Achilles

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The club is really only for serious players, and it isn't for every personality. But my son likes the intensity of it. Even at younger ages, kids can see through the "everyone gets a trophy" places that make parents feel good but don't teach the kids to play better. When Sal gives a compliment, you know it is well deserved. When he yells, you know he expects you to work harder. This probably seems harsh to some based on our modern, softer standards but it isn't any more extreme than the coaches I had growing up. It is very much focused on building technical skills and certainly not monstrous like some are making it out to be. We've found the other families and the community -- which is made up of hardcore soccer people to be sure -- to be welcoming and nurturing.

Ha.

Google Stockholm syndrome or look in a mirror.

Those who know the game and know Achilles also know this is not a place for serious players to develop.

The style of play at Achilles is awful. Sal does not inspire players to perform but criticises only to fulfil his inner bully. The club management border on chaotic in the best of times. There is a reason his coaches and players flee whenever they get a chance. His college placement list is a bit of a stretch (he takes credit for any kid who did so much as a summer camp despite them playing with another team the rest of the year).

But keep telling yourself the opponents are just participation trophy seekers if that helps numb what it is Sal is doing to your kid.

weird

DP. This is consistent with what we know from friends.

[Anonymous]

I looked into the Achilles camps last year for my kids and thought it was a bit expensive. I heard from some parents that he isn't there for a good part of the time and college students run it. When Covid hit, I obviously didn't follow up. Good to know about the style of coaching. I'll look elsewhere for camp next year, if that is even a possibility.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The club is really only for serious players, and it isn't for every personality. But my son likes the intensity of it. Even at younger ages, kids can see through the "everyone gets a trophy" places that make parents feel good but don't teach the kids to play better. When Sal gives a compliment, you know it is well deserved. When he yells, you know he expects you to work harder. This probably seems harsh to some based on our modern, softer standards but it isn't any more extreme than the coaches I had growing up. It is very much focused on building technical skills and certainly not monstrous like some are making it out to be. We've found the other families and the community -- which is made up of hardcore soccer people to be sure -- to be welcoming and nurturing.

Ha.

Google Stockholm syndrome or look in a mirror.

Those who know the game and know Achilles also know this is not a place for serious players to develop.

The style of play at Achilles is awful. Sal does not inspire players to perform but criticises only to fulfil his inner bully. The club management border on chaotic in the best of times. There is a reason his coaches and players flee whenever they get a chance. His college placement list is a bit of a stretch (he takes credit for any kid who did so much as a summer camp despite them playing with another team the rest of the year).

But keep telling yourself the opponents are just participation trophy seekers if that helps numb what it is Sal is doing to your kid.

The management IS chaotic. It is basically a start up, for better and for worse. But criticizing the style of play and the knowledge of the families who chose Achilles sounds like sour grapes. It isn't for everyone, and I'm glad you found a better fit for your son.

[Anonymous]

We're a new Achilles family. My 10 yr old joined the club in July and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The training stresses individual skill and creativity and the style of play mirrors what the majority of posters on these boards seem to be clamoring for. Kids are encouraged to connect passes, keep possession, and show their skill when 1v1. The ball should stay "on the floor." There are no punts or goal kicks. The parents and coaching staff have been welcoming and encouraging. Does Sal have an ego? Definitely. But to say that he doesn't know how to coach or run a club is a bit ridiculous. The club is only four years old and has multiple nationally relevant teams and is one of only three clubs in the immediate DC area to be invited into MLS Next. The other two, Bethesda and Alexandria, have vastly superior resources and talent pools. I believe each fields at least 4 teams at my son's age group where Achilles has one. In his short time with the club, my son has been coached by each of the three coaches. I've seen at least part of every practice and every game. I have never seen a kid bullied or berated. I asked my son before posting to make sure that he hasn't either. He hasn't. Sal has high expectations of the kids. Practices are fairly intense, but nothing grueling or abusive, just good hard work and competition. My son loves the training, his teammates, and all of the coaches. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone whose son is serious about training and improving. Coaches and players are not leaving at the first chance they get. A popular coach did leave to start their own club and took some talented players. I'm finding this to be a fairly common occurrence as it also happened at our last club. It seems like a couple folks have an axe grind or had a bad experience. I'm sorry things didn't work out for them, but we've been happy and look forward to growing with the club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're a new Achilles family. My 10 yr old joined the club in July and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The training stresses individual skill and creativity and the style of play mirrors what the majority of posters on these boards seem to be clamoring for. Kids are encouraged to connect passes, keep possession, and show their skill when 1v1. The ball should stay "on the floor." There are no punts or goal kicks. The parents and coaching staff have been welcoming and encouraging. Does Sal have an ego? Definitely. But to say that he doesn't know how to coach or run a club is a bit ridiculous. The club is only four years old and has multiple nationally relevant teams and is one of only three clubs in the immediate DC area to be invited into MLS Next. The other two, Bethesda and Alexandria, have vastly superior resources and talent pools. I believe each fields at least 4 teams at my son's age group where Achilles has one. In his short time with the club, my son has been coached by each of the three coaches. I've seen at least part of every practice and every game. I have never seen a kid bullied or berated. I asked my son before posting to make sure that he hasn't either. He hasn't. Sal has high expectations of the kids. Practices are fairly intense, but nothing grueling or abusive, just good hard work and competition. My son loves the training, his teammates, and all of the coaches. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone whose son is serious about training and improving. Coaches and players are not leaving at the first chance they get. A popular coach did leave to start their own club and took some talented players. I'm finding this to be a fairly common occurrence as it also happened at our last club. It seems like a couple folks have an axe grind or had a bad experience. I'm sorry things didn't work out for them, but we've been happy and look forward to growing with the club.

This sounds like us at the beginning. Give it a year or two and you may feel differently. I hope not though. If your kid ends up being on a favored team you’ll be fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a new Achilles family. My 10 yr old joined the club in July and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The training stresses individual skill and creativity and the style of play mirrors what the majority of posters on these boards seem to be clamoring for. Kids are encouraged to connect passes, keep possession, and show their skill when 1v1. The ball should stay "on the floor." There are no punts or goal kicks. The parents and coaching staff have been welcoming and encouraging. Does Sal have an ego? Definitely. But to say that he doesn't know how to coach or run a club is a bit ridiculous. The club is only four years old and has multiple nationally relevant teams and is one of only three clubs in the immediate DC area to be invited into MLS Next. The other two, Bethesda and Alexandria, have vastly superior resources and talent pools. I believe each fields at least 4 teams at my son's age group where Achilles has one. In his short time with the club, my son has been coached by each of the three coaches. I've seen at least part of every practice and every game. I have never seen a kid bullied or berated. I asked my son before posting to make sure that he hasn't either. He hasn't. Sal has high expectations of the kids. Practices are fairly intense, but nothing grueling or abusive, just good hard work and competition. My son loves the training, his teammates, and all of the coaches. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone whose son is serious about training and improving. Coaches and players are not leaving at the first chance they get. A popular coach did leave to start their own club and took some talented players. I'm finding this to be a fairly common occurrence as it also happened at our last club. It seems like a couple folks have an axe grind or had a bad experience. I'm sorry things didn't work out for them, but we've been happy and look forward to growing with the club.

This sounds like us at the beginning. Give it a year or two and you may feel differently. I hope not though. If your kid ends up being on a favored team you’ll be fine.

Is that the story Sal’s circulating about the coach who left? That’s not even close to what happened. You also might want to dig into how the nationally recognized team was formed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a new Achilles family. My 10 yr old joined the club in July and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The training stresses individual skill and creativity and the style of play mirrors what the majority of posters on these boards seem to be clamoring for. Kids are encouraged to connect passes, keep possession, and show their skill when 1v1. The ball should stay "on the floor." There are no punts or goal kicks. The parents and coaching staff have been welcoming and encouraging. Does Sal have an ego? Definitely. But to say that he doesn't know how to coach or run a club is a bit ridiculous. The club is only four years old and has multiple nationally relevant teams and is one of only three clubs in the immediate DC area to be invited into MLS Next. The other two, Bethesda and Alexandria, have vastly superior resources and talent pools. I believe each fields at least 4 teams at my son's age group where Achilles has one. In his short time with the club, my son has been coached by each of the three coaches. I've seen at least part of every practice and every game. I have never seen a kid bullied or berated. I asked my son before posting to make sure that he hasn't either. He hasn't. Sal has high expectations of the kids. Practices are fairly intense, but nothing grueling or abusive, just good hard work and competition. My son loves the training, his teammates, and all of the coaches. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone whose son is serious about training and improving. Coaches and players are not leaving at the first chance they get. A popular coach did leave to start their own club and took some talented players. I'm finding this to be a fairly common occurrence as it also happened at our last club. It seems like a couple folks have an axe grind or had a bad experience. I'm sorry things didn't work out for them, but we've been happy and look forward to growing with the club.

This sounds like us at the beginning. Give it a year or two and you may feel differently. I hope not though. If your kid ends up being on a favored team you’ll be fine.

Is that the story Sal’s circulating about the coach who left? That’s not even close to what happened. You also might want to dig into how the nationally recognized team was formed.

Please share!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a new Achilles family. My 10 yr old joined the club in July and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The training stresses individual skill and creativity and the style of play mirrors what the majority of posters on these boards seem to be clamoring for. Kids are encouraged to connect passes, keep possession, and show their skill when 1v1. The ball should stay "on the floor." There are no punts or goal kicks. The parents and coaching staff have been welcoming and encouraging. Does Sal have an ego? Definitely. But to say that he doesn't know how to coach or run a club is a bit ridiculous. The club is only four years old and has multiple nationally relevant teams and is one of only three clubs in the immediate DC area to be invited into MLS Next. The other two, Bethesda and Alexandria, have vastly superior resources and talent pools. I believe each fields at least 4 teams at my son's age group where Achilles has one. In his short time with the club, my son has been coached by each of the three coaches. I've seen at least part of every practice and every game. I have never seen a kid bullied or berated. I asked my son before posting to make sure that he hasn't either. He hasn't. Sal has high expectations of the kids. Practices are fairly intense, but nothing grueling or abusive, just good hard work and competition. My son loves the training, his teammates, and all of the coaches. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone whose son is serious about training and improving. Coaches and players are not leaving at the first chance they get. A popular coach did leave to start their own club and took some talented players. I'm finding this to be a fairly common occurrence as it also happened at our last club. It seems like a couple folks have an axe grind or had a bad experience. I'm sorry things didn't work out for them, but we've been happy and look forward to growing with the club.

This sounds like us at the beginning. Give it a year or two and you may feel differently. I hope not though. If your kid ends up being on a favored team you’ll be fine.

Is that the story Sal’s circulating about the coach who left? That’s not even close to what happened. You also might want to dig into how the nationally recognized team was formed.

Sorry. Sal isn't circulating any story, as far as I know. I wasn't trying to intimate any details about what happened. A coach left. Some players left. A new club was formed comprised, at least partly, of that coach and those players. I'm not interested in the details or any inter or intra club drama. Coaches and players leave clubs all the time. If there was friction between a club director and a coach, it wouldn't be the first time. I'm happy that those kids and coach were able to find a situation that works for them. And I'd be happy if you were able to do the same. I'm just looking for the best situation for my son, and so far so good at Achilles.

[Anonymous]

Where is their home fields? Where do they train? Thanks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a new Achilles family. My 10 yr old joined the club in July and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The training stresses individual skill and creativity and the style of play mirrors what the majority of posters on these boards seem to be clamoring for. Kids are encouraged to connect passes, keep possession, and show their skill when 1v1. The ball should stay "on the floor." There are no punts or goal kicks. The parents and coaching staff have been welcoming and encouraging. Does Sal have an ego? Definitely. But to say that he doesn't know how to coach or run a club is a bit ridiculous. The club is only four years old and has multiple nationally relevant teams and is one of only three clubs in the immediate DC area to be invited into MLS Next. The other two, Bethesda and Alexandria, have vastly superior resources and talent pools. I believe each fields at least 4 teams at my son's age group where Achilles has one. In his short time with the club, my son has been coached by each of the three coaches. I've seen at least part of every practice and every game. I have never seen a kid bullied or berated. I asked my son before posting to make sure that he hasn't either. He hasn't. Sal has high expectations of the kids. Practices are fairly intense, but nothing grueling or abusive, just good hard work and competition. My son loves the training, his teammates, and all of the coaches. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone whose son is serious about training and improving. Coaches and players are not leaving at the first chance they get. A popular coach did leave to start their own club and took some talented players. I'm finding this to be a fairly common occurrence as it also happened at our last club. It seems like a couple folks have an axe grind or had a bad experience. I'm sorry things didn't work out for them, but we've been happy and look forward to growing with the club.

This sounds like us at the beginning. Give it a year or two and you may feel differently. I hope not though. If your kid ends up being on a favored team you’ll be fine.

Is that the story Sal’s circulating about the coach who left? That’s not even close to what happened. You also might want to dig into how the nationally recognized team was formed.

Please share!

MLS players started playing part time for this club. MLS team got fed up and removed the age group. These players started playing full-time with Sal. This was two years ago and many players (non-MLS) in this age group have left.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're a new Achilles family. My 10 yr old joined the club in July and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The training stresses individual skill and creativity and the style of play mirrors what the majority of posters on these boards seem to be clamoring for. Kids are encouraged to connect passes, keep possession, and show their skill when 1v1. The ball should stay "on the floor." There are no punts or goal kicks. The parents and coaching staff have been welcoming and encouraging. Does Sal have an ego? Definitely. But to say that he doesn't know how to coach or run a club is a bit ridiculous. The club is only four years old and has multiple nationally relevant teams and is one of only three clubs in the immediate DC area to be invited into MLS Next. The other two, Bethesda and Alexandria, have vastly superior resources and talent pools. I believe each fields at least 4 teams at my son's age group where Achilles has one. In his short time with the club, my son has been coached by each of the three coaches. I've seen at least part of every practice and every game. I have never seen a kid bullied or berated. I asked my son before posting to make sure that he hasn't either. He hasn't. Sal has high expectations of the kids. Practices are fairly intense, but nothing grueling or abusive, just good hard work and competition. My son loves the training, his teammates, and all of the coaches. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone whose son is serious about training and improving. Coaches and players are not leaving at the first chance they get. A popular coach did leave to start their own club and took some talented players. I'm finding this to be a fairly common occurrence as it also happened at our last club. It seems like a couple folks have an axe grind or had a bad experience. I'm sorry things didn't work out for them, but we've been happy and look forward to growing with the club.

Um, that's because they aren't allowed at that age....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a new Achilles family. My 10 yr old joined the club in July and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The training stresses individual skill and creativity and the style of play mirrors what the majority of posters on these boards seem to be clamoring for. Kids are encouraged to connect passes, keep possession, and show their skill when 1v1. The ball should stay "on the floor." There are no punts or goal kicks. The parents and coaching staff have been welcoming and encouraging. Does Sal have an ego? Definitely. But to say that he doesn't know how to coach or run a club is a bit ridiculous. The club is only four years old and has multiple nationally relevant teams and is one of only three clubs in the immediate DC area to be invited into MLS Next. The other two, Bethesda and Alexandria, have vastly superior resources and talent pools. I believe each fields at least 4 teams at my son's age group where Achilles has one. In his short time with the club, my son has been coached by each of the three coaches. I've seen at least part of every practice and every game. I have never seen a kid bullied or berated. I asked my son before posting to make sure that he hasn't either. He hasn't. Sal has high expectations of the kids. Practices are fairly intense, but nothing grueling or abusive, just good hard work and competition. My son loves the training, his teammates, and all of the coaches. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone whose son is serious about training and improving. Coaches and players are not leaving at the first chance they get. A popular coach did leave to start their own club and took some talented players. I'm finding this to be a fairly common occurrence as it also happened at our last club. It seems like a couple folks have an axe grind or had a bad experience. I'm sorry things didn't work out for them, but we've been happy and look forward to growing with the club.

Um, that's because they aren't allowed at that age....

punting is absolutely allowed at u11 (9v9) and deep goal kicks are allowed at any age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a new Achilles family. My 10 yr old joined the club in July and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The training stresses individual skill and creativity and the style of play mirrors what the majority of posters on these boards seem to be clamoring for. Kids are encouraged to connect passes, keep possession, and show their skill when 1v1. The ball should stay "on the floor." There are no punts or goal kicks. The parents and coaching staff have been welcoming and encouraging. Does Sal have an ego? Definitely. But to say that he doesn't know how to coach or run a club is a bit ridiculous. The club is only four years old and has multiple nationally relevant teams and is one of only three clubs in the immediate DC area to be invited into MLS Next. The other two, Bethesda and Alexandria, have vastly superior resources and talent pools. I believe each fields at least 4 teams at my son's age group where Achilles has one. In his short time with the club, my son has been coached by each of the three coaches. I've seen at least part of every practice and every game. I have never seen a kid bullied or berated. I asked my son before posting to make sure that he hasn't either. He hasn't. Sal has high expectations of the kids. Practices are fairly intense, but nothing grueling or abusive, just good hard work and competition. My son loves the training, his teammates, and all of the coaches. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone whose son is serious about training and improving. Coaches and players are not leaving at the first chance they get. A popular coach did leave to start their own club and took some talented players. I'm finding this to be a fairly common occurrence as it also happened at our last club. It seems like a couple folks have an axe grind or had a bad experience. I'm sorry things didn't work out for them, but we've been happy and look forward to growing with the club.

This sounds like us at the beginning. Give it a year or two and you may feel differently. I hope not though. If your kid ends up being on a favored team you’ll be fine.

Is that the story Sal’s circulating about the coach who left? That’s not even close to what happened. You also might want to dig into how the nationally recognized team was formed.

Please share!

MLS players started playing part time for this club. MLS team got fed up and removed the age group. These players started playing full-time with Sal. This was two years ago and many players (non-MLS) in this age group have left.

Got it, makes sense now on how they got the MLS slots. What's with these parents having their kids play for 2-3 clubs at once. I get it that they are trying to get their kid exposure but burn out is a real thing no matter how good you are or how much you love the game. At some point the kid gets fed up. At older ages, the lack of recovery is only going to hurt their body and ability to develop as a player.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're a new Achilles family. My 10 yr old joined the club in July and our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. The training stresses individual skill and creativity and the style of play mirrors what the majority of posters on these boards seem to be clamoring for. Kids are encouraged to connect passes, keep possession, and show their skill when 1v1. The ball should stay "on the floor." There are no punts or goal kicks. The parents and coaching staff have been welcoming and encouraging. Does Sal have an ego? Definitely. But to say that he doesn't know how to coach or run a club is a bit ridiculous. The club is only four years old and has multiple nationally relevant teams and is one of only three clubs in the immediate DC area to be invited into MLS Next. The other two, Bethesda and Alexandria, have vastly superior resources and talent pools. I believe each fields at least 4 teams at my son's age group where Achilles has one. In his short time with the club, my son has been coached by each of the three coaches. I've seen at least part of every practice and every game. I have never seen a kid bullied or berated. I asked my son before posting to make sure that he hasn't either. He hasn't. Sal has high expectations of the kids. Practices are fairly intense, but nothing grueling or abusive, just good hard work and competition. My son loves the training, his teammates, and all of the coaches. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone whose son is serious about training and improving. Coaches and players are not leaving at the first chance they get. A popular coach did leave to start their own club and took some talented players. I'm finding this to be a fairly common occurrence as it also happened at our last club. It seems like a couple folks have an axe grind or had a bad experience. I'm sorry things didn't work out for them, but we've been happy and look forward to growing with the club.

Um, that's because they aren't allowed at that age....

He/she means they play out of the back, and in our games against them, they have. Not everybody does.

[Anonymous]

Coach with an ego?! Shocking!!