playing top quality teams from the West and NW. Yeah there have already been defections . And probably more to come. In fact entire teams have left already. Much of this owes to the suddenness of the Academy's initiation. But other kids are thriving. One was even asked to go to the U17 MNT!! And more will tryout next year. Despite the growing pains, this will be the best way for kids older than 15 to succeed!
It would be easy to pan the PDL for its exclusivity as well.   There are certainly good teams that are independent, rogue, whatever you want to call them. And I am sure they feel shafted. But ground rules need to be set. The PDL is about the CLUB and not the team. Short term pain is to be expected for many. But  in the long run, stable CLUBS in general will be better for the kids. And unfortunately it WILL cost more $$ to be part of that exclusivity.
Such is life...

[Black Knight]

Fab, I felt the same way about the Academy. The exclusivity rubbed me the wrong way. But after analyzing what has happened (to date), the Academy seems to be working for those who are truly decisive in wanting to play soccer at the highest level. These kids week in and week out are playing top quality teams from the West and NW. Yeah there have already been defections . And probably more to come. In fact entire teams have left already. Much of this owes to the suddenness of the Academy's initiation. But other kids are thriving. One was even asked to go to the U17 MNT!! And more will tryout next year. Despite the growing pains, this will be the best way for kids older than 15 to succeed!
It would be easy to pan the PDL for its exclusivity as well.   There are certainly good teams that are independent, rogue, whatever you want to call them. And I am sure they feel shafted. But ground rules need to be set. The PDL is about the CLUB and not the team. Short term pain is to be expected for many. But  in the long run, stable CLUBS in general will be better for the kids. And unfortunately it WILL cost more $$ to be part of that exclusivity.
Such is life...

You make a few good points here. What I like to ask myself is what is the best way to compete at the a larger level? the answer is to have less teams so the talent pool is greater to choose from for one team (just like the acadamy).  If the PDL just took selected teams in each year then would that push the kids o certain clubs and in doing so raise the talent pool to select from? no of course not. But by only selecting certain clubs its pushing the kids towards those clubs, which raises there player pools, which allows them to pick a stronger team, and compete at a higher level.  You will ALWAYS have those teams that defy the odds (crush for example), but overall you can deny clubs like crossfire, wpfc and other bigger pdl clubs are solid year in and out becuase of the talent pools they get to draw from.