Quote Originally Posted by sapdad View Post
This is a thread for the clubs involved in SAP/JDL so obviously the likes of Beresfield/Garden Suburbs or Hamilton Azzurri wont be discussed here but I can guarantee you there would be parents and kids out there that have had bad experiences at those clubs too.I might be reading it wrong but the overwhelming majority of people on here have had positive experiences in the program.Personally it seems that the most negative comments come from people who have nothing to do with the program and just enjoy throwing shit at people/clubs and coaches.I hate the name calling and club shaming as think its not representative of the program as a whole.I hate the idea of people both inside and outside the program thinking it is 'elite'.Its not, it was designed to be a different approach.As said before i agree it is quickly turning into NPL 9-12 and hate that aspect of it.But its also only in its 4th year so things are being learned as they go.You also have to remember that this program was implemented because it was deemed that the old system was even worse.If you want my personal opinion there have been too many people from the old system worm their way into JDL now and its not been for the better.NNSW has to cop a lot of that blame as their initial claim of being the overseer of it all has not played out that way.Anyway my kid is done and onto 13's next year so im hopeful the parents getting involved have as good an experience as mine.It isnt perfect,as everyone keeps pointing out,but I thought it was worth it.
My comment isn't directed at the positive experiences.
My comment is directed at people whinging here, who know enough about the local football scene to know the "power clubs" and get their kid a spot at these clubs. You don't know who the "power clubs" are without hearing a few home truths.

If you go to a mechanic and have a dodgy experience, you warn you friends and family and anybody who brings up needing a mechanic.
If somebody who has heard that they are dodgy, goes there regardless, then the dodgy outcome isn't really a surprise is it? Maybe you'll have a good outcome.

My point is, clubs have developed reputations, it's not hard to ask and find out. If people avoided clubs with dodgy practices, maybe they will be forced to reconsider their practices.
However, people seem all too quick to forget those rumours and poor reputations surrounding retention/treatment when you get to tell anyone who will listen little Johnny is playing for locally renowned Club X.