clueless about MSI Classic - pls help

[Anonymous]

Sorry if I wasn’t clear but these large clubs have multiple teams at each level: Academy, Red, Black, White, Blue...

[Anonymous]

That’s for fall only.

[Anonymous]

We’ve been at Fusion and played travel at big clubs. Fusion is definitely less expensive. Also less pressure. Your experience at Fusion will vary depending on the particular team/coach. We left because my son wanted a more competitive team but we know many families who have been happy at various ages. Fernando will address any concerns you have.

I don’t think your question was fully answered. You need to try out for a team to get an offer. You can check out Brit-Am as they coach teams in every age group. There’s also a small newer club called Juventus that has classic teams. The TD is Renzo and he is a really nice guy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’ve been at Fusion and played travel at big clubs. Fusion is definitely less expensive. Also less pressure. Your experience at Fusion will vary depending on the particular team/coach. We left because my son wanted a more competitive team but we know many families who have been happy at various ages. Fernando will address any concerns you have.

I don’t think your question was fully answered. You need to try out for a team to get an offer. You can check out Brit-Am as they coach teams in every age group. There’s also a small newer club called Juventus that has classic teams. The TD is Renzo and he is a really nice guy.

I forgot to add that MSI also lists classic teams with openings on their website.

[Anonymous]

Fusion is like Toca and Brit-Am and they coach developmental soccer. It's very local to Potomac and Bethesda so if you are there it's perfect. They have a couple of travel teams too but I'm not sure they have one for girls.

It sounds like Juventus has entered this market too.

We have one child in travel at BSC but are considering Fusion for younger child.

[Anonymous]

2nd the Juventus option. Have attended multiple practices and tryouts for 2 different age groups; strong coaching and all on a positive way. Really like the approach and DC will be leaving one of these bigger MD clubs for it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thanks all.
A friend told me the BSC cost is close to $2,000. That is too much for us. MD Fusion is $500.

What is the skinny on MD Fusion?

You need to compare apples to apples. Fusion is less. But it definitely is not $500. That is $500 per season, then there may be tournament fees, and winter fees. I haven't seen a Fusion quote lately but it is probably in the range of at least $1200 if not $1500 to get yourself covered for the year. BSC for 2010 (u12) is actually quite a bit over 2k now, more like $2700, but that covers at least four tournaments and multiple practices a week most of the year. Potomac is usually a few hundred less. BSC includes a week of camp.

Depending where you live I'd also consider Brit Am and ATD (though not sure if they have a girls team that year). Juventus is making a big push into the Classic market but don't know much about them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you’re thinking of joining MD Fusion or other paid coaches, compare the cost of joining a travel team at Potomac, Bethesda or MSI Academy. The costs are very similar but the coaching & development is far better.

This is false. Fusion is MUCH cheaper and far less political. Just doesn't have the big name.

[Anonymous]

I know SO many people having issues with the big clubs - Potomac, Bethesda. So expensive, unresponsive coaches, politics, tryouts every year etc.

Fusion and Juventus are the way to go, at least initially. Competitive teams, good coaches (pretty sure all Fusion coaches played pro or semi-pro at one point), nice leadership and families.

[Anonymous]

OP hopefully you've figured this out by now but you have to try out for each Classic team individually. Tryout opportunities are posted on MSI's website. Doing the skills evaluation through MSI only enables your kid to become eligible to try out for the Classic teams. If you got one offer, you shouldn't expect to get more unless your kid tried out for multiple teams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We’ve been at Fusion and played travel at big clubs. Fusion is definitely less expensive. Also less pressure. Your experience at Fusion will vary depending on the particular team/coach. We left because my son wanted a more competitive team but we know many families who have been happy at various ages. Fernando will address any concerns you have.

I don’t think your question was fully answered. You need to try out for a team to get an offer. You can check out Brit-Am as they coach teams in every age group. There’s also a small newer club called Juventus that has classic teams. The TD is Renzo and he is a really nice guy.

Not sure what you call new but our friends played for Juventus years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here. Thanks all.
A friend told me the BSC cost is close to $2,000. That is too much for us. MD Fusion is $500.

What is the skinny on MD Fusion?

You need to compare apples to apples. Fusion is less. But it definitely is not $500. That is $500 per season, then there may be tournament fees, and winter fees. I haven't seen a Fusion quote lately but it is probably in the range of at least $1200 if not $1500 to get yourself covered for the year. BSC for 2010 (u12) is actually quite a bit over 2k now, more like $2700, but that covers at least four tournaments and multiple practices a week most of the year. Potomac is usually a few hundred less. BSC includes a week of camp.

Depending where you live I'd also consider Brit Am and ATD (though not sure if they have a girls team that year). Juventus is making a big push into the Classic market but don't know much about them.

ATD is a mess. I’d avoid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you’re thinking of joining MD Fusion or other paid coaches, compare the cost of joining a travel team at Potomac, Bethesda or MSI Academy. The costs are very similar but the coaching & development is far better.

This is false. Fusion is MUCH cheaper and far less political. Just doesn't have the big name.

+1. Fusion has been great for our family! They definitely lack a little in the girls programs, but have a solid group of coaches and Fernando, who runs it, is really easy to work with.

[Anonymous]

What is the range one should expect to pay for a year with a travel team? That is to say- full Fall and Spring seasons, plus practices in the Winter. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

My kid plays on an MSI Classic team that is parent coached. We pay less than $200 per season (unless it is a buying uniform season, then add another $100 or so), but they have played on the same team for years, same parent coach, and the team will wear the uniform a couple of years in a ron.

Travel is several thousands a year, and that does not include the cost of traveling for games/tournaments (hotels/meals), which is why we have stuck with MSI Classic. That and we have other children who are involved in other activities, and cannot devote all that time and travel to travel soccer.