Non-DC academies

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was a great discussion in some sections. As a DC resident and parent of a 10-year old boy who skills are making me have to research about next steps, DCU has zero involvement in his development whereas it appears Union and Red Bulls have much more involvement in their communities. The DC soccer scene is bigger than the few major clubs that DCU affiliates with. IF my son continues to develop towards a professional trajectory and gets on DCU’s radar, their outreach and impact locally is so poor, I do not know whether being in their academy is a good thing. My son will attend a Red Bull residential camp this summer because DCU has nothing similar. I am a neutral parent of a U11 parent with no skin in the game trying to learn the landscape and help my son develop.

what outreach are you expecting from DCUA for you 10 year old? are you fr?

I can't with this. Just stop. There is so much to address here. But, I'll start with the fact that you admit you need to learn the landscape but even with your limited knowledge you still somehow know that DCUA's "outreach and impact locally is so poor...." It seems your son isn't playing for one of the "few major clubs that DCU[A] affiliates with" so maybe your 10 year old whose skills are making you have to research is playing against lower competition. Regardless, do you really think DCUA cares about your U11 or any U11? You wouldn't get on their radar until U12 anyway. Good luck with your amazing 10 year old navigating the landscape.

You just confirmed one of DCUA's major shortcomings. No involvement at all at the younger ages. Union and Red Bulls both run development camps for kids as early as 5yo. They also run pre-academy teams starting at u9 I believe. You're right that DCUA doesn't care and that's one of the reasons why they are ranked so poorly for an area like the DMV.

So I guess all of our sons in DMV are cooked because we don't live in a metro where the MLS team runs a youth program starting at Uittybitties? By this logic it's even too late for the PP's 10 year old prodigy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was a great discussion in some sections. As a DC resident and parent of a 10-year old boy who skills are making me have to research about next steps, DCU has zero involvement in his development whereas it appears Union and Red Bulls have much more involvement in their communities. The DC soccer scene is bigger than the few major clubs that DCU affiliates with. IF my son continues to develop towards a professional trajectory and gets on DCU’s radar, their outreach and impact locally is so poor, I do not know whether being in their academy is a good thing. My son will attend a Red Bull residential camp this summer because DCU has nothing similar. I am a neutral parent of a U11 parent with no skin in the game trying to learn the landscape and help my son develop.

what outreach are you expecting from DCUA for you 10 year old? are you fr?

I can't with this. Just stop. There is so much to address here. But, I'll start with the fact that you admit you need to learn the landscape but even with your limited knowledge you still somehow know that DCUA's "outreach and impact locally is so poor...." It seems your son isn't playing for one of the "few major clubs that DCU[A] affiliates with" so maybe your 10 year old whose skills are making you have to research is playing against lower competition. Regardless, do you really think DCUA cares about your U11 or any U11? You wouldn't get on their radar until U12 anyway. Good luck with your amazing 10 year old navigating the landscape.

You just confirmed one of DCUA's major shortcomings. No involvement at all at the younger ages. Union and Red Bulls both run development camps for kids as early as 5yo. They also run pre-academy teams starting at u9 I believe. You're right that DCUA doesn't care and that's one of the reasons why they are ranked so poorly for an area like the DMV.

So I guess all of our sons in DMV are cooked because we don't live in a metro where the MLS team runs a youth program starting at Uittybitties? By this logic it's even too late for the PP's 10 year old prodigy.

Yes, just pick up pickleball.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was a great discussion in some sections. As a DC resident and parent of a 10-year old boy who skills are making me have to research about next steps, DCU has zero involvement in his development whereas it appears Union and Red Bulls have much more involvement in their communities. The DC soccer scene is bigger than the few major clubs that DCU affiliates with. IF my son continues to develop towards a professional trajectory and gets on DCU’s radar, their outreach and impact locally is so poor, I do not know whether being in their academy is a good thing. My son will attend a Red Bull residential camp this summer because DCU has nothing similar. I am a neutral parent of a U11 parent with no skin in the game trying to learn the landscape and help my son develop.

what outreach are you expecting from DCUA for you 10 year old? are you fr?

I can't with this. Just stop. There is so much to address here. But, I'll start with the fact that you admit you need to learn the landscape but even with your limited knowledge you still somehow know that DCUA's "outreach and impact locally is so poor...." It seems your son isn't playing for one of the "few major clubs that DCU[A] affiliates with" so maybe your 10 year old whose skills are making you have to research is playing against lower competition. Regardless, do you really think DCUA cares about your U11 or any U11? You wouldn't get on their radar until U12 anyway. Good luck with your amazing 10 year old navigating the landscape.

You just confirmed one of DCUA's major shortcomings. No involvement at all at the younger ages. Union and Red Bulls both run development camps for kids as early as 5yo. They also run pre-academy teams starting at u9 I believe. You're right that DCUA doesn't care and that's one of the reasons why they are ranked so poorly for an area like the DMV.

"ranked poorly" being subjective opinion and not based on factual measurable applicable criteria objectively compared to all other MLS academies

So give us factual measurable applicable criteria that proves DCUA is equal to Red Bulls and Union. We told you that Red Bull and Union have programs down to the u5 age. What is DCUA doing that's comparable?

Who said DCUA is equal to red bulls and Union? (whatever that means)

Having a U5 program is nice to have. Maybe.

Do you know the details of the U5 program, curriculum and philosophy?
How many former U5's are now international professionals or national team members?
How many has been sold with significant transfer fees?

I'm sure your local clubs pre-travel program is better than an academy team training your kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was a great discussion in some sections. As a DC resident and parent of a 10-year old boy who skills are making me have to research about next steps, DCU has zero involvement in his development whereas it appears Union and Red Bulls have much more involvement in their communities. The DC soccer scene is bigger than the few major clubs that DCU affiliates with. IF my son continues to develop towards a professional trajectory and gets on DCU’s radar, their outreach and impact locally is so poor, I do not know whether being in their academy is a good thing. My son will attend a Red Bull residential camp this summer because DCU has nothing similar. I am a neutral parent of a U11 parent with no skin in the game trying to learn the landscape and help my son develop.

what outreach are you expecting from DCUA for you 10 year old? are you fr?

I can't with this. Just stop. There is so much to address here. But, I'll start with the fact that you admit you need to learn the landscape but even with your limited knowledge you still somehow know that DCUA's "outreach and impact locally is so poor...." It seems your son isn't playing for one of the "few major clubs that DCU[A] affiliates with" so maybe your 10 year old whose skills are making you have to research is playing against lower competition. Regardless, do you really think DCUA cares about your U11 or any U11? You wouldn't get on their radar until U12 anyway. Good luck with your amazing 10 year old navigating the landscape.

You just confirmed one of DCUA's major shortcomings. No involvement at all at the younger ages. Union and Red Bulls both run development camps for kids as early as 5yo. They also run pre-academy teams starting at u9 I believe. You're right that DCUA doesn't care and that's one of the reasons why they are ranked so poorly for an area like the DMV.

"ranked poorly" being subjective opinion and not based on factual measurable applicable criteria objectively compared to all other MLS academies

So give us factual measurable applicable criteria that proves DCUA is equal to Red Bulls and Union. We told you that Red Bull and Union have programs down to the u5 age. What is DCUA doing that's comparable?

Who said DCUA is equal to red bulls and Union? (whatever that means)

Having a U5 program is nice to have. Maybe.

Do you know the details of the U5 program, curriculum and philosophy?
How many former U5's are now international professionals or national team members?
How many has been sold with significant transfer fees?

This has been covered in detail in another forum that has proven, with multiple proof points, that starting at younger ages is the preferred path for a successful.acsdemy and is what is done around the world at some of the best academies.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1232298.page

This poster above is the same one from that forum who trolled it for months (you will see similar posts in that thread too), offering nothing of value and trying to deflect from the main issue of the forum. Don't let that happen here. And in that thread see how much evidence there is to support the argument that DCU is a terrible youth academy and one of the worst in the MLS. If you read that entire thread that conclusion is obvious.

And to the PP who is just trying to get information about the landscape, kudos to you for trying to educate yourself about what is happening and thinking ahead for your son. Your instincts and observations about the club are correct and you will see in the above thread that others have pointed your conclusions out too. My best advice to you is to keep your son playing at the highest level he can and focus on him getting better everyday. He's at an age where he needs to focus on his ball skills more than anything else and being comfortable on the ball. If you're 14 with ok ball skills, you're not going to make it. There isn't enough time for you to catch up to the people that have been serious about their feet for years. DCU may be the best option for him when the time comes, you just don't know yet. But what you do need to understand now, is that thinking and looking outside of DCU is the smart thing to do to make sure you're making the most informed decision about your son's future in the sport. Best of luck to you and him and don't let anyone try to hate on your ambition. You only have one shot at this and there are no do overs. What you'll find quickly is that you don't have a ton of time in the game. You can't waste it messing around with people and organizations that don't know what they are doing.

What is your involvement and connections in high level kids soccer development and where is your kid currently?

Since you're advocating we all take only your opinions and advice

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was a great discussion in some sections. As a DC resident and parent of a 10-year old boy who skills are making me have to research about next steps, DCU has zero involvement in his development whereas it appears Union and Red Bulls have much more involvement in their communities. The DC soccer scene is bigger than the few major clubs that DCU affiliates with. IF my son continues to develop towards a professional trajectory and gets on DCU’s radar, their outreach and impact locally is so poor, I do not know whether being in their academy is a good thing. My son will attend a Red Bull residential camp this summer because DCU has nothing similar. I am a neutral parent of a U11 parent with no skin in the game trying to learn the landscape and help my son develop.

what outreach are you expecting from DCUA for you 10 year old? are you fr?

I can't with this. Just stop. There is so much to address here. But, I'll start with the fact that you admit you need to learn the landscape but even with your limited knowledge you still somehow know that DCUA's "outreach and impact locally is so poor...." It seems your son isn't playing for one of the "few major clubs that DCU[A] affiliates with" so maybe your 10 year old whose skills are making you have to research is playing against lower competition. Regardless, do you really think DCUA cares about your U11 or any U11? You wouldn't get on their radar until U12 anyway. Good luck with your amazing 10 year old navigating the landscape.

You just confirmed one of DCUA's major shortcomings. No involvement at all at the younger ages. Union and Red Bulls both run development camps for kids as early as 5yo. They also run pre-academy teams starting at u9 I believe. You're right that DCUA doesn't care and that's one of the reasons why they are ranked so poorly for an area like the DMV.

"ranked poorly" being subjective opinion and not based on factual measurable applicable criteria objectively compared to all other MLS academies

So give us factual measurable applicable criteria that proves DCUA is equal to Red Bulls and Union. We told you that Red Bull and Union have programs down to the u5 age. What is DCUA doing that's comparable?

Who said DCUA is equal to red bulls and Union? (whatever that means)

Having a U5 program is nice to have. Maybe.

Do you know the details of the U5 program, curriculum and philosophy?
How many former U5's are now international professionals or national team members?
How many has been sold with significant transfer fees?

This has been covered in detail in another forum that has proven, with multiple proof points, that starting at younger ages is the preferred path for a successful.acsdemy and is what is done around the world at some of the best academies.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1232298.page

This poster above is the same one from that forum who trolled it for months (you will see similar posts in that thread too), offering nothing of value and trying to deflect from the main issue of the forum. Don't let that happen here. And in that thread see how much evidence there is to support the argument that DCU is a terrible youth academy and one of the worst in the MLS. If you read that entire thread that conclusion is obvious.

And to the PP who is just trying to get information about the landscape, kudos to you for trying to educate yourself about what is happening and thinking ahead for your son. Your instincts and observations about the club are correct and you will see in the above thread that others have pointed your conclusions out too. My best advice to you is to keep your son playing at the highest level he can and focus on him getting better everyday. He's at an age where he needs to focus on his ball skills more than anything else and being comfortable on the ball. If you're 14 with ok ball skills, you're not going to make it. There isn't enough time for you to catch up to the people that have been serious about their feet for years. DCU may be the best option for him when the time comes, you just don't know yet. But what you do need to understand now, is that thinking and looking outside of DCU is the smart thing to do to make sure you're making the most informed decision about your son's future in the sport. Best of luck to you and him and don't let anyone try to hate on your ambition. You only have one shot at this and there are no do overs. What you'll find quickly is that you don't have a ton of time in the game. You can't waste it messing around with people and organizations that don't know what they are doing.

What is your involvement and connections in high level kids soccer development and where is your kid currently?

Since you're advocating we all take only your opinions and advice

He gave sound advice, what is it you disagree with? Do you have better advice or are you just here to troll?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was a great discussion in some sections. As a DC resident and parent of a 10-year old boy who skills are making me have to research about next steps, DCU has zero involvement in his development whereas it appears Union and Red Bulls have much more involvement in their communities. The DC soccer scene is bigger than the few major clubs that DCU affiliates with. IF my son continues to develop towards a professional trajectory and gets on DCU’s radar, their outreach and impact locally is so poor, I do not know whether being in their academy is a good thing. My son will attend a Red Bull residential camp this summer because DCU has nothing similar. I am a neutral parent of a U11 parent with no skin in the game trying to learn the landscape and help my son develop.

what outreach are you expecting from DCUA for you 10 year old? are you fr?

I can't with this. Just stop. There is so much to address here. But, I'll start with the fact that you admit you need to learn the landscape but even with your limited knowledge you still somehow know that DCUA's "outreach and impact locally is so poor...." It seems your son isn't playing for one of the "few major clubs that DCU[A] affiliates with" so maybe your 10 year old whose skills are making you have to research is playing against lower competition. Regardless, do you really think DCUA cares about your U11 or any U11? You wouldn't get on their radar until U12 anyway. Good luck with your amazing 10 year old navigating the landscape.

You just confirmed one of DCUA's major shortcomings. No involvement at all at the younger ages. Union and Red Bulls both run development camps for kids as early as 5yo. They also run pre-academy teams starting at u9 I believe. You're right that DCUA doesn't care and that's one of the reasons why they are ranked so poorly for an area like the DMV.

"ranked poorly" being subjective opinion and not based on factual measurable applicable criteria objectively compared to all other MLS academies

So give us factual measurable applicable criteria that proves DCUA is equal to Red Bulls and Union. We told you that Red Bull and Union have programs down to the u5 age. What is DCUA doing that's comparable?

Who said DCUA is equal to red bulls and Union? (whatever that means)

Having a U5 program is nice to have. Maybe.

Do you know the details of the U5 program, curriculum and philosophy?
How many former U5's are now international professionals or national team members?
How many has been sold with significant transfer fees?

This has been covered in detail in another forum that has proven, with multiple proof points, that starting at younger ages is the preferred path for a successful.acsdemy and is what is done around the world at some of the best academies.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1232298.page

This poster above is the same one from that forum who trolled it for months (you will see similar posts in that thread too), offering nothing of value and trying to deflect from the main issue of the forum. Don't let that happen here. And in that thread see how much evidence there is to support the argument that DCU is a terrible youth academy and one of the worst in the MLS. If you read that entire thread that conclusion is obvious.

And to the PP who is just trying to get information about the landscape, kudos to you for trying to educate yourself about what is happening and thinking ahead for your son. Your instincts and observations about the club are correct and you will see in the above thread that others have pointed your conclusions out too. My best advice to you is to keep your son playing at the highest level he can and focus on him getting better everyday. He's at an age where he needs to focus on his ball skills more than anything else and being comfortable on the ball. If you're 14 with ok ball skills, you're not going to make it. There isn't enough time for you to catch up to the people that have been serious about their feet for years. DCU may be the best option for him when the time comes, you just don't know yet. But what you do need to understand now, is that thinking and looking outside of DCU is the smart thing to do to make sure you're making the most informed decision about your son's future in the sport. Best of luck to you and him and don't let anyone try to hate on your ambition. You only have one shot at this and there are no do overs. What you'll find quickly is that you don't have a ton of time in the game. You can't waste it messing around with people and organizations that don't know what they are doing.

What is your involvement and connections in high level kids soccer development and where is your kid currently?

Since you're advocating we all take only your opinions and advice

Who said only take that opinion? Do and believe whatever you want, I don't care.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was a great discussion in some sections. As a DC resident and parent of a 10-year old boy who skills are making me have to research about next steps, DCU has zero involvement in his development whereas it appears Union and Red Bulls have much more involvement in their communities. The DC soccer scene is bigger than the few major clubs that DCU affiliates with. IF my son continues to develop towards a professional trajectory and gets on DCU’s radar, their outreach and impact locally is so poor, I do not know whether being in their academy is a good thing. My son will attend a Red Bull residential camp this summer because DCU has nothing similar. I am a neutral parent of a U11 parent with no skin in the game trying to learn the landscape and help my son develop.

what outreach are you expecting from DCUA for you 10 year old? are you fr?

I can't with this. Just stop. There is so much to address here. But, I'll start with the fact that you admit you need to learn the landscape but even with your limited knowledge you still somehow know that DCUA's "outreach and impact locally is so poor...." It seems your son isn't playing for one of the "few major clubs that DCU[A] affiliates with" so maybe your 10 year old whose skills are making you have to research is playing against lower competition. Regardless, do you really think DCUA cares about your U11 or any U11? You wouldn't get on their radar until U12 anyway. Good luck with your amazing 10 year old navigating the landscape.

You just confirmed one of DCUA's major shortcomings. No involvement at all at the younger ages. Union and Red Bulls both run development camps for kids as early as 5yo. They also run pre-academy teams starting at u9 I believe. You're right that DCUA doesn't care and that's one of the reasons why they are ranked so poorly for an area like the DMV.

"ranked poorly" being subjective opinion and not based on factual measurable applicable criteria objectively compared to all other MLS academies

So give us factual measurable applicable criteria that proves DCUA is equal to Red Bulls and Union. We told you that Red Bull and Union have programs down to the u5 age. What is DCUA doing that's comparable?

Who said DCUA is equal to red bulls and Union? (whatever that means)

Having a U5 program is nice to have. Maybe.

Do you know the details of the U5 program, curriculum and philosophy?
How many former U5's are now international professionals or national team members?
How many has been sold with significant transfer fees?

This has been covered in detail in another forum that has proven, with multiple proof points, that starting at younger ages is the preferred path for a successful.acsdemy and is what is done around the world at some of the best academies.

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1232298.page

This poster above is the same one from that forum who trolled it for months (you will see similar posts in that thread too), offering nothing of value and trying to deflect from the main issue of the forum. Don't let that happen here. And in that thread see how much evidence there is to support the argument that DCU is a terrible youth academy and one of the worst in the MLS. If you read that entire thread that conclusion is obvious.

And to the PP who is just trying to get information about the landscape, kudos to you for trying to educate yourself about what is happening and thinking ahead for your son. Your instincts and observations about the club are correct and you will see in the above thread that others have pointed your conclusions out too. My best advice to you is to keep your son playing at the highest level he can and focus on him getting better everyday. He's at an age where he needs to focus on his ball skills more than anything else and being comfortable on the ball. If you're 14 with ok ball skills, you're not going to make it. There isn't enough time for you to catch up to the people that have been serious about their feet for years. DCU may be the best option for him when the time comes, you just don't know yet. But what you do need to understand now, is that thinking and looking outside of DCU is the smart thing to do to make sure you're making the most informed decision about your son's future in the sport. Best of luck to you and him and don't let anyone try to hate on your ambition. You only have one shot at this and there are no do overs. What you'll find quickly is that you don't have a ton of time in the game. You can't waste it messing around with people and organizations that don't know what they are doing.

What is your involvement and connections in high level kids soccer development and where is your kid currently?

Since you're advocating we all take only your opinions and advice

He gave sound advice, what is it you disagree with? Do you have better advice or are you just here to troll?

Agree. Excellent advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This was a great discussion in some sections. As a DC resident and parent of a 10-year old boy who skills are making me have to research about next steps, DCU has zero involvement in his development whereas it appears Union and Red Bulls have much more involvement in their communities. The DC soccer scene is bigger than the few major clubs that DCU affiliates with. IF my son continues to develop towards a professional trajectory and gets on DCU’s radar, their outreach and impact locally is so poor, I do not know whether being in their academy is a good thing. My son will attend a Red Bull residential camp this summer because DCU has nothing similar. I am a neutral parent of a U11 parent with no skin in the game trying to learn the landscape and help my son develop.

what outreach are you expecting from DCUA for you 10 year old? are you fr?

I can't with this. Just stop. There is so much to address here. But, I'll start with the fact that you admit you need to learn the landscape but even with your limited knowledge you still somehow know that DCUA's "outreach and impact locally is so poor...." It seems your son isn't playing for one of the "few major clubs that DCU[A] affiliates with" so maybe your 10 year old whose skills are making you have to research is playing against lower competition. Regardless, do you really think DCUA cares about your U11 or any U11? You wouldn't get on their radar until U12 anyway. Good luck with your amazing 10 year old navigating the landscape.

You just confirmed one of DCUA's major shortcomings. No involvement at all at the younger ages. Union and Red Bulls both run development camps for kids as early as 5yo. They also run pre-academy teams starting at u9 I believe. You're right that DCUA doesn't care and that's one of the reasons why they are ranked so poorly for an area like the DMV.

So I guess all of our sons in DMV are cooked because we don't live in a metro where the MLS team runs a youth program starting at Uittybitties? By this logic it's even too late for the PP's 10 year old prodigy.

Correct. In terms of pro soccer, this is not a far fetched conclusion. D1 College soccer or lower is still well within reach. But pro soccer, even in the US, chances are way less likely and European pro soccer, almost no chance. This is why most European academies start at U9. From u9-u14 is five years. That time in a pro environment with decent coaches, versus at a pay to play club, with inferior coaching, and you will see a massive difference in quality of player. Even in the US. In Europe the quality is even higher in those five years. There are levels to this game that most parents in the US just don't understand because they don't have the exposure. The percentages of making pro football for European players is also super low. For Americans, given the overall environment in the US, it is even lower. Why many top talents who have real pro ambition leave the US at a younger age. Pulisic, reyna etc and if you are going to make it from the US and be one of the few, you need to be in a quality environment from younger ages too. See Aaronson brothers at Union or Pepi from Dallas. You're playing a game with low chances of success no matter what. It's just a matter of what increases your chances at each stage of development. Better training at younger ages increases your chances. And in the US that is usually, at this current stage of youth soccer in the country, in a MLS academy. But in our area, DCU doesn't cultivate the kids at younger ages. They have no vision or ambition. Just the bare minimum. So you're then relying on pay to pay clubs to develop pros at young ages which is absurd. They only care about money and winning. End of day, yes, it is unfortunate that we are in an area that has a weak MLS academy because the only ones losing are the kids