FRIENDLIES: Nor Cal/So Cal Philosophy

[NapoleonD]

I just do not get it... So Cal has the right idea, play 2 day friendlies or even a one day, get 3 or more games in, see the teams in the area, and not have to pay what seems to be rising tourney fees. Play a Sunday friendly and you still have Saturday to practice. Host one and you will also make some money with the snack shack.

With all the upside, why hasn't this idea caught on in Nor Cal? DD's team has called many organizations and have a hard time getting it together, which is why we have travelled south. Teams/Organizations have even made it a point to tell us they do not "do" friendlies. What? Why not? Why do you wanna pay $400 to play for a t-shirt or some piece of hardware you do not need or want? What are the down sides to playing friendlies?

[xxxYerOut]

If they are not doing it yet, they will be soon. We have friendlies scheduled this month as a 12u team in Sacramento. They are even coordinating a couple of weeks at DF as "friendlies" at all age groups the last half of the month. Of course DF will make the toll on these, but we are on their fields.

For Fall, 3 teams we know got together for a round robin and BBQ'd afterward to start the Fall season (back before it was freezing outside).

What age are you talking about and where?

[Intel]

The Fresno Force from Central California has always supported friendlies. Our 16U team is hosting an 8 team friendly on February 2nd.

[Bucket Dad]

Sorcerer 16U will be hosting a 6 team friendly on Jan 20 in Castro Valley. There are several 16U and Gold friendlies going on in NorCal for the month of Jan.

[NapoleonD]

Yes, it is starting to gain steam, but why would a team/organization not want to play a friendly?

We have played in a few, but they are not as evident as they are down south. We went to one team's on saturday and then another on sunday, 8 games for $320. With open substitution, you get a chance to see kids in certain positions/situations. Not to mention some of those snack shacks had some good food...

A few times last year, there were tournaments that only had 3-4 teams signed up. We asked those teams if they wanted to just do a friendly and they looked at us like we were crazy. They wanted to see if more teams signed up and it ended up canceling and nobody played.

DF/Grapettes/RRGold all have hosted "friendlies" under their Tournament schedules, but still cost a little more then those hosted by teams. Most of the time, they also charge a gate fee as well. Look at the announcements under Friendlies on this site, how many in Nor Cal?

[xxxYerOut]

Grapettes charge for EVERYTHING, and you are right, they are a little more expensive at DF.

NapD - You sound like you are nearby. Where are you located and what age group?

[3Bsnag]

I wish we did these in Texas!

Hey Donnie or anyone from Texas,
Do y'all do these down south?

I just looked on VTD (where we post scores, for players, tournaments, etc) to see if anyone has ever posted a friendly here and all I saw was a footnote that said all friendly's have to be posted under our tournament section which means restricted access associations.

[dallasfungo]

Friendlies are pretty common in North Texas but not always on VTD. Generally when a team decides to put one on they will invite 3-5 specific teams for a 1-day event. You get a lower cost and more balanced competiton. 3bsnag, you'll find a number of "round robins" on VTD that I'd say are the same as friendlies.

The last tournament with "friendly" in the title on VTD that I know of was the 2006 Spring 95 Texas Friendly. I think it was invitation only, called "the Best of Texas", sponsored by Austin's 95 Groove. 95 Glory, Round Rock Blaze, Texas Heat (now the Travelers) Deer Park TPS, Hearts of Texas participated, among others.

[3Bsnag]

Thanks Dallas, I guess it's just our crazy team that likes to pay $300-400 and travel all the time for tournaments!

[NapoleonD]

NapD - You sound like you are nearby. Where are you located and what age group?

14's