Alexandria Soccer Association Reviews

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Correct. Try here as well: https://league.northleft.com/standings. They are struggling.

This fool knows better than MLS Next's decision not to publish U13-U14 standings. Look them up he says, but then when you look them up, they're ok. Lol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Correct. Try here as well: https://league.northleft.com/standings. They are struggling.

You're not just a liar, but a simpleton (really believe your nonsense is persuasive).

I posted the table records for each age group for you to look at, how is this lying?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hahaha i'm a troll AND work for ASA now...amazing! Yeah no one moves in or out of DC...especially in the summer on 3-4 year rotations.

Thanks for all the feedback so far. I think all clubs have problems so that is no surprise to me. Their teams struggling at the moment is concerning, though.

I wouldn't listen to the "struggling" posts...poster wouldn't know (U14 and below not published). Re: U15-19...only one MLSN age group is clearly struggling, but the mid-Atlantic division is tough.

well, if records are important to your picking a team for your kid, you can easily find how ASA is doing in U13 and 14 by looking at schedule, so what's above is not totally accurate. Poster could absolutely know if they looked up ASA's schedule.

Records are important to me because I believe better teams get more eyes on them. But it isn't the only way and not the only consideration. Development, mentorship, history of academy/D1 placements...all important too.

If your kid is an outstanding or exceptional player in this area.
Everyone of consequence knows.
So will scouts and recruiters.

You only place this much focus on the team winning if you're hoping it gives your kid's profile a lift.
Bad news. It doesn't

Scouts and recruiters know there are duds on winning teams and diamonds on losing teams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I posted the table records for each age group for you to look at, how is this lying?

I looked up the record and both teams are clearly NOT struggling. It is like making a citation and the citation doesn't support your assertion at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If your kid is an outstanding or exceptional player in this area. Everyone of consequence knows. So will scouts and recruiters.

Also...the only way you DS is going to get playing time on a top-of-table team in the mid-Atlantic division is to be such an incredible player that DS should have really tried out for the academy teams (they should be playing there). So to the OP, you may want to try Academy teams first: DCU, Philly.

[Anonymous]

I'm a parent of an ASA MLS Next player, have been at another MLS Next club and have some experience and friends at other ECNL/MLS Next Clubs in the area.

We've been generally pleased with ASA. There are many strengths. On the administrative side, they are very organized and communicative, especially in comparison with other clubs. Practice locations and schedules are steady and the fields are good. It would be great to have more space, but every club struggles with this.

The coaching is solid for most age groups. The 2010's (current U15) have had issues with coaching over the years (replaced the last two mid-season), but otherwise it's strong.

As for politics, meh. I think there are certain parents who feel like they have a direct line to the administration because they have multiple kids in the program or have been boosters/volunteers and can get things changed, but I haven't seen that play out with team selections or playing time. Maybe I'm just missing it. I have trust in the coaches and administration to see past that stuff, but understand that sometimes they have to make business decisions. It's certainly not better at Arlington.

I think their play style is a positive, when they stick to it. Generally, they try to utilize space, create overloads, keep the ball on the ground, play out of the back, etc. For us, this is a definite advantage over SYC who, while very successful, play a style that relies on their athletic dominance.

Re: training. Stark contrast to SYC who will incorporate more individual drills into their training. ASA focuses nearly solely on "tactics." They vary their training to include possession drills (like rondos), possession games (by zone), positional/zonal scrimmages, etc. They will do very little in the way of drills for individual skills like finishing, long range passing, or 1v1s. They'll tell you they want to emphasize decision making over particular technique. But not pattern play.

I think they'd be well served to add strength and conditioning and skill training to improve the individual players, build a sense of team through the grind of it, and to let parents know they're serious about developing individuals as well as team. Other programs I'm familiar with have a 4X per week practice schedule that incorporates one day of conditioning and one day of technical/small-sided work. I would prefer that. The kids try to get this work in on their own, but it is tough with 4 practices and often two games per week.

I could go on. All-in-all a good organization that could be great at the MLS Next Level if they focused on the competitiveness, intensity, and skill of it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hahaha i'm a troll AND work for ASA now...amazing! Yeah no one moves in or out of DC...especially in the summer on 3-4 year rotations.

Thanks for all the feedback so far. I think all clubs have problems so that is no surprise to me. Their teams struggling at the moment is concerning, though.

I wouldn't listen to the "struggling" posts...poster wouldn't know (U14 and below not published). Re: U15-19...only one MLSN age group is clearly struggling, but the mid-Atlantic division is tough.

well, if records are important to your picking a team for your kid, you can easily find how ASA is doing in U13 and 14 by looking at schedule, so what's above is not totally accurate. Poster could absolutely know if they looked up ASA's schedule.

Records are important to me because I believe better teams get more eyes on them. But it isn't the only way and not the only consideration. Development, mentorship, history of academy/D1 placements...all important too.

If your kid is an outstanding or exceptional player in this area.
Everyone of consequence knows.
So will scouts and recruiters.

You only place this much focus on the team winning if you're hoping it gives your kid's profile a lift.
Bad news. It doesn't

Scouts and recruiters know there are duds on winning teams and diamonds on losing teams.

"You only place this much focus on the team winning if..." Calm down son. I made a logical and factual statement that better teams get more eyes on them. Not every player can be so good that they stand out at all moments. Sometimes they need a break or the right person to be present. It's a competitive world out there and you take any competitive edge you can get. Unless of course you are Cavan Sullivan's parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I posted the table records for each age group for you to look at, how is this lying?

I looked up the record and both teams are clearly NOT struggling. It is like making a citation and the citation doesn't support your assertion at all.

I'm glad anyone else can check the stats and see for their own in those two cases (70% losing all their games in one case, is not doing well, my friend.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a parent of an ASA MLS Next player, have been at another MLS Next club and have some experience and friends at other ECNL/MLS Next Clubs in the area.

We've been generally pleased with ASA. There are many strengths. On the administrative side, they are very organized and communicative, especially in comparison with other clubs. Practice locations and schedules are steady and the fields are good. It would be great to have more space, but every club struggles with this.

The coaching is solid for most age groups. The 2010's (current U15) have had issues with coaching over the years (replaced the last two mid-season), but otherwise it's strong.

As for politics, meh. I think there are certain parents who feel like they have a direct line to the administration because they have multiple kids in the program or have been boosters/volunteers and can get things changed, but I haven't seen that play out with team selections or playing time. Maybe I'm just missing it. I have trust in the coaches and administration to see past that stuff, but understand that sometimes they have to make business decisions. It's certainly not better at Arlington.

I think their play style is a positive, when they stick to it. Generally, they try to utilize space, create overloads, keep the ball on the ground, play out of the back, etc. For us, this is a definite advantage over SYC who, while very successful, play a style that relies on their athletic dominance.

Re: training. Stark contrast to SYC who will incorporate more individual drills into their training. ASA focuses nearly solely on "tactics." They vary their training to include possession drills (like rondos), possession games (by zone), positional/zonal scrimmages, etc. They will do very little in the way of drills for individual skills like finishing, long range passing, or 1v1s. They'll tell you they want to emphasize decision making over particular technique. But not pattern play.

I think they'd be well served to add strength and conditioning and skill training to improve the individual players, build a sense of team through the grind of it, and to let parents know they're serious about developing individuals as well as team. Other programs I'm familiar with have a 4X per week practice schedule that incorporates one day of conditioning and one day of technical/small-sided work. I would prefer that. The kids try to get this work in on their own, but it is tough with 4 practices and often two games per week.

I could go on. All-in-all a good organization that could be great at the MLS Next Level if they focused on the competitiveness, intensity, and skill of it.

I appreciate this!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hahaha i'm a troll AND work for ASA now...amazing! Yeah no one moves in or out of DC...especially in the summer on 3-4 year rotations.

Thanks for all the feedback so far. I think all clubs have problems so that is no surprise to me. Their teams struggling at the moment is concerning, though.

I wouldn't listen to the "struggling" posts...poster wouldn't know (U14 and below not published). Re: U15-19...only one MLSN age group is clearly struggling, but the mid-Atlantic division is tough.

well, if records are important to your picking a team for your kid, you can easily find how ASA is doing in U13 and 14 by looking at schedule, so what's above is not totally accurate. Poster could absolutely know if they looked up ASA's schedule.

Records are important to me because I believe better teams get more eyes on them. But it isn't the only way and not the only consideration. Development, mentorship, history of academy/D1 placements...all important too.

If your kid is an outstanding or exceptional player in this area.
Everyone of consequence knows.
So will scouts and recruiters.

You only place this much focus on the team winning if you're hoping it gives your kid's profile a lift.
Bad news. It doesn't

Scouts and recruiters know there are duds on winning teams and diamonds on losing teams.

+1 This is why you go to where the coach believes in and gives you opportunities to develop and either shine immediately or eventually.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hahaha i'm a troll AND work for ASA now...amazing! Yeah no one moves in or out of DC...especially in the summer on 3-4 year rotations.

Thanks for all the feedback so far. I think all clubs have problems so that is no surprise to me. Their teams struggling at the moment is concerning, though.

I wouldn't listen to the "struggling" posts...poster wouldn't know (U14 and below not published). Re: U15-19...only one MLSN age group is clearly struggling, but the mid-Atlantic division is tough.

well, if records are important to your picking a team for your kid, you can easily find how ASA is doing in U13 and 14 by looking at schedule, so what's above is not totally accurate. Poster could absolutely know if they looked up ASA's schedule.

Records are important to me because I believe better teams get more eyes on them. But it isn't the only way and not the only consideration. Development, mentorship, history of academy/D1 placements...all important too.

If your kid is an outstanding or exceptional player in this area.
Everyone of consequence knows.
So will scouts and recruiters.

You only place this much focus on the team winning if you're hoping it gives your kid's profile a lift.
Bad news. It doesn't

Scouts and recruiters know there are duds on winning teams and diamonds on losing teams.

+1 This is why you go to where the coach believes in and gives you opportunities to develop and either shine immediately or eventually.

Amen

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hahaha i'm a troll AND work for ASA now...amazing! Yeah no one moves in or out of DC...especially in the summer on 3-4 year rotations.

Thanks for all the feedback so far. I think all clubs have problems so that is no surprise to me. Their teams struggling at the moment is concerning, though.

I wouldn't listen to the "struggling" posts...poster wouldn't know (U14 and below not published). Re: U15-19...only one MLSN age group is clearly struggling, but the mid-Atlantic division is tough.

well, if records are important to your picking a team for your kid, you can easily find how ASA is doing in U13 and 14 by looking at schedule, so what's above is not totally accurate. Poster could absolutely know if they looked up ASA's schedule.

Records are important to me because I believe better teams get more eyes on them. But it isn't the only way and not the only consideration. Development, mentorship, history of academy/D1 placements...all important too.

If your kid is an outstanding or exceptional player in this area.
Everyone of consequence knows.
So will scouts and recruiters.

You only place this much focus on the team winning if you're hoping it gives your kid's profile a lift.
Bad news. It doesn't

Scouts and recruiters know there are duds on winning teams and diamonds on losing teams.

"You only place this much focus on the team winning if..." Calm down son. I made a logical and factual statement that better teams get more eyes on them. Not every player can be so good that they stand out at all moments. Sometimes they need a break or the right person to be present. It's a competitive world out there and you take any competitive edge you can get. Unless of course you are Cavan Sullivan's parent.

I agree 100%. Plus, it is impossible to "develop" players when there has been so much inconsistency with coaching (fired coaches, subpar coaching, etc.).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hahaha i'm a troll AND work for ASA now...amazing! Yeah no one moves in or out of DC...especially in the summer on 3-4 year rotations.

Thanks for all the feedback so far. I think all clubs have problems so that is no surprise to me. Their teams struggling at the moment is concerning, though.

I wouldn't listen to the "struggling" posts...poster wouldn't know (U14 and below not published). Re: U15-19...only one MLSN age group is clearly struggling, but the mid-Atlantic division is tough.

well, if records are important to your picking a team for your kid, you can easily find how ASA is doing in U13 and 14 by looking at schedule, so what's above is not totally accurate. Poster could absolutely know if they looked up ASA's schedule.

Records are important to me because I believe better teams get more eyes on them. But it isn't the only way and not the only consideration. Development, mentorship, history of academy/D1 placements...all important too.

If your kid is an outstanding or exceptional player in this area.
Everyone of consequence knows.
So will scouts and recruiters.

You only place this much focus on the team winning if you're hoping it gives your kid's profile a lift.
Bad news. It doesn't

Scouts and recruiters know there are duds on winning teams and diamonds on losing teams.

"You only place this much focus on the team winning if..." Calm down son. I made a logical and factual statement that better teams get more eyes on them. Not every player can be so good that they stand out at all moments. Sometimes they need a break or the right person to be present. It's a competitive world out there and you take any competitive edge you can get. Unless of course you are Cavan Sullivan's parent.

I agree 100%. Plus, it is impossible to "develop" players when there has been so much inconsistency with coaching (fired coaches, subpar coaching, etc.).

At the MLS Next level, this is really only applicable to the 2010 group, right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hahaha i'm a troll AND work for ASA now...amazing! Yeah no one moves in or out of DC...especially in the summer on 3-4 year rotations.

Thanks for all the feedback so far. I think all clubs have problems so that is no surprise to me. Their teams struggling at the moment is concerning, though.

I wouldn't listen to the "struggling" posts...poster wouldn't know (U14 and below not published). Re: U15-19...only one MLSN age group is clearly struggling, but the mid-Atlantic division is tough.

well, if records are important to your picking a team for your kid, you can easily find how ASA is doing in U13 and 14 by looking at schedule, so what's above is not totally accurate. Poster could absolutely know if they looked up ASA's schedule.

Records are important to me because I believe better teams get more eyes on them. But it isn't the only way and not the only consideration. Development, mentorship, history of academy/D1 placements...all important too.

If your kid is an outstanding or exceptional player in this area.
Everyone of consequence knows.
So will scouts and recruiters.

You only place this much focus on the team winning if you're hoping it gives your kid's profile a lift.
Bad news. It doesn't

Scouts and recruiters know there are duds on winning teams and diamonds on losing teams.

"You only place this much focus on the team winning if..." Calm down son. I made a logical and factual statement that better teams get more eyes on them. Not every player can be so good that they stand out at all moments. Sometimes they need a break or the right person to be present. It's a competitive world out there and you take any competitive edge you can get. Unless of course you are Cavan Sullivan's parent.

I agree 100%. Plus, it is impossible to "develop" players when there has been so much inconsistency with coaching (fired coaches, subpar coaching, etc.).

At the MLS Next level, this is really only applicable to the 2010 group, right?

No, other older groups as well. If you are there, you know. There is no need to post all the details here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hahaha i'm a troll AND work for ASA now...amazing! Yeah no one moves in or out of DC...especially in the summer on 3-4 year rotations.

Thanks for all the feedback so far. I think all clubs have problems so that is no surprise to me. Their teams struggling at the moment is concerning, though.

I wouldn't listen to the "struggling" posts...poster wouldn't know (U14 and below not published). Re: U15-19...only one MLSN age group is clearly struggling, but the mid-Atlantic division is tough.

well, if records are important to your picking a team for your kid, you can easily find how ASA is doing in U13 and 14 by looking at schedule, so what's above is not totally accurate. Poster could absolutely know if they looked up ASA's schedule.

Records are important to me because I believe better teams get more eyes on them. But it isn't the only way and not the only consideration. Development, mentorship, history of academy/D1 placements...all important too.

If your kid is an outstanding or exceptional player in this area.
Everyone of consequence knows.
So will scouts and recruiters.

You only place this much focus on the team winning if you're hoping it gives your kid's profile a lift.
Bad news. It doesn't

Scouts and recruiters know there are duds on winning teams and diamonds on losing teams.

"You only place this much focus on the team winning if..." Calm down son. I made a logical and factual statement that better teams get more eyes on them. Not every player can be so good that they stand out at all moments. Sometimes they need a break or the right person to be present. It's a competitive world out there and you take any competitive edge you can get. Unless of course you are Cavan Sullivan's parent.

I agree 100%. Plus, it is impossible to "develop" players when there has been so much inconsistency with coaching (fired coaches, subpar coaching, etc.).

At the MLS Next level, this is really only applicable to the 2010 group, right?

No, other older groups as well. If you are there, you know. There is no need to post all the details here.

Ok, I guess, but the post is from someone who is NOT there and would like info.