U13 - Arlington or Alexandria?

[Anonymous]

At U13 and above on the boys side, what is Arlington's style of play or does it differ based on coach? How about on the girls side?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At U13 and above on the boys side, what is Arlington's style of play or does it differ based on coach? How about on the girls side?

There is a single philosophy, but the interpretation does vary a bit from coach to coach. There is an emphasis on possession - not giving the ball away, and every player has to be comfortable on the ball and able to make quick decisions and pass accurately, but "good" risk-taking is encouraged especially in the final third. Very quick transitions, high fast press, and creative off the ball movement is emphasized too. In possession you will most commonly see quick ball movement between the back 5 until something opens up and then a midfielder driving at the center of defense with supporting players making runs to pull defenders out of position and open up space out wide. But the kids are also taught to recognize what the other team is doing and you will see long balls if the opponents are playing with a high line or packing the midfield.

If you have a chance to get the TD, he is really really good. I don't know which teams he will be coaching next year (keeping my fingers crossed ) - but his two teams this year (2005 and 2006) are currently ranked #1 and #12 nationally per YSR. My guess is he will coach different teams next year.

I don't know anything about the girls' side.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At U13 and above on the boys side, what is Arlington's style of play or does it differ based on coach? How about on the girls side?

There is a single philosophy, but the interpretation does vary a bit from coach to coach. There is an emphasis on possession - not giving the ball away, and every player has to be comfortable on the ball and able to make quick decisions and pass accurately, but "good" risk-taking is encouraged especially in the final third. Very quick transitions, high fast press, and creative off the ball movement is emphasized too. In possession you will most commonly see quick ball movement between the back 5 until something opens up and then a midfielder driving at the center of defense with supporting players making runs to pull defenders out of position and open up space out wide. But the kids are also taught to recognize what the other team is doing and you will see long balls if the opponents are playing with a high line or packing the midfield.

If you have a chance to get the TD, he is really really good. I don't know which teams he will be coaching next year (keeping my fingers crossed ) - but his two teams this year (2005 and 2006) are currently ranked #1 and #12 nationally per YSR. My guess is he will coach different teams next year.

I don't know anything about the girls' side.

I had asked because I often hear that it’s long ball and that it heavily favors athleticism and not much possession. Thanks for the feedback.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At U13 and above on the boys side, what is Arlington's style of play or does it differ based on coach? How about on the girls side?

There is a single philosophy, but the interpretation does vary a bit from coach to coach. There is an emphasis on possession - not giving the ball away, and every player has to be comfortable on the ball and able to make quick decisions and pass accurately, but "good" risk-taking is encouraged especially in the final third. Very quick transitions, high fast press, and creative off the ball movement is emphasized too. In possession you will most commonly see quick ball movement between the back 5 until something opens up and then a midfielder driving at the center of defense with supporting players making runs to pull defenders out of position and open up space out wide. But the kids are also taught to recognize what the other team is doing and you will see long balls if the opponents are playing with a high line or packing the midfield.

If you have a chance to get the TD, he is really really good. I don't know which teams he will be coaching next year (keeping my fingers crossed ) - but his two teams this year (2005 and 2006) are currently ranked #1 and #12 nationally per YSR. My guess is he will coach different teams next year.

I don't know anything about the girls' side.

I had asked because I often hear that it’s long ball and that it heavily favors athleticism and not much possession. Thanks for the feedback.

I think that is mostly sour grapes . But maybe it was true a few years ago (I wouldn't know) - it most certainly is not true now. It is also the case that I am talking specifically about the U13 and above Academy teams - they have a separate coaching team with its own TD. From what I have seen the red (second) teams operate according to a similar philosophy - but below that it may be hard to make this work as playing this way obviously relies on the players being sufficiently technical. I'm also not sure about the younger age groups

[Anonymous]

OP here. Not hiding anything. He's a U12 now, U13 next year. Sounds like maybe Arlington might be a slightly better fit, but he is leaning towards Alexandria, if he is able to get equivalent offers, since he has a higher liklihood of knowing at least a few players there. That's fine, and not unreasonable. Thanks for the advice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At U13 and above on the boys side, what is Arlington's style of play or does it differ based on coach? How about on the girls side?

There is a single philosophy, but the interpretation does vary a bit from coach to coach. There is an emphasis on possession - not giving the ball away, and every player has to be comfortable on the ball and able to make quick decisions and pass accurately, but "good" risk-taking is encouraged especially in the final third. Very quick transitions, high fast press, and creative off the ball movement is emphasized too. In possession you will most commonly see quick ball movement between the back 5 until something opens up and then a midfielder driving at the center of defense with supporting players making runs to pull defenders out of position and open up space out wide. But the kids are also taught to recognize what the other team is doing and you will see long balls if the opponents are playing with a high line or packing the midfield.

If you have a chance to get the TD, he is really really good. I don't know which teams he will be coaching next year (keeping my fingers crossed ) - but his two teams this year (2005 and 2006) are currently ranked #1 and #12 nationally per YSR. My guess is he will coach different teams next year.

I don't know anything about the girls' side.

I had asked because I often hear that it’s long ball and that it heavily favors athleticism and not much possession. Thanks for the feedback.

Rather than listening to advice from random posters, you should go to one of the games and see how the teams play. If you don't have time to drive, I will make it easy for you. Here's Arlington ECNL U13 v. Loudoun ECNL U13 game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXw-7cbGDVo

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At U13 and above on the boys side, what is Arlington's style of play or does it differ based on coach? How about on the girls side?

There is a single philosophy, but the interpretation does vary a bit from coach to coach. There is an emphasis on possession - not giving the ball away, and every player has to be comfortable on the ball and able to make quick decisions and pass accurately, but "good" risk-taking is encouraged especially in the final third. Very quick transitions, high fast press, and creative off the ball movement is emphasized too. In possession you will most commonly see quick ball movement between the back 5 until something opens up and then a midfielder driving at the center of defense with supporting players making runs to pull defenders out of position and open up space out wide. But the kids are also taught to recognize what the other team is doing and you will see long balls if the opponents are playing with a high line or packing the midfield.

If you have a chance to get the TD, he is really really good. I don't know which teams he will be coaching next year (keeping my fingers crossed ) - but his two teams this year (2005 and 2006) are currently ranked #1 and #12 nationally per YSR. My guess is he will coach different teams next year.

I don't know anything about the girls' side.

I had asked because I often hear that it’s long ball and that it heavily favors athleticism and not much possession. Thanks for the feedback.

Rather than listening to advice from random posters, you should go to one of the games and see how the teams play. If you don't have time to drive, I will make it easy for you. Here's Arlington ECNL U13 v. Loudoun ECNL U13 game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXw-7cbGDVo

Thank you. I was going to suggest this as well. You can see the same teams and kids evolving over the years. The previous posters who note that Arlington u12-up academy coaches are not just coaching kick and run or selecting big, strong and fast are 100% correct. At earlier ages at Arlington, less the case, and if the academy coaches can steer the younger age groups in a better direction, a greater portion of the older Arlington top teams will be developed at Arlington and not imported for other clubs.

[Anonymous]

Well, not any longer — be prepared for those discovery players coming in from the partnerships.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At U13 and above on the boys side, what is Arlington's style of play or does it differ based on coach? How about on the girls side?

There is a single philosophy, but the interpretation does vary a bit from coach to coach. There is an emphasis on possession - not giving the ball away, and every player has to be comfortable on the ball and able to make quick decisions and pass accurately, but "good" risk-taking is encouraged especially in the final third. Very quick transitions, high fast press, and creative off the ball movement is emphasized too. In possession you will most commonly see quick ball movement between the back 5 until something opens up and then a midfielder driving at the center of defense with supporting players making runs to pull defenders out of position and open up space out wide. But the kids are also taught to recognize what the other team is doing and you will see long balls if the opponents are playing with a high line or packing the midfield.

If you have a chance to get the TD, he is really really good. I don't know which teams he will be coaching next year (keeping my fingers crossed ) - but his two teams this year (2005 and 2006) are currently ranked #1 and #12 nationally per YSR. My guess is he will coach different teams next year.

I don't know anything about the girls' side.

I had asked because I often hear that it’s long ball and that it heavily favors athleticism and not much possession. Thanks for the feedback.

Rather than listening to advice from random posters, you should go to one of the games and see how the teams play. If you don't have time to drive, I will make it easy for you. Here's Arlington ECNL U13 v. Loudoun ECNL U13 game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXw-7cbGDVo

Watched about 20 minutes in total. Arlington definitely controlling the ball well and playing attractive soccer. Actually quite surprised they don't have a better record if they were playing like that all season.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At U13 and above on the boys side, what is Arlington's style of play or does it differ based on coach? How about on the girls side?

There is a single philosophy, but the interpretation does vary a bit from coach to coach. There is an emphasis on possession - not giving the ball away, and every player has to be comfortable on the ball and able to make quick decisions and pass accurately, but "good" risk-taking is encouraged especially in the final third. Very quick transitions, high fast press, and creative off the ball movement is emphasized too. In possession you will most commonly see quick ball movement between the back 5 until something opens up and then a midfielder driving at the center of defense with supporting players making runs to pull defenders out of position and open up space out wide. But the kids are also taught to recognize what the other team is doing and you will see long balls if the opponents are playing with a high line or packing the midfield.

If you have a chance to get the TD, he is really really good. I don't know which teams he will be coaching next year (keeping my fingers crossed ) - but his two teams this year (2005 and 2006) are currently ranked #1 and #12 nationally per YSR. My guess is he will coach different teams next year.

I don't know anything about the girls' side.

I had asked because I often hear that it’s long ball and that it heavily favors athleticism and not much possession. Thanks for the feedback.

There is one poster who posts that comment on every Arlington thread. But having two boys on Academy teams and watching more than my share of other teams play at Arlington, I really think that poster has some grudge or something. It doesn't match what I've seen or many other posters here have mentioned.

Arlington wants "artists not just athletes" and plays a possession style of soccer, perhaps a bit too much to be honest (I've seen a couple of teams that really could benefit from a pure, selfish goal scorer). They lose games that, had they just done the 'big / fast guys run like a maniac' approach they might have eeked out a win, but instead tried to work it up into a coordinated attack that eventually failed. I actually met a ref who raved about a game he saw the '08s or '09s play as being tactically years ahead of what he expected to see from kids that age, eventhough the team lost to another team who just had big fast players who scored a few quick goals.

In the end though, at this age, I would consider other things like a commute and school friends in finding the right club. Someone mentioned most of the Arlington and Alexandria parents are pretty cool with one another. In fact there are a few mixed Futsal teams in the winter that combine Arl + Alex players that I've seen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Not hiding anything. He's a U12 now, U13 next year. Sounds like maybe Arlington might be a slightly better fit, but he is leaning towards Alexandria, if he is able to get equivalent offers, since he has a higher liklihood of knowing at least a few players there. That's fine, and not unreasonable. Thanks for the advice.

So 2009 not 2008?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Not hiding anything. He's a U12 now, U13 next year. Sounds like maybe Arlington might be a slightly better fit, but he is leaning towards Alexandria, if he is able to get equivalent offers, since he has a higher liklihood of knowing at least a few players there. That's fine, and not unreasonable. Thanks for the advice.

So 2009 not 2008?

The same coaches for 2009 next year as 2008s this year. The poster correctly suggests that the 2008 style will give you insight into how they are trying to guide the 09s. My kid is at Alexandria. But our kids and families have respect for the Arlington kids and families, whom we have known for a long time and play with in the off season. We had kids from top teams cheering each other on in off season play a few summers ago. There is no axe to grind here and no bad choices. Marginally different styles. But really talented kids, good families and great coaches at each place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At U13 and above on the boys side, what is Arlington's style of play or does it differ based on coach? How about on the girls side?

There is a single philosophy, but the interpretation does vary a bit from coach to coach. There is an emphasis on possession - not giving the ball away, and every player has to be comfortable on the ball and able to make quick decisions and pass accurately, but "good" risk-taking is encouraged especially in the final third. Very quick transitions, high fast press, and creative off the ball movement is emphasized too. In possession you will most commonly see quick ball movement between the back 5 until something opens up and then a midfielder driving at the center of defense with supporting players making runs to pull defenders out of position and open up space out wide. But the kids are also taught to recognize what the other team is doing and you will see long balls if the opponents are playing with a high line or packing the midfield.

If you have a chance to get the TD, he is really really good. I don't know which teams he will be coaching next year (keeping my fingers crossed ) - but his two teams this year (2005 and 2006) are currently ranked #1 and #12 nationally per YSR. My guess is he will coach different teams next year.

I don't know anything about the girls' side.

I had asked because I often hear that it’s long ball and that it heavily favors athleticism and not much possession. Thanks for the feedback.

There is one poster who posts that comment on every Arlington thread. But having two boys on Academy teams and watching more than my share of other teams play at Arlington, I really think that poster has some grudge or something. It doesn't match what I've seen or many other posters here have mentioned.

Arlington wants "artists not just athletes" and plays a possession style of soccer, perhaps a bit too much to be honest (I've seen a couple of teams that really could benefit from a pure, selfish goal scorer). They lose games that, had they just done the 'big / fast guys run like a maniac' approach they might have eeked out a win,

Maybe. I'm the guy who watched some of the game linked above and liked the way they played. They created quite a few chances but - no - they didn't quite execute. Some of it is instinct - at this age the combination play upfront - awareness / timing of run and pass / runs to create space for others - is usually not very well developed and is seemingly the hardest part of soccer to learn. And there were one or two players who probably need to improve a little bit or get replaced - but they're close to being good. Yes a big, fast striker might result in more goals this season - but that's not going to work the same way in a couple more years. One of the older age groups looked, and performed, just like this some number of years ago. The following year, they were dominant.

In the end though, at this age, I would consider other things like a commute and school friends in finding the right club.

Think it depends on the scope of your ambition. Kids playing at Arlington improve as a result of the way they learn to play this way. That said, Alexandria offers good coaching and plays attractive soccer as well - so if that's your other choice then I think you're fine either way.

[Anonymous]

NP. I have a question. My son is an 08 at Alexandria, and we are considering perhaps making a change for the following reason. I feel like there is not enough focus on athleticism in terms of requiring that the kids take efforts to be in shape (this is not a crack on anyone's weight, I hate it when people on this site do that). I mean, regardless of weight, I think kids should work on endurance and strength. Is there any more focus on that at Arlington, or would we just be consideirng making a change for no real reason?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP. I have a question. My son is an 08 at Alexandria, and we are considering perhaps making a change for the following reason. I feel like there is not enough focus on athleticism in terms of requiring that the kids take efforts to be in shape (this is not a crack on anyone's weight, I hate it when people on this site do that). I mean, regardless of weight, I think kids should work on endurance and strength. Is there any more focus on that at Arlington, or would we just be considering making a change for no real reason?

At 08 kids are in the middle of puberty. You're going to see all sorts of fitness levels as kids go through this. Stamina levels differ between those who have been through puberty and those who haven't. If it is your experience just this year then maybe you should stick it out for another year if that is the only concern.