Bethesda (MLS Next) vs Achilles FC (MLS Next) vs Baltimore Armour vs Alexandria (MLS Next) vs SYC (MLS Next) experience

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Parents of (truly) elite players and the players themselves aren't waiting around on the club to provide them with individually tailored skills training development.
They know to get that on their own by any means necessary

Futsal isn't an amazing magic pill, especially if you're not proficient in futsal skills. Many are on futsal courts using big field skills and think they're doing something special.

I'm sure your (truly) elite son finds ways to work out on his own when he has school, a 1.5 hour round trip to soccer practice four times a week, and two games on the weekend. By any means necessary, indeed. And, nobody is talking about making their son into Cavan Sullivan and the obsession it takes. Their are 18 kids per team and they need to have a well rounded training regimen.

Then why complain if your kid doesn't have ambitions, goals and aspirations to reach the highest levels?
Whatever he/she is doing/getting is enough.

Can you name a top level academy that does consistent individual personal training of players?

Maybe we're misunderstanding each other. I'm not talking about one on one training with a coach. I'm talking about the team working in finishing drills, or 1v1 skills and defending, or passing drills to work on body shape and turns, anything. And team performance/conditioning/strength training. I think all of them provide this sort of thing, except Alexandria.

What's left?
Are they just running laps?

Whoa, if they’re not doing those, what are practices like? Just scrimmages?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Parents of (truly) elite players and the players themselves aren't waiting around on the club to provide them with individually tailored skills training development.
They know to get that on their own by any means necessary

Futsal isn't an amazing magic pill, especially if you're not proficient in futsal skills. Many are on futsal courts using big field skills and think they're doing something special.

I'm sure your (truly) elite son finds ways to work out on his own when he has school, a 1.5 hour round trip to soccer practice four times a week, and two games on the weekend. By any means necessary, indeed. And, nobody is talking about making their son into Cavan Sullivan and the obsession it takes. Their are 18 kids per team and they need to have a well rounded training regimen.

Then why complain if your kid doesn't have ambitions, goals and aspirations to reach the highest levels?
Whatever he/she is doing/getting is enough.

Can you name a top level academy that does consistent individual personal training of players?

Maybe we're misunderstanding each other. I'm not talking about one on one training with a coach. I'm talking about the team working in finishing drills, or 1v1 skills and defending, or passing drills to work on body shape and turns, anything. And team performance/conditioning/strength training. I think all of them provide this sort of thing, except Alexandria.

What's left?
Are they just running laps?

Whoa, if they’re not doing those, what are practices like? Just scrimmages?

Whoa, I think I overestimated the audience here. They do lots. It's tactical rather than technical, though. possession games, zonal scrimmages, coordinated pressing, press-breaks, movement off the ball, shape. It's decision making and team oriented. I think that's great stuff. I'd just like to see some of the skill work and conditioning mixed in. The last two comments make it seem like they've never seen a team work on team things. As if besides drills, all there is is laps and scrimmages.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Parents of (truly) elite players and the players themselves aren't waiting around on the club to provide them with individually tailored skills training development.
They know to get that on their own by any means necessary

Futsal isn't an amazing magic pill, especially if you're not proficient in futsal skills. Many are on futsal courts using big field skills and think they're doing something special.

I'm sure your (truly) elite son finds ways to work out on his own when he has school, a 1.5 hour round trip to soccer practice four times a week, and two games on the weekend. By any means necessary, indeed. And, nobody is talking about making their son into Cavan Sullivan and the obsession it takes. Their are 18 kids per team and they need to have a well rounded training regimen.

Then why complain if your kid doesn't have ambitions, goals and aspirations to reach the highest levels?
Whatever he/she is doing/getting is enough.

Can you name a top level academy that does consistent individual personal training of players?

Maybe we're misunderstanding each other. I'm not talking about one on one training with a coach. I'm talking about the team working in finishing drills, or 1v1 skills and defending, or passing drills to work on body shape and turns, anything. And team performance/conditioning/strength training. I think all of them provide this sort of thing, except Alexandria.

What's left?
Are they just running laps?

Whoa, if they’re not doing those, what are practices like? Just scrimmages?

Whoa, I think I overestimated the audience here. They do lots. It's tactical rather than technical, though. possession games, zonal scrimmages, coordinated pressing, press-breaks, movement off the ball, shape. It's decision making and team oriented. I think that's great stuff. I'd just like to see some of the skill work and conditioning mixed in. The last two comments make it seem like they've never seen a team work on team things. As if besides drills, all there is is laps and scrimmages.

Isn't it hilarious that someone speaking in non soccer coaching specific terms is taking shots at anonymous folks for not being knowledgeable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know when/if Achilles will have tryouts or ID sessions? Will they have the same age groups they have this year in MLS Next (U13, U14, U16, and U19)?

Don't count on it. Last season, their 2007 and 2009 Achilles MLS Next teams were dead last, so they were kicked out of MLS Next. So this season, Achilles formed a 2008 MLS Next team (primarily with the same 2009 kids who were on the 2009 MLS Next team that was kicked out) and has lost every game so far this season. Apparently MLS Next does not bother to check the team roster (or doesn't care) to see if Achilles is just repackaging the same team under a different age group. If the kids could not compete at their age level (2009) last season, how in the world did Achilles think they could compete at the 2008 age level this season? Seems like desperation to keep fielding MLS Next teams by any means. Unless your son already plays for Achilles and you are closely watching this drama unfold, prospective (and even many current) parents don't know what is going on. Such a disappointment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I just posted this in the SYC v ASA thread, before I saw this one. Hope it's helpful.

My son is in ASA's MLS Next program and it's been an overwhelmingly positive experience. He loves his coaches and his teammates. The organization has been very good overall. There are administrative hiccups, but fewer than other clubs we've been a part of. Field space is consistent and good. The teams rarely have a full field to themselves, but in NoVa that's to be expected. The value is outstanding, I think. The fee for the the year is $3,100 and includes 4X week training, 3-4 tournaments, and I think we've had 6 friendlies between August and now. For the lengthy trips to northern NJ the club provides a charter bus and the kids love the experience of travelling together. This weekend, for instance, the boys will be bussing up to NJ on Saturday for games, stay in a hotel overnight, play Sunday, and come home on the bus. The club and team managers are working hard to make it work. (hotel is a little extra per kid). As noted, futsal is not included in the price.
I love that the club has an organizational philosophy toward training and match play. Other comments claiming that creative players are stifled are a little overblown in my opinion. Coaches definitely discourage unnecessary and aimless dribbling, and stress making decisions before receiving the ball. Dribbling with purpose, to beat or draw a defender, is welcome. I like that playing through the middle, control, and decision making are stressed.
That said, I'd like to see them lean into it even more, and implement their system with more tempo at practice. I'd like to see them ramp up the intensity and up the speed of play in training.
I'm also of the opinion that they need to treat the MLS Next curriculum differently than the rest of the club. It should be treated as an elite level program. And, it should include individual skill work. Right now, that is completely absent. The boys train 4X a week and often have two games per weekend. They do not have time to work on things on their own. ASA would do well to recognize that players, especially top-level players, and their parents, consider player development an important part of their decision making when choosing a club. The club would argue that they use a tactical over technical model and stress decision-making. I think with a two or three day schedule, that makes a lot of sense. But the boys still need to develop and become confident with skills they can use to help execute those decisions in the matches and give them more options when making decisions.
The club has discussed incorporating one futsal practice per week into the curriculum, which I think would be valuable, but I haven't seen it yet.

Parents of (truly) elite players and the players themselves aren't waiting around on the club to provide them with individually tailored skills training development.
They know to get that on their own by any means necessary

Futsal isn't an amazing magic pill, especially if you're not proficient in futsal skills. Many are on futsal courts using big field skills and think they're doing something special.

I'm sure your (truly) elite son finds ways to work out on his own when he has school, a 1.5 hour round trip to soccer practice four times a week, and two games on the weekend. By any means necessary, indeed. And, nobody is talking about making their son into Cavan Sullivan and the obsession it takes. Their are 18 kids per team and they need to have a well rounded training regimen.

I guarantee you my son puts in close to as much work as Cavan Sullivan - trains between 30 and 40 hours a week. That doesn't mean he will become an elite player, but he is absolutely obsessed. Listen to what Brendan Aaronson says, "When you think you're doing enough, you're really not." I wouldn't take pot shots at people or assume they aren't working their ass off...it's just not a good look and really shows how weak your kid is going to grow up to be.

[Anonymous]

Good coach matters in all these teams/clubs. Seems like a “duh” response but this year has truly been an eye-opener to what a good coach vs bad coach can do to a team.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know when/if Achilles will have tryouts or ID sessions? Will they have the same age groups they have this year in MLS Next (U13, U14, U16, and U19)?

Don't count on it. Last season, their 2007 and 2009 Achilles MLS Next teams were dead last, so they were kicked out of MLS Next. So this season, Achilles formed a 2008 MLS Next team (primarily with the same 2009 kids who were on the 2009 MLS Next team that was kicked out) and has lost every game so far this season. Apparently MLS Next does not bother to check the team roster (or doesn't care) to see if Achilles is just repackaging the same team under a different age group. If the kids could not compete at their age level (2009) last season, how in the world did Achilles think they could compete at the 2008 age level this season? Seems like desperation to keep fielding MLS Next teams by any means. Unless your son already plays for Achilles and you are closely watching this drama unfold, prospective (and even many current) parents don't know what is going on. Such a disappointment.

Achilles parent here. All of this is true. I would run not walk from Achilles (we are). I would NOT recommend them above U14. They do a decent job with the younger kids teaching them ball skills and boosting their confidence and love for the game. The older age groups are a disaster. Their mismanagement of the 2009 and above age groups is astonishingly bad. The only thing they have going for them is the MLS Next carrot at U16 and U19. Without that, they sink back into mediocrity.

Their 2007 teams are in USYS and low level EDP and are getting manhandled. A bunch of the more talented 07s and 08s left the club during the season. They could field a competitive top tier USYS 2008 team instead but then what to do with the few 07s on the rosters? So they send them out there to get battered by bigger, stronger, faster, and more skilled true 07 teams and coaches berate them on the field and off for “not having heart.” It borders on abuse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know when/if Achilles will have tryouts or ID sessions? Will they have the same age groups they have this year in MLS Next (U13, U14, U16, and U19)?

Don't count on it. Last season, their 2007 and 2009 Achilles MLS Next teams were dead last, so they were kicked out of MLS Next. So this season, Achilles formed a 2008 MLS Next team (primarily with the same 2009 kids who were on the 2009 MLS Next team that was kicked out) and has lost every game so far this season. Apparently MLS Next does not bother to check the team roster (or doesn't care) to see if Achilles is just repackaging the same team under a different age group. If the kids could not compete at their age level (2009) last season, how in the world did Achilles think they could compete at the 2008 age level this season? Seems like desperation to keep fielding MLS Next teams by any means. Unless your son already plays for Achilles and you are closely watching this drama unfold, prospective (and even many current) parents don't know what is going on. Such a disappointment.

Clown post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know when/if Achilles will have tryouts or ID sessions? Will they have the same age groups they have this year in MLS Next (U13, U14, U16, and U19)?

Don't count on it. Last season, their 2007 and 2009 Achilles MLS Next teams were dead last, so they were kicked out of MLS Next. So this season, Achilles formed a 2008 MLS Next team (primarily with the same 2009 kids who were on the 2009 MLS Next team that was kicked out) and has lost every game so far this season. Apparently MLS Next does not bother to check the team roster (or doesn't care) to see if Achilles is just repackaging the same team under a different age group. If the kids could not compete at their age level (2009) last season, how in the world did Achilles think they could compete at the 2008 age level this season? Seems like desperation to keep fielding MLS Next teams by any means. Unless your son already plays for Achilles and you are closely watching this drama unfold, prospective (and even many current) parents don't know what is going on. Such a disappointment.

LOL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know when/if Achilles will have tryouts or ID sessions? Will they have the same age groups they have this year in MLS Next (U13, U14, U16, and U19)?

Don't count on it. Last season, their 2007 and 2009 Achilles MLS Next teams were dead last, so they were kicked out of MLS Next. So this season, Achilles formed a 2008 MLS Next team (primarily with the same 2009 kids who were on the 2009 MLS Next team that was kicked out) and has lost every game so far this season. Apparently MLS Next does not bother to check the team roster (or doesn't care) to see if Achilles is just repackaging the same team under a different age group. If the kids could not compete at their age level (2009) last season, how in the world did Achilles think they could compete at the 2008 age level this season? Seems like desperation to keep fielding MLS Next teams by any means. Unless your son already plays for Achilles and you are closely watching this drama unfold, prospective (and even many current) parents don't know what is going on. Such a disappointment.

Achilles parent here. All of this is true. I would run not walk from Achilles (we are). I would NOT recommend them above U14. They do a decent job with the younger kids teaching them ball skills and boosting their confidence and love for the game. The older age groups are a disaster. Their mismanagement of the 2009 and above age groups is astonishingly bad. The only thing they have going for them is the MLS Next carrot at U16 and U19. Without that, they sink back into mediocrity.

Their 2007 teams are in USYS and low level EDP and are getting manhandled. A bunch of the more talented 07s and 08s left the club during the season. They could field a competitive top tier USYS 2008 team instead but then what to do with the few 07s on the rosters? So they send them out there to get battered by bigger, stronger, faster, and more skilled true 07 teams and coaches berate them on the field and off for “not having heart.” It borders on abuse.

Sounds like they need better players.

[Anonymous]

if you can avoid achilles and baltimore armour u17 and u19, do it. it will be a waste of your time and money. coaches have favorites who only show up to practice maybe once per week due to highschool soccer, yet they still start every week. coaches says practices are very important but it does not apply to the starting kids who miss practice. it is better to find another club where your son will play. achilles and baltimore armour are not those teams.

[Anonymous]

VA Revolution is the top MLS program in the area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:if you can avoid achilles and baltimore armour u17 and u19, do it. it will be a waste of your time and money. coaches have favorites who only show up to practice maybe once per week due to highschool soccer, yet they still start every week. coaches says practices are very important but it does not apply to the starting kids who miss practice. it is better to find another club where your son will play. achilles and baltimore armour are not those teams.

Honestly, isn't that the worst? My kids have had that happen in multiple sports. Its like a coach cliche at this point.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:VA Revolution is the top MLS program in the area.

you betcha we heading to ga cup

[Anonymous]

stated by prior posters, not looking for money and time drains for no playtime like achilles and baltimore armour u17 and u19.

i hear firsthand from a parent at bethesda mls next that coach plays all of their rostered players equally which seems fair but it is very hard to break into their team because many of the players have been with the club since they were very young.