Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know what league the SCAA boys U9/U10 teams play in? I can't find any information on the SCAA website.

I assumed it was YDL the same league FCV is in before it was changed back to SCAA. Now I wonder if that might of changed.

SCAA could possibly join VPL, no real reason they can't but otherwise they will be in WAGS/NCSL

SCAA is not a member of WAGS or NCSL, so they would have to apply for membership and be accepted. Prior to joining with FCV and becoming "FCV South County" they only had teams in ODSL. FCV South County DID apply for WAGS membership last spring and were NOT voted in, so they played in WAGS as "FCV Ashburn" teams.

They may not have been voted into WAGS based on roster concerns. Without the affiliation of an umbrella club there is no reason they would not be accepted into WAGS now. And they could still apply for VPL.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does anyone know what league the SCAA boys U9/U10 teams play in? I can't find any information on the SCAA website.

I assumed it was YDL the same league FCV is in before it was changed back to SCAA. Now I wonder if that might of changed.

SCAA could possibly join VPL, no real reason they can't but otherwise they will be in WAGS/NCSL

SCAA is not a member of WAGS or NCSL, so they would have to apply for membership and be accepted. Prior to joining with FCV and becoming "FCV South County" they only had teams in ODSL. FCV South County DID apply for WAGS membership last spring and were NOT voted in, so they played in WAGS as "FCV Ashburn" teams.

They may not have been voted into WAGS based on roster concerns. Without the affiliation of an umbrella club there is no reason they would not be accepted into WAGS now. And they could still apply for VPL.

Basically, it was the affiliation with FCV that kept them out. As WAGS has been bleeding teams, pretty much any other club that applied was voted in, especially in the closer in areas.

[Anonymous]

Why would the affiliation with FCV be an issue with getting into WAGS?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Good effort! One correction: The local CCL league was not created in order to give clubs the option of higher level competition than NCSL and WAGS were providing. For NCSL at least, the promotion/relegation set up was very effective in making sure the competition level was appropriate, and top tournaments and the regional and national leagues were available for teams that dominated division 1.

Competition was the reason that the original CCL south was created, to help make sure teams in Richmond, VA Beach, etc. were able to play other good teams. CCL north was masterminded by a handful of people who were feuding with WAGS and NCSL over various things, some quite petty and personal, and some having to do with annoying and inflexible rules NCSL and WAGS had in place. CCL talks a lot about their "club centric" model, which could in theory be helpful to kids' and coaches' development, but a lot of it boils down to clubs wanting to run their own show. Another driving factor was a desire to be able to tell their membership that they offered something special even if they didn't get awarded a Development Academy, or later, an ECNL slot. I believe the latter factor was also the reason a couple other silly leagues like the Atlantic Soccer League were created.

This area has a much more confusing mix of leagues than most, and I think it would be much better overall all if there were a way to go back to having just the top leagues (DA and ECNL or girls DA) plus a pro/rel league. But at the end of the day, we are fortunate to live in a region that has a strong soccer tradition.

Unfortunately whatever the original reason for CCL, I think it has been a successful marketing vehicle for the member clubs. With major clubs like Arlington, BRYC, Loudoun, Mclean, PWSI (initially) putting their top teams in CCL, they have created a segregated, higher level of competition that cannot be accessed by non CCL clubs. So I think CCL is now a successful brand that represents play at a higher level than NCSL. I think VPL to some extent is other clubs trying to chase that same differentiation to the detriment and inconvenience of their kids/families.

I think this is bad for the other clubs, kids, and families. The higher level of play was already present in NCSL D1 and pro/rel was a more open, egalitarian way to achieve that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Good effort! One correction: The local CCL league was not created in order to give clubs the option of higher level competition than NCSL and WAGS were providing. For NCSL at least, the promotion/relegation set up was very effective in making sure the competition level was appropriate, and top tournaments and the regional and national leagues were available for teams that dominated division 1.

Competition was the reason that the original CCL south was created, to help make sure teams in Richmond, VA Beach, etc. were able to play other good teams. CCL north was masterminded by a handful of people who were feuding with WAGS and NCSL over various things, some quite petty and personal, and some having to do with annoying and inflexible rules NCSL and WAGS had in place. CCL talks a lot about their "club centric" model, which could in theory be helpful to kids' and coaches' development, but a lot of it boils down to clubs wanting to run their own show. Another driving factor was a desire to be able to tell their membership that they offered something special even if they didn't get awarded a Development Academy, or later, an ECNL slot. I believe the latter factor was also the reason a couple other silly leagues like the Atlantic Soccer League were created.

This area has a much more confusing mix of leagues than most, and I think it would be much better overall all if there were a way to go back to having just the top leagues (DA and ECNL or girls DA) plus a pro/rel league. But at the end of the day, we are fortunate to live in a region that has a strong soccer tradition.

Unfortunately whatever the original reason for CCL, I think it has been a successful marketing vehicle for the member clubs. With major clubs like Arlington, BRYC, Loudoun, Mclean, PWSI (initially) putting their top teams in CCL, they have created a segregated, higher level of competition that cannot be accessed by non CCL clubs. So I think CCL is now a successful brand that represents play at a higher level than NCSL. I think VPL to some extent is other clubs trying to chase that same differentiation to the detriment and inconvenience of their kids/families.

I think this is bad for the other clubs, kids, and families. The higher level of play was already present in NCSL D1 and pro/rel was a more open, egalitarian way to achieve that.

That is only part of the story and your view is rather dated. The Club centric model, regardless of what you think, is intended to put the player first by allowing player movement easily throughout the season.

WAGS, has been a Team Centric league where kids were locked into rosters. This model equated team success with player success. If the team improved then it must mean that the players improved. Developmentally, coaches chased wins and rather than teaching proper soccer. So, feel free to join the league that best fits you, your lifestyle and your philosophy. you have choice and that is what the other leagues provide.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Good effort! One correction: The local CCL league was not created in order to give clubs the option of higher level competition than NCSL and WAGS were providing. For NCSL at least, the promotion/relegation set up was very effective in making sure the competition level was appropriate, and top tournaments and the regional and national leagues were available for teams that dominated division 1.

Competition was the reason that the original CCL south was created, to help make sure teams in Richmond, VA Beach, etc. were able to play other good teams. CCL north was masterminded by a handful of people who were feuding with WAGS and NCSL over various things, some quite petty and personal, and some having to do with annoying and inflexible rules NCSL and WAGS had in place. CCL talks a lot about their "club centric" model, which could in theory be helpful to kids' and coaches' development, but a lot of it boils down to clubs wanting to run their own show. Another driving factor was a desire to be able to tell their membership that they offered something special even if they didn't get awarded a Development Academy, or later, an ECNL slot. I believe the latter factor was also the reason a couple other silly leagues like the Atlantic Soccer League were created.

This area has a much more confusing mix of leagues than most, and I think it would be much better overall all if there were a way to go back to having just the top leagues (DA and ECNL or girls DA) plus a pro/rel league. But at the end of the day, we are fortunate to live in a region that has a strong soccer tradition.

Unfortunately whatever the original reason for CCL, I think it has been a successful marketing vehicle for the member clubs. With major clubs like Arlington, BRYC, Loudoun, Mclean, PWSI (initially) putting their top teams in CCL, they have created a segregated, higher level of competition that cannot be accessed by non CCL clubs. So I think CCL is now a successful brand that represents play at a higher level than NCSL. I think VPL to some extent is other clubs trying to chase that same differentiation to the detriment and inconvenience of their kids/families.

I think this is bad for the other clubs, kids, and families. The higher level of play was already present in NCSL D1 and pro/rel was a more open, egalitarian way to achieve that.

Club based model work better from a number of aspects - families know in advance what their schedule will be, families with multiple players will be going to the same location, coaches have their teams all in the same location (rather than 1 game in St Mary's, the other game in Columbia, MD for a NOVA club), and it gives the technical staff the chance to actually see the players and coaches they are paid to develop. It also establishes a top tier that hopefully will act to concentrate the better players in the area so that the best players and coaches can be found reliably at the same clubs, rather than players and coaches bouncing around all the time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Good effort! One correction: The local CCL league was not created in order to give clubs the option of higher level competition than NCSL and WAGS were providing. For NCSL at least, the promotion/relegation set up was very effective in making sure the competition level was appropriate, and top tournaments and the regional and national leagues were available for teams that dominated division 1.

Competition was the reason that the original CCL south was created, to help make sure teams in Richmond, VA Beach, etc. were able to play other good teams. CCL north was masterminded by a handful of people who were feuding with WAGS and NCSL over various things, some quite petty and personal, and some having to do with annoying and inflexible rules NCSL and WAGS had in place. CCL talks a lot about their "club centric" model, which could in theory be helpful to kids' and coaches' development, but a lot of it boils down to clubs wanting to run their own show. Another driving factor was a desire to be able to tell their membership that they offered something special even if they didn't get awarded a Development Academy, or later, an ECNL slot. I believe the latter factor was also the reason a couple other silly leagues like the Atlantic Soccer League were created.

This area has a much more confusing mix of leagues than most, and I think it would be much better overall all if there were a way to go back to having just the top leagues (DA and ECNL or girls DA) plus a pro/rel league. But at the end of the day, we are fortunate to live in a region that has a strong soccer tradition.

Unfortunately whatever the original reason for CCL, I think it has been a successful marketing vehicle for the member clubs. With major clubs like Arlington, BRYC, Loudoun, Mclean, PWSI (initially) putting their top teams in CCL, they have created a segregated, higher level of competition that cannot be accessed by non CCL clubs. So I think CCL is now a successful brand that represents play at a higher level than NCSL. I think VPL to some extent is other clubs trying to chase that same differentiation to the detriment and inconvenience of their kids/families.

I think this is bad for the other clubs, kids, and families. The higher level of play was already present in NCSL D1 and pro/rel was a more open, egalitarian way to achieve that.

That is only part of the story and your view is rather dated. The Club centric model, regardless of what you think, is intended to put the player first by allowing player movement easily throughout the season.

WAGS, has been a Team Centric league where kids were locked into rosters. This model equated team success with player success. If the team improved then it must mean that the players improved. Developmentally, coaches chased wins and rather than teaching proper soccer. So, feel free to join the league that best fits you, your lifestyle and your philosophy. you have choice and that is what the other leagues provide.

I can't speak to WAGS, but NCSL is compatible with the club-centric model. Players can and do move between teams within one club, and those teams (at older age groups, anyway) generally have greater parity because of pro/rel.

And CCL (or VPL) clubs may also need to resort to "team development" rather than player development if their A team isn't competitive in CCL. What else can they do besides recruit from outside to improve the team? Maybe perform a coaching miracle so the same 16 players who were blown out at U12 are competitive at U14?

I get the advantages of having all of a family's kids in place (IF they're all on the A team and don't mind waiting around all afternoon) and having technical staff get a look at all the A teams at once. But (A) doesn't that mean B- and C-teamers don't get the attention they deserve and (B) can't this be done in tournaments instead of league play?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Good effort! One correction: The local CCL league was not created in order to give clubs the option of higher level competition than NCSL and WAGS were providing. For NCSL at least, the promotion/relegation set up was very effective in making sure the competition level was appropriate, and top tournaments and the regional and national leagues were available for teams that dominated division 1.

Competition was the reason that the original CCL south was created, to help make sure teams in Richmond, VA Beach, etc. were able to play other good teams. CCL north was masterminded by a handful of people who were feuding with WAGS and NCSL over various things, some quite petty and personal, and some having to do with annoying and inflexible rules NCSL and WAGS had in place. CCL talks a lot about their "club centric" model, which could in theory be helpful to kids' and coaches' development, but a lot of it boils down to clubs wanting to run their own show. Another driving factor was a desire to be able to tell their membership that they offered something special even if they didn't get awarded a Development Academy, or later, an ECNL slot. I believe the latter factor was also the reason a couple other silly leagues like the Atlantic Soccer League were created.

This area has a much more confusing mix of leagues than most, and I think it would be much better overall all if there were a way to go back to having just the top leagues (DA and ECNL or girls DA) plus a pro/rel league. But at the end of the day, we are fortunate to live in a region that has a strong soccer tradition.

Unfortunately whatever the original reason for CCL, I think it has been a successful marketing vehicle for the member clubs. With major clubs like Arlington, BRYC, Loudoun, Mclean, PWSI (initially) putting their top teams in CCL, they have created a segregated, higher level of competition that cannot be accessed by non CCL clubs. So I think CCL is now a successful brand that represents play at a higher level than NCSL. I think VPL to some extent is other clubs trying to chase that same differentiation to the detriment and inconvenience of their kids/families.

I think this is bad for the other clubs, kids, and families. The higher level of play was already present in NCSL D1 and pro/rel was a more open, egalitarian way to achieve that.

That is only part of the story and your view is rather dated. The Club centric model, regardless of what you think, is intended to put the player first by allowing player movement easily throughout the season.

WAGS, has been a Team Centric league where kids were locked into rosters. This model equated team success with player success. If the team improved then it must mean that the players improved. Developmentally, coaches chased wins and rather than teaching proper soccer. So, feel free to join the league that best fits you, your lifestyle and your philosophy. you have choice and that is what the other leagues provide.

I have nothing against the club centric model. I have had kids in my family play in both DA and ECNL (both club centric leagues) think it can work very well, other than excessive costs in ECNL's case. I see the benefits of it, and I know many coaches involved with CCL teams are true believers. Maybe some of the club leadership too, though I know for sure some of them have a less pure, more business-oriented reason for wanting to join.

The problem with CCL in my view is that it is a major contributor in the dilution of the local soccer talent pool. I agree with the PP that it has marketed itself very successfully and appears here to stay. If it were to take the place of NCSL and WAGS and serve the same areas (divided into sub-areas for the sake of convenience) and population, I wouldn't be as concerned if it could achieve what NCSL did. As it stands now, between the rec and DA/ECNL levels, kids with a lot of potential are spread among 5 or 6 different leagues. They would be better off if they had the opportunity to play with and against each other, and see what it takes to rise through the ranks. Their poor parents would be vastly less confused too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Good effort! One correction: The local CCL league was not created in order to give clubs the option of higher level competition than NCSL and WAGS were providing. For NCSL at least, the promotion/relegation set up was very effective in making sure the competition level was appropriate, and top tournaments and the regional and national leagues were available for teams that dominated division 1.

Competition was the reason that the original CCL south was created, to help make sure teams in Richmond, VA Beach, etc. were able to play other good teams. CCL north was masterminded by a handful of people who were feuding with WAGS and NCSL over various things, some quite petty and personal, and some having to do with annoying and inflexible rules NCSL and WAGS had in place. CCL talks a lot about their "club centric" model, which could in theory be helpful to kids' and coaches' development, but a lot of it boils down to clubs wanting to run their own show. Another driving factor was a desire to be able to tell their membership that they offered something special even if they didn't get awarded a Development Academy, or later, an ECNL slot. I believe the latter factor was also the reason a couple other silly leagues like the Atlantic Soccer League were created.

This area has a much more confusing mix of leagues than most, and I think it would be much better overall all if there were a way to go back to having just the top leagues (DA and ECNL or girls DA) plus a pro/rel league. But at the end of the day, we are fortunate to live in a region that has a strong soccer tradition.

Unfortunately whatever the original reason for CCL, I think it has been a successful marketing vehicle for the member clubs. With major clubs like Arlington, BRYC, Loudoun, Mclean, PWSI (initially) putting their top teams in CCL, they have created a segregated, higher level of competition that cannot be accessed by non CCL clubs. So I think CCL is now a successful brand that represents play at a higher level than NCSL. I think VPL to some extent is other clubs trying to chase that same differentiation to the detriment and inconvenience of their kids/families.

I think this is bad for the other clubs, kids, and families. The higher level of play was already present in NCSL D1 and pro/rel was a more open, egalitarian way to achieve that.

That is only part of the story and your view is rather dated. The Club centric model, regardless of what you think, is intended to put the player first by allowing player movement easily throughout the season.

WAGS, has been a Team Centric league where kids were locked into rosters. This model equated team success with player success. If the team improved then it must mean that the players improved. Developmentally, coaches chased wins and rather than teaching proper soccer. So, feel free to join the league that best fits you, your lifestyle and your philosophy. you have choice and that is what the other leagues provide.

I can't speak to WAGS, but NCSL is compatible with the club-centric model. Players can and do move between teams within one club, and those teams (at older age groups, anyway) generally have greater parity because of pro/rel.

And CCL (or VPL) clubs may also need to resort to "team development" rather than player development if their A team isn't competitive in CCL. What else can they do besides recruit from outside to improve the team? Maybe perform a coaching miracle so the same 16 players who were blown out at U12 are competitive at U14?

I get the advantages of having all of a family's kids in place (IF they're all on the A team and don't mind waiting around all afternoon) and having technical staff get a look at all the A teams at once. But (A) doesn't that mean B- and C-teamers don't get the attention they deserve and (B) can't this be done in tournaments instead of league play?

Oh, Jesus, don't join a team or club that plays in either league. It is clear that you have other priorities and that is just fine, there are leagues that will fit your lifestyle. Nobody put a gun to your head and said you have to play here. If you joined a club because it is "10 minutes away" I cant help you. You didn't have to take the team assignment either. You have choices, but my guess is you just can't stomach your kid playing in what you perceive to be a inferior league, even if it might be more convenient for your lifestyle. Traffic in this area sucks, so I cant begrudge ANYONE who wants to make their life a bit less hectic by not adding a 40 minute drive in rush hour to make it to soccer practice. But if a trip to VA Beach is to great a trade off for the convenience of a 10 minute drive to and from practice then you have to determine for YOURSELF what is more important to you. But thinking that a league structure should change because YOU don't see the benefits or rationale behind it is your problem and your problem alone.

[Anonymous]

Question about the BRYC Micro Academy. We've been told by coaches that our U8 son should try this in the Fall. Do people do this on top of rec or instead of? On top of would mean soccer 4 days a week, which might be a bit much for a first grader in the Fall. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

We have a kindergartener doing the BRYC Micro Academy. We love it and are actually planning to just do that in the Fall. He is going to be U8 in the Fall because of the birth year change, but is actually only going to be 6. We did 4 days of soccer this year (rec league and Micro). It is way too much for him even though he loves the game. I think our plan is to just stick with Micro since we have been impressed with the coaching and level of play. Also one of our younger children can play in the Fall too with him so then we only have soccer practice twice a week for the two kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have a kindergartener doing the BRYC Micro Academy. We love it and are actually planning to just do that in the Fall. He is going to be U8 in the Fall because of the birth year change, but is actually only going to be 6. We did 4 days of soccer this year (rec league and Micro). It is way too much for him even though he loves the game. I think our plan is to just stick with Micro since we have been impressed with the coaching and level of play. Also one of our younger children can play in the Fall too with him so then we only have soccer practice twice a week for the two kids.

Perfect answer! Thanks. We'll be in the same boat, December birthday, suddenly U8. I would like him to be challenged, but honestly adjusting back to school in the Fall is my priority.

[Anonymous]

I agree with you. Starting a new school in the Fall so that adjustment is my priority. The kids that we have seen at Micro are really into soccer even though they are little. I haven't seen any behavior issues like on the rec team I coach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Question about the BRYC Micro Academy. We've been told by coaches that our U8 son should try this in the Fall. Do people do this on top of rec or instead of? On top of would mean soccer 4 days a week, which might be a bit much for a first grader in the Fall. Thoughts?

It is soccer with friends, as long as the coaches keep it fun it isn't "to much". Nobody thinks 5 days of school is to much and soccer is likely more fun.

At this age, and to a point at all ages, it is a recreational activity. This is not Navy Seal training. I guess I don't understand how it is "a bit much". You don't need to go to all the training sessions, play it by ear during the week and see how your kid is feeling. But in the long run, the more kids and coaches your kid is exposed to will make things easier down the road in terms of adjusting to different situations and people. Push your kid gently into things that are uncomfortable knowing full well that at this age, taking a night off or two is not the end of the world.

In fact, knowing you have up to four practices can make skipping one or two here and there seem easier on your conscience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Question about the BRYC Micro Academy. We've been told by coaches that our U8 son should try this in the Fall. Do people do this on top of rec or instead of? On top of would mean soccer 4 days a week, which might be a bit much for a first grader in the Fall. Thoughts?

It is soccer with friends, as long as the coaches keep it fun it isn't "to much". Nobody thinks 5 days of school is to much and soccer is likely more fun.

At this age, and to a point at all ages, it is a recreational activity. This is not Navy Seal training. I guess I don't understand how it is "a bit much". You don't need to go to all the training sessions, play it by ear during the week and see how your kid is feeling. But in the long run, the more kids and coaches your kid is exposed to will make things easier down the road in terms of adjusting to different situations and people. Push your kid gently into things that are uncomfortable knowing full well that at this age, taking a night off or two is not the end of the world.

In fact, knowing you have up to four practices can make skipping one or two here and there seem easier on your conscience.

Maybe he'd like to join drama or chess after school, maybe he'd like to ride his bike with friends in the neighborhood, maybe he'd like to just chill and play with Lego, He's six. He'll be adjusting to a new routine and teacher, at six, that can mean they need a little more down time. I'm not sure at that age I would be comfortable having one activity take up that much time, I'd rather let him explore other interests. And as I rule I try not to over commit on the expectation that I'm just going to skip practices. I'd rather model that we take on what we can handle and try hard to make our commitments.