Welcome to the #1 Youth Soccer Ranking Website in the United States!

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June 29, 2007

Thanks for the recognition of my youth team.  ...You do a great job!

Monty H.
Oregon
Region IV

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May 18, 2007

...I love to come to your site and see how the teams are doing.  It is great fun!  Both my son and I enjoying seeing how his team does against teams that our ranked in our state.  Keep up the hard work and here is hoping all kids, no matter what sport, works hard to achieve all their goals!

Darryl J.
California-South
Region IV

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April 6, 2007

...the site is really well done - you've done a great job with it!

Don M.
Missouri
Region II

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January 17, 2007

Spader,

The NSR site and service continue to get better and better.  Congratulations!

Jim F.
Virginia
Region I

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January 7, 2007

Spader,

...Thank you for all your hard work in putting this all together.

Will D.
Ohio-South
Region II

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December 24, 2006

Spader,

...Thanks for creating such a great site!

Scott C.
Texas-South
Region III

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December 23, 2006

Spader,

...Thanks as always for all you do to make NSR the preeminent youth soccer rankings website, period.

Blair G.
North Carolina
Region III

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December 22, 2006

Dear Spader,

...Thanks for the good job you do and the great website!!!  Always a pleasure to read this site!!!

David H.
Texas-North
Region III

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November 6, 2006

Spader,

My u-11 girls team is really loving your site...   Your site gives us a good measuring stick.  Keep up the good work!

Jay D.
North Carolina
Region III

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November 6, 2006

Hello,

You do a remarkable job with this site and services...

David D.
North Carolina
Region III

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November 3, 2006

Dear Spader:

I would like to thank you for your great website and all your hard and

efficient work in its upkeep.  In much of my administrative work it has been a useful tool.  ...I realize that yours must often be a thankless job, ...my paramount appreciation for your great task and work...

Emilio L. C.
New Jersey
Region I

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October 30, 2006

Just wanted to say you have a great site.  Thanks for keeping it up...

Tim L.
California-North
Region IV

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October 12, 2006

Spader,

Excellent job with the website.  It is by far the most comprehensive and accurate ranking site I have found...

Randy N.
Pennsylvania-East
Region I

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June 4, 2006

Aloha Spader,

I just wanted to say thank you for doing this website, it is very neat to see where other people see your team on a national level...

Thank you once again!!

Zach L.
Hawaii
Region IV

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June 4, 2006

Spader,

I've enjoyed your National Soccer Ranking.com website for the past five years.  Your website is a great service to the avid soccer enthusiast...

Sincerely,

Phillip G..
North Carolina
Region III

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May 17, 2006

Spader,

You're doing an excellent job.  On behalf of youth soccer fathers everywhere, I urge you to keep up the wonderful job you are doing.

Kind Regards,

Rafael R.
Michigan
Region II

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May 15, 2006

Outstanding website and I appreciate the frequent updates.  Keep up the great effort!

Mark C.
Indiana
Region II

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April 10, 2006

...keep up the great work with the site!

Julie E.
Minnesota
Region II

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February 23, 2006

Great site.  Always use it.  Still the best...

Adrian
Georgia
Region III

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January 9, 2006

Great job on the web site...

Steve N.
Maryland
Region I

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December 24, 2005

Sir, thanks for the great job you do with the rankings...

Roger C.
North Carolina
Region III

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October 31, 2005

Hi Spader,

Love your web site.  Your rankings are pretty darn accurate from what I can see.

...Keep up the great work!

John D.
CA-N
Region IV

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October 11, 2005

I enjoy your site and look at it on a regular basis.

Kenny L.
Tennessee

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October 11, 2005

Thanks for this great site we love it.  ...Keep up the good work your sites awesome!

Randy C.
Region II

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September 14, 2005

...we all would like to thank you and we know that it is hard work keeping up with all these teams across the U.S., great job.

Jesse J.
Washington
Region IV

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May 22, 2005

Love your site!  Keep up the good work!  Far superior system to ones who favor small tournament trophy hunters!!

Danny C.
Virginia

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March 31, 2005

Just wanted to thank you for doing a great job with evaluating the U-17 age group...

...Again, thanks for doing a great job

Lee B.
Texas-South

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March 30, 2005

Spader,

Great job on the site, we always refer to your site when we are dealing with tournaments and college coach's...

...We appreciate our rankings in all of the guys age groups, you are right on top of it..

Thanks.

John B.
Texas-North

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March 19, 2005

...Thanks for all of your good work - lots of good feedback about the rankings at the Vulcan Cup

Greg B.
Region III
 

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March 14, 2005
 

...I enjoy your site and think it is helping to elevate the level of interest in youth soccer in America!

Mike B.
NY-E
 

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February 28, 2005
 

Really enjoy this site!  You're doing a great job....

Billy R.
Ohio-South
 

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February 22, 2005
 

A Great Job!!!!

Thank you for all you do for soccer.

Vinnie A.
North Carolina
 

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February 21, 2005

...Thanks for a great website Spader, whoever you are!

Julie A.  
Kansas
 

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February 20, 2005

You do an outstanding job.  Keep up the good work...

Mike R.  
New Jersey
 

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February 19, 2005

Thanks.  Keep up the good work.

90-91 Twin County Shark Attack Girls  
New Jersey
 

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February 19, 2005

...thanks for the good work.

Mac B.
Florida
 

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February 14, 2005

Great site.  Very nice job...

Dean B.  
South Dakota
 

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February 11, 2005

...I think you guys do a good job with a monster of a task!

Chris M.
Pennsylvania-East
 

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December 1, 2004

Dear Spader:

I really enjoy looking at this website. Great job....

Andrew P.
New York-East
 

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November 30, 2004

...As you know, your site is very important for the opportunity of these teams/players to have a chance to get accepted into very important showcase tournaments for this age group...

William M.
Pennsylvania-East
 

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November 30, 2004

...Your rankings are very important.

Jill S.
California-South
 

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November 29, 2004

Had a question... this is the first time I have visited your website...it's really great!
Can you tell me the criteria for these rankings... I am interested in how they get on this list and how they move up/down, and also when the rankings are updated/changed.  Thanks for your feedback, and happy holidays.

Ed F.
California-South
 

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October 27, 2004

Hey Spader,

I have been following the rankings for a long time now and I played on the Mustang Blast (currently rated #9) and I have a comment about one of the teams we played.  Leahi 89 always seems to be rated lower than they should.  Just keep them in mind and keep watching them because they are very good!  Keep up the good work with the website!

Keelin
Colorado
 

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October 26, 2004

Hi, Spader;

 

Love this website...and it seems you really stay up on it!! 

Heather W.
South Dakota

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October 25, 2004

...Thanks for doing the site. It’s fantastic and a great deal of fun for the kids. I know how much time my club site takes and this has to be much more time consuming.

Mike B.
Indiana

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October 22, 2004

...we know you are constantly being lobbied by teams wanting to move up, but since your website is  scrutinized by tournament selectors I know you want it to be as reflective of current play as possible.  Keep up the good work, our girls follow your rankings closely.

Jim P.
Cal-North

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October 21, 2004

First of all, I would like to confirm that your rankings are the only rankings that mean anything.  I appreciate the fact that you do so much work to look at what tournaments teams play in and who they play vs just giving them points for winning tournaments.  A team like ours is very selective of where we travel to because it is very expensive to get to any of the top tournaments from Minnesota, so we normally play up except for State Cup, Regionals and the few top tournament we attend.

Bob H.
Minnesota

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October 18, 2004

Spader,

First of all, great job on the site!!  I have left the college game for greener pastures and have noticed that Youth soccer WAS the forgotten child in cyberspace.  Then, I saw your site!!  Well done once again!!...

...Great job once again and let me know if there is anything I can do to help support you and your site from my position here with the club.  Keep up the good work!!

Dale H.
Region II

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August 26, 2004

I really enjoy your service and it has been very helpful in tournament selection and in scouting teams from other states.

Jerry D.
Tennessee

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July 18, 2004

I really enjoy your service and it has been very helpful in tournament selection and in scouting teams from other states.

Your web site is an excellent motivator for players around the country. ...Everyone agrees your rankings are the way to go, vs rankings where you can buy points by playing in a bunch of tournaments....We could very well play our own age to win and get points, but what would that accomplish in the long run?

 

....I'm not sure how you stay on top of all the teams but knowing the teams at the age level like I do, I can say, you have done a very good job.

 

....Thanks again for running an excellent Ranking system. 

Bob H.
Region II

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May 7, 2004

Thanks guys.  I just thought I would throw in my 2 cents.  I didn't really expect anything back from either of you, so that was really great that you responded.  You didn't need to do that and I appreciate it.  Anyway, we
will need to see what comes out of State Cup play, here at girls u-12.  We are all looking forward to our trip to Detroit later in the year.  I really appreciate what you guys are doing for youth soccer and we are all fans of
the NationalSoccerRanking.com web site.

Steve
Region I

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March 19, 2004

Just a short note to say thanks for creating a useful and informative website for the passionate youth soccer fan.

Phillip Goodrum
Charlotte Soccer Club
U8 Fire

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March 10, 2004

Hi Spader-

Once again, thank you for providing such a great website that can be utilized by all that understand that it is there for those that want that competitive edge and challenge and not for those that want to just play recreational soccer.

VEK
Region IV

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March 6, 2004

Just wanted to say that I appreciate your dedication to youth soccer and have enjoyed seeing my team present in your rankings.  I look forward to another successful year and hope to keep seeing my team listed in your rankings!!  Thanks for the updated information and for all you do!

Robyn Bretzing

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February 23, 2004

Thanks very much for the fast response.  You all have a great web-site and I visit it weekly to review tournament listing and rankings.  I have a team in Arizona and we look forward to earning our way onto the "List".  Thanks again.
 

Tim Stowers

Vice President

Mesa SC

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February 19, 2004

Wow!  Thanks for the response!...

Checking out your site, as well as emailing some top teams ranked there to find out their plans helps a lot.  Hopefully, the team will keep working hard to improve and gain acceptance into more top tournaments as they go along.  And as long as they're learning... that's fine with us!

 

Thanks for putting all the effort into formulating and then applying a system that allows teams like our daughters to seek out the competition.  I'm sure it's not easy given all the variables!

Liz E.
Region I

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February 9, 2004

...I think this website is a great tool because it is based on performance and not on just how many tournaments a team can attend. (i.e. GotSoccer)

D.C.
Coach
Tulsa, OK

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February 9, 2004

Hello Spader,

The website is a great site and motivational tool for my team...

Howard A.
Region I

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January 28, 2004

Great website.  I do not know if you will print this but I think it is worth noting.  The CUSC Crossfire of Girls U15 at one time were rated #4.  After they lost their coach, are now down in the forties.  It so happens she moved to Florida and her Countryside U14 team is now in the top 10.  She is an amazing motivator, teacher and leader.

David M.

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January 23, 2004

Thanks for an amazing website!  The kids all love it!  So do the Coaches!

Best Regards,

Jay Cohen
Region IV/CA-South

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January 22, 2004

This is an incredibly useful and well run site.  Great job!

Yours in soccer,

Lillian
Manalapan Shooting Stars Team Administrator

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January 14, 2004

Thanks for all you do- the kids love it!!

J.H. - Kansas City, KS

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January 3, 2004

Hello Spader…..

The name of the #1 team in the BU18 age group should be "FC Greater Boston Bolts".  The club went through a name change last year (2003) from the Eagles to the Bolts.

Please update your web site.

Thank you for providing the definitive soccer ranking web site in the US and for recognizing the accomplishments of the FC Greater Boston BU18 team.

Cheers and have a wonderful new year!

Mike Curry
Mgr. FC Greater Boston Bolts BU18

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January 2, 2004

Dear Spader,

Thanks for the fun website!  We enjoy seeing the teams our girls meet in tournaments and getting some sense of who are the good teams.

MR

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December 31, 2003

Spader,

Thank you for developing and maintaining the National Soccer Rankings - they are a  real pleasure to read.

W.S. Triplett

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December 15, 2003

Dear Spader,

I want to officially congratulate you guys on being the biggest tossers in club soccer.  The fact that you guys have rankings for youth teams, like U-14 girls is diabolical. What I want to know is who ranks these teams and why?  What is ranking teams at this age going to accomplish?  You guys are complete nutters for doing this.  What difference does it make if a U-14 team is ranked?  To me it means bug all.  I read all the responses and it seems as if the parents are getting what they want out of this website.  That is self gratification because they have never done anything in their life and they love living vicariously through their kids.

jjoyner@csudh.edu

December 18, 2003

Spader's response:

Thank you for the e-mail and your comments.  To be fair, we have posted your comments on our comments page.

 

You use some pretty big words in your e-mail.  Just to clarify - from the American Heritage Dictionary:

 

di·a·bol·i·cal (dº”…-b¼l“¹-k…l) also di·a·bol·ic (-¹k) --adj. 1. Of, concerning, or characteristic of the devil; satanic. 2. Appropriate to a devil, especially in degree of wickedness or cruelty. --di”a·bol“i·cal·ly adv. --di”a·bol“i·cal·ness n.

 

We are not the devil.  We do what we do out of a love for soccer and the promotion of the game here in the United States.  16 million hits per month to our site means there is something of substance there for people to see and enjoy.  I think we are accomplishing our goal.

 

Thank you again for your comments and visiting our website.

 

Spader

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November 7, 2003

To those people who are dealing with this web site, I just wanted to say thank you and that you guys are doing a wonderful job.

Bruno Mozzo
U-16 Trumbull United Rockets

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November 3, 2003

First of all, thank you for a site infinitely superior to the "competition's."

 

Just a note to request a small change, if ever you have a spare moment.  The Girls U12 Polaris team, currently (Nov. 3) #20 in the Region III rankings, is listed as a Dallas team.  While the team does play in the LHGCL in Dallas, it is, as stated on the home page of the team's website (http://www.polarissoccer.com), an Arlington-based team.  This particular correction recently was made in the Texas North rankings, but it would be nice to see the team's home town recognized in the regional and (eventually) national rankings as well.

 

Thanks again.

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November 1, 2003

Thank you!  Excellent website!

Bill Peplinkski, MD

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October 29, 2003

You do a great job with this site. I read some of the comments and it's interesting to see how some people understand what this site is about and some don't get it. While our coaches stress strength & conditioning, foot skills and team play, they also know it has to be done while having fun. They are developing not only the skills to help the girls reach their potential but they also instill a love of the game. It doesn't have to be either fun or competitive, it can and usually is both for kids playing competitive soccer. They not only stay in better shape than the average teenager but they have better self esteem and more confidence than many kids who never play competitive sports. This is a foundation that gives them an early edge in social circles and in life in general. Making the list in either the State or regional rankings does nothing but positive things for the players on each team. Keep up the great work.
 

Bob Bayer

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August 4, 2003

Spader...Once again I applaud you for the fine web site...Your professionalism is beyond anything on the web today...We constantly view your site in order to really find out what goes on in the realm of club soccer...Keep it up.

Jack Zukerman

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June 6, 2003

Don't listen to what Jace Peters says.  Gotsoccer.com is a joke of a website that rates teams based on nothing.  For example, in the Kansas area it has Elite blue ranked first, legends ranked 3rd and the attack ranked 2nd to last.  When in fact, the Attack beat both the legends and Elite blue and won state.   Gotsoccer.com is a joke and doesn't have any idea how to rank teams.  Its hard to rank teams because all you have to go by are scores, but nationalsoccerranking.com gives accurate and precise rankings based on the scores they receive.  Nice work and good site.

Sincerely,

Trent Steele

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June 3, 2003

This website sucks. The rankings are terrible. My team West Omaha Gladiators Boddirossi are way to good not to make the list. We have beaten the following teams ranked on ur list: Michigan Wolves, Lakota Lions, ISC Predators (twice). We also tied both Scott Gallagher-Groak, and Scott Gallagher-Meyer. I hope you pull ur head out of ur butt and start to pay attention to www.gotsoccer.com where the rankings are actually correct.

                                         Sincerely,

                                        JACE PETERS #11

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May 23, 2003

I like your website... It's well organized and logical.  Additionally, it's a great place to go to gage tournament opponents.  In spite of the American Football adage, "on any given day etc...", the rankings do seem to correlate well with a team's level of difficulty.

T.B. - North Carolina

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April 2, 2003

This is a great website!...

Thanks for all of your work and the positive self esteem you are helping to build in the clubs who find themselves in your rankings!  They will grow up and most will leave soccer, but your work here gives them a "can do" building block for life!

JDM

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March 12, 2003

GREAT SITE!!! do u folks rank the winter high school season...that we play
in Florida and elsewhere?

M.R.K, Major, USAF, BSC

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March 12, 2003

Thank you so much for maintaining this website.  The boys love seeing where they rank.  A couple of questions have come up from families, so thought I would ask.  Are the rankings based on win/loss records or are they weighted according to the competition? Also, do league results factor into rankings
or just tourney records?

Thanks you again for your work!

K.C.

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September 22, 2002

I just wanted to update you on some game scores and results and tell you that your website is the most complete and accurate when it comes to ranking teams.  Your analysis of not only Tournaments, but league and head to head competition is why you are the best and it is the only one I and others in CYSA-S look to for accurate rankings. We do however occasionally look to the other website for a good laugh. Some of the teams they have in the rankings don't come close to playing the level of competition that the teams you have ranked do.  I think the websites that rank only on tournament results miss the boat. Too many teams borrow players to win tournaments and it is not always a true reflection of the quality or lack of quality of their teams...

...Thank you for your time and keep up the good work your rankings are instrumental in the ability of clubs to attract the top players into their programs.

Daniel Espinoza
President Hotspurs Soccer

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August 20, 2002

Spader,

You have done an admirable job with this web site...It is so important to the professionalism and integrity of the game...and you bring that important aspect to the game...Keep up your wonderful work.

Jack Zukerman

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May 13, 2002

Subject: Haddonfield Hurricanes

Thanks Mr. National Soccer Ranking  ---

It's nice seeing our team in your national rankings.  We're going to try hard to move it up even higher.

Michelle and friends

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March 27, 2002

Spader,

I love this site.  We are a very successful U-13 girls team out of Detroit.  However we are not from a big name club.  In fact the top two teams from this state are not from historically dominate clubs.  Your site gives us the exposure the "good old boys" system never could.  

Keep up the great work!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hopkins

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March 15, 2002

Dear Spader:

Let me congratulate you on an excellent website. As a true soccer "nut" I feel that your site can help fuel some extra excitement for the top youth teams in the country. It is virtually impossible to monitor what is going on around the country and your web site gives curios people an opportunity to get information that would otherwise be unavailable.

However, I would suggest that you consider drooping the youngest age groups because it may have a negative impact on those players. Also, please keep in mind that many inner city teams don't have the financial resources to travel to multiple tournaments but have great teams nonetheless.

Keep up the great effort. All the best!!!

Al Coutinho

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February 22, 2002

Spader:  In reading some of the negative comments on your website, I laugh.  I had not even heard of National Soccer Ranking until a couple of months ago.  Now, I check it weekly, just out of curiosity.  Yeah, it's nice to see our team on there, but it never made a difference to us when we WEREN'T on there.  As far as the comment about spending "enormous amounts of money", hey guess what, raising kids costs an "enormous amount of money" and this is money very well spent, in my opinion.  It keeps my 16 year old off the streets and surrounds him with a great group of kids, staying healthy and positive.  Soccer is no more expensive than any other competitive youth sport--try tennis, gymnastics or skating.  Anyway, don't let your detractors get you from providing an interesting and fun place for kids and adults alike to enjoy.  I also think it motivates them and makes them proud to be part of something they consider special.  Keep up the great work!  Thanx.

B. Loyd

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February 22, 2002

The only thing I ever write to you is results but this time I just wanted to tell you my feelings about this website.  I coach the PSC Coppa U-17 boys and we are very successful in your rankings.  But sitting back thinking I am 37 years old and I played for the Lighthouse Boy's Club in Philadelphia    (Still the only team in PA with more National Championships than Delco) and I was on a very good team.  I would've just like to have known where we would have been ranked.  We lost in the regional finals twice. But it can't be done now, so just to say, keep up the good work.

Steven Smith

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February 21, 2002

Dear Spader, 

Thanks for this great site.  I know that all the boys from many teams refer to this site to see what their rankings are throughout the country.  Our team, Plantation Eagles U16 is preparing for our biggest test yet-Dallas cup- in March.  We have been playing friendly games against older teams, namely Miami Lakes under 17 and a team from Hicksville, Long Island, New YorkU17.  We won both matches, 5-1 and 6-2 respectively.

We are proud of our boys and they are proud to see there names in a web site like National Soccer Ranking.com.

 

Thank you once again,

 

Stan Guberman-father of Jared Guberman

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February 6, 2002

Hey, I'm a kid, not an adult. I'm 13 and I love your website. I just wanted to say that when kids are playing, we are playing because we love the game of soccer. Some parents just don't understand that. They take our soccer games way to seriously. Sure, every team wants to win, but that's not the point of soccer. Soccer is a game that contains speed, coordination, great skills, hard kicks, and a great attitude towards the game. Once again, some parents just don't understand that. I'm sure every parent wants their kid to score, but it's not always going to happen. Also, so what if referees make a few mistakes every once in a while, that's no reason for parents to go ballistic because the foul or bad call was against there kid or team. so, a word of advice, from someone who is playing IN the game, keep cheering, but always encourage and respect anyone who is involved in the game. Thanks.

Jenny, from Florida

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February 5, 2002

Dear Spader,

You wrote:

"I will not  personally respond to his comments other than to say that 99% of the feedback that we receive on the National Soccer Ranking.com web site is positive and works as a motivator for the kids."

Well of course you do.  Who is visiting the site other than over zealous parents who are trying to justify the enormous amounts of money and time they spend on their kids soccer training by pointing to your site and saying

"Look  we're nationally ranked...someone recognized us"

I actually saw this with a local team trying to justify a major rule change in our club, that was exclusively to benefit all of 16 kids in a club of 1600.

Please tell me how you could possibly rank 10 year old kids on a national level?  It is absurd to the level that it is actually pretty funny.

Now I know that there are parents coaches and kids out there who love to see their teams on your site.  But they are far and away in the minority of all kids playing soccer in the country.

I played sports from the time I was old enough to walk, at all levels, right through college and then coached intercollegiately for a decade, and I never worried a minute where my national ranking was.

To your credit you have set up a really well laid out website and I am sure that it took a great deal of work to do.    I just think that you fuel the national mania that if you aren't "ranked"  you aren't anybody and that if some "ranks" you, you're hot s__t.


George M. Lasher

George,

Our site "Recognizes Excellence in Youth Soccer" it does not attempt to recognize recreational soccer.  Yes, there are more recreational soccer players in this country than select soccer players, this can be said for every sport played in this country.  But this site is dedicated to the kids who are committed to getting to a higher level and dream of someday playing on the US National team, professional league, or maybe just at the collegiate level.  Most recreational players quit soccer by the time high school rolls around to pursue other interests.  That's good for them.  This site is not about them it's about the soccer players and teams that are trying to be the best in their sport.  I disagree with your attempt to discredit these rankings because of the age of the teams (U11 for example).  The top U11 teams are paying as much money to travel half way around the country to play in premier tournaments as the U18 teams.  Just check some of the tournament acceptance lists.  If you still disagree with our service, then you need to contact Pop Warner football because they have a national championship in Florida for 12 year olds and especially Little League baseball because they do it with kids from all over the world!

Spader

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January 27, 2002

Dear Spader,

I just wanted to let you know that no matter what way you look at this site it drives us teens and youngsters.  Indeed it is competitive and that's great.  It's what AMERICAN football needs.  We need to grow as a country to have a shot at the (World) Cup.  My coach, Mr. Don Popovic, who many people know through his great accomplishments in soccer, believes that this site in itself has made our team rise to the top (5th in the country U14 boys).  That's what we need as Lou Fusz Soccer Club.

I just wanted to say that we play for the fun and LOVE of the game.  I'm saying that why wouldn't we play for fun?  Mr. Sullivan is saying that we are playing for fun - what's wrong with that?  If we play just to win, then we are not real footballers.  We play for fun because we can't get enough.

Mike Hanley

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December 1, 2001

I am really tired of parents and others who complain about competitive youth soccer. Most of these people who complain, about competitive atmospheres in soccer, have not even played the wonderful game of soccer. Usually these parents children are not top level players and probably do not belong in these leagues. There are non competitive leagues and they should look into them. Who are we as Americans to try to change soccer. For example, I disagree with the practice of giving everyone who participates in tournaments and leagues trophies. Trophies are for the winners and when you do not treat them this way they become nothing to the children. Soccer is about winning and that is how it is. It would not mean to me what it does if it was not that way. Do not get me wrong. I have lost many games in my life and it is not a bad thing, but you train more and come back to win. This is part of the thrill of being a player. I look back at my youth playing days and have fond memories. I was always playing in competitive youth leagues and was never the best, but It gave me the drive to get better and eventually made my way to one of the top ranked national youth teams. This year makes 26 years I have been playing soccer on a competitive team and It still gives me the biggest rush. I owe a good deal to the game of soccer. It has taught me about working as a team member and has helped me in my career, to excel in a team environment, in one of the largest semiconductor manufacturing corp. in the world. Thank You.   

By the way keep an eye on BU11 team FC Red Star from Albuquerque. They are on their way to the top.

Michael Hawkins   
Player, Fan, and Coach

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November 27, 2001

Dear National Soccer Ranking:

Over my lunch hour, let me share my comments regarding Mr. Gregory Sullivan's commentary stating that it was "bad" to rank kids in soccer.  To that I and my community say "hogwash!"  We all compete in our everyday lives, that is the very nature of our society.  Besides the kids want to know where they stand.  Locally, a team can dominate.  But how does their play compare to others they might not get the chance of playing.  Are we the best??  If not, why not.  If you aspire to the highest levels of competition available, you MUST know where you are in order to begin the journey to your destination.  The effect of the ranking system on our kids has been positive.  They work harder and enjoy the sport more.  Sorry, Karl Marx, but
competition is GOOD for society and progress.

Keep up the good work!

Richard W. Meehan

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November 26, 2001

Dear Spader: 

I have been involved in observing and coaching youth soccer since my 21-year-old son was 9.  I have had 5 children progress from Recreational soccer to Premier soccer; with a college soccer player, a U.S. National team player, and a high school All-State player so far.  I have become weary with youth administrators and parents trying to return the Premier competition to the Recreational mindset.  If a parent or coach does not want to emphasize excellence, competitiveness, the attempt to win in a sportsmanlike manner, and becoming the best you can be as a team and a player; THEN GO BACK TO RECREATIONAL SOCCER!  That's what Rec is designed for.  These parents and administrators are infiltrating the USSF administration, the USYSA state systems, and the premier league management.  An example of such infiltration is these "Silent Saturdays" in which a paid professional premier club coach (or an unpaid premier coach) must silently stand by and fail to earn his pay while his players struggle to learn the game on their own.  These parents and administrators are infiltrating the USSF administration and the USYSA.  And, if successful, they will set back the development of U.S. National team soccer and professional soccer by 20 years!  Such parents and coaches should return their youth players to AYSO or other Recreational programs.

Thanks, Spader, for providing us with a super service, well-done, and for no compensation.  You're the best; and your love for the game should be lauded!  Much appreciated!

Dave Lemmon, Lawrence, KS (a son is on the Nationally 10th-ranked U17 KC Attack)

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November 24, 2001

Gregory Sullivan,

First off, did you realize that youth teams were ranked even in the early eighties in Europe? I was part of that system and I came out looking good instead of abused.  Do you know what inspired competition?  Did you realize that having fun is learning football the proper way and using those properly learnt skills to compete against other lads.  What do you call fun in football in America?  I am quite sure you did not grow up with the game that is why you think ranking is wrong at youth level but preferable at college.  Coaches like me who help to build creative players can only challenge lads at youth level not at college.  No wonder we do not have any creative college player because at youth level they are playing for fun like you prescribed.  Spader, did not include Rec. teams.  That is where you play for your fun.  These are the future football players we're empowering.

Greg, your comments tell me that you do not have passion for the game.  Ranking is good for the lads, its another side of motivation you'll never realize.

Cheers!

Sully
Ex English league Player
UEFA Licensed Coach.
NSCAA licensed Coach
USSF licensed Coach.

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November 20, 2001

Thanks for your quick response.  Your website is a credit to the wild and crazy attempt to do ratings justice.  You do a great job.

Marie

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November 19, 2001

Just and update from Raleigh - U-15 Women Premier division (top flight)

Eclipse Select (current rank 16th)-

We lost a tough one CGSA Fusion 1-0 (current rank 10th) We tied Vardar 1-1.  We beat PDA 5-2 (current rank 19th)

I've had the opportunity to view the top u-15 teams in the country, I believe your rankings are "on the mark".  As in our case, 16th loses to number 10 and beats number 19.  We are off until President's Day Cup in Feb.  Thank you for all your hard work and fair ranking system.

Have a nice Holiday season!!!

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November 13, 2001

I just want to commend you on a great site!...I appreciate your consideration and once again congratulate you on the success of your website.  It's nice to know that our team has played some of the best competition in the country based on your ranking service.  Keep up the great work!!

Terry Schalk
Michigan Gators '90

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October 25, 2001

It is easy to tell that this site is a labor of love!  For the comments about not ranking children, might I just reply with the same response about television, "turn it off" if you don't like it.  This is a great tool for the coaches as well as reward/motivator for the players.

 

Three teams in our association have ordered the Liberty patch offered by Eurosport and are planning to sew them on the uniforms.  I encourage all clubs to join in in this practice.  It's about time we teach kids what it means to be an American and this is a good way to remind them and all who see the patch.

 

Kim Calaway

U11 FVAA Flash Red

Fuquay, North Carolina 

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October 23, 2001

Thanks for providing a great website to recognize youth team accomplishments in soccer! I wish this was available when I played competitive soccer in my youth. ...Thanks again for providing such a great site for the kids!

Chris Travalent - Asst. Coach U13 MCG Renegades

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October 22, 2001

Just wanted to say the website is really good.  I've enjoyed looking around the different areas of the country to see what other teams are doing.  Thanks

 

SERGIO

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September 29, 2001

...Also wanted to let you know that you have an excellent website.  It's accurate and we appreciate that.  Keep up the great work!

Lisa Davis
Ajax United Sting, CAL-NORTH

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September 17, 2001

Spader--

First off, I would like to join many others in thanking you for the effort that goes into your website.  It is fairly incredible when you realize that
with your site, a person can view the best in our sport across the country! 

Secondly, I would like to thank you for your consideration of our Girls U-11 team, North Valley Dazzle, out of Northern California, that resulted in our
recent ranking as #4 team in Northern California. We feel privileged to attain this ranking and view it as an honor which we will maintain through
our continued excellence in play. Towards that, I'm pleased to report that with four games played, we are leading our Class 1 division with a record of
4-0-0 in league play.

Last, I would like to commend you for your caring comments regarding last week's tragedy.  Across the country, we're all trying to help in whatever
way possible. From the Dazzle's two games this past weekend, we raised almost $1000 from parents who pledged money for each point the girls scored.  For my daughters, as well as myself personally, it helps to know that even in a very small way, we are helping.

Regards

Connie Bates

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September 12, 2001

I really enjoy looking at your site.  The information you have is the most accurate one I've seen so far.  We are ranked 6th by gotsoccer.com, 11th by (you), and not even ranked by Ace's soccer. I (would) just like to congratulate you on a well done website.

A.H.
St. Giles Celtic player

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September 10, 2001

I applaud your courage and your integrity by printing my comments.  However, I would like to rebut Mr. Schonberg's comments.  Where we respectfully disagree is that I teach my children that winning is not the reason that the sport exists.  John Wooden, arguably the greatest sports mind of all time, NEVER mentioned the word win to his players.  I had the opportunity to play at a very competitive level - Div III final four for basketball - and then coached on the Div I level.  My fondest memories of those days are not of the wins but rather it was about learning to work hard and to seeing the benefits of that, the camaraderie of being on a team and just playing the sport because I loved it.   It was about having fun.  Those are the reasons I feel the sport should be played and those are the lessons from sport that create successes.  If the "raison d'etre" for playing the sport is to win then we will create a generation of disillusioned and disappointed youngsters.  What happens when they don't win?  Have they failed?  No way!
Let the CHILDREN compete, teach them the lessons from playing sports that will they will be able to use for the balance of their lives.  They will
have plenty of time to be ranked in high school and in college when they (and their parents) are better prepared mentally to handle it. 

Regards,

Gregory S. Sullivan

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September 7, 2001

I strongly disagree with the comments made by Gregory Sullivan as posted on your website.  I played soccer as a child, in high school and in college.  Mr. Sullivan seems to have missed the point that all those levels there were rankings: by clubs, by leagues, by tournaments.  Soccer is a competitive sport and like all competition, the goal is to win.  While good coaches recognize the focus on youth is development, the concept of winning is the raison d'etre for playing the sport in the first place.  I know from my own experience with my children, the rankings are a source of pride and motivation.  Perspective must be maintained, and we know the rankings are not the end all or say all of soccer, but they are a wonderful way to help gauge the strength of teams driven beyond the rec soccer mentality.

 

Richard Schonberg, SSC Sharks 90

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September 7, 2001

Mr. Sullivan has every right to his opinions.  As a coach I kept track of all the teams that I played in my age group for years.  It is just nice to have someone else who is objective doing the work so that I can get on with coaching.  If it were not for websites like yours tournaments might as well throw darts when it comes to seeding.  Keep up the good work.  YOU HAVE A GREAT WEBSITE!!!!

Ivan Growl

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September 7, 2001

There is something very wrong with giving "national" rankings to youngsters playing soccer.  It is websites such as yours that inspire the Danny Almontes' of the world.  It is intended to be a recreational event for CHILDREN.  People such as yourself have bastardized it to the point where 13 year old kids are afraid to play other sports because it might interfere with there chances of getting a college scholarship.  If you played sports as a youngster you will know that the best players at 11 are not the best player at 17.  Let the kids play and leave the rankings to the college level for the few that are fortunate enough to play there.  Now the question is whether you have the courage to print my comments. 

Gregory S. Sullivan

I would be happy to include any additional comments/suggestions in reference to what Mr. Sullivan has to say.  I will not personally respond to his comments other than to say that 99% of the feedback that we receive on the National Soccer Ranking.com website is positive and works as a motivator for the kids.  If a majority of you feel it is detrimental to the development of youth soccer, I would be happy to take the site down.  This service is done out of a labor of love for soccer and to draw attention to the sport that I feel is grossly neglected by the media.

Spader

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September 5, 2001

...congratulations on a great web site! We have a link to your site on our own team web site, and our players, parents and fans enjoy going to National Soccer Rankings to see how the teams stack up!

 

Pat Fearn - PQ Premier

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September 3, 2001

Thanks to all those involved with this site.  A very interesting site indeed.  This should be a very motivational tool to all the young men and women playing the game.  Keep up the good work.

Coach Gatt, Novi Jaguars ’90 Girls - Green

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August 29, 2001

This is a remarkable site.  I am in awe of the time, effort, and outright audacity involved in putting something like this together. The
girls on our team have really been motivated by seeing their ranking, which should be rising fast as this season progresses.

RSF Attack GU16 Parent

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August 8, 2001

I love your website!  I can not imagine the time and effort put in to come up with the results. In any event, it is nice to be able to see how our team
stands up against other teams across the nation.  Thanks!

Celtic Soccer Supporter - Upland, CA

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July 31, 2001

Your site has motivated the players and parent to be committed to the Team, Training and Soccer. It's a terrific service to the Soccer Community....and for the most part the rankings are accurate.

Bob Shegda
Hulmeville Elite FC

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July 30, 2001

You provide a great service to the soccer community!  Keep up the good work!! 

JL - Rockford, IL

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July 17, 2001

I like your site.  Don't agree with some of your rankings - but that's what makes these kind of things fun.  Just cause I don't agree doesn't make 'em wrong.  Thanks for the interesting site.  I think it is a service to soccer.

Keep up the good work.

DC - Wheeling, WV

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July 16, 2001

Keep up the good work. It's fun to have these standings to argue about.

MF-Idaho soccer fan & coach

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July 16, 2001

Thanks to you, our friends and family from across the country can track the success of the 90 GSC Arsenal U11 boys. Still moving up.

SA

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July 10, 2001

Most of your Connecticut girls rankings are on the money...must be a tough job compiling results...
...all the best to you...I know the kids enjoy reading it...thanks for the efforts...keep it up!!!

MM Fairfield, CT

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July 10, 2001

I just wanted to say thank you for all the good things you have put on your website and I think for everybody who checks the rankings on this site.
A special thank you from the Javanon U14 boys.

AB

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July 7, 2001

Keep up the good work.  I know this is an impossible job, but it adds excitement.

Hopefully, the Parrots will show well at Surf. 

JS

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July 6, 2001

Many thanks from Clovis United U-11 boys. The players and parents are fired
up and proud about the national ranking and we will do our best this year to
live up to it. Thanks again,  

JC

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July 6, 2001

Dear Spader:  First we want to thank you for the recent U-11 boys ranking and placing our Downers Grove Roadrunners as #6 in the Country. Our boys really deserve it due to their successes with a very difficult schedule.  Your National Soccer Ranking has motivated top teams to play each other.  For example, the Ohio F. C. U-11 boys (an excellent team)  came to Chicago to play in a tournament with a specific request that they play in the same bracket as the Downers Grove Roadrunners.  Their parents said they did this to get a chance to beat our team to move up in your National Rankings.  They got their opportunity but our Roadrunners beat them by 2-1 in an excellent game.  Your rankings have caused teams to really shoot at us.  We think this is great for our team and the game of soccer.  There is a lot of goodwill being spread between teams from different states, much is being motivated by your rankings.  Thanks.

Greg Vogler
Coach - Downers Grove Roadrunners