I don't know anything about the particular branch but here's my take on AYSO United, both of which can be true at the same time. Firstly, AYSO United is doing some wonderful work. I like that it is diversifying it's levels so that every kid, based on their level of play and their commitment to the sport, has a place to play. Their materials and their training at the u littles level are second to none. They usually go out of their way to make sure there is quality training spaces. I love the everyone plays guarantee, particularly at the younger ages, when development is key. I love that the fees are usually more accessible than other clubs allowing access for a broader range of kids to play. I think it's unfair that AYSO United has been locked out of the higher letter leagues.
That said, given that AYSO United relies a lot of volunteers or converts from parents to coaches, the quality of the product is irregular. While every club can have its share of bad coaches, given AYSO United is disfuse over a variety of training areas, it's harder to police using the top down structure. There's also a cultural issue...the parents coming in from AYSO Core and Extras aren't necessarily looking at the long game (particularly since United is locked out of the letter leagues and parents whose kids are looking to do those might leave for elsewhere)...it has a distinct little league feel to it, where winning is everything and development is second.
Our own experience with AYSO United was a very mixed bag: a best of times, worst of times situation.
To level the playing field, leagues should not have roster freezes
The higher level letter leagues have much looser roster freezes because the only thing they really need to protect against is players coming in during playoff time as ringers. People aren't generally hopping up (because there isn't anywhere to go) and the roster caps pre season (because of the demand) are generally full.
The problem is if you do it on a lower level league, particularly if one has pro/rel, you are going to have teams explode on you when they realize they can't advance. The best players will leave for higher placed leagues, the team performs worse, rinse and repeat until you can no longer field a minimum # of players. It's why Socal League expanded the roster freeze to cover state cup....that was what in practice was happening with state cup.
