Travel-Type Soccer Teams - DC Area

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That is part of it, but also Bethesda doesn't always match its reputation.. Some of the coaches are great, but some are just ok.

Wait are you saying Stoddert is a better program vs Bethesda? Stoddert Travel is considered a joke. It is not talked about or mentioned as a serious club in this area. Ask people who know about soccer in this area and the words used to describe Stoddert is unprofessional. The kids do not develop. Ask around and visit other clubs in the area especially in Va. You will see the difference. Why do you think there are so many small clubs thriving in DC? It is because stoddert is so bad. I heard they had to go into the 70s on call backs for some age groups to field three teams- ie many people(1 out of every 2) were offered spots but turned them down. If Stoddert did not have the rec side I do not know if they would be around.

You sound jaded, and bitter. Hurt by Stoddert at one point maybe?

[Anonymous]

Cap FC on the hill is great. Lots of kids and the practices are all close. My son and daughter have gone through the program and have improved tremendously. Great coaches and a great organization. Strong rec!

[Anonymous]

Cap FC on the hill is great. Lots of kids and the practices are all close. My son and daughter have gone through the program and have improved tremendously. Great coaches and a great organization. Strong rec!

[Anonymous]

This is a good thread. We always have a Springtime Plan B at every club with our kid. There is no loyalty either way in this system (only naive parents think so), and the kids often are initially shiny objects that the club eventually expects to fall in line after a couple years with the other masses of faithful paying parents and players. That is the point when you plan to possibly leave. They no longer care about your DC's development and you'd be better off finding a fresh option. I can't tell you the # of suckers we meet who have been faithfully paying at the same club since U9 and who expect the system to reward them someday. It is no different then anything else. Lateral "unloyal" moves between soccer options that are the best for your kids development have never let us down. Not once. Sometimes the best move is staying with the status quo at your current club, other times it is a clever exit strategy. Of course, if you are more concerned with friendships, carpools, etc. over actual development, then you see why most families spend little time reassessing all the development options each Spring.

[Anonymous]

I completely agree. What type of process do you go through? Going to many tryouts and then assessing. I know that we need to do it this spring, but am kind of dreading it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is a good thread. We always have a Springtime Plan B at every club with our kid. There is no loyalty either way in this system (only naive parents think so), and the kids often are initially shiny objects that the club eventually expects to fall in line after a couple years with the other masses of faithful paying parents and players. That is the point when you plan to possibly leave. They no longer care about your DC's development and you'd be better off finding a fresh option. I can't tell you the # of suckers we meet who have been faithfully paying at the same club since U9 and who expect the system to reward them someday. It is no different then anything else. Lateral "unloyal" moves between soccer options that are the best for your kids development have never let us down. Not once. Sometimes the best move is staying with the status quo at your current club, other times it is a clever exit strategy. Of course, if you are more concerned with friendships, carpools, etc. over actual development, then you see why most families spend little time reassessing all the development options each Spring.

I wouldn't underestimate the social aspect. If you're a reasonable person, and I think most adults are, then you know your child is going nowhere with soccer, especially if you're still playing travel soccer NCSL/VPL/CCL after U15. For those younger years, knowing your child will get to practice on time if you're not able to and they will have invitations to b-day parties and you will get along with the parents and your child is happy, then there is really no reason to switch. NOW, what is the problem in this area is TRAVEL soccer as oppose to REC soccer is seen as a status symbol. The kids see their parents bragging about their kid making the "RED" team and see other players not playing TRAVEL as not good enough. The coaches/directors recognize this and know that an increase in price of $100-$200 every year will not be argued against even though their costs may not necessarily be rising at the same pace.

It brings this price inflation that puts off a lot of parents who want their kid to play more competitively, but can't pay the price and accept the 5pm practice time.