What are people’s thoughts on 703 Warriors?

[Anonymous]

My son is very good at soccer, but we can’t afford to make payments for travel soccer near Arlington. We were offered some options, but it’s still beyond our reach and that doesn’t even address the issue of getting my son to training after work. Anyone know about 703 Warriors? I’ve been looking them up, but don’t know if this is for my son or if I should keep him in rec only since that’s free for us.

[Anonymous]

Look at open goal project in DC

[Anonymous]

If your kid qualifies for free or reduced lunch prices in Fairfax County, a lot of travel programs will partially or significantly reduce the travel fees. Our team had at least 2 players who played for $400 for the year. But, you would still have to pay for the extras like tournaments and winter training or you could opt out or try fundraising or those.

[Anonymous]

It is a great team with a lot of extra leadership and mentorship.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look at open goal project in DC

Thanks. It looks interesting, but too far for us. We are in Arlington close to Falls Church. I wish they were closer. Have you worked with them before?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It is a great team with a lot of extra leadership and mentorship.

Do you know the team? I’ve heard that they are still early on but are doing great things for the kids. A friend told me her son plans to join their 2015 team next season after they saw them play at the Heritage Tournament in Alexandria.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your kid qualifies for free or reduced lunch prices in Fairfax County, a lot of travel programs will partially or significantly reduce the travel fees. Our team had at least 2 players who played for $400 for the year. But, you would still have to pay for the extras like tournaments and winter training or you could opt out or try fundraising or those.

That’s not bad at all. Thank you for sharing this amazing info!

[Anonymous]

I haven't heard of them, but a quick google search shows that they are quite impressive. Only sad thing is that they currently have only one team in their competitive soccer program according to gotSports. I'm assuming that they are working on scaling that out like their other 3 programs, which appear to attract lots of kids per their stats and pictures on facebook. They surprisingly have a youtube channel as well where I suspect they use to raise awareness on what they are doing. I'm impressed on what they've done. I recommend that you at least check it out. What will your son lose!?

[Anonymous]

I really admire grassroots programs like this. They’re worth checking out! In fact, I just reached out to the founder to explore how my firm can support them, whether through a donation or something even more impactful.

As a parent of two boys who navigated the travel sports system in the area and went on to successful college careers, I’ve seen firsthand how financial resources often make these opportunities possible. Unfortunately, not every family can shoulder that financial burden, and it’s heartbreaking to know how many talented kids miss out because of it.

[Anonymous]

If you child is a top player and doesn't qualify for the club financial aid, talk to the coach. there's an unspoken "system" that clubs will waive or reduce the club fees for players if they want that player bad enough. doesn't hurt to try.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you child is a top player and doesn't qualify for the club financial aid, talk to the coach. there's an unspoken "system" that clubs will waive or reduce the club fees for players if they want that player bad enough. doesn't hurt to try.

This is 100% true, but your kid needs to be very good. If so, they can usually find "sponsors".

[Anonymous]

Respectfully,

You have options in DC but if you are not willing to figure out how to get your kid there or coordinate with parents who may be coming from NOVA, the other parents will not be willing to contribute to subsidize.

Open Goals is the obvious choice but my son plays for a small club in DC and I completed an analysis for the club on how parents can subsidize for players to have opportunities like this. We have players from PG, Moco and NOVA but only if you, the parents, are willing to be as committed as the rest of the parents.

I just completed a Parent Focus Group for our club and our parents actually want financial diversity in the club. I hope this helps you frame your search.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I really admire grassroots programs like this. They’re worth checking out! In fact, I just reached out to the founder to explore how my firm can support them, whether through a donation or something even more impactful.

As a parent of two boys who navigated the travel sports system in the area and went on to successful college careers, I’ve seen firsthand how financial resources often make these opportunities possible. Unfortunately, not every family can shoulder that financial burden, and it’s heartbreaking to know how many talented kids miss out because of it.

My youngest was coached by the founder for kindergarten— he is a great coach. Great person in general. Been very happy to see the team he put together be so successful.

Though if your kid is serious about soccer I would look into Arlington travel (aaa). They have scholarships and financial aid. It’s better for a long term fit.

703 warriors was started because the founders kids didn’t make Arlington travel. He took his kids current rec team and built a travel team around those kids. I’d be concerned the team may not exist in 2-3 years when his kids naturally stop playing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I really admire grassroots programs like this. They’re worth checking out! In fact, I just reached out to the founder to explore how my firm can support them, whether through a donation or something even more impactful.

As a parent of two boys who navigated the travel sports system in the area and went on to successful college careers, I’ve seen firsthand how financial resources often make these opportunities possible. Unfortunately, not every family can shoulder that financial burden, and it’s heartbreaking to know how many talented kids miss out because of it.

My youngest was coached by the founder for kindergarten— he is a great coach. Great person in general. Been very happy to see the team he put together be so successful.

Though if your kid is serious about soccer I would look into Arlington travel (aaa). They have scholarships and financial aid. It’s better for a long term fit.

703 warriors was started because the founders kids didn’t make Arlington travel. He took his kids current rec team and built a travel team around those kids. I’d be concerned the team may not exist in 2-3 years when his kids naturally stop playing.

I personally know the founder and can attest to the great work that he is doing. Take your son there and try to move when he gets older. This will give him a chance to prove himself and earn a scholarship somewhere else. My son plays with GFR after terrible experiences with Arlington Soccer.

I can correct the previous person’s reply that the founder did not start this because his kids didn’t make Arlington. I asked him 2-years ago to take his kids to tryout for Arlington and he refused and stayed in rec while trying to create this amazing idea for underserved kids. My son made Arlington after tryouts this past May, but we weren’t happy with the politics and we left to another team where my son can thrive. Life is too short to buy-in to the BS. Give them a try! I wish they were further along so I ultimately had to do what’s best for my son. I’m truly amazed at how far they’ve come in such a short time!

[Anonymous]

LMVSC (alexandria) has a high scholarship rate, anyone FARMS eligible doesn’t pay for anything besides uniform and tournaments.