PPA for boys

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I haven’t heard a lot about PPA for boys and was wondering if it was a good options for 10/11/13 year old boys looking for a step but from rec but not crazy travel? If not, are there better teams or clubs we should be looking at? We do not want Bethesda or Potomac.

[Anonymous]

Yes, we were very happy with them for the mid level teams.
Not great for the higher levels though.

[Anonymous]

I keep hearing "unorganized hot mess" about PPA. Our kids play on MSI Classic teams (step above Rec, not as expensive nor as crazy a travel schedule as travel soccer), and their teams each have a few former PPA players

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I keep hearing "unorganized hot mess" about PPA. Our kids play on MSI Classic teams (step above Rec, not as expensive nor as crazy a travel schedule as travel soccer), and their teams each have a few former PPA players

That’s about right. We really liked the coaches, but the leadership doesn’t know how to run a program. Practices were all over the place, and changed week to week. They say they want to be really competitive, but have no plans on how to achieve it.

[Anonymous]

We’ve had a good experience and haven’t seen it as unorganized or a mess. Coaching has been solid, communication has been reasonable, if not perfect.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I keep hearing "unorganized hot mess" about PPA. Our kids play on MSI Classic teams (step above Rec, not as expensive nor as crazy a travel schedule as travel soccer), and their teams each have a few former PPA players

That’s about right. We really liked the coaches, but the leadership doesn’t know how to run a program. Practices were all over the place, and changed week to week. They say they want to be really competitive, but have no plans on how to achieve it.

admin and communication is literally a hot mess. reaching too high with the wrong people in charge

[Anonymous]

Good coaches, with positive vibes. For a step up from rec, they're great.

[Anonymous]

It’s a great mix of competitive play and fun. Coaches are supportive but firm. Some other clubs very much seemed focused on winning and improvement at the expense of growing a love of the game. Ten year olds shouldn’t be getting overuse injuries or yelled at for making a mistake on the field. If our DS is still into soccer in a few years and wants something more intense we might switch, but not right now.

Yes, the admin is a mess. Practice fields change week to week which is also a mess. You just have to figure out what’s most important.

[Anonymous]

At the older ages -- teenage years -- PPA teams sometimes fold unexpectedly, leaving remaining players without a good option.

By then many of the better players have gone to stronger clubs, and less serious players have stopped playing or switched to rec leagues.

PPA leadership says they are committed to fielding teams at the older ages, and preparing kids to play high school if they want to, and even to attract attention from colleges eventually. But while some PPA teams at the upper ages are quite strong, at other ages the club barely seems to be holding it together. It's a work in progress.

[Anonymous]

Work in progress but it’s a lot of work that no one wants to be the Guinea pig It’s a disaster trying to walk the walk

[Anonymous]

i dont trust them

[Anonymous]

I agree. Disorganized hot mess. I would go with a more professional, organized club with more depth and longevity for your player, like Potomac or Bethesda.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree. Disorganized hot mess. I would go with a more professional, organized club with more depth and longevity for your player, like Potomac or Bethesda.

Longevity? HA! It's either PPA type mess who are try hards or big clubs who don't care about development.... Here's a tip, do your research and find exactly who the team coach would be for a prospective team and reach out well before tryout season for an ID.