So serious question, do clubs actively try to get their kids into colleges? Like make unsolicited recommendations? I’ve not expected clubs to do that but mainly bc I assume clubs are just trying to develop players to be good enough for college soccer and more. How have Arlington players scouted into academies done? Have they gone on to play pro? For that matter, how have kids recruited into academies from other MLSNext clubs done? Did they end up going pro or just gone ahead to college? I’m genuinely curious as to what parents expectations are about what clubs can do for them. I know Bethesda is attractive for many because it’s “better” for playing in college. Does that mean they just do better so are able to get to better showcases (flex, cup, etc) or do the coaches do anything extra? All I know about college recruiting is that the player has to actively advocate for themselves. The clubs are just there to verify the players claims that they are a baller or make sure their teams attend certain events. But even then, colleges have ID events too. |
McLeans older girls teams that are now GA are way stronger than GFR's - 2011+ just pulled a bunch of players by becoming GA and GFR lost a ton to both McLean and Loudoun |
13 in MLS academies IN past 4 years. So again, with a fraction of the budget and a fraction of players to draw on, it carries its own weight. |
That’s one at the national team and one in a Bundesliga academy. That’s two. Two more than Arlington. Add another 13 to MLS academies. I’m not trying to make this Arlington vs. Achilles. Some poster dropped Achilles into the conversation randomly. Arlington does have a great track record. Don’t dispute that whatsoever. |
Make no mistake. A well respected club coach or TD with college connections opens a lot of doors. Yes, no matter ECNL or MLSN players must own their own recruiting process. Unless you are top 10 in the country you need to have film and engage. BUT if you are at a club that has a relationship coaches you get looks. Certain TDs get calls from colleges asking who is up and coming that they should look at. The club is not going to do the job for you--but they can help in many ways. |
No one think Achilles accomplishes much bc they never post on social media when their players leave for MLS academies. I don’t think Bethesda does either for that matter. They do share when a player posts something about college and when players gets into a Bundesliga academy and U16 national team. |
Arlington next year. From credible sources |
100% this VDA will be the last ECNL team standing after next year |
Some of the better ECNL clubs have a college coordinator. If you look at their Insta most of the clubs also celebrate when a kids signs with a school. One complaint I have heard from peers is that clubs will push the college path and discourage MLSN academies even if the kid's desire is different. |
A few years ago, the TD of one of the “better” ECNL clubs in NOVA was lamenting to one of his coaches that one of their players wasn’t jumping at an “offer” from UVA and how good it would look on social media. Eventually, the TD got his wish…fast forward 3 years and, after not logging a minute for UVA in 2 years, that player just transferred for the upcoming year. It was never a great fit for a player who wasn’t going to get much of an opportunity at that level, but I guess that didn’t align with TD’s priorities. Be careful trusting these clubs. |
No social media excuse. Got it. FYI, kids are almost 15-30x more likely to suffer sport ending injury than go pro. College is the smarter play. |
Most colleges don’t want your 18 y/o US player, so… |
100% true which is why their favorite players come from MLS Acadamies. It compensates for being 18 years old. |
Its because if ECNL players leave for MLSN theres nothing they can brag about online to entice new players/parents into the scam. |
"Most colleges don’t want your 18 y/o US player, so…" |