Stop the FCV (DA) and McLean (ECNL) hate

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some of these anti-FCV folks are mental. I get that recent acquisition will change things but you can't ignore the track record, including the performance of its DA teams to date.

Exactly. You would think that since these people can do confidently read the future, they would be much too successful to be wasting their time on these forums.

Unfortunately for them, the opposite is likely true - they are bitter envious and in denial.

When tryout numbers for FCV ECNL were in the 70's at rising U13 3-5 years ago and they drop to TEN outside players for the current rising U13's that is not a prediction. That is an outcome.

It isn't sour grapes to say that the landscape moving forward is diluted with 7 elite soccer showcase options in NoVA. There is simply less of a need to seek out an environment where your player can play in a college showcase environment.

Let me put it this way. There are no longer ANY destination clubs in NoVA. Every club now has a pathway and no club is special anymore, not FCV, not McLean, not BRYC.

if you ignore the quality of the training and interest in HS soccer. If you are into HS soccer, McLean just has the best track record and the proven coaches. If you are an elite player at u14 or u15, you can either role the dice with VDA or Loudoun or go with a proven group at McLean (BRYC does not have the numbers). If you don't care about HS, FCV is the proven leader. Time will tell but my money is on FCV and Mclean.

Agree. This was discussed at length in another thread. Some folks just hate the guy/gal at the top. Make judgement based on rumors or misinformation. Of course, there are those that THINK FCV or McLean treated them poorly because their kid got cut or coach didn't pay enough attention...

Move along to another club if you don't like the coach or if the parent wants to interfere...

Until some other club in the local area steps up and knocks down the champs, it's all just talk!

It is and always will be about the players. FCV and McLean have always had their pick of the best 40 players in NoVA per age group. That is no longer the case, they now have to compete for the top players more than ever before. MANY top players are just not bothering to leave their club now that their club has a pathway.

5 years ago both clubs had the top 40 players. Going forward they are lucky if they will get 20 of the top 40 players in NoVA per age group.

I agree with most of this, except even in years past those two clubs did not have the top 40 players. For example, the best 03 player in the area is S Montgomery from BRYC and she is a YNT player. Neither FCV or McLean have any 03s at her level.

She’s never been called into a national camp. Great player but never been called a ynt camp.

Ok. Regardless. Probably top 5 midfielders at U16 level in the US and ECNL U15 player of the year. Maybe she gets the call this summer. The point is she is not at FCV or McLean. Nor are many top players. This area has produced current YNT players that did not go through either club.

Okay. True. NOVA is full of players of that caliber and many are outside McLean and fcv.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Again, it depends on player preference for playing HS. I have heard of girls who bailed on FCV DA to play ECNL and picked McLean over Loudoun even thought Loudoun is closer.

There are Bethesda player that left to join McLean ECNL.

Players go to where the top training is and the belief is that McLean and FCV have to best training for the elite players. I am generalizing but the fact bare out. MU is still building its club and is not a serious option for most players. The same cabn be said of Loudoun and Arlington. McLean and FCV represnt the best options for elite players. Period. That might change tomorrow.

It is already changing and it is happening at the rising ages. Players are simply not drawn to McLean and FCV in droves as they once were. Fact. This doesn't mean that FCV and McLean don't offer quality training still but they now have to offer more than just the golden tickets they each once had held above the other clubs heads.

Kids are staying put more and more and this is more of an important distinction on the girls side of soccer. The social aspect does weigh heavily with girls and if they can get similar exposure while still playing with friends they will be more inclined to do so and simply stay put where they are happy.

Parents are also more inclined to base their decisions on other factors such as club location when before you HAD to suck up a long practice commute. That is not true anymore.

Take a look at Arlington's DA rosters. Easily 60-70% of the kids are from Arlington and the rest are from the immediate surrounding areas. Look at FCV or McLeans roster and count how many Arlingotn kids are on it. When given a similar option the Arlington kids stayed at Arlington.

Look at Loudoun SC. Same thing. When given a similar option many of those kids stayed. The retention of the 07 groups speaks volumes to the decline of the destination club in the area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some of these anti-FCV folks are mental. I get that recent acquisition will change things but you can't ignore the track record, including the performance of its DA teams to date.

Exactly. You would think that since these people can do confidently read the future, they would be much too successful to be wasting their time on these forums.

Unfortunately for them, the opposite is likely true - they are bitter envious and in denial.

When tryout numbers for FCV ECNL were in the 70's at rising U13 3-5 years ago and they drop to TEN outside players for the current rising U13's that is not a prediction. That is an outcome.

It isn't sour grapes to say that the landscape moving forward is diluted with 7 elite soccer showcase options in NoVA. There is simply less of a need to seek out an environment where your player can play in a college showcase environment.

Let me put it this way. There are no longer ANY destination clubs in NoVA. Every club now has a pathway and no club is special anymore, not FCV, not McLean, not BRYC.

if you ignore the quality of the training and interest in HS soccer. If you are into HS soccer, McLean just has the best track record and the proven coaches. If you are an elite player at u14 or u15, you can either role the dice with VDA or Loudoun or go with a proven group at McLean (BRYC does not have the numbers). If you don't care about HS, FCV is the proven leader. Time will tell but my money is on FCV and Mclean.

Agree. This was discussed at length in another thread. Some folks just hate the guy/gal at the top. Make judgement based on rumors or misinformation. Of course, there are those that THINK FCV or McLean treated them poorly because their kid got cut or coach didn't pay enough attention...

Move along to another club if you don't like the coach or if the parent wants to interfere...

Until some other club in the local area steps up and knocks down the champs, it's all just talk!

It is and always will be about the players. FCV and McLean have always had their pick of the best 40 players in NoVA per age group. That is no longer the case, they now have to compete for the top players more than ever before. MANY top players are just not bothering to leave their club now that their club has a pathway.

5 years ago both clubs had the top 40 players. Going forward they are lucky if they will get 20 of the top 40 players in NoVA per age group.

You are a stubborn jacka$$ aren't you? It doesn't matter what the geography is for Loudoun. Get it? Will never be elite there because the top players know that it is NOT the place to develop as a player. Doesn't matter how far away the neighboring clubs are. Loudoun DOES NOT develop players. Get that through your thick skull.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some of these anti-FCV folks are mental. I get that recent acquisition will change things but you can't ignore the track record, including the performance of its DA teams to date.

Exactly. You would think that since these people can do confidently read the future, they would be much too successful to be wasting their time on these forums.

Unfortunately for them, the opposite is likely true - they are bitter envious and in denial.

When tryout numbers for FCV ECNL were in the 70's at rising U13 3-5 years ago and they drop to TEN outside players for the current rising U13's that is not a prediction. That is an outcome.

It isn't sour grapes to say that the landscape moving forward is diluted with 7 elite soccer showcase options in NoVA. There is simply less of a need to seek out an environment where your player can play in a college showcase environment.

Let me put it this way. There are no longer ANY destination clubs in NoVA. Every club now has a pathway and no club is special anymore, not FCV, not McLean, not BRYC.

if you ignore the quality of the training and interest in HS soccer. If you are into HS soccer, McLean just has the best track record and the proven coaches. If you are an elite player at u14 or u15, you can either role the dice with VDA or Loudoun or go with a proven group at McLean (BRYC does not have the numbers). If you don't care about HS, FCV is the proven leader. Time will tell but my money is on FCV and Mclean.

Agree. This was discussed at length in another thread. Some folks just hate the guy/gal at the top. Make judgement based on rumors or misinformation. Of course, there are those that THINK FCV or McLean treated them poorly because their kid got cut or coach didn't pay enough attention...

Move along to another club if you don't like the coach or if the parent wants to interfere...

Until some other club in the local area steps up and knocks down the champs, it's all just talk!

It is and always will be about the players. FCV and McLean have always had their pick of the best 40 players in NoVA per age group. That is no longer the case, they now have to compete for the top players more than ever before. MANY top players are just not bothering to leave their club now that their club has a pathway.

5 years ago both clubs had the top 40 players. Going forward they are lucky if they will get 20 of the top 40 players in NoVA per age group.

I agree with most of this, except even in years past those two clubs did not have the top 40 players. For example, the best 03 player in the area is S Montgomery from BRYC and she is a YNT player. Neither FCV or McLean have any 03s at her level.

LOL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some of these anti-FCV folks are mental. I get that recent acquisition will change things but you can't ignore the track record, including the performance of its DA teams to date.

Exactly. You would think that since these people can do confidently read the future, they would be much too successful to be wasting their time on these forums.

Unfortunately for them, the opposite is likely true - they are bitter envious and in denial.

When tryout numbers for FCV ECNL were in the 70's at rising U13 3-5 years ago and they drop to TEN outside players for the current rising U13's that is not a prediction. That is an outcome.

It isn't sour grapes to say that the landscape moving forward is diluted with 7 elite soccer showcase options in NoVA. There is simply less of a need to seek out an environment where your player can play in a college showcase environment.

Let me put it this way. There are no longer ANY destination clubs in NoVA. Every club now has a pathway and no club is special anymore, not FCV, not McLean, not BRYC.

if you ignore the quality of the training and interest in HS soccer. If you are into HS soccer, McLean just has the best track record and the proven coaches. If you are an elite player at u14 or u15, you can either role the dice with VDA or Loudoun or go with a proven group at McLean (BRYC does not have the numbers). If you don't care about HS, FCV is the proven leader. Time will tell but my money is on FCV and Mclean.

Agree. This was discussed at length in another thread. Some folks just hate the guy/gal at the top. Make judgement based on rumors or misinformation. Of course, there are those that THINK FCV or McLean treated them poorly because their kid got cut or coach didn't pay enough attention...

Move along to another club if you don't like the coach or if the parent wants to interfere...

Until some other club in the local area steps up and knocks down the champs, it's all just talk!

It is and always will be about the players. FCV and McLean have always had their pick of the best 40 players in NoVA per age group. That is no longer the case, they now have to compete for the top players more than ever before. MANY top players are just not bothering to leave their club now that their club has a pathway.

5 years ago both clubs had the top 40 players. Going forward they are lucky if they will get 20 of the top 40 players in NoVA per age group.

I agree with most of this, except even in years past those two clubs did not have the top 40 players. For example, the best 03 player in the area is S Montgomery from BRYC and she is a YNT player. Neither FCV or McLean have any 03s at her level.

Lol. Pretty cocky. Is she even top 5 on her own team? Come on dad, don’t embarrass your daughter on here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Again, it depends on player preference for playing HS. I have heard of girls who bailed on FCV DA to play ECNL and picked McLean over Loudoun even thought Loudoun is closer.

There are Bethesda player that left to join McLean ECNL.

Players go to where the top training is and the belief is that McLean and FCV have to best training for the elite players. I am generalizing but the fact bare out. MU is still building its club and is not a serious option for most players. The same cabn be said of Loudoun and Arlington. McLean and FCV represnt the best options for elite players. Period. That might change tomorrow.

It is already changing and it is happening at the rising ages. Players are simply not drawn to McLean and FCV in droves as they once were. Fact. This doesn't mean that FCV and McLean don't offer quality training still but they now have to offer more than just the golden tickets they each once had held above the other clubs heads.

Kids are staying put more and more and this is more of an important distinction on the girls side of soccer. The social aspect does weigh heavily with girls and if they can get similar exposure while still playing with friends they will be more inclined to do so and simply stay put where they are happy.

Parents are also more inclined to base their decisions on other factors such as club location when before you HAD to suck up a long practice commute. That is not true anymore.

Take a look at Arlington's DA rosters. Easily 60-70% of the kids are from Arlington and the rest are from the immediate surrounding areas. Look at FCV or McLeans roster and count how many Arlingotn kids are on it. When given a similar option the Arlington kids stayed at Arlington.

Look at Loudoun SC. Same thing. When given a similar option many of those kids stayed. The retention of the 07 groups speaks volumes to the decline of the destination club in the area.

On the boys side, Arlington DA players are mostly from outside Arlington. On some teams the percentage from Arlington is less than 30. I don’t think that means Arlington kids are going elsewhere. It simply reflects more top talent from outside Arlington and fewer close options for elite boy players.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Again, it depends on player preference for playing HS. I have heard of girls who bailed on FCV DA to play ECNL and picked McLean over Loudoun even thought Loudoun is closer.

There are Bethesda player that left to join McLean ECNL.

Players go to where the top training is and the belief is that McLean and FCV have to best training for the elite players. I am generalizing but the fact bare out. MU is still building its club and is not a serious option for most players. The same cabn be said of Loudoun and Arlington. McLean and FCV represnt the best options for elite players. Period. That might change tomorrow.

It is already changing and it is happening at the rising ages. Players are simply not drawn to McLean and FCV in droves as they once were. Fact. This doesn't mean that FCV and McLean don't offer quality training still but they now have to offer more than just the golden tickets they each once had held above the other clubs heads.

Kids are staying put more and more and this is more of an important distinction on the girls side of soccer. The social aspect does weigh heavily with girls and if they can get similar exposure while still playing with friends they will be more inclined to do so and simply stay put where they are happy.

Parents are also more inclined to base their decisions on other factors such as club location when before you HAD to suck up a long practice commute. That is not true anymore.

Take a look at Arlington's DA rosters. Easily 60-70% of the kids are from Arlington and the rest are from the immediate surrounding areas. Look at FCV or McLeans roster and count how many Arlingotn kids are on it. When given a similar option the Arlington kids stayed at Arlington.

Look at Loudoun SC. Same thing. When given a similar option many of those kids stayed. The retention of the 07 groups speaks volumes to the decline of the destination club in the area.

On the boys side, Arlington DA players are mostly from outside Arlington. On some teams the percentage from Arlington is less than 30. I don’t think that means Arlington kids are going elsewhere. It simply reflects more top talent from outside Arlington and fewer close options for elite boy players.

I don’t think your percentages are right, most of the Arlington boys DA is from Arlington or neighboring areas.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some of these anti-FCV folks are mental. I get that recent acquisition will change things but you can't ignore the track record, including the performance of its DA teams to date.

Exactly. You would think that since these people can do confidently read the future, they would be much too successful to be wasting their time on these forums.

Unfortunately for them, the opposite is likely true - they are bitter envious and in denial.

When tryout numbers for FCV ECNL were in the 70's at rising U13 3-5 years ago and they drop to TEN outside players for the current rising U13's that is not a prediction. That is an outcome.

It isn't sour grapes to say that the landscape moving forward is diluted with 7 elite soccer showcase options in NoVA. There is simply less of a need to seek out an environment where your player can play in a college showcase environment.

Let me put it this way. There are no longer ANY destination clubs in NoVA. Every club now has a pathway and no club is special anymore, not FCV, not McLean, not BRYC.

if you ignore the quality of the training and interest in HS soccer. If you are into HS soccer, McLean just has the best track record and the proven coaches. If you are an elite player at u14 or u15, you can either role the dice with VDA or Loudoun or go with a proven group at McLean (BRYC does not have the numbers). If you don't care about HS, FCV is the proven leader. Time will tell but my money is on FCV and Mclean.

Agree. This was discussed at length in another thread. Some folks just hate the guy/gal at the top. Make judgement based on rumors or misinformation. Of course, there are those that THINK FCV or McLean treated them poorly because their kid got cut or coach didn't pay enough attention...

Move along to another club if you don't like the coach or if the parent wants to interfere...

Until some other club in the local area steps up and knocks down the champs, it's all just talk!

It is and always will be about the players. FCV and McLean have always had their pick of the best 40 players in NoVA per age group. That is no longer the case, they now have to compete for the top players more than ever before. MANY top players are just not bothering to leave their club now that their club has a pathway.

5 years ago both clubs had the top 40 players. Going forward they are lucky if they will get 20 of the top 40 players in NoVA per age group.

You are a stubborn jacka$$ aren't you? It doesn't matter what the geography is for Loudoun. Get it? Will never be elite there because the top players know that it is NOT the place to develop as a player. Doesn't matter how far away the neighboring clubs are. Loudoun DOES NOT develop players. Get that through your thick skull.

It is still a player pool of talented kids, no matter if you feel they are squandered at Loudoun or not, who are no longer coming to FCV. They as well as kids from VSA, PWSI, Arlington, BRYC, McLean all of whom are more likely than ever to stay put.

There is ZERO youth level interest in FCV due to Loudoun’s rec program size at the younger ages. You seem to think FCV can develop anyone when they have relied heavily on recruiting at later ages. Many of those kids are no longer on the table so FCV will need to rely on small, island of misfit toys rec program and U Little travel program that can barely field a team at the U9 U10 ages.

You are the one who is stubborn. You can’t maintain a club without PLAYERS. Where are FCV’s players going to come from when clubs are retaining their talent more than ever before?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Again, it depends on player preference for playing HS. I have heard of girls who bailed on FCV DA to play ECNL and picked McLean over Loudoun even thought Loudoun is closer.

There are Bethesda player that left to join McLean ECNL.

Players go to where the top training is and the belief is that McLean and FCV have to best training for the elite players. I am generalizing but the fact bare out. MU is still building its club and is not a serious option for most players. The same cabn be said of Loudoun and Arlington. McLean and FCV represnt the best options for elite players. Period. That might change tomorrow.

It is already changing and it is happening at the rising ages. Players are simply not drawn to McLean and FCV in droves as they once were. Fact. This doesn't mean that FCV and McLean don't offer quality training still but they now have to offer more than just the golden tickets they each once had held above the other clubs heads.

Kids are staying put more and more and this is more of an important distinction on the girls side of soccer. The social aspect does weigh heavily with girls and if they can get similar exposure while still playing with friends they will be more inclined to do so and simply stay put where they are happy.

Parents are also more inclined to base their decisions on other factors such as club location when before you HAD to suck up a long practice commute. That is not true anymore.

Take a look at Arlington's DA rosters. Easily 60-70% of the kids are from Arlington and the rest are from the immediate surrounding areas. Look at FCV or McLeans roster and count how many Arlingotn kids are on it. When given a similar option the Arlington kids stayed at Arlington.

Look at Loudoun SC. Same thing. When given a similar option many of those kids stayed. The retention of the 07 groups speaks volumes to the decline of the destination club in the area.

I looked at U14 girls DA for Arlington. Only 8 out of 20 players have Arlington addresses. This is less than half the team. None of the top three scorers live in Arlington. And players with Arlington addresses combined for a total of 3 goals for the entire season. This should tell you something about Arlington's ability and desire to develop home grown talent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Again, it depends on player preference for playing HS. I have heard of girls who bailed on FCV DA to play ECNL and picked McLean over Loudoun even thought Loudoun is closer.

There are Bethesda player that left to join McLean ECNL.

Players go to where the top training is and the belief is that McLean and FCV have to best training for the elite players. I am generalizing but the fact bare out. MU is still building its club and is not a serious option for most players. The same cabn be said of Loudoun and Arlington. McLean and FCV represnt the best options for elite players. Period. That might change tomorrow.

It is already changing and it is happening at the rising ages. Players are simply not drawn to McLean and FCV in droves as they once were. Fact. This doesn't mean that FCV and McLean don't offer quality training still but they now have to offer more than just the golden tickets they each once had held above the other clubs heads.

Kids are staying put more and more and this is more of an important distinction on the girls side of soccer. The social aspect does weigh heavily with girls and if they can get similar exposure while still playing with friends they will be more inclined to do so and simply stay put where they are happy.

Parents are also more inclined to base their decisions on other factors such as club location when before you HAD to suck up a long practice commute. That is not true anymore.

Take a look at Arlington's DA rosters. Easily 60-70% of the kids are from Arlington and the rest are from the immediate surrounding areas. Look at FCV or McLeans roster and count how many Arlingotn kids are on it. When given a similar option the Arlington kids stayed at Arlington.

Look at Loudoun SC. Same thing. When given a similar option many of those kids stayed. The retention of the 07 groups speaks volumes to the decline of the destination club in the area.

I looked at U14 girls DA for Arlington. Only 8 out of 20 players have Arlington addresses. This is less than half the team. None of the top three scorers live in Arlington. And players with Arlington addresses combined for a total of 3 goals for the entire season. This should tell you something about Arlington's ability and desire to develop home grown talent.

Lol, so only goal scorers count in development? On location I don’t think McLean, Alexandria, and Falls Church are really a big drive to Arlington. You’re right though there are a couple from further away.

Hard to draw conclusions on what is happening with clubs based on just one gender and age group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Again, it depends on player preference for playing HS. I have heard of girls who bailed on FCV DA to play ECNL and picked McLean over Loudoun even thought Loudoun is closer.

There are Bethesda player that left to join McLean ECNL.

Players go to where the top training is and the belief is that McLean and FCV have to best training for the elite players. I am generalizing but the fact bare out. MU is still building its club and is not a serious option for most players. The same cabn be said of Loudoun and Arlington. McLean and FCV represnt the best options for elite players. Period. That might change tomorrow.

It is already changing and it is happening at the rising ages. Players are simply not drawn to McLean and FCV in droves as they once were. Fact. This doesn't mean that FCV and McLean don't offer quality training still but they now have to offer more than just the golden tickets they each once had held above the other clubs heads.

Kids are staying put more and more and this is more of an important distinction on the girls side of soccer. The social aspect does weigh heavily with girls and if they can get similar exposure while still playing with friends they will be more inclined to do so and simply stay put where they are happy.

Parents are also more inclined to base their decisions on other factors such as club location when before you HAD to suck up a long practice commute. That is not true anymore.

Take a look at Arlington's DA rosters. Easily 60-70% of the kids are from Arlington and the rest are from the immediate surrounding areas. Look at FCV or McLeans roster and count how many Arlingotn kids are on it. When given a similar option the Arlington kids stayed at Arlington.

Look at Loudoun SC. Same thing. When given a similar option many of those kids stayed. The retention of the 07 groups speaks volumes to the decline of the destination club in the area.

I looked at U14 girls DA for Arlington. Only 8 out of 20 players have Arlington addresses. This is less than half the team. None of the top three scorers live in Arlington. And players with Arlington addresses combined for a total of 3 goals for the entire season. This should tell you something about Arlington's ability and desire to develop home grown talent.

Lol, so only goal scorers count in development? On location I don’t think McLean, Alexandria, and Falls Church are really a big drive to Arlington. You’re right though there are a couple from further away.

Hard to draw conclusions on what is happening with clubs based on just one gender and age group.

No, I did not say that only goalscorers count, but scoring three goals the entire season is pathetic. Some center backs scored more than that. As for the length of drive to Arlington, you have to take into account the traffic, which is really bad in Arlington so a commute that appears reasonable distance wise turns into a long trip because of the traffic gridlock.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Some of these anti-FCV folks are mental. I get that recent acquisition will change things but you can't ignore the track record, including the performance of its DA teams to date.

Exactly. You would think that since these people can do confidently read the future, they would be much too successful to be wasting their time on these forums.

Unfortunately for them, the opposite is likely true - they are bitter envious and in denial.

When tryout numbers for FCV ECNL were in the 70's at rising U13 3-5 years ago and they drop to TEN outside players for the current rising U13's that is not a prediction. That is an outcome.

It isn't sour grapes to say that the landscape moving forward is diluted with 7 elite soccer showcase options in NoVA. There is simply less of a need to seek out an environment where your player can play in a college showcase environment.

Let me put it this way. There are no longer ANY destination clubs in NoVA. Every club now has a pathway and no club is special anymore, not FCV, not McLean, not BRYC.

if you ignore the quality of the training and interest in HS soccer. If you are into HS soccer, McLean just has the best track record and the proven coaches. If you are an elite player at u14 or u15, you can either role the dice with VDA or Loudoun or go with a proven group at McLean (BRYC does not have the numbers). If you don't care about HS, FCV is the proven leader. Time will tell but my money is on FCV and Mclean.

Agree. This was discussed at length in another thread. Some folks just hate the guy/gal at the top. Make judgement based on rumors or misinformation. Of course, there are those that THINK FCV or McLean treated them poorly because their kid got cut or coach didn't pay enough attention...

Move along to another club if you don't like the coach or if the parent wants to interfere...

Until some other club in the local area steps up and knocks down the champs, it's all just talk!

It is and always will be about the players. FCV and McLean have always had their pick of the best 40 players in NoVA per age group. That is no longer the case, they now have to compete for the top players more than ever before. MANY top players are just not bothering to leave their club now that their club has a pathway.

5 years ago both clubs had the top 40 players. Going forward they are lucky if they will get 20 of the top 40 players in NoVA per age group.

You are a stubborn jacka$$ aren't you? It doesn't matter what the geography is for Loudoun. Get it? Will never be elite there because the top players know that it is NOT the place to develop as a player. Doesn't matter how far away the neighboring clubs are. Loudoun DOES NOT develop players. Get that through your thick skull.

It is still a player pool of talented kids, no matter if you feel they are squandered at Loudoun or not, who are no longer coming to FCV. They as well as kids from VSA, PWSI, Arlington, BRYC, McLean all of whom are more likely than ever to stay put.

There is ZERO youth level interest in FCV due to Loudoun’s rec program size at the younger ages. You seem to think FCV can develop anyone when they have relied heavily on recruiting at later ages. Many of those kids are no longer on the table so FCV will need to rely on small, island of misfit toys rec program and U Little travel program that can barely field a team at the U9 U10 ages.

You are the one who is stubborn. You can’t maintain a club without PLAYERS. Where are FCV’s players going to come from when clubs are retaining their talent more than ever before?

How about all the Loudoun Soccer families from your lower level teams leaving in groups, families leaving mid season, and going to smaller clubs or Barcelona? Truth is that people are not staying at Loudoun because coaching is terrible. You also have families from the Challenge program opting to forgo Loudoun travel for other clubs. So Congratulations on retaining your top talent at the young age groups! Please keep them there because the culture allows most of the red kids to become know it alls and it shows on the field. Stay at Loudoun until you’ve lost the edge you once had. Then just watch all those kids who left Loudoun become much better players by u12 and u13 which is already happening and it’s too bad the CCL score are unpublished. We can’t wait to see your Loudoun greatness in a couple of years. Continue to play the way you do and we’ll see who’s better on game day and who’s crying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:Some of these anti-FCV folks are mental. I get that recent acquisition will change things but you can't ignore the track record, including the performance of its DA teams to date.

Exactly. You would think that since these people can do confidently read the future, they would be much too successful to be wasting their time on these forums.

Unfortunately for them, the opposite is likely true - they are bitter envious and in denial.

When tryout numbers for FCV ECNL were in the 70's at rising U13 3-5 years ago and they drop to TEN outside players for the current rising U13's that is not a prediction. That is an outcome.

It isn't sour grapes to say that the landscape moving forward is diluted with 7 elite soccer showcase options in NoVA. There is simply less of a need to seek out an environment where your player can play in a college showcase environment.

Let me put it this way. There are no longer ANY destination clubs in NoVA. Every club now has a pathway and no club is special anymore, not FCV, not McLean, not BRYC.

if you ignore the quality of the training and interest in HS soccer. If you are into HS soccer, McLean just has the best track record and the proven coaches. If you are an elite player at u14 or u15, you can either role the dice with VDA or Loudoun or go with a proven group at McLean (BRYC does not have the numbers). If you don't care about HS, FCV is the proven leader. Time will tell but my money is on FCV and Mclean.

Agree. This was discussed at length in another thread. Some folks just hate the guy/gal at the top. Make judgement based on rumors or misinformation. Of course, there are those that THINK FCV or McLean treated them poorly because their kid got cut or coach didn't pay enough attention...

Move along to another club if you don't like the coach or if the parent wants to interfere...

Until some other club in the local area steps up and knocks down the champs, it's all just talk!

It is and always will be about the players. FCV and McLean have always had their pick of the best 40 players in NoVA per age group. That is no longer the case, they now have to compete for the top players more than ever before. MANY top players are just not bothering to leave their club now that their club has a pathway.

5 years ago both clubs had the top 40 players. Going forward they are lucky if they will get 20 of the top 40 players in NoVA per age group.

You are a stubborn jacka$$ aren't you? It doesn't matter what the geography is for Loudoun. Get it? Will never be elite there because the top players know that it is NOT the place to develop as a player. Doesn't matter how far away the neighboring clubs are. Loudoun DOES NOT develop players. Get that through your thick skull.

It is still a player pool of talented kids, no matter if you feel they are squandered at Loudoun or not, who are no longer coming to FCV. They as well as kids from VSA, PWSI, Arlington, BRYC, McLean all of whom are more likely than ever to stay put.

There is ZERO youth level interest in FCV due to Loudoun’s rec program size at the younger ages. You seem to think FCV can develop anyone when they have relied heavily on recruiting at later ages. Many of those kids are no longer on the table so FCV will need to rely on small, island of misfit toys rec program and U Little travel program that can barely field a team at the U9 U10 ages.

You are the one who is stubborn. You can’t maintain a club without PLAYERS. Where are FCV’s players going to come from when clubs are retaining their talent more than ever before?

How about all the Loudoun Soccer families from your lower level teams leaving in groups, families leaving mid season, and going to smaller clubs or Barcelona? Truth is that people are not staying at Loudoun because coaching is terrible. You also have families from the Challenge program opting to forgo Loudoun travel for other clubs. So Congratulations on retaining your top talent at the young age groups! Please keep them there because the culture allows most of the red kids to become know it alls and it shows on the field. Stay at Loudoun until you’ve lost the edge you once had. Then just watch all those kids who left Loudoun become much better players by u12 and u13 which is already happening and it’s too bad the CCL score are unpublished. We can’t wait to see your Loudoun greatness in a couple of years. Continue to play the way you do and we’ll see who’s better on game day and who’s crying.

PS

Oh and please stop the FCV hate.


LOL

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Again, it depends on player preference for playing HS. I have heard of girls who bailed on FCV DA to play ECNL and picked McLean over Loudoun even thought Loudoun is closer.

There are Bethesda player that left to join McLean ECNL.

Players go to where the top training is and the belief is that McLean and FCV have to best training for the elite players. I am generalizing but the fact bare out. MU is still building its club and is not a serious option for most players. The same cabn be said of Loudoun and Arlington. McLean and FCV represnt the best options for elite players. Period. That might change tomorrow.

It is already changing and it is happening at the rising ages. Players are simply not drawn to McLean and FCV in droves as they once were. Fact. This doesn't mean that FCV and McLean don't offer quality training still but they now have to offer more than just the golden tickets they each once had held above the other clubs heads.

Kids are staying put more and more and this is more of an important distinction on the girls side of soccer. The social aspect does weigh heavily with girls and if they can get similar exposure while still playing with friends they will be more inclined to do so and simply stay put where they are happy.

Parents are also more inclined to base their decisions on other factors such as club location when before you HAD to suck up a long practice commute. That is not true anymore.

Take a look at Arlington's DA rosters. Easily 60-70% of the kids are from Arlington and the rest are from the immediate surrounding areas. Look at FCV or McLeans roster and count how many Arlingotn kids are on it. When given a similar option the Arlington kids stayed at Arlington.

Look at Loudoun SC. Same thing. When given a similar option many of those kids stayed. The retention of the 07 groups speaks volumes to the decline of the destination club in the area.

I looked at U14 girls DA for Arlington. Only 8 out of 20 players have Arlington addresses. This is less than half the team. None of the top three scorers live in Arlington. And players with Arlington addresses combined for a total of 3 goals for the entire season. This should tell you something about Arlington's ability and desire to develop home grown talent.

Lol, so only goal scorers count in development? On location I don’t think McLean, Alexandria, and Falls Church are really a big drive to Arlington. You’re right though there are a couple from further away.

Hard to draw conclusions on what is happening with clubs based on just one gender and age group.

No, I did not say that only goalscorers count, but scoring three goals the entire season is pathetic. Some center backs scored more than that. As for the length of drive to Arlington, you have to take into account the traffic, which is really bad in Arlington so a commute that appears reasonable distance wise turns into a long trip because of the traffic gridlock.

Lol! My DD plays in cthis U14 team. Only 4 full time players live in Arlington. (The other 3 are PT players). One is a goalie and the rest are defenders - definitely not going to score a lot of goals. But a few who live in surrounding areas have been with Arlington for a few years (at least 3).

2005 was a transition year, when lots of new options opened up. There was movement. From what I see, things are settling down now and girls are not as quick to move clubs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Again, it depends on player preference for playing HS. I have heard of girls who bailed on FCV DA to play ECNL and picked McLean over Loudoun even thought Loudoun is closer.

There are Bethesda player that left to join McLean ECNL.

Players go to where the top training is and the belief is that McLean and FCV have to best training for the elite players. I am generalizing but the fact bare out. MU is still building its club and is not a serious option for most players. The same cabn be said of Loudoun and Arlington. McLean and FCV represnt the best options for elite players. Period. That might change tomorrow.

It is already changing and it is happening at the rising ages. Players are simply not drawn to McLean and FCV in droves as they once were. Fact. This doesn't mean that FCV and McLean don't offer quality training still but they now have to offer more than just the golden tickets they each once had held above the other clubs heads.

Kids are staying put more and more and this is more of an important distinction on the girls side of soccer. The social aspect does weigh heavily with girls and if they can get similar exposure while still playing with friends they will be more inclined to do so and simply stay put where they are happy.

Parents are also more inclined to base their decisions on other factors such as club location when before you HAD to suck up a long practice commute. That is not true anymore.

Take a look at Arlington's DA rosters. Easily 60-70% of the kids are from Arlington and the rest are from the immediate surrounding areas. Look at FCV or McLeans roster and count how many Arlingotn kids are on it. When given a similar option the Arlington kids stayed at Arlington.

Look at Loudoun SC. Same thing. When given a similar option many of those kids stayed. The retention of the 07 groups speaks volumes to the decline of the destination club in the area.

On the boys side, Arlington DA players are mostly from outside Arlington. On some teams the percentage from Arlington is less than 30. I don’t think that means Arlington kids are going elsewhere. It simply reflects more top talent from outside Arlington and fewer close options for elite boy players.

I don’t think your percentages are right, most of the Arlington boys DA is from Arlington or neighboring areas.

U15 Boys DA: 3/19 from Arlington

U14: 11/21 from Arlington

U13: 5/18 from Arlington

"Neighboring areas" include Maryland and DC? True but irrelevant. We're focusing principally on whether Arlington DA kids are from Arlington and where else they might go. Among boys, ECNL is not quite an attractive option yet and other DAs are very distant, so you see a lot more local talent developed outside Arlington going to Arlington for DA. It is not a first team for Arlington. The talent pool is much broader and deeper. I give them credit for actually being open to drawing kids from other clubs. Absolutely nothing wrong with that and consistent with selection on the merits.