Boys U9

[Anonymous]

We just moved to the area and DS is anxious to join a soccer team. He was born in 2013 and did a pre-travel program last year. We are in the Alexandria part of Fairfax. I planned on contacting Springfield, Lee Mount Vernon, Alexandria. Any recommendations on those or anyone else I should add to the list? Ideally looking for a coach that is encouraging and not a huge screamer. Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

Springfield (SYC) and Alexandria are good places to start, I would leave LMVSC out, they seem to be in decline.

[Anonymous]

Go to the place with the closest practices. The clubs aren’t different at U12 and younger.

[Anonymous]

We love Gunston!

[Anonymous]

From where you are, all three clubs will probably be fairly accessible. There's lingering bitterness between Lee Mount Vernon and Springfield, so I'll leave that alone. What I will offer is this:

My experience with all three clubs over several years is that your experience with LMV and SYC will vary greatly depending on the coach and level of the team. Both clubs tend to focus on their top teams in each age group and, although you can find stellar coaches at the lower levels as well, our DS' top team received much more club support than when he played at the lower levels. I don't think it matters as much for U-littles, who really should just be having fun .

That said, at Alexandria you'll find a rigorous club-wide philosophy that's implemented at all levels by a great coaching staff. And it's been that way for years--very little of the upheaval and drama of the other two clubs.

[Anonymous]

I have a 10 yr old who's done Alexandria LMVSC and SYC. If you want player development and good coaches Alexandria and LMVSC are the best choices. Look at the training conditions, how they train and the space allocated and you will reach the same conclusion. Talk to parents of the age groups if possible. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

For U9 in the Fairfax portion of Alexandria, I'd choose between Gunston and LMVSC. If they excel, I'd consider moving to SYC or Alexandria, but the travel times to practice will be worse and could be much worse depending on where practice is held. Anything further than that, and the drives will be awful and the odds that the kid will know or live near any teammate are not good.

[Anonymous]

OP here, appreciate all the insights! Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Alexandria has the best travel program hands down and all coaches go through a rigorous background check. You won't be disappointed and every kid and evaluated every couple month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Alexandria has the best travel program hands down and all coaches go through a rigorous background check. You won't be disappointed and every kid and evaluated every couple month.

If your in Alexandria(Fairfax), depending on which side of route 1 you live on, I would check out Gunston or LMVSC. If they outgrow those programs, try SYC.