Bethesda (MLS Next) vs Achilles FC (MLS Next) vs Baltimore Armour vs Alexandria (MLS Next) vs SYC (MLS Next) experience

[Anonymous]

Let's expand this since tryouts are going on.

[Anonymous]

I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Thank you for sharing. Is the charter bus cost a part of the year fee, or is that a team fee that gets collected separtely?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Thank you for sharing. Is the charter bus cost a part of the year fee, or is that a team fee that gets collected separtely?

The busses are included in the initial fee. For the hotel, the club asks parents to cover the cost. Bus trips are limited to the 3+ hour trips, I think. (RBNY, PDA, Ironbound, TSF, Cedar Stars, and Real Jersey)

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know when/if Achilles will have tryouts or ID sessions? Will they have the same age groups they have this year in MLS Next (U13, U14, U16, and U19)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Parents of (truly) elite players and the players themselves aren't waiting around on the club to provide them with individually tailored skills training development.
They know to get that on their own by any means necessary

Futsal isn't an amazing magic pill, especially if you're not proficient in futsal skills. Many are on futsal courts using big field skills and think they're doing something special.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know when/if Achilles will have tryouts or ID sessions? Will they have the same age groups they have this year in MLS Next (U13, U14, U16, and U19)?

We are at Achilles and I have no idea. That said, there’s been quite a few kids practice with DS team throughout the year so do reach out to the relevant coach and ask to come to practice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Parents of (truly) elite players and the players themselves aren't waiting around on the club to provide them with individually tailored skills training development.
They know to get that on their own by any means necessary

Futsal isn't an amazing magic pill, especially if you're not proficient in futsal skills. Many are on futsal courts using big field skills and think they're doing something special.

While that is true, and a major reason why so many MLSNext/ECNL kids go to private trainers and small group sessions, it is hard to hone the use of those individual skills without a team that allows you to use those skills. Whether it be at more intense practices or allowing them to use those skills under pressure in games.

There aren’t many teams that will allow or make their players continue their possession game consistently because the players are going to make mistakes which will cost them wins. And winning is obviously important for clubs and parents.

ASA players pass the ball too quickly when under pressure. SYC and Armour players will boot the ball. Bethesda and Achilles do possession well but Achilles doesn’t win very much. We’ve played Coppermine one year and I thought those kids were very skilled and while they had possession most of the game, they still lost to DS team back then which relied on booting the ball to their very fast striker .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Parents of (truly) elite players and the players themselves aren't waiting around on the club to provide them with individually tailored skills training development.
They know to get that on their own by any means necessary

Futsal isn't an amazing magic pill, especially if you're not proficient in futsal skills. Many are on futsal courts using big field skills and think they're doing something special.

I'm sure your (truly) elite son finds ways to work out on his own when he has school, a 1.5 hour round trip to soccer practice four times a week, and two games on the weekend. By any means necessary, indeed. And, nobody is talking about making their son into Cavan Sullivan and the obsession it takes. Their are 18 kids per team and they need to have a well rounded training regimen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Parents of (truly) elite players and the players themselves aren't waiting around on the club to provide them with individually tailored skills training development.
They know to get that on their own by any means necessary

Futsal isn't an amazing magic pill, especially if you're not proficient in futsal skills. Many are on futsal courts using big field skills and think they're doing something special.

I'm sure your (truly) elite son finds ways to work out on his own when he has school, a 1.5 hour round trip to soccer practice four times a week, and two games on the weekend. By any means necessary, indeed. And, nobody is talking about making their son into Cavan Sullivan and the obsession it takes. Their are 18 kids per team and they need to have a well rounded training regimen.

Then why complain if your kid doesn't have ambitions, goals and aspirations to reach the highest levels?
Whatever he/she is doing/getting is enough.

Can you name a top level academy that does consistent individual personal training of players?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Parents of (truly) elite players and the players themselves aren't waiting around on the club to provide them with individually tailored skills training development.
They know to get that on their own by any means necessary

Futsal isn't an amazing magic pill, especially if you're not proficient in futsal skills. Many are on futsal courts using big field skills and think they're doing something special.

While that is true, and a major reason why so many MLSNext/ECNL kids go to private trainers and small group sessions, it is hard to hone the use of those individual skills without a team that allows you to use those skills. Whether it be at more intense practices or allowing them to use those skills under pressure in games.

There aren’t many teams that will allow or make their players continue their possession game consistently because the players are going to make mistakes which will cost them wins. And winning is obviously important for clubs and parents.

ASA players pass the ball too quickly when under pressure. SYC and Armour players will boot the ball. Bethesda and Achilles do possession well but Achilles doesn’t win very much. We’ve played Coppermine one year and I thought those kids were very skilled and while they had possession most of the game, they still lost to DS team back then which relied on booting the ball to their very fast striker .

facts or opinion?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Parents of (truly) elite players and the players themselves aren't waiting around on the club to provide them with individually tailored skills training development.
They know to get that on their own by any means necessary

Futsal isn't an amazing magic pill, especially if you're not proficient in futsal skills. Many are on futsal courts using big field skills and think they're doing something special.

While that is true, and a major reason why so many MLSNext/ECNL kids go to private trainers and small group sessions, it is hard to hone the use of those individual skills without a team that allows you to use those skills. Whether it be at more intense practices or allowing them to use those skills under pressure in games.

There aren’t many teams that will allow or make their players continue their possession game consistently because the players are going to make mistakes which will cost them wins. And winning is obviously important for clubs and parents.

ASA players pass the ball too quickly when under pressure. SYC and Armour players will boot the ball. Bethesda and Achilles do possession well but Achilles doesn’t win very much. We’ve played Coppermine one year and I thought those kids were very skilled and while they had possession most of the game, they still lost to DS team back then which relied on booting the ball to their very fast striker .

So the culture accepts 'boot it' and 'send it' mistakes, but not possession build mistakes.

All mistakes aren't created equal hahaha

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Parents of (truly) elite players and the players themselves aren't waiting around on the club to provide them with individually tailored skills training development.
They know to get that on their own by any means necessary

Futsal isn't an amazing magic pill, especially if you're not proficient in futsal skills. Many are on futsal courts using big field skills and think they're doing something special.

While that is true, and a major reason why so many MLSNext/ECNL kids go to private trainers and small group sessions, it is hard to hone the use of those individual skills without a team that allows you to use those skills. Whether it be at more intense practices or allowing them to use those skills under pressure in games.

There aren’t many teams that will allow or make their players continue their possession game consistently because the players are going to make mistakes which will cost them wins. And winning is obviously important for clubs and parents.

ASA players pass the ball too quickly when under pressure. SYC and Armour players will boot the ball. Bethesda and Achilles do possession well but Achilles doesn’t win very much. We’ve played Coppermine one year and I thought those kids were very skilled and while they had possession most of the game, they still lost to DS team back then which relied on booting the ball to their very fast striker .

facts or opinion?

Opinion based on DS having played those teams the last few years. But I pay the most attention to what players are doing with the ball under pressure.

I’m sure others can chime in to share their own observations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Parents of (truly) elite players and the players themselves aren't waiting around on the club to provide them with individually tailored skills training development.
They know to get that on their own by any means necessary

Futsal isn't an amazing magic pill, especially if you're not proficient in futsal skills. Many are on futsal courts using big field skills and think they're doing something special.

I'm sure your (truly) elite son finds ways to work out on his own when he has school, a 1.5 hour round trip to soccer practice four times a week, and two games on the weekend. By any means necessary, indeed. And, nobody is talking about making their son into Cavan Sullivan and the obsession it takes. Their are 18 kids per team and they need to have a well rounded training regimen.

Then why complain if your kid doesn't have ambitions, goals and aspirations to reach the highest levels?
Whatever he/she is doing/getting is enough.

Can you name a top level academy that does consistent individual personal training of players?

Maybe we're misunderstanding each other. I'm not talking about one on one training with a coach. I'm talking about the team working in finishing drills, or 1v1 skills and defending, or passing drills to work on body shape and turns, anything. And team performance/conditioning/strength training. I think all of them provide this sort of thing, except Alexandria.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Parents of (truly) elite players and the players themselves aren't waiting around on the club to provide them with individually tailored skills training development.
They know to get that on their own by any means necessary

Futsal isn't an amazing magic pill, especially if you're not proficient in futsal skills. Many are on futsal courts using big field skills and think they're doing something special.

I'm sure your (truly) elite son finds ways to work out on his own when he has school, a 1.5 hour round trip to soccer practice four times a week, and two games on the weekend. By any means necessary, indeed. And, nobody is talking about making their son into Cavan Sullivan and the obsession it takes. Their are 18 kids per team and they need to have a well rounded training regimen.

Then why complain if your kid doesn't have ambitions, goals and aspirations to reach the highest levels?
Whatever he/she is doing/getting is enough.

Can you name a top level academy that does consistent individual personal training of players?

Maybe we're misunderstanding each other. I'm not talking about one on one training with a coach. I'm talking about the team working in finishing drills, or 1v1 skills and defending, or passing drills to work on body shape and turns, anything. And team performance/conditioning/strength training. I think all of them provide this sort of thing, except Alexandria.

What's left?
Are they just running laps?