quote:
Originally posted by hzlis
This is for my child. I was wondering if you might be able to elaborate some about Central Tulsa Soccer Club and their integrity issues. We currently play in the Academy league and looking for a different club. We are not at the age yet for competitive but need a good league for that transition. Any information anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated before I make my decision.
Normally I would pm you this info. But they treated me so shabbily I don't mind sharing in public.
Our sons have played in that league for more than 15years so its not like we just arrived. Our youngest son was playing competitive for the last couple of years. They had difficulty finding coaches (like most youth sports) and they were becoming increasingly disorganized yet demanding more from team parents each season.
The last two years it seemed to be worse than usual. Probably due to improving the West Bank fields, buying a mobile home to serve as a club house and paying for utilities etc. But there was no excuse for refs not showing up for games but still being paid, no dependable contact by e-mail or phone. Rude administrators on phones. Yet the cost of membership kept rising. We showed up for a game in Bixby when it looked like rain was coming. We called the phone numbers for info and received the recorded message to show up unless contacted. No refs showed and we all got soaked with a cold fall rain. No apologies, no explanations yet I heard the refs were paid.
The last straw was sign up early in the summer of 2006. My son was among the first to sign up and I reluctantly paid the $175 club dues. I was unemployed and financially struggling but we wanted him to enjoy a sport with his friends. And he is a good player. At the end of the sign up period he changed his mind and opted to play middle school football. He's an even better football player. The school program is well run.
I informed them and asked to be refunded since the season had not started. They said they would look into it. Never again did they respond in person, by phone, mail or e-mail in spite of my numerous efforts. They kept the sign up money and never even responded. Later we found other parents who had to wait 8 months of constant badgering to get their money returned. Most of his team mates moved to other organizations or sports.
My advice is that if you are fairly wealthy, fiercely committed to paying whatever they ask, have a super star player or are connected they will treat you as royalty there, if you are not, you're just cannon fodder.
