Why Won’t NWA Lightning Soccer and the Arkansas State Soccer Association Release Me?
This is How NWA Lightning Soccer and The Arkansas State Soccer Association Make Me Feel!
I requested that I be transferred from NWA Lightning Soccer in Bentonville Ar. I did not appreciate the way my coach spoke to me or my teammates and wanted to change to Comets. My coach at NWA Lightning refused to allow me to transfer because he did not want me to play for another team. My parents then contacted the Arkansas State Soccer Association in an attempt to have them transfer me without a signature from my NWA Lightning Soccer coach. They too refused to help me.
Some of you have asked for more information so here all of the details. In addition I do believe 4029 news is also going to do a story about this next week.
At the beginning of the season my parents gave me a choice to play for NWA Lightning or the Springdale Comets. Most of my friends were at NWA Lightning so I went there. That was obviously the wrong decision. My coach made about half the team cry when we lost to a younger NWA Lightning team. He said “I am disgusted in the way you girls played today!!” He then instead of using his words stormed off leaving my teammates and I in tears. Our assistant coach tried to calm us down, but it was too late. The damage was done. The parents were left on the sideline wondering why their daughters were in tears and could barely speak! One of my friends (I will not say who) had been yelled at by my coach. She was playing a new position and had no idea what to do. She asked the coach what she was supposed to do and he just simply made her sit out on the bench the rest of the game. After this game I decided I did not want to play for NWA Lightning ever again. I played for them twice and was not impressed with their coaching. It was the same coach both times and three other coaches have stepped down because of him. I am afraid of what his temper might do next. I finished off the season and asked for a transfer from my coach. This was a hard decision to make because I didn’t want to let my teammates or assistant coaches down. However the more I thought about it I knew that transferring teams was in my best interest.
The response from my NWA Lightning Coach.
After waiting more than 3 weeks for a response my parents decided to call and text my coach. He finally called them back to say he would not release me. My dad informed him that I did not want to play for NWA lightning any more. He also told my coach that either Trinity would transfer or she would not play soccer this season. He responded by stating “I guess she will not play this season.”
The Appeal to the Arkansas State Soccer Association Appeals and Discipline Committee.
My parents wrote a letter to the Arkansas State Soccer Association Appeals and Discipline Committee asking that they release me. After another week of waiting they responded with this letter:
Arkansas State Soccer Association
Appeals and Discipline committee
03/07/12
RE: Trinity Walker
Jeff Walker
Dear Mr. Walker, the Appeals and Discipline Committee have reviewed the documentation you provided to us on the transfer for Trinity Walker being denied. Upon review of these documents we find no reason to override the decision of the current club to release her. She shall remain on the NWAL roster and not be released to the Arkansas Comets club.
Sincerely
Larry Johnson,Chairman
This looks like something my 6 year old brother wrote. I do not know who this man is on this email, he provided no contact information, and never even took the time to contact me, or my parents about this situation. I do not understand what documents he is talking about because we never sent him any. We informed them of the actions of my coach during the last season and the fact that I felt Comets would be a better fit for me.
My appeal to the Arkansas State Soccer Association board of directors.
After the Appeals and Discipline Committee denied my request my parents appealed to the Arkansas State Soccer Association. My dad sent them the same information as before but also informed them that he felt my coach violated the ASSA code of conduct. In addition to this he also quoted their own bylaws which state:
“4.16.6 When a player requests a move or a release against the wishes of his team coach the player must show adequate reason why any movement or release would be in the best interest of the player.”
My dad informed them, that my mom, dad, and I know what are in the best interest of me better than anyone on the board or the NWA Lightning staff. Apparently they either did not care or think they know me better than myself or my parents because once again they denied my request.
Their denial stated
“I regret to inform you that the Board voted to uphold the A&D Committee decision denying your daughter’s transfer request. While the Board was very sympathetic to your daughter’s situation and discussed the matter late into the night, it did not find sufficient information to determine that the A&D Committee decision was either improper or in violation of the ASSA Bylaws, therefore the decision will stand.”
The problem with their own statement is that they are in violation of their own by-laws especially 4.16.6 as I explained above. I may be 11 but I can read and understand that they are in violation of their own rule. If I can see this why can’t they.
I wish Arkansas State Soccer Association and NWA Lighting would just let me play soccer for the team I want to.
I think this is unfair and want your support and feedback. Please let me know what you think.
T-Shirts Showing my protest against NWA Lightning Soccer and the Arkansas State Soccer Association.
In addition if you would like to show support for me and others in my situation with NWA Lightning Soccer and the Arkansas State Soccer Association you may do so by purchasing this cool T-Shirt. We are not making a profit on these shirts just a statement that NWA Lightning Soccer and the Arkansas State Soccer Association cannot push around an 11 year old girl. Especially one with her own website and T-Shirts. Lets stand up to them so the next kid in my situation is allowed to play.
Be one of the first 15 people to request a shirt and I will give you one for free!
All of the free T-Shirts are gone. I was surprised at how fast they went. Thank you so much for all of the support. If you would like to purchase a T-Shirt you may do so buy following this link T-Shirts to Release Trinity!!
Once you receive your T-Shirt please take a picture of yourself wearing it at school, work, the soccer field, or any where else and we will post it for free.
We are so proud of you for taking a stand and making sure this doesn’t happen to any more kids.
We rooting for you up here in Omaha.
Thanks!
trintiy, i hope u find a good soccer team and tht ur coach will let u transfer…he probably wants u 2 stay cuz ur really good!!! u shud b able to transfer and not have ur other coach say u cant…isnt it ur decision?!?!?
JOSLINN
Yup! cause that is how good I am!
The ASSA runs the Arkansas soccer program like it was the NCAA. At least in college you can transfer and sit out a year. Why is it that a youth program restricts players from leaving one club and joining another? These kids are 11. They do not get paid and the signed no contract. One word, absurd
I agree!!!
She is free to play for whomever she wants next season, she doesn’t even need to sit out a season. And they did sign a contract. you can’t just play for one team for 3/4 of a year and then move to another right before State Championships.
FWIW, I have no dog in this fight.
If you read the information above you will notice she did not ask for a transfer right before state cup. It was in between seasons and even though her current team added 6 players to their roster they refused to release her. She didn’t play for 3/4 of a season.
haha… im textin u and doin this
Wow!
What is the world coming to these days. Is this what we want the next generation thinking the world is about. Maybe the Soccer Association and the coaches have some growing up to do themselves. They might be able to learn something from these kids. Adults “Quit being babies and grow up”.
Thank you for saying that. I think some people don’t take me serious because I am a kid. I am glad you took the time to visit my site.
I really admire what you’re doing, Trinity. One of two things need to happen in this situation: 1) You should be released; or, 2) The coach should be replaced. From what I know of the situation, the coach is completely negligent of the team’s morale and is clueless on how to foster a conducive learning environment for the team, both with soccer and how to handle a setback. Ideally, you would be released AND the coach would be replaced by someone who had more awareness.
I would also like to make some suggestions. Revealing every detail of the situation (specifically, what the coach said and how he said it after your game) is important. With that said, this can be done in a professional and respectful manner. Consider adding every detail from the story you can remember to this blog. No one likes bad press, and you have to make sure the story is as accurate as possible. You’re well on your way, but think of more ways you can reach as many people as possible with this story (players and parents alike). This blog and the t-shirts are a terrific beginning to that!
Bottom line, Josh Carlson is right. If there is no contract signed by both parties, there is no contract to be broken, and having your status on the team depend upon the signature of the coach to “release” you is preposterous. There’s an underlying reason for this, and it would be interesting to see what that reason(s) is. Even if your joining the team was your “signature” on the contract, contracts can be broken if you have a good reason to break it, and the coach’s behavior seems like a good reason for you to be allowed to walk away.
Most importantly, Lightning Soccer can maintain itself as a serious organization that’s focused on training our youth to succeed in soccer without employing coaches who pay little or no mind to the team’s personal and professional development. Furthermore, the important word in that previous sentence is “youth” (i.e. not high school, collegiate, or professional players). The coach needs to be made aware of this, and his behavior isn’t acceptable when coaching youth. There is room for a coach to express his/her disappointment in the team’s performance at this level without tearing them apart.
Again, I really admire what you’re doing, and I’ll keep checking your blog for any updates.
Thank you. I like your idea. I am going to update my blog and tell every detail about what is happening. Thank you for taking the time to go to my site.
One more thing. Based on the ASSA’s Code of Conduct, your coach very well could have been in violation of Codes 2 and 3. If this is your coach’s first offense, as stated in the Code of Conduct, a meeting needs to take place between him and the Appeals and Discipline Committee. If this is the first offense, it definitely needs to be documented to ensure that if he commits a second offense he is punished appropriately. Another good reason it would be in your advantage to document what happened after the game.
Sorry, Trinity, but here’s another thing. The Lightning Soccer Club’s “Soccer for All” mission statement on its website is this: “We are a non-profit organization committed to fostering an environment that facilitates fun soccer for all ages and all levels, at the highest quality, for the best value. We aim to help all those involved achieve their individual goals and full potential. We promote sportsmanship and competitive spirit for success both in soccer and life in general.” If your coach didn’t fulfill this, and it sounds like he didn’t, then something needs to happen to ensure the mission statement is maintained.
I promise I’m done blowing up your blog now
Oh it is fine. I LOVE getting comments and reading every ones opinon. i took your idea and I am working on the next post. It will have more details about my problem. Thank you for takeing your time to go on my site.
First of all Trinity, you and your family are just all around awesome! You have our full support! In my opinion, to play soccer in a club at the age of 11 there should be a simple OUT if you have a personal reason to get out. And this should be regardless of whether or not any part of the leadership of this group AGREES that your personal reason is important enough or not. This isn’t a gang is it? Maybe I would understand if you were a paid soccer player, but rather YOU pay NWA Lightning Soccer to play. Your reasons for leaving this league are clear and fully understandable. The very idea that you are being held hostage in this way is ridiculous!
I don’t understand why they denied my transfer request. Thank you for supporting me and taking the time to visit my site. Could you tell Alissa I said hi? I miss seeing her and I wish I could be on her soccer team.
i got a t-shirt!!!!!!!! Thats how awesome i am, but not as awesome as trinity. I really hope lightning releases her like right away, because if they don’t they will get a piece of Jaren in their face. GOOD LUCK TRINITY!!!!!!!!!!
goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
tttttttttttttttttttttttttttrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnnnnnnniiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Yeah!!! Go me!!!!
Hope this problem goes away soon Trinity!!:)Your awesome:D
Thanks Beth!
Your welcome:)
Love the updates, Trinity
Keep ‘em comin’!
Trinity we are so proud of you! Those people need to grow up, take their bylaws and read them, and release you! They are acting like children. Stand your ground and good luck! You have all of our support in Nebraska!
go aunt laurie!!
and trinity
Wow jaren and trinity even tho I play on lightning and I’m not supposed to go against them or anything…….i wouldnt want to be on a team tht my best friend can’t even get released from….. I don’t get it maybe they don’t want to let u go because a really good player, but even then its ur choice.!!!!!!
This is one reason I will never coach club soccer. I wish you the best in this unfair situation and I would take you on my team any day! Even if you have to take this season off, don’t give up the game. I saw the news report and you have talent and a great shot. Keep your head and your spirit held up high!
Coach Frank, Heritage High School Girls Varsity Soccer
Trinity:
WELL DONE Young Lady!! Proud of you for standing up for your RIGHTS!! Life will always offer up challenging circumstances for you. This is just one of many that lie ahead. I am glad to see you responding to this particular circumstance in such courageous way!! Way to be a leader. Even though you are 11, you will make a difference. I have a quote for you below….
“If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito!”
Betty Reese
I know people at the Arkansas State Soccer Association and I can tell you that they don’t care about one kid. They only care about their clubs and how much money those clubs make them. Gayle Smith who is the director of the Arkansas State Soccer Association just sits around all day doing nothing all day. She even setup the phone systems so they go directly to voicemail so she doesn’t have to answer the phone. So here is Gayle Smith’s cell phone number (edited by administrator). Call her and let her know that this 11 year old girl and the community is tired of her and her actions. You can also text her but I think a phone call will bother her more.
Thank you for your support. However I do ask that you edit your post to remove her cell phone. Several people are complaining about it and I want to prove that even though I am 11 I can be mature and understand the situation. Gayle I am sorry that someone posted that and am trying to figure out how to remove it.
Just watched the video of you on 4029tv.com. It was great!
Good for you, Trinity! Keep fighting! My daughter enjoys playing soccer with you, and we look forward to doing it again soon!
My daughter plays on this team and I am at every single practice and game and I have NEVER seen or heard any of the above complaints mentioned above! This little girls was having private lessons with the Comets and was recruited by them which is a clear violation of the policy that the state soccer association sets. This little girl is more than welcome to join the other team but do it in the right way….you are quitting your team in the middle of the season. Soccer is not an individual sport…it is a team sport. When you walkout, you leave the rest of your team struggling. If this is the message you want to send your daughter that it’s okay to not follow through with a committment that is fine but that isn’t the message I want sent to my daughter. Jeff, you specifically told numerous parents last year that you would never let your daughter play for the Comets….why the sudden change. If you had issues with our team and coaching why was there never a complaint filed with the state. There isn’t ONE complaint against our coaching staff…not one. So while I understand you want your daughter to play for a different team, follow the rules, do it the right way, and present all the facts…not just ones you think will get you support.
First I respect your comments and opinions, you are entitled to them. However, I believe you are the team manager and biggest cheerleader for this team. I find it amazing that you do not remember the incident that my daughter was speaking about above. Maybe you can go to practice and ask all of the players and parents on the black team.
Several of your comments are inaccurate. First Trinity was not recruited by Comets. She played with a group of girls in indoor (which is allowed) and decided that she would much rather play with those girls in the future, it just so happened that several of them, but not all, played for and loved Comets. This team was not associated with Comets and was done independently of the ASSA. She did not quit her team because she wanted to. She liked the players and assistant coaches but not the coaching methods used by the head coach. This was not a decision we came to lightly, we considered the impacts on all involved especially her team. We feel they were not impacted negatively by her decision to leave, but rather gained 2 new players, an opportunity for a team member on Blue to move to Black, and the remaining amount of funds as we had paid for the full year. She did not ask for a refund for this season because she did not want it to affect her team negatively. She finished off the fall season and we gave ample notice, never imagining it would be so hard for her to leave. Her coach was not coaching in a positive manner and had a negative impact on her. In addition I never once said I would never let me daughter go to comets. We gave her a decision at the begging of the year and unfortunately she chose lightning. You also are stating that no complaints have been made against the lightning coach. You are wrong. We have filled a complaint and several other past and present parents and players are in the process of doing the same.
Also, the media contacted Gayle Smith with the Arkansas State Soccer Association and Lightning to get there side of the story. They refused to comment.
While you are entitled to freedom of speech, please quote the facts. I am not the team manager. Never have been. I do the fundraising for the team. I attend every single practice which is documented and every single game. I have witnessed everything that happens with this team. My daughter is on the black team and I was at the game/practice which you seem to reference, as I recall the girls got beaten badly by a team two years younger than them. There were a few frustrated girls…not from any yelling from the coach (which I have never heard)…unlike the head Comet coach. You are dealing with 11/12 year old girls…um not always the most rationale at this age and tears can come and go quickly when a friend says the “wrong” thing to them. Correct me if I am wrong but last time you left the organization, didn’t you throw a stink then too? It’s just sad the way you have decided to handle this. Teach Trinity to follow through with her commitments. With all of this….EVERYTHING you have posted and chaos you have caused with the media…I am one parent who would still gladly welcome your daughter back to finish out the season because at the root of all of this…a little girl still wants to play soccer and she is welcome to finish out the season with the team. I know the coach made this offer as well.
Anne,
I am sorry about calling you the team manager. I just figured that since you handled all aspects of fundraising and inserted yourself into every conversation involving the team that you were the team manager.
I have a few questions or concerns about your post.
First, you attending every game/practice is documented? Why and who documented it?
Second, The team that beat them was one year younger and I find it interesting that you account of the incident is different than everyone else’s.
Third, since you took the time to document you attending practice/games I can only assume you documented every time the Comet’s Coach yelled. In addition there is a difference between yelling at a player to motivate them and yelling at one to belittle them.
Fourth, I do agree that girls at this age can be emotional and sometimes irrational. This is why a coach should be understanding of that and not act emotional or irrational him/her self.
Fifth, my daughter left after playing u-8 academy and no there was no “big stink.”
Sixth, my daughter is a great kid. She understands that commitments are important but sometimes you have to make a tough decision and break a prior commitment. Trinity plays several sports and understands commitments very well. Since you document everything you should now that she never missed a single game or practice. I would assume someone in your situation would understand that commitments sometimes need to be broken.
Seventh, I have not caused any chaos with the media. I do not control the media and that is why they attempted several times to get both ASSA and Lightning’s side of the story. They refused to comment. Why did you call the media but refuse to comment or give your last name?
Eighth, why would she go back to this coach? With everything her has caused her to go though both last season and this season.
Instead of posting to my daughters site, call me. You have my cell phone I promise to listen to your concerns and attempt to calm them. I will not stand for any more slanderous comments on an 11 year old’s web site, nor any more attempts to question her values or morals. This is my daughter’s website, who by your accounts may not be the “most rationale”. Why are you trying to bully her on her own website? I am not responding in an attempt to put you down or argue with you. I just want to make certain that if you are going to post things as fact, they are actually truthful.
Jeff, I am in noway bullying your daughter I agree with your comment about Trinity being a great kid, the girls on the team always liked her. I don’t want my name with the media because I don’t speak for the club or anyone on our team…just my own opinion. It was documented for personal reasons…if you want the reason you are more than welcome to call me…you also have my cell. I have never posted anything that isn’t factual. The sad thing whether you meant it or not, a great guy who takes his own personal time to teach the girls soccer is getting blasted on this site. He nor his family should have to endure that. I am greatful for our coach, he has helped develop my daughter and I see how far she has come in the last three years by playing for him. He has taught her the game of soccer and helped develop her passion for the sport. Again, my comments are replying to your posts…not Trinity. I have never nor will I in the future have any issues with your daughter. I wish her all the best on whatever team she plays for.
Sorry Anne, if I have no sympathy for the man who refuses to release my child to play for another team. All of this could have been avoided back in February when we asked her coach and NWA Lightning to sign the transfer form. I understand that he volunteers his time and I am happy that he is willing to do that. However, I believe that a coach should do what is best for a child and release them when requested. In addition NWA Lightning charges a very high amount compared to any other club in the state. I would think that part of that would go to ensure the playing experience is as joyful as possible. You also are claiming that my daughter and I caused chaos in the media. How did either of us cause chaos? If Trinity’s coach would have acted like a real coach and allowed the transfer the media would have no story to run. In addition the media story was about the Arkansas State Soccer Association. They never even mentioned NWA Lightning or her coach.
You also claim you are not trying to bully my daughter. With comments such as “Soccer is not an individual sport…it is a team sport.” and claiming that she was recruited is bullying her. Since you refuse to listen to my request not to post here anymore, why don’t you post why you think Trinity should be forced to either play for a coach that has treated her and her teammates the way he has or not play at all. Do you think that is fair? Do you not think that people should be allowed to transfer in between seasons? If you don’t think it shouldn’t be allowed then explain how lightning picked up 2 new players in between seasons.
Why do you and lightning want to treat young children different than you would want to be treated? If you decided tomorrow you did not like your job anymore, you could leave it and find another. If you decided you no longer wanted to be married you could file for divorce and start over with someone else. These are both commitments, yet as adults we have the right to choose and break commitments when it is in our best interest. Why can’t an 11 year old girl?
She is 11 and if she wants to play for another team then she should be allowed. You keep talking about the rules. Go to the ASSA website (http://www.arkansassoccer.org/files/Chapter4_0608.pdf)and review their bylaw 4.16.6. Explain to me how that doesn’t apply here. It most certainly is in her best interest to play for another club.
it is not the coaches fault she cant leave sir… it is the organizations state rules, if the coach released her he would be in a bad situation
I do not know what bad situation you are speaking about. Lightning picked up 2 new players this season. Why would it put them in a bad situation?
Its club for kids for crying out loud. Who cares if she is dead wrong. Lightning doesn’t own her. The ego of these clubs is soooo crazy. If she was on scholarship or being paid to play then you have a case. If not the there should not be any release process. Just lose the money and leave. Also the more people post on here the more you look dishonest because your the only one with a positive experience of view if this coach. If his actions are viewed positively by you how do you treat your kids? Kind of scarey. The sad thing is these club coaches like your guy have such fragile egos that they have to validate their manliness by the u11 girls trophies they win. So they hoard their star players. The fact that the release was not promptly signs shows that its not about the kids for this guy. If it is about the kids the parents and child should be able to make the decision not his over inflated ego. If your so confident Lightnings coach is so good and Comets is so bad let Trinity go and she will be back if your right. Organizations who have to lick you in by regulation and won’t release you even when you follow the rules reveal just how pathetic they are. If your so good be free to leave and people will stay.
AMEN ANNE! I am certain that the State would have taken actions, as would the club, if there had been ANY complaints about this coach. If he is as bad as they claim then why is she the only player requesting to leave? Could it be because she was being recruited ?
Lisa,
There are complaints about the coach. Several are posted here. People in this community know that complaining about this coach to NWA Lightning or the Arkansas State Soccer Association are pointless. I personally filed a complaint but NWA Lighting is the largest club in Arkansas . They have members on ASSA board and that complaint was ignored. Several other people on this site shared similar stories. Do you find it odd that most people have the same experience with this coach?
My daughter also is not the only one to leave. The others were allowed and include both players and coaches. Several other players want to leave but decided to tough out one more season. I was not going to put my daughter through that. NWA Lightning has lost more than 25% of it players from this team in just one year. Why do you think that is? She was never recruited by anyone with or associated with any other club. She wanted to leave because of the actions of her coach and the inability of NWA Lightning to do anything about it.
Lisa or Lissa Murphy which ever is your real name. Why would you make a comment such as that with no evidence and your relation to a usys board member? Please tell John hi for me.
I want to express that I coached with the individual who is trinitys coach now. I changed from lightning to the comets with my daughter because I did not believe it was the best environment for my child. We were allowed to leave mid season and released along with two other players.
Since then, the coach from lightning has filed grievances and complaints at every level in an attempt to wreak havoc against the comets organization. Their complaint is recruiting….. I ask this one question, ” how many clubs are in NWA?”
2. Two clubs. So if you are unhappy with one, you get one other option. But when you leave they cry foul and say its recruiting. Heaven forbid, this is not college. Why do you care? This is a country of freedoms….. Except when your 11 year old does not want to play with a certain team. Since we left in 2010, 6 girls have left that team. Of course all six now play with comets…. Why? Because that is the only option in this area. The real question should be why 6 girls have left in two years? That is a 1/4 of their players. This is the same club age group that in refuses to play in the comets tournament every year.
And your proud to have your daughter play with a coach who was arrested last year for pulling a hand gun on someone during a road rage incident? If Comets was the last team in this country I would NEVER let my daughter play for this coach. The sad thing, these girls will all endup in high school playing on the same team…it’s sad the way all of this being handled. Don’t be so quick to judge…you also have players from the Comets that come back to Lightning…um could it be the coaching…hmmm wonder.
Anne,
Your comments are extremely slanderous. No such thing happened to the Comets coach. I do agree with you that “it’s sad the way all of this is being handled.” Why won’t Lightning just release my daughter. Also the reason why people come back from Comets to Lightning is because Comets will actually release their players and allow them to chose a club that fits them best. I cannot say Lightning will do the same. You have my contact information so if you would like to discuss this further call me instead of posting hateful comments on an 11 year old’s website.
Hey I had fun playing with Emma last season. I am glad you are taking the time to write your opinion on my site ,but I have my own opinion. I will stand up for what I believe in and will not stop because someone else thinks differently. This website was made by me and I think the comments should be directed to me and not my parents. If you have something to say I would rather you say it to me than direct your comments to my parents.
You are very mature for an 11 year old some adults should take your lead.
Ann, you really should have your Facts correct before putting slanderous comments out in public that you could be liable for. just not showing good logic on your part, in light of the American Lawsuite Epidemic!
Just wonder what the statistical results would be if a questionnaire were sent to all players and parents on both clubs and/or teams in question? Same set of questions covering both coaches in this drama, Do not include playing time in the questions, having coached in the past, most players and parents have a mis-guided sense of playing time they deserve, in all sports!!! However, be sure and cover coach teaching skills and the progress made by the players! I have witnessed both coaches techniques of coaching and had “Granddaughters on both their teams”. and do not necessarily agree with “Everything” either one does. But, I do have an opinion of which coach is the best at the art of coaching. So, at least I have some Facts by Observation to base my Opinion on, do you Ann? And send a questionnaire on both coaches to the ones that have played for both teams, Ann, truly believe you would be greatly suprised in the results, if that survey were done fairly and in the right manner. No-One should past judgement on another person without Knowing the true facts! Listening to rumor and innuendo and taking it as gospel can tear apart and break a marriage, a family, a church, a company, an organization and A Coach!!! The purpose of a Board of Directors is to set policy and establish broad procedure and too direct the overall direction of the organization and to deal on facts not rumor and innuendo, especially if anonymous!
anne is the one telling the truth.. the coach did not yell or make any girls cry, so who ever made this website is the one who should get there facts straight
The facts are straight and have been confirmed from several of my teammates. I also know that there is no Rebecca on NWA Lightning so if you feel I am incorrect I would love to hear why you feel that way. Also if you are on the team then tell everyone who you are. If you are so confident that you are correct then you would have no reason to provide a false name.
Anne,
It is very obvious you do not have all the facts and to slander someone as you did is opening yourself to a lawsuit!!! If you do not personally “know” the true facts, you should not be passing along possible false information. I have watched the coaching techniques of both coaches you are talking about and know for a fact how degrading and uncaring about the girls’ FEELINGS one of the coach’s can be. It is very obvious you do not have all your facts. If you did (have those facts) you would have to be crazy to write what you did!
she does have the facts sir
I will post one more response to the last few comments and I am done. This is out of control. You made a comment about putting someones family and name in bad light and ruining the hard work that this individual has done. However, on the same note, criticize another coach for something he was cleared of and all charges dropped. Someone who’s life was damaged and suffered by rumors, complaints and allegations, before he had the opportunity to clear his name. His family and career suffering from the hands of people who didn’t want him to coach anymore. Harassing him at soccer games for cheering on his daughter and accusing him of recruiting and coaching from the sidelines. Destroying every chance for him to ever coach. This is what is called “speaking out both sides of your mouth”.
On another note, I was in Little Rock this weekend and observed a lightning team with your teams girls on it, playing with girls from Fort Smith as “Guest Players”. Is this any different that recruiting? If so, tell me how? How is that any different that a girl playing on an indoor team that “WAS NOT” affiliated with any club?
Amen: The Sad Thing is that some of the members of a group of about four families playing for the Comets from a town West of here had “Way to Much Influence” on this whole situation! According to Law, “one is innocent until proven guilty”! This situation had absolutly nothing to do with soccer! There was only one of these four families playing for the Comets that stayed clear of the Fray and they should be commended for that fact. I truly believe this is a Classic Case as mentioned in Phil’s comments, “Parents that should have a reality check on the abilities and skill levels of their child”. Playing time and positions played should be the coaches decison and not the parents.Some of these Vindictive Parents used their connections and influence and thus wrongly involved/influenced Political Committee Members, Ex Judges and Prosecuting Attorneys into something that had “not one iota” to do with soccer! Then you compound that with parents and coach’s wifes of opposing clubs jumping on the bandwagon,”spreading hate and dissension primarily because of jealously, that is just a utter shame! Lightning and the Comets would be much better off if most of the four families mentioned above would just stay west of here, they are the primary ones who stirred the pot. There is no doubt the jealousy, hate, rumor, and innuendo has wrongly influenced the State Board.They should be dealing in the facts. State Board do the Right Thing and get a disinterested party to poll the current Comets parents and players on this issue and listen and deal only with the facts? It is a crying shame when a coach puts in all the time to study and learn the game so as to be able to teach and guide players to better enjoy the game and then to be persecuted unjustly, that is just unreal! Parents have you ever really considered the time & expense a coach puts into your child? Trinity, I am so sorry that you have wrongly been another causality of this war. Trinity, thanks for the forum to express our views and maybe some new realities.
Anne, though I have no idea who you are, I do know that you are one deranged and delusional individual. You obviously are a very bored and unhappy person who thrives on striving to make other people’s lives miserable. I find that extremely disturbing and quite pathetic. This is an 11 year old little girl’s website, for God’s sake! Have you no shame? I find every single one of your comments disgusting and appalling. I, for one do know the facts in many of the matters you have spoken of. Of those I know about, you are totally putting your own little spin on things. That is called “LYING”. Quite frankly, I think you are a pathological liar with some serious underlying condition. You honestly think that you are stating the facts!? Sadly, I think you actually may believe so in that twisted little mind of yours. You need to seek some professional psychological help. You also desperately need to find God. Oh, how I would love to debate all of your ignorant comments on here. However, I have found that you can not argue with crazy, AND I refuse to stoop to the level of someone such as yourself. I also, clearly don’t have as much time on my hands as you. Furthermore, I choose to spend my time in a more postitive manner and try to mind my own business. Say what you will. Lord only knows you are going to keep running your mouth and making a complete fool of yourself. Apparently you don’t care. Keep talking out of both sides of your mouth, while you’re at it. It just makes you look less and less credible. I feel so very sorry for people like you. You need to get a life and stop spreading so much hate and discontent. The vicious lies you have put on here are beyond offensive. I truly hope you will just leave Trinity alone and stop posting all of your bogus information. Enough is enough!!! I don’t have a whole lot of faith in that happening… So, in the meantime, I am most certainly going to pray for you. Lord knows, you need it.
anne is not crazy.. u r crazy for lestining to an 11 year old who dosnt even have her facts straight
If I agreed with you we would both be wrong.
You’re crazy for trying to spell “listening” as “lestining” and “doesn’t” as “dosn’t”. Apparently someone needs to “listen” in English class a little better, as typing like this “doesn’t” make you come off as very smart…
You do not have the facts straight and should not be spitting your lies! But, this is what people who are usually wrong or at fault do to spin things in their favor. Why is his name even being mentioned? This has nothing to do with him. If you wouldn’t ever let your daughter play for him, it’s your loss.
IT IS OBVIOUS WHAT COACH HAS TAUGHT THESE GIRLS ON AND OFF THE FIELD !!!! My child is a better player and most importantly person because of him.
I WITNESSED YOUR COACH CHEERING AGAINST OUR PLAYERS NUMEROUS TIMES AND WE ARE FROM THE SAME AREA. To top it off, he HAD YOUR PLAYERS DOING IT AS WELL–HMMM–THAT’S CLASSY!!!!!!
As far as the recruiting rumors, it’s not the coaches’s fault that people see what an outstanding coach he is. THEY CHOOSE TO COME TO HIM. I pray for you as you need it.
You do not have the facts straight and should not be spitting your lies! But, this is what people who are usually wrong or at fault do to spin things in their favor. Why is his name even being mentioned? This has nothing to do with him. If you wouldn’t ever let your daughter play for him, it’s your loss.
IT IS OBVIOUS WHAT COACH HAS TAUGHT THESE GIRLS ON AND OFF THE FIELD !!!! My child is a better player and most importantly person because of him.
I WITNESSED YOUR COACH CHEERING AGAINST OUR PLAYERS NUMEROUS TIMES AND WE ARE FROM THE SAME AREA. To top it off, he HAD YOUR PLAYERS DOING IT AS WELL–HMMM–THAT’S CLASSY!!!!!!
As far as the recruiting rumors, it’s not the coaches fault that people see what an outstanding coach he is. THEY CHOOSE TO COME TO HIM.
Trinity, I am a member of the Comets and hope someday it will work out for you to be in the club if that is what you desire. That said, competitive soccer is a tricky business and rules are in place for a reason. I know it doesn’t seem fair, and it may not be in your case. However, the rules (while not perfect in every situation) do serve an important purpose. It sounds to me like the state association is probably faced with conflicting stories. I don’t know that for sure, but I’ve seen that happen many times.
I also know Gayle Smith, and I know her to be a hard-working, very helpful lady. I think you’d like her if you met her. I hate to see her name smeared here. That’s not fair to her, especially since nothing here is her decision. She runs the state office and does not make these decisions.
Good luck with your soccer, and if it doesn’t work out to your liking this spring, hopefully you’ll find a team to your liking in the future. In the meantime, play and have fun. At its core, soccer is a great form of recreation. Don’t let all this bureaucracy take away your enjoyment of the game. You’ve still got a lot of great years ahead of you.
P.S. I do admire your strength to stand up for what you believe.
Dave,
Thank you for taking the time to read about my situation. I am sure Gayle is a nice person. I never used her name or meant to smear it either. I simply wanted to play soccer and the ASSA to allow me a transfer like their rules state is possible. I just got home from school and noticed someone placed her cell phone on my site. I do not know how to remove it but will try to figure it out and get it off the site ASAP. Although I disagree with their decision I do not want anyone to call or annoy her. I never intended for this situation to become such a big ordeal. I just wanted to play soccer for a coach I would enjoy playing for.
As a grandparent and having grandchildren on both the Springdale Comets and NWA Lightning I certainly understand where you are coming from and am 100% in agreement that you should be allowed a transfer. I coached soccer when my children were young and certainly understand your feelings toward a coach who would do what you said your coach has done. He is very unprofessional, and sad to say, I know exactly who you are talking about. I have watched him from the sidelines for a few years and still find it hard to believe that he is still allowed to coach. I have seen and heard the screaming and negative remarks from him and body language itself says a lot. I would not want a child of mine playing for him. The way in which he conducts himself casts a negative light on NWA Lightning, and that within itself is sad. I am so sorry you are not being allowed a transfer. It is very apparent that you really want to play soccer and to be forced to either sit out a season or play for this coach is totally unacceptable. You have a very legitimate reason for wanting to play for the Comets instead of the Lightning coach the Arkansas State Soccer Association is trying to force you to play for. In the grand scheme of things, after all, the game of soccer is supposed to be for the enjoyment and the learning process of the player….not for the egos of both the coaches and the Arkansas State Soccer Association. It appears to me that the board in Little Rock is “pro NWA Lightning.”
I can’t believe how some of you are talking down to a sweet 11 year old girl as if you own her. And none of you have any business trying to PARENT Jeff Walker or his wife. These are terrific people and super parents! They were obviously making the best choice in allowing their daughter to make her own decision to leave this team mid-season. She is not a quitter – just because she chooses not to stay with a coach who yells at the players, causing many of them to be afraid and to cry. I have watched a LOT of soccer and all kinds of coaches, and I know the difference between a coach who raises his voice in order to motivate and get a team’s attention, and one who yells in a threatening/belittling/frightening way. This is NOT PAID professional soccer. She should be able to leave and play soccer wherever she wants and have a chance to be with a coach that doesn’t make her afraid. If Lightning was such a super organization, people wouldn’t be wanting to leave it in the first place. How about NWA Lightning focus on that instead of forcing people to stay who have very legitimate reasons to leave? The fact that a parent with a child remaining on this team is so unkind that they put Trinity down personally here and don’t even have facts straight just solidifies that a great decision was made by Trinity and her family. Trinity, don’t let anyone bring you down. You have made all the right choices! I hope to see you play again on a much better team with better leadership and support in the future – whoever should be so lucky!
You seem to act pretty tough trying to insult a young girl. Everyone else here has used there real name why are you scared to?
You need to grow up you child! Tell Gayle Smith to stop getting her co-workers to post on here. We are so proud of you Trinity.
I don’t think it is Gayle or her employees. There are too many 2 syllable words for her or anyone at the Arkansas State Soccer Association, why do you think they abbreviate their name to ASSA. I believe it is either TD from lighting or Lance Howard. They both are stupid enough to do something like this.
PC says:
One would think that the Lighting and Comets Organizations would get along better (consolidate their strengths and abilities) and do what is best for the girls of Northwest Arkansas (NWA) and group the girls according to ability and skill level on the traveling teams, thus enabling them to better compete! There is a BIG Difference in Playing-Up (traveling teams) and League-Ball. It would also appear that the State Board would encourage this consolidation so Arkansas girls could better compete with surrounding states! This would enable the NWA Teams to better compete with the likes of The Tulsa Teams — as example. The Tulsa Teams certainly take this approach to the pairing of their teams! I fully realize the coaches (having coached myself) would have nightmares dealing with the Parents-That-Need-A-Reality-Check-With-The-Abilities & Skill Levels-of-Their-Child! However, if the Local and State Soccer Boards got the “Right Coaches” and “backed and or supported” them, there would be Far-Less-Drama! Believe the Local and State Boards too often listen to anonymous rumor and innuendo instead of “Dealing with the Facts”! Local Boards, poll your girls and find out their opinions of their coaches every now and then, a list of reasonable questions could be developed. Do not consider playing time in those questions though. If the child believes in herself, she is more than likely going to think she is not getting ample playing time – that’s pretty much a given! Playing time on traveling teams should be the Coaches’ Decision not the Board’s! If something along this line had been followed, the Trinity issue would have been a NON-ISSUE! —————-GO TRINITY!!!
The Comets and Lightning did try to merge once. It didn’t work out…we had differing philosophies. That’s not a bad thing. If there was just one club in NWA, then there would only be one choice for people. If someone felt the need to leave that club there would be no other option for that player.
Sounds like there isn’t an option if you sign up for Lightning they think they own you and the State backs them up. Pathetic. Club soccer should be cheaper for the families and success based on who they promote to the next level not who they hoard for their own trophy cabinet.
Dave, there does not currently appear to be much option for the girls to change. That is the whole issue in Trinity’s case!
A whole other issue is — You can Consolidate over-all broad effort (without total consolidation) and still have different philosophies. After all, philosophy is “a pursuit of wisdom,” we can all learn from each other. Am not advocating only one organization, you could still have The Lightning and The Comets as separate organizations. I personally, currently have Grandchildren on both Lightning and the Comets. And my primary “Broad Goal” is for my grandchildren to learn from the Best Coach Available and “improve their skills and abilities and thus improve Their Enjoyment of the Game of Soccer”! We individually can have different opinions and philosophies and still head in the overall direction of what is best for the whole and/or group! You could have an A & B and/or Gold & Silver team and still have individual (B &/or Silver) and Northwest Arkansas (NWA) Consolidated (A &/or Gold) effort! A coach from both organizations could be on the NWA Consolidated teams. This would enable the girls with the abilities and skills to be more competitive in their travels outside of NWA. It would put these girls on a more level playing field with the rest of the world and help them improve even more if they desire to play at this level. It appears to me the Egos of Some Coaches and Some Parents get in the way of what is best for the children too often.
Wow that’s mature. Pretty sure that breaks the rules in the code of conduct. So are you a Lightning board member or part of the state board…..maybe your Trinity’s coach Did you read the rules. The state and Lightning are the ones breaking them. May be you should learn to read and spell. The F word only has 1 c and Prick is spelled with one I. Suck has 1 u and the C work you said has 1 O. So yeah your pretty much a tool.
Thank you to thoughs of you who stood up for me when bad comments were made. I really appreciate it and I will try to delete the nasty comments some people posted.
Oh god these comments are halarious. Last night when I was reading them, I started laughing so hard becuase it’s funny to see adults fight online. I know most of these people so it makes it even more funny.
Good Morning, I just stopped by to visit your site and thought I’d say I enjoyed myself.
I just wanted to let you know that I think I speak for all players coaches and parents of Omaha FC and all Nebraskans that we are proud of you for standing up to this injustice I hope the state association reads their own bylaws and allows you to play for the team you desire.
I also wanted to note that I’ve seen this coach in question last year in Raytown Missouri this coach would never be allowed near my kids.
Thank you so much for going on my site! My dad use to play with Omaha FC.
OMG people!!!!
this is whats going on….
trinity played on lightning soccer and did not like the coach…she didnt leave because of the other girls on the team she left becuz she didnt like the way the coach talked to her and her friends. she didnt want to play on the team so she pretty much quit ffor that season and will hopefully play for a better coach or team next year. she was not allowed to transfer and many of her teammates wanted to leave too. but they stayed on the team. trinity is 11 years old and alot of people are blowing up her website with untruthful comments.
trinity-i hope everything willl be ok soon. im really annoyed with people saying that you are wrong!!this is an YOUR website and people are starting chaos with all these disagreements. everyone has their own opinion. my opinion is that trinity should be allowed to play on a team she wants!
and sorry this has nothing to do with soccer but are you coming to omaha with your dad?
I am not coming up with my dad ,but i will be there that weekend. And thank you for standing up for me.
yay!!!!i havent seen u 4 a long time then prob the next time ill c u..ull hav anoter bro and ill have another awesome cuz!!!
o and ur welcome
I know it has been forever since I have seen you! I can’t wait!!!
Sent from my iPad
haha ya ik i miss you!~so how was your easter
Good how was yours?
Sent from my iPad
great! i got 13$ from the money in the eggs.
ikr im weird!
these ppl r crazy ur just a kid let u play on the team u wanna play on i agree ur coach is a jerk im definatly rootin for u!!