Potomac Soccer Home Game and Practice Location?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it best to ask the questions (1-3) below during practice, during tryouts, after tryouts or after my DD gets accepted?

Is the following questions appropriate to ask a U13 coach:

1. How do you allocate playing time? Is it based upon even distribution or based upon skill level?

2. Do you rotate the girls at different field positions or do you place them based upon skill level or team needs?

3. Is there starters and substitutions or everyone is rotated?

I would say...as soon as possible. If you are wondering if you kid will get her share of playing time, I'm wondering why you should move. You should only sacrifice playing time if you are packing it in and looking to cut your commute/costs. You should only move if you feel like your kid will be valued by her teammates and the coach (and therefore get playing time). Your daughter should be somewhere in the top third of the players. You don't want to move if there is any chance of lack of playing time. Find a team where it's a good fit. So in your case, after "tryouts", ask...how much will my kid play? How much value does she bring? You should have a sense by watching a few practices where she will fit in.

Thank you. Based upon what I know from watching this team plays, I believe my DD will be the top 1/3. As selfish as this might sound, I’m hoping that the coach plays his players based upon skill level rather than equal distribution.

BTW, does Potomac teams typically play “kick-ball” rather than play it from the back using the midfielders?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it best to ask the questions (1-3) below during practice, during tryouts, after tryouts or after my DD gets accepted?

Is the following questions appropriate to ask a U13 coach:

1. How do you allocate playing time? Is it based upon even distribution or based upon skill level?

2. Do you rotate the girls at different field positions or do you place them based upon skill level or team needs?

3. Is there starters and substitutions or everyone is rotated?

I would say...as soon as possible. If you are wondering if you kid will get her share of playing time, I'm wondering why you should move. You should only sacrifice playing time if you are packing it in and looking to cut your commute/costs. You should only move if you feel like your kid will be valued by her teammates and the coach (and therefore get playing time). Your daughter should be somewhere in the top third of the players. You don't want to move if there is any chance of lack of playing time. Find a team where it's a good fit. So in your case, after "tryouts", ask...how much will my kid play? How much value does she bring? You should have a sense by watching a few practices where she will fit in.

Thank you. Based upon what I know from watching this team plays, I believe my DD will be the top 1/3. As selfish as this might sound, I’m hoping that the coach plays his players based upon skill level rather than equal distribution.

BTW, does Potomac teams typically play “kick-ball” rather than play it from the back using the midfielders?

It's good that you have a sense already. If you feel like she is in the top 1/3 already that is good. Now think about what position does she like to play and who she will be competing with for that position. For example, if you daughter is in the top 1/3 and is a forward but the best player on the team is a forward, then she isn't going to bring that much value unless she is willing to change it up. Maybe play winger and replace the forward when she subs out. I know they are young and can switch positions but in the same breath, they are young and still have favorite positions, so you have to keep that in mind. I assume you are looking at Potomac's first team. As to playing time...I don't know of any top teams at top clubs declaring equal playing time and rotating positions. They are coaching to win. They will still do some player development but #1 is to win so if your daughter brings value, she will be on the field. My two cents.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it best to ask the questions (1-3) below during practice, during tryouts, after tryouts or after my DD gets accepted?

Is the following questions appropriate to ask a U13 coach:

1. How do you allocate playing time? Is it based upon even distribution or based upon skill level?

2. Do you rotate the girls at different field positions or do you place them based upon skill level or team needs?

3. Is there starters and substitutions or everyone is rotated?

I would say...as soon as possible. If you are wondering if you kid will get her share of playing time, I'm wondering why you should move. You should only sacrifice playing time if you are packing it in and looking to cut your commute/costs. You should only move if you feel like your kid will be valued by her teammates and the coach (and therefore get playing time). Your daughter should be somewhere in the top third of the players. You don't want to move if there is any chance of lack of playing time. Find a team where it's a good fit. So in your case, after "tryouts", ask...how much will my kid play? How much value does she bring? You should have a sense by watching a few practices where she will fit in.

Thank you. Based upon what I know from watching this team plays, I believe my DD will be the top 1/3. As selfish as this might sound, I’m hoping that the coach plays his players based upon skill level rather than equal distribution.

BTW, does Potomac teams typically play “kick-ball” rather than play it from the back using the midfielders?

It's good that you have a sense already. If you feel like she is in the top 1/3 already that is good. Now think about what position does she like to play and who she will be competing with for that position. For example, if you daughter is in the top 1/3 and is a forward but the best player on the team is a forward, then she isn't going to bring that much value unless she is willing to change it up. Maybe play winger and replace the forward when she subs out. I know they are young and can switch positions but in the same breath, they are young and still have favorite positions, so you have to keep that in mind. I assume you are looking at Potomac's first team. As to playing time...I don't know of any top teams at top clubs declaring equal playing time and rotating positions. They are coaching to win. They will still do some player development but #1 is to win so if your daughter brings value, she will be on the field. My two cents.

Thanks for the great insight. I can tell you are a very seasoned soccer parent!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it best to ask the questions (1-3) below during practice, during tryouts, after tryouts or after my DD gets accepted?

Is the following questions appropriate to ask a U13 coach:

1. How do you allocate playing time? Is it based upon even distribution or based upon skill level?

2. Do you rotate the girls at different field positions or do you place them based upon skill level or team needs?

3. Is there starters and substitutions or everyone is rotated?

I would say...as soon as possible. If you are wondering if you kid will get her share of playing time, I'm wondering why you should move. You should only sacrifice playing time if you are packing it in and looking to cut your commute/costs. You should only move if you feel like your kid will be valued by her teammates and the coach (and therefore get playing time). Your daughter should be somewhere in the top third of the players. You don't want to move if there is any chance of lack of playing time. Find a team where it's a good fit. So in your case, after "tryouts", ask...how much will my kid play? How much value does she bring? You should have a sense by watching a few practices where she will fit in.

Thank you. Based upon what I know from watching this team plays, I believe my DD will be the top 1/3. As selfish as this might sound, I’m hoping that the coach plays his players based upon skill level rather than equal distribution.

BTW, does Potomac teams typically play “kick-ball” rather than play it from the back using the midfielders?

It's good that you have a sense already. If you feel like she is in the top 1/3 already that is good. Now think about what position does she like to play and who she will be competing with for that position. For example, if you daughter is in the top 1/3 and is a forward but the best player on the team is a forward, then she isn't going to bring that much value unless she is willing to change it up. Maybe play winger and replace the forward when she subs out. I know they are young and can switch positions but in the same breath, they are young and still have favorite positions, so you have to keep that in mind. I assume you are looking at Potomac's first team. As to playing time...I don't know of any top teams at top clubs declaring equal playing time and rotating positions. They are coaching to win. They will still do some player development but #1 is to win so if your daughter brings value, she will be on the field. My two cents.

Thanks for the great insight. I can tell you are a very seasoned soccer parent!!

Seasoned lol

[Anonymous]

Bumping this thread - my DD is interested in Potomac. Can any current Potomac parents share insights about how competitive U12 girls are looking for next year?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bumping this thread - my DD is interested in Potomac. Can any current Potomac parents share insights about how competitive U12 girls are looking for next year?

Rising U12?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bumping this thread - my DD is interested in Potomac. Can any current Potomac parents share insights about how competitive U12 girls are looking for next year?

Rising U12?

PP here - yes. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bumping this thread - my DD is interested in Potomac. Can any current Potomac parents share insights about how competitive U12 girls are looking for next year?

Rising U12?

PP here - yes. Thanks!

That would be Jesse's U11 Blue team then. I've spoken with Jesse and he is really pleased with that team, he thinks they are a very competitive team. He would have told me if he thought otherwise. He values foot skills and defensive play over size/speed and long ball. He is a solid coach for sure. But keep in mind that Potomac plays in mostly local tournaments and if you are looking for national level events like Disney or Jefferson Cup, then you will need to look at Rush or Bethesda or MDU.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bumping this thread - my DD is interested in Potomac. Can any current Potomac parents share insights about how competitive U12 girls are looking for next year?

Rising U12?

PP here - yes. Thanks!

That would be Jesse's U11 Blue team then. I've spoken with Jesse and he is really pleased with that team, he thinks they are a very competitive team. He would have told me if he thought otherwise. He values foot skills and defensive play over size/speed and long ball. He is a solid coach for sure. But keep in mind that Potomac plays in mostly local tournaments and if you are looking for national level events like Disney or Jefferson Cup, then you will need to look at Rush or Bethesda or MDU.

Also, keep in mind that Potomac is also a feeder to Metro DA so it would be a good age to get in for that possibility as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bumping this thread - my DD is interested in Potomac. Can any current Potomac parents share insights about how competitive U12 girls are looking for next year?

Rising U12?

PP here - yes. Thanks!

That would be Jesse's U11 Blue team then. I've spoken with Jesse and he is really pleased with that team, he thinks they are a very competitive team. He would have told me if he thought otherwise. He values foot skills and defensive play over size/speed and long ball. He is a solid coach for sure. But keep in mind that Potomac plays in mostly local tournaments and if you are looking for national level events like Disney or Jefferson Cup, then you will need to look at Rush or Bethesda or MDU.

Also, keep in mind that Potomac is also a feeder to Metro DA so it would be a good age to get in for that possibility as well.

She’ll be treated like any other player trying out. Feeder club or not does not make a difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bumping this thread - my DD is interested in Potomac. Can any current Potomac parents share insights about how competitive U12 girls are looking for next year?

Rising U12?

PP here - yes. Thanks!

That would be Jesse's U11 Blue team then. I've spoken with Jesse and he is really pleased with that team, he thinks they are a very competitive team. He would have told me if he thought otherwise. He values foot skills and defensive play over size/speed and long ball. He is a solid coach for sure. But keep in mind that Potomac plays in mostly local tournaments and if you are looking for national level events like Disney or Jefferson Cup, then you will need to look at Rush or Bethesda or MDU.

Also, keep in mind that Potomac is also a feeder to Metro DA so it would be a good age to get in for that possibility as well.

I don't see how anyone from MD could play for Metro United given the bridge traffic during the week. Would games be in Springfield? I know some MoCo girls play for McLean, but it is not many and some can drive themselves over the bridge during the week plus it is closer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bumping this thread - my DD is interested in Potomac. Can any current Potomac parents share insights about how competitive U12 girls are looking for next year?

Rising U12?

PP here - yes. Thanks!

That would be Jesse's U11 Blue team then. I've spoken with Jesse and he is really pleased with that team, he thinks they are a very competitive team. He would have told me if he thought otherwise. He values foot skills and defensive play over size/speed and long ball. He is a solid coach for sure. But keep in mind that Potomac plays in mostly local tournaments and if you are looking for national level events like Disney or Jefferson Cup, then you will need to look at Rush or Bethesda or MDU.

PP who asked the question here - thank you! This is our first foray into travel so the idea of local vs. national events is actually appealing at the moment, but I'm also basically clueless as I will likely demonstrate by asking whether this team would typically accept new players each year?

[Anonymous]

Anyone has experience with the 2008 Potomac Blue Team Coach, Jason Travis? Will he be coaching the rising U13 Blue team as well?

We are thinking of trying out for this team. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bumping this thread - my DD is interested in Potomac. Can any current Potomac parents share insights about how competitive U12 girls are looking for next year?

Rising U12?

PP here - yes. Thanks!

That would be Jesse's U11 Blue team then. I've spoken with Jesse and he is really pleased with that team, he thinks they are a very competitive team. He would have told me if he thought otherwise. He values foot skills and defensive play over size/speed and long ball. He is a solid coach for sure. But keep in mind that Potomac plays in mostly local tournaments and if you are looking for national level events like Disney or Jefferson Cup, then you will need to look at Rush or Bethesda or MDU.

PP who asked the question here - thank you! This is our first foray into travel so the idea of local vs. national events is actually appealing at the moment, but I'm also basically clueless as I will likely demonstrate by asking whether this team would typically accept new players each year?

Contact the coach now and ask to go to some team team practices as a tryout. This is better than going to an open tryout. My DD went to open tryouts and made the C team, but was quickly moved to A team after a few matches. You need to have the coach get a good look at your DD and going to a practice is the best way to do that.

If your DD wants to play in college then the national events or DA/ECNL events are much better than local tourneys. It is difficult to move to a bigger or DA/ECNL club after U13 when rosters expand as those teams are mostly set at U13. Your DD would need to be a stud player to displace a current player after U13.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone has experience with the 2008 Potomac Blue Team Coach, Jason Travis? Will he be coaching the rising U13 Blue team as well?

We are thinking of trying out for this team. Thank you.

Jason is a great coach. He has been an ODP head coach for many years and has done a great job. He is always respectful to the girls but does yell and show passion during matches. He definitely knows the game and is big on field positioning/roles. Your DD will surely learn the value of pressure/cover/balance if she plays for him. Potomac typically keeps coaches with their teams each year.