What’s the deal with MSI Academy

[Anonymous]

A lot of travel in NCSL

[Anonymous]

FPYCparent wrote:Saw MSI Academy 2008/U12 White on Sunday. DD's coach and the MSI coach are good friends in spite of a big age difference (could easily be 20+ years separating the two). Before the game, they briefly chatted about McLean Green, which the other MSI team would play later that day.

Two or three MSI parents also helped me move the goals into place for the game. It's wasn't my job to put the goals in place, but I didn't want DD's coach to take time from the team's prep to deal with it. The MSI parents jumped right in without even being asked. I don't know if anyone else would have appreciated the gesture, but I certainly did.

In the end, MSI was a bit overmatched. I think they had 11 players, leaving them with only two subs on a morning that just got hotter on the turf. One or two MSI players took some spills that required them to come out. While I don't think there were any long-term injuries (i.e., nothing that would require significant attention after the game), but I'm sure those mishaps took an unexpected toll during the game.

DD and team had played the day before (at 4PM, no less), yet they pressed a little harder than the presumably-rested MSI team. FPYC is rarely the more active/pressuring side of the two teams in any given match.

To be honest, I spent more time focusing on FPYC's play than MSI's, so don't expect any expert detailed analysis of MSI from me. The way the division sits now, at the halfway point of the fall season), there are two or three teams comfortably at the top, four or so in the middle (DD's team is here), and four at the bottom. Both MSI teams are currently at the bottom. It wouldn't be shocking if one or both teams get bumped to the second division in the spring, where they may fare better against comparable opponents.

…

If I were looking for a team, I probably wouldn't drive by many other clubs to have my DD go to MSI (just so many options in the DMV area that may make more sense logistically). However, if MSI was the local club, I'd definitely reach out to the coach and ask to have DD observe a practice. I'd like to believe that the coach would be perfectly fine with it … and may even make your DD an active participant in the practice. I'd also try to watch a home game or two before the current season ends … if only to get a feel for the general vibe from the parents … and if the coach's demeanor during games is consistent with the demeanor at practice.

It is. Academy parent here. I’m a big fan of this coach. True we’re not winning a lot of games this season, but DD is learning so much and comes home happy eager to work harder and learn even more. Since she’s just 11, seems about right to me. Call coach AJ and come join a practice. Kids are lovely, the parents are chill, the coach is interested in developing players — he’s a teacher at heart. (He doesn’t actually do tryouts anyway.)

[Anonymous]

FPYCparent wrote:Saw MSI Academy 2008/U12 White on Sunday. DD's coach and the MSI coach are good friends in spite of a big age difference (could easily be 20+ years separating the two). Before the game, they briefly chatted about McLean Green, which the other MSI team would play later that day.

Two or three MSI parents also helped me move the goals into place for the game. It's wasn't my job to put the goals in place, but I didn't want DD's coach to take time from the team's prep to deal with it. The MSI parents jumped right in without even being asked. I don't know if anyone else would have appreciated the gesture, but I certainly did.

In the end, MSI was a bit overmatched. I think they had 11 players, leaving them with only two subs on a morning that just got hotter on the turf. One or two MSI players took some spills that required them to come out. While I don't think there were any long-term injuries (i.e., nothing that would require significant attention after the game), but I'm sure those mishaps took an unexpected toll during the game.

DD and team had played the day before (at 4PM, no less), yet they pressed a little harder than the presumably-rested MSI team. FPYC is rarely the more active/pressuring side of the two teams in any given match.

To be honest, I spent more time focusing on FPYC's play than MSI's, so don't expect any expert detailed analysis of MSI from me. The way the division sits now, at the halfway point of the fall season), there are two or three teams comfortably at the top, four or so in the middle (DD's team is here), and four at the bottom. Both MSI teams are currently at the bottom. It wouldn't be shocking if one or both teams get bumped to the second division in the spring, where they may fare better against comparable opponents.

…

If I were looking for a team, I probably wouldn't drive by many other clubs to have my DD go to MSI (just so many options in the DMV area that may make more sense logistically). However, if MSI was the local club, I'd definitely reach out to the coach and ask to have DD observe a practice. I'd like to believe that the coach would be perfectly fine with it … and may even make your DD an active participant in the practice. I'd also try to watch a home game or two before the current season ends … if only to get a feel for the general vibe from the parents … and if the coach's demeanor during games is consistent with the demeanor at practice.

This is the FPYC vs MSI game:

https://youtu.be/-Dfad14GlAc

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

FPYCparent wrote:Saw MSI Academy 2008/U12 White on Sunday. DD's coach and the MSI coach are good friends in spite of a big age difference (could easily be 20+ years separating the two). Before the game, they briefly chatted about McLean Green, which the other MSI team would play later that day.

Two or three MSI parents also helped me move the goals into place for the game. It's wasn't my job to put the goals in place, but I didn't want DD's coach to take time from the team's prep to deal with it. The MSI parents jumped right in without even being asked. I don't know if anyone else would have appreciated the gesture, but I certainly did.

In the end, MSI was a bit overmatched. I think they had 11 players, leaving them with only two subs on a morning that just got hotter on the turf. One or two MSI players took some spills that required them to come out. While I don't think there were any long-term injuries (i.e., nothing that would require significant attention after the game), but I'm sure those mishaps took an unexpected toll during the game.

DD and team had played the day before (at 4PM, no less), yet they pressed a little harder than the presumably-rested MSI team. FPYC is rarely the more active/pressuring side of the two teams in any given match.

To be honest, I spent more time focusing on FPYC's play than MSI's, so don't expect any expert detailed analysis of MSI from me. The way the division sits now, at the halfway point of the fall season), there are two or three teams comfortably at the top, four or so in the middle (DD's team is here), and four at the bottom. Both MSI teams are currently at the bottom. It wouldn't be shocking if one or both teams get bumped to the second division in the spring, where they may fare better against comparable opponents.

…

If I were looking for a team, I probably wouldn't drive by many other clubs to have my DD go to MSI (just so many options in the DMV area that may make more sense logistically). However, if MSI was the local club, I'd definitely reach out to the coach and ask to have DD observe a practice. I'd like to believe that the coach would be perfectly fine with it … and may even make your DD an active participant in the practice. I'd also try to watch a home game or two before the current season ends … if only to get a feel for the general vibe from the parents … and if the coach's demeanor during games is consistent with the demeanor at practice.

It is. Academy parent here. I’m a big fan of this coach. True we’re not winning a lot of games this season, but DD is learning so much and comes home happy eager to work harder and learn even more. Since she’s just 11, seems about right to me. Call coach AJ and come join a practice. Kids are lovely, the parents are chill, the coach is interested in developing players — he’s a teacher at heart. (He doesn’t actually do tryouts anyway.)

Academy parent, can you comment on the bolded part of your statement above? I thought that tryouts were part of the process. My DD is also interested and in this age group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

FPYCparent wrote:Saw MSI Academy 2008/U12 White on Sunday. DD's coach and the MSI coach are good friends in spite of a big age difference (could easily be 20+ years separating the two). Before the game, they briefly chatted about McLean Green, which the other MSI team would play later that day.

Two or three MSI parents also helped me move the goals into place for the game. It's wasn't my job to put the goals in place, but I didn't want DD's coach to take time from the team's prep to deal with it. The MSI parents jumped right in without even being asked. I don't know if anyone else would have appreciated the gesture, but I certainly did.

In the end, MSI was a bit overmatched. I think they had 11 players, leaving them with only two subs on a morning that just got hotter on the turf. One or two MSI players took some spills that required them to come out. While I don't think there were any long-term injuries (i.e., nothing that would require significant attention after the game), but I'm sure those mishaps took an unexpected toll during the game.

DD and team had played the day before (at 4PM, no less), yet they pressed a little harder than the presumably-rested MSI team. FPYC is rarely the more active/pressuring side of the two teams in any given match.

To be honest, I spent more time focusing on FPYC's play than MSI's, so don't expect any expert detailed analysis of MSI from me. The way the division sits now, at the halfway point of the fall season), there are two or three teams comfortably at the top, four or so in the middle (DD's team is here), and four at the bottom. Both MSI teams are currently at the bottom. It wouldn't be shocking if one or both teams get bumped to the second division in the spring, where they may fare better against comparable opponents.

…

If I were looking for a team, I probably wouldn't drive by many other clubs to have my DD go to MSI (just so many options in the DMV area that may make more sense logistically). However, if MSI was the local club, I'd definitely reach out to the coach and ask to have DD observe a practice. I'd like to believe that the coach would be perfectly fine with it … and may even make your DD an active participant in the practice. I'd also try to watch a home game or two before the current season ends … if only to get a feel for the general vibe from the parents … and if the coach's demeanor during games is consistent with the demeanor at practice.

It is. Academy parent here. I’m a big fan of this coach. True we’re not winning a lot of games this season, but DD is learning so much and comes home happy eager to work harder and learn even more. Since she’s just 11, seems about right to me. Call coach AJ and come join a practice. Kids are lovely, the parents are chill, the coach is interested in developing players — he’s a teacher at heart. (He doesn’t actually do tryouts anyway.)

Academy parent, can you comment on the bolded part of your statement above? I thought that tryouts were part of the process. My DD is also interested and in this age group.

Coach AJ does his tryouts as part of his teams’ regular practices. This allows him to evaluate your DD along with his current players. This is helpful for you & your DD to see how his practices are conducted, see other players and you can talk to other parents to get their perspectives as well. It’s still a tryout but not in a formal setting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

FPYCparent wrote:Saw MSI Academy 2008/U12 White on Sunday. DD's coach and the MSI coach are good friends in spite of a big age difference (could easily be 20+ years separating the two). Before the game, they briefly chatted about McLean Green, which the other MSI team would play later that day.

Two or three MSI parents also helped me move the goals into place for the game. It's wasn't my job to put the goals in place, but I didn't want DD's coach to take time from the team's prep to deal with it. The MSI parents jumped right in without even being asked. I don't know if anyone else would have appreciated the gesture, but I certainly did.

In the end, MSI was a bit overmatched. I think they had 11 players, leaving them with only two subs on a morning that just got hotter on the turf. One or two MSI players took some spills that required them to come out. While I don't think there were any long-term injuries (i.e., nothing that would require significant attention after the game), but I'm sure those mishaps took an unexpected toll during the game.

DD and team had played the day before (at 4PM, no less), yet they pressed a little harder than the presumably-rested MSI team. FPYC is rarely the more active/pressuring side of the two teams in any given match.

To be honest, I spent more time focusing on FPYC's play than MSI's, so don't expect any expert detailed analysis of MSI from me. The way the division sits now, at the halfway point of the fall season), there are two or three teams comfortably at the top, four or so in the middle (DD's team is here), and four at the bottom. Both MSI teams are currently at the bottom. It wouldn't be shocking if one or both teams get bumped to the second division in the spring, where they may fare better against comparable opponents.

…

If I were looking for a team, I probably wouldn't drive by many other clubs to have my DD go to MSI (just so many options in the DMV area that may make more sense logistically). However, if MSI was the local club, I'd definitely reach out to the coach and ask to have DD observe a practice. I'd like to believe that the coach would be perfectly fine with it … and may even make your DD an active participant in the practice. I'd also try to watch a home game or two before the current season ends … if only to get a feel for the general vibe from the parents … and if the coach's demeanor during games is consistent with the demeanor at practice.

It is. Academy parent here. I’m a big fan of this coach. True we’re not winning a lot of games this season, but DD is learning so much and comes home happy eager to work harder and learn even more. Since she’s just 11, seems about right to me. Call coach AJ and come join a practice. Kids are lovely, the parents are chill, the coach is interested in developing players — he’s a teacher at heart. (He doesn’t actually do tryouts anyway.)

Academy parent, can you comment on the bolded part of your statement above? I thought that tryouts were part of the process. My DD is also interested and in this age group.

Coach AJ does his tryouts as part of his teams’ regular practices. This allows him to evaluate your DD along with his current players. This is helpful for you & your DD to see how his practices are conducted, see other players and you can talk to other parents to get their perspectives as well. It’s still a tryout but not in a formal setting.

Academy parent here. Sorry for posting hastily. The above is correct: No formal tryouts, but players are evaluated as part of regular practices. I only meant "no tryouts" to indicate that there's no need at all to wait for "tryout season" in the spring. Good luck!