Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss

[Anonymous]

Counties have a formula to allocate field space based on the number of athletes in a club. So, yes, the larger clubs are allocated more space. Also, some larger clubs have made significant monetary contributions to build and maintain certain fields, so they get preference on those fields. Or they have relationships with schools that allow them access to those fields.

If a club has already made fields available for ODSL games, then they should be able to make those same fields available for NCSL games. There isn't a requirement that fields be turf vs grass.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:So what are the pros and cons of NCSL and ODSL merging? It's easy to say...yeah, they should merge so the more competitive teams in ODSL can move up, but what is stopping this? Usually it's $$$? But how? Is NCSL more expensive to enter and therefore, clubs/teams are happy with ODSL?

The big con is independent teams would not have a league to play in if NCLS doesn't loosen its league requirements.

What are the requirements?

I believe that a club needs to field a minimum number of teams. Small independent teams can't do that.

I thought they had to provide field space as well??

The monopoly of big clubs on all local fields is a problem and the main reason there aren't more small/independents.

There are some stellar small clubs we have played in NCSL. In fact, a lot of the lower divisions in the U9-U13 are more competitive since the independents have to start from the bottom.

That is a very legit comment regarding the issue with field space for the smaller clubs and how the big clubs take all the field space in their community. One of my kids is on one of these smaller clubs and we are driving all over the county for practices. I guess that's the price one pays when leaving a big club like VYS or McLean.

I think the defense of that would be something like...VYS and Mclean have 2000-3000 playing families that use that field as opposed to the X number of paying families in small club. Who should the county give the permit to?

Well the small club is still paying and their members are also tax paying residents of the county so it's the county's responsibility to ensure that all of its residents have access to the available field space. Of course the bigger club will get most spaces available but the small ones are still entitled to some. I'm sure the management process is a nightmare and that they do their best. Big clubs just shouldn't hog the space especially when they are not using it.

Yep. Give it the wigit producers. We also left a very big CCL club because the training and development was sub-par. It just got too damn big. We saw the performance of players coming out of these teeny tiny boutique/independent clubs and they were light years ahead. These are many of the kids that make the elite Academy teams in later years. Of course, a lot of the CCL staff is on the committees and there is always the undeserved push to pick their players. This monopoly and politics being a huge part of the problem we absolutely suck balls on the World stage.

I see the heart and soul and dedication of these trainers that live and breathe soccer and are forced to take jobs with these big impersonal clubs that don't let them train the way that is in the best interest of their players. It's sad. But---they have to make the $ and that means often having to work for a Club they don't agree with.

[Anonymous]

Bull Run Park is where VISTA plays their games, it isn't where the teams practice. There are ways for a trainer/parent to come in with a license and start a private team within a big club that would give it access to its fields and space. If you decide to start your own soccer club in NoVA area and are attempting to compete for the same players then you're asking for headaches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So what are the pros and cons of NCSL and ODSL merging? It's easy to say...yeah, they should merge so the more competitive teams in ODSL can move up, but what is stopping this? Usually it's $$$? But how? Is NCSL more expensive to enter and therefore, clubs/teams are happy with ODSL?

The big con is independent teams would not have a league to play in if NCLS doesn't loosen its league requirements.

What are the requirements?

I believe that a club needs to field a minimum number of teams. Small independent teams can't do that.

I thought they had to provide field space as well??

The monopoly of big clubs on all local fields is a problem and the main reason there aren't more small/independents.

There are some stellar small clubs we have played in NCSL. In fact, a lot of the lower divisions in the U9-U13 are more competitive since the independents have to start from the bottom.

That is a very legit comment regarding the issue with field space for the smaller clubs and how the big clubs take all the field space in their community. One of my kids is on one of these smaller clubs and we are driving all over the county for practices. I guess that's the price one pays when leaving a big club like VYS or McLean.

I think the defense of that would be something like...VYS and Mclean have 2000-3000 playing families that use that field as opposed to the X number of paying families in small club. Who should the county give the permit to?

Well the small club is still paying and their members are also tax paying residents of the county so it's the county's responsibility to ensure that all of its residents have access to the available field space. Of course the bigger club will get most spaces available but the small ones are still entitled to some. I'm sure the management process is a nightmare and that they do their best. Big clubs just shouldn't hog the space especially when they are not using it.

Yep. Give it the wigit producers. We also left a very big CCL club because the training and development was sub-par. It just got too damn big. We saw the performance of players coming out of these teeny tiny boutique/independent clubs and they were light years ahead. These are many of the kids that make the elite Academy teams in later years. Of course, a lot of the CCL staff is on the committees and there is always the undeserved push to pick their players. This monopoly and politics being a huge part of the problem we absolutely suck balls on the World stage.

I see the heart and soul and dedication of these trainers that live and breathe soccer and are forced to take jobs with these big impersonal clubs that don't let them train the way that is in the best interest of their players. It's sad. But---they have to make the $ and that means often having to work for a Club they don't agree with.

People should wise up and not necessarily assume that because you're paying the big $$$ that you are getting the best service. Do your research and try to find a coach/team that is really interested in developing players. You may have nicer fields but the development of your player is going to lack where the attention is given to the 1st and 2nd team only. I've seen some of these small clubs/independent teams produce some good individual talent as well as develop a team playing style that puts some of these high cost clubs to shame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So what are the pros and cons of NCSL and ODSL merging? It's easy to say...yeah, they should merge so the more competitive teams in ODSL can move up, but what is stopping this? Usually it's $$$? But how? Is NCSL more expensive to enter and therefore, clubs/teams are happy with ODSL?

The big con is independent teams would not have a league to play in if NCLS doesn't loosen its league requirements.

What are the requirements?

I believe that a club needs to field a minimum number of teams. Small independent teams can't do that.

I thought they had to provide field space as well??

The monopoly of big clubs on all local fields is a problem and the main reason there aren't more small/independents.

There are some stellar small clubs we have played in NCSL. In fact, a lot of the lower divisions in the U9-U13 are more competitive since the independents have to start from the bottom.

Well if they already play in ODSL then they already produce field space so what would be the issue here? Is NCSL only looking for turf fields? Are there no NCSL clubs that play on grass fields (not bermuda) that have the occasional dry dirt spots?

I don't know the details, but NCSL field requirements are indeed more stringent. I went through last year's minutes and saw they rejected IFC on those grounds. (Pardon the pun.)

[Anonymous]

People should wise up and not necessarily assume that because you're paying the big $$$ that you are getting the best service. Do your research and try to find a coach/team that is really interested in developing players. You may have nicer fields but the development of your player is going to lack where the attention is given to the 1st and 2nd team only. I've seen some of these small clubs/independent teams produce some good individual talent as well as develop a team playing style that puts some of these high cost clubs to shame.

I just moved here. I live in Oakton. My son is a 2006 and is currently playing but I want to move him elsewhere next year. How do I start my research to find a coach/team that is really interested in developing players?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People should wise up and not necessarily assume that because you're paying the big $$$ that you are getting the best service. Do your research and try to find a coach/team that is really interested in developing players. You may have nicer fields but the development of your player is going to lack where the attention is given to the 1st and 2nd team only. I've seen some of these small clubs/independent teams produce some good individual talent as well as develop a team playing style that puts some of these high cost clubs to shame.

I just moved here. I live in Oakton. My son is a 2006 and is currently playing but I want to move him elsewhere next year. How do I start my research to find a coach/team that is really interested in developing players?

It starts a little with watching other teams play and note the teams who seem to play the right way, or the way that you wish your kid played.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People should wise up and not necessarily assume that because you're paying the big $$$ that you are getting the best service. Do your research and try to find a coach/team that is really interested in developing players. You may have nicer fields but the development of your player is going to lack where the attention is given to the 1st and 2nd team only. I've seen some of these small clubs/independent teams produce some good individual talent as well as develop a team playing style that puts some of these high cost clubs to shame.

I just moved here. I live in Oakton. My son is a 2006 and is currently playing but I want to move him elsewhere next year. How do I start my research to find a coach/team that is really interested in developing players?

My team is looking for 2006 boys and we practice right in Oakton's back yard. Come see our 2006 team and coach at Oak Marr 5-7 on Mondays or Kutner Park Thursday evenings. Heck -- come tonight to Draper! Our coach is excellent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People should wise up and not necessarily assume that because you're paying the big $$$ that you are getting the best service. Do your research and try to find a coach/team that is really interested in developing players. You may have nicer fields but the development of your player is going to lack where the attention is given to the 1st and 2nd team only. I've seen some of these small clubs/independent teams produce some good individual talent as well as develop a team playing style that puts some of these high cost clubs to shame.

I just moved here. I live in Oakton. My son is a 2006 and is currently playing but I want to move him elsewhere next year. How do I start my research to find a coach/team that is really interested in developing players?

Welcome to the black hole of soccer. Vienna is reeling, trying to pick up pieces after a coup tried to change their "family friendly, but kick and run" vibe. McLean imploded after losing the USDA and has turned over the entire board and hired every single name they could find to try and stop the bleeding (lucky you, you can pay them all!, but they might get a glimpse of you kid accidentally between sips of coffee at MPS). FPYC laid down with JOGA, caught something, treated it, and are now trying to pick up the pieces without the recruiting. The Chantilly clubs are a joke. Arlington is probably too far, PWSI and Loudoun are definitely too far. BRYC hasn't been the same since QP went to PWSI.

Try to train a few sessions with the clubs that you are logistically close to (depends where you are in Oakton). See how the coach interacts with the players, how he teaches, how they respond. Are they working on technique or just drilling on tactics? Observe a match. Is he joy sticking the players, or trying to help them afterward? Do the players take people on, can they keep the ball under pressure, or do they just lump it away? Are players pigeonholed in positions? Are the parents jumping up and down and screaming at the kids to tackle/pass/shoot?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People should wise up and not necessarily assume that because you're paying the big $$$ that you are getting the best service. Do your research and try to find a coach/team that is really interested in developing players. You may have nicer fields but the development of your player is going to lack where the attention is given to the 1st and 2nd team only. I've seen some of these small clubs/independent teams produce some good individual talent as well as develop a team playing style that puts some of these high cost clubs to shame.

I just moved here. I live in Oakton. My son is a 2006 and is currently playing but I want to move him elsewhere next year. How do I start my research to find a coach/team that is really interested in developing players?

Welcome to the black hole of soccer. Vienna is reeling, trying to pick up pieces after a coup tried to change their "family friendly, but kick and run" vibe. McLean imploded after losing the USDA and has turned over the entire board and hired every single name they could find to try and stop the bleeding (lucky you, you can pay them all!, but they might get a glimpse of you kid accidentally between sips of coffee at MPS). FPYC laid down with JOGA, caught something, treated it, and are now trying to pick up the pieces without the recruiting. The Chantilly clubs are a joke. Arlington is probably too far, PWSI and Loudoun are definitely too far. BRYC hasn't been the same since QP went to PWSI.

Try to train a few sessions with the clubs that you are logistically close to (depends where you are in Oakton). See how the coach interacts with the players, how he teaches, how they respond. Are they working on technique or just drilling on tactics? Observe a match. Is he joy sticking the players, or trying to help them afterward? Do the players take people on, can they keep the ball under pressure, or do they just lump it away? Are players pigeonholed in positions? Are the parents jumping up and down and screaming at the kids to tackle/pass/shoot?

PP--you cast stones at multiple Clubs, but fail to mention any on Arlington, PWSI and Loudoun? Highly suspicious and the silence speaks volumes of your associations. Btw, I got plenty ....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:People should wise up and not necessarily assume that because you're paying the big $$$ that you are getting the best service. Do your research and try to find a coach/team that is really interested in developing players. You may have nicer fields but the development of your player is going to lack where the attention is given to the 1st and 2nd team only. I've seen some of these small clubs/independent teams produce some good individual talent as well as develop a team playing style that puts some of these high cost clubs to shame.

I just moved here. I live in Oakton. My son is a 2006 and is currently playing but I want to move him elsewhere next year. How do I start my research to find a coach/team that is really interested in developing players?

Welcome to the black hole of soccer. Vienna is reeling, trying to pick up pieces after a coup tried to change their "family friendly, but kick and run" vibe. McLean imploded after losing the USDA and has turned over the entire board and hired every single name they could find to try and stop the bleeding (lucky you, you can pay them all!, but they might get a glimpse of you kid accidentally between sips of coffee at MPS). FPYC laid down with JOGA, caught something, treated it, and are now trying to pick up the pieces without the recruiting. The Chantilly clubs are a joke. Arlington is probably too far, PWSI and Loudoun are definitely too far. BRYC hasn't been the same since QP went to PWSI.

Try to train a few sessions with the clubs that you are logistically close to (depends where you are in Oakton). See how the coach interacts with the players, how he teaches, how they respond. Are they working on technique or just drilling on tactics? Observe a match. Is he joy sticking the players, or trying to help them afterward? Do the players take people on, can they keep the ball under pressure, or do they just lump it away? Are players pigeonholed in positions? Are the parents jumping up and down and screaming at the kids to tackle/pass/shoot?

PP--you cast stones at multiple Clubs, but fail to mention any on Arlington, PWSI and Loudoun? Highly suspicious and the silence speaks volumes of your associations. Btw, I got plenty ....

Congrats on your plenty of associations. No stones. Can you say any of it is untrue? Not much to say on the other three - they are too far to discuss, and they are more stable than the clubs closer to OP with more steady staff, no huge disruptions, and larger player pools. I do know many at those three, but not as many as I know at the others. And I have been a paid coach at a few of the closer ones for a long time. It's (mostly) anonymous, no ha in telling the truth, even about those that pay you.

[Anonymous]

Oh, THAT'S what happened at Vienna? It wasn't that they couldn't salvage an awkward business relationship with an otherwise excellent technical director, made an awful hire, then cut him loose?

Can't argue with you on FPYC and McLean. I wouldn't call CYA a joke, though. CSC is a small club in severe danger of getting TOO small.

Arlington, PWSL and Loudoun are massive, which has advantages and disadvantages. You don't get that big without having some good coaches and some bad ones.

[Anonymous]

SYA to the Oakton parent

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SYA to the Oakton parent

Now that is crazy. If they want to spend an hour plus on the road to training, they certainly wouldn't do it to SYA. Bethesda may be worth the drive, but SYA? It's barely worth the drive from centreville.

If you are on the western side of Oakton, you might check out Herndon. Their coaches in the younger ages have been pretty good in the past few years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SYA to the Oakton parent

Now that is crazy. If they want to spend an hour plus on the road to training, they certainly wouldn't do it to SYA. Bethesda may be worth the drive, but SYA? It's barely worth the drive from centreville.

If you are on the western side of Oakton, you might check out Herndon. Their coaches in the younger ages have been pretty good in the past few years.

Don't you need to speak Spanish to play at Herndon? I've heard the coaches give a lot of instructions in Spanish.