Differences Between Bethesda and McLean girls

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I believe the ECNL Division that McLean is in has more local VA teams hence they have more local/closer away games compared to BSC’s away games since they have NJ, PA, etc teams in their division. It’s consideration if your DD lives in MoCo but don’t plan to play HS.

It would be great if BSC is able to join the same division as McLean.

I think the reason they don't is the conflict with the Maryland high school season. Although geographically nice, it is tough on MD girls with HS and the bulk of the ECNL season in the Fall. FWIW, there are many MD and DC girls who play at McLean and navigate this issue so it's not a showstopper.

You're right though, the mid-atlantic division is relatively good for minimizing travel as ECNL goes. Still alot, but better than most conferences. Travel south is generally easier than north too.

[Anonymous]

What would be nicer is for VA high schools to align with the rest of the world and have soccer in the fall instead of the spring!!

[Anonymous]

Bethesda also has an ECNL 2 team-so if you can’t make ECNL first team that is an option. Same travel expectations.

[Anonymous]

I can't speak to girls teams but my DS played for McLean and played at a MCPS high school and the fall/spring conflict was tough. HS practice was 6 days a week and it was difficult to add 2 club practices and a Sunday game on top of that (not to mention homework). The McLean coach was reasonably flexible as there were several MCPS and private school kids on the team but then it was unfair to the other players that my kid and others just showed up for games. Then in the spring the Virginia kids were much less likely to come to practice. By contrast the Bethesda teams took the fall competitive season off and just had practice once a week. If your DC isn't going to play in HS or isn't allowed by the club to play in HS then it obviously not an issue.