Boys academy/travel recommendations in MD for fall 2024

[Anonymous]

Hi,
I am looking for travel team recommendations for boys u11 for Fall 2024.
Background:My 9 year old began playing 5 years ago in MSI. He played 2 years in rec, then moved to Classic and has been doing great since then. The issue that I have is that he is addicted to the game and wants to practice/play EVERY day. He practices twice per week with his team and plays one game per week. At his request, I train him the rest of the days but I am exhausted!
Last year, he tried out at BCS and Potomac Soccer club, and got invited back, but we decided it was not a good fit for him. We are from South America and LOVE soccer, but the environment at these clubs looked like processing plants. We can see why they get great results (very disciplined/every kid perfectly spaced out/quick passing) but there seemed to be little joy/laughter or encouragement for creativity.
Is there a team/academy out there that practices/plays a lot in good facilities, competes against great competition and develops players while having fun?
I know, probably a unicorn!

[Anonymous]

A coach that instills fun and development is hard to come by. 1st travel coach was about 55: great skills building sessions... but short temper, not suited to coach U littles, 2nd travel coach was about 40: he was had lots of fun with the kids, but often only scrimmaged them constantly.... taught little footskills or ran any drills at all. The kids enjoyed it, but the team quickly fell behind for the year. 3rd travel coach, about 35: coaches lots of tactical positioning, kids are learning, but don't love it. Team is doing better overall. So yes, finding that balance between tactics, competitiveness, technique and fun is hard. We always supplement training to counter the shortfalls of the Coaches. Id recommend trying out potential clubs at practice now, before you make your decision.

[Anonymous]

I’m assuming you’re in MD?

Try one of the clubs headed/founded by Latinos? Cerritos and Pipeline come to mind.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Sorry, forgot to mention that we are based in North Bethesda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi,
I am looking for travel team recommendations for boys u11 for Fall 2024.
Background:My 9 year old began playing 5 years ago in MSI. He played 2 years in rec, then moved to Classic and has been doing great since then. The issue that I have is that he is addicted to the game and wants to practice/play EVERY day. He practices twice per week with his team and plays one game per week. At his request, I train him the rest of the days but I am exhausted!
Last year, he tried out at BCS and Potomac Soccer club, and got invited back, but we decided it was not a good fit for him. We are from South America and LOVE soccer, but the environment at these clubs looked like processing plants. We can see why they get great results (very disciplined/every kid perfectly spaced out/quick passing) but there seemed to be little joy/laughter or encouragement for creativity.
Is there a team/academy out there that practices/plays a lot in good facilities, competes against great competition and develops players while having fun?
I know, probably a unicorn!

I'm not sure what you mean by "processing plant" but my dc has never felt that way at either club. I would assume that both of these clubs change coaches every one to two years, so you will get exposure to different styles. All of the higher level teams will have good facilities and great competition, but winning is what they want. You are probably better off finding a coach that you like rather than a club or great competition.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hi,
I am looking for travel team recommendations for boys u11 for Fall 2024.
Background:My 9 year old began playing 5 years ago in MSI. He played 2 years in rec, then moved to Classic and has been doing great since then. The issue that I have is that he is addicted to the game and wants to practice/play EVERY day. He practices twice per week with his team and plays one game per week. At his request, I train him the rest of the days but I am exhausted!
Last year, he tried out at BCS and Potomac Soccer club, and got invited back, but we decided it was not a good fit for him. We are from South America and LOVE soccer, but the environment at these clubs looked like processing plants. We can see why they get great results (very disciplined/every kid perfectly spaced out/quick passing) but there seemed to be little joy/laughter or encouragement for creativity.
Is there a team/academy out there that practices/plays a lot in good facilities, competes against great competition and develops players while having fun?
I know, probably a unicorn!

I'm not sure what you mean by "processing plant" but my dc has never felt that way at either club. I would assume that both of these clubs change coaches every one to two years, so you will get exposure to different styles. All of the higher level teams will have good facilities and great competition, but winning is what they want. You are probably better off finding a coach that you like rather than a club or great competition.

+1 ask around (or on here) to see who likes their coach and experience, then ask any of the well-reviewed coaches if your child can attend some practices to get a feel for the team. We’ve been really lucky with BSC coaches for one of our kids—he’s definitely had a happy experience and learned a lot. Teaching a creative style of play is a taller order. That part you may need to keep working on at home.

[Anonymous]

We felt that way at BSC, and we moved to PPA, and have been very happy.
Still good teams, but the coaches seem to be more about enjoyment of the game.
Obviously in any club, some coaches are better than others, but that’s my experience.

[Anonymous]

Hi- I've live in that area and can give you recommendations if you'd like, I have a ds older than yours. Email at [e-mail]