Swim team in Vienna/Tysons?

[Anonymous]

Repost from other sub-forum as I was indicated this is a better place to ask qn:
Our kid has been going to NCAP for last few years but the level of coaching and support has gone downhill in the last couple of years. Favoritism seems rampant, and each practice is loaded with so many kids I dont even know how coaches actually "coach" the kids. We are looking for alternative for our 11 year old this summer - any recommendations? Looking at York, but wondering if there are more.

[Anonymous]

I think Machine also has a location in the Vienna/Tyson’s area if you are looking to stay with a big club.

[Anonymous]

We like York. If you mean this summer as in you want something for long course season, I'll warn you that York doesn't really promote long course especially at under age 13. If you are using this summer to look at other clubs- yes definitely look at York. Also just skim through the list of PVS clubs and see what works for you- http://www.pvswim.org/pvs_club.htm eg. both Fish and Fairfax Foxes have practice locations near you- I think capital sea devils does too.
Where do other kids at your summer pool swim?

[Anonymous]

Fairfax Foxes. Nice families. Amazing coaches that know all the kids. Smaller team so kids really get to know some people. My kids have made good friends.

[Anonymous]

We were at Machine and switched over to NCAP a couple of years ago.

I honestly think they are all the same. Machine practices are just as crowded with too many kids in a lane. Unless your kid is a standout. it's hard to get personal attention.

Your best bet may be a smaller team, however, you may not have as many options when it comes to practice dates/times.

[Anonymous]

I think FISH is small enough for you but I’m not sure about that age group.

[Anonymous]

How does it typically work? Do you physically go and get a tryout first?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How does it typically work? Do you physically go and get a tryout first?

Tryout for several clubs. Most will make your kid practice in the group that they want them to join. Get a feel for them.

[Anonymous]

Op here - agree, Machine is same as NCAP mostly. in fact my kid learnt swimming at Machine with one of the best instructors ever, and then she left - thank you all, will check foxes and fish, along with York!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Fairfax Foxes. Nice families. Amazing coaches that know all the kids. Smaller team so kids really get to know some people. My kids have made good friends.

+1 we have had such good experiences with the foxes!

[Anonymous]

Which NCAP location are you at? At our current site there are only 4-5 kids in a lane so it may not be the same at all NCAP sites….

[Anonymous]

Curious too which NCAP location OP's kid is at...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Curious too which NCAP location OP's kid is at...

I mean if she’s looking for a new club in the Vienna/Tyson’s area it’s probably NCAP Tyson’s.

[Anonymous]

My 11 year old is at York and we love it. It's actually FUN and the coaches definitely know the swimmers. If you kid has other activities (seasonal sports, music, art, etc.) York is very flexible.

[Anonymous]

Another York family here after Machine. My kids are not top swimmers and got very little attention from Machine coaches.

Both really like York…and one (the faster one) now complains about ‘too much attention’ ha ha ha. The other (not great swimmer) attends one of Bobs sessions and loves it.

They also love the social aspect (Sock hop, Senior Retreat, Putt Putt, Night Owl meet which is all York locations competing against each other in a friendly way)