U13 - Arlington or Alexandria?

[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 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.

I mean, every club has some things that can improve, but it is my main concern. It is just frustrating. I told my son that if he wants me to shell out all this money for soccer, he needs to work on stamina and weight training, and since he wants me to pay for the team, he does it (does not particularly love doing it).

[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 consideirng making a change for no real reason?

That's interesting to me because I have seen the focus on the top 08 team in Alexandria recruiting size. They used to be a small technical team, but it recent years they have brought in a few huge players and seem to be veering off course. I think, perhaps, it was needed to stay competitive in the puberty years on the big field. It seems to be the same for some of the older age groups. Some of the style play is no longer the same.

In a perfect world, coaches would be noticing technicality and soccer IQ (movement off the ball, making runs and good decisions) and take into account that many kids are late growers. So many Clubs miss out on these kids that leave because they have been marginalized and then you seem at age 17 and it's 'wow'.

I will say both Clubs have very talented players and good coaching and this issue is everywhere in the DMV. I also get it. I honestly do. We are at a different club and the recruitment of two big backs has been the major difference in our winning season.

Though I sometimes see these outmatched giants at tryouts in the DMV and the Clubs immediately gravitate to them. I laugh with my spouse because it's like picking fish. You have a kid that looks like he's 18 playing with kids that look like they are 10 at U13 a lot of the time...and with that difference in physicality those giants should really be performing even better than they are with that much difference in size. (disclaimer-some of those kids are talented with the size--but many it's the size making the difference).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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 consideirng making a change for no real reason?

That's interesting to me because I have seen the focus on the top 08 team in Alexandria recruiting size. They used to be a small technical team, but it recent years they have brought in a few huge players and seem to be veering off course. I think, perhaps, it was needed to stay competitive in the puberty years on the big field. It seems to be the same for some of the older age groups. Some of the style play is no longer the same.

In a perfect world, coaches would be noticing technicality and soccer IQ (movement off the ball, making runs and good decisions) and take into account that many kids are late growers. So many Clubs miss out on these kids that leave because they have been marginalized and then you seem at age 17 and it's 'wow'.

I will say both Clubs have very talented players and good coaching and this issue is everywhere in the DMV. I also get it. I honestly do. We are at a different club and the recruitment of two big backs has been the major difference in our winning season.

Though I sometimes see these outmatched giants at tryouts in the DMV and the Clubs immediately gravitate to them. I laugh with my spouse because it's like picking fish. You have a kid that looks like he's 18 playing with kids that look like they are 10 at U13 a lot of the time...and with that difference in physicality those giants should really be performing even better than they are with that much difference in size. (disclaimer-some of those kids are talented with the size--but many it's the size making the difference).

In EDP at the U13/14/15 years you could tell what Division was on the field by the size. When our team was in first division our kids looked like Kindergarten in comparison. I am really enjoying the U16/17 years with my oldest when this stuff no longer matters and there is equal match--because even the smaller kids now have muscle mass and the testosterone to power their play.

Those middle years are just a mess.

[Anonymous]

FYI, If you are planning on Alexandria for U13, the MLSNext tryouts (5/10,517) are different dates then the Academy tryout dates (5/28,6/2,6/4). Need to register

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FYI, If you are planning on Alexandria for U13, the MLSNext tryouts (5/10,517) are different dates then the Academy tryout dates (5/28,6/2,6/4). Need to register

Why so late? Until 10pm for 12 years olds is crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FYI, If you are planning on Alexandria for U13, the MLSNext tryouts (5/10,517) are different dates then the Academy tryout dates (5/28,6/2,6/4). Need to register

Why so late? Until 10pm for 12 years olds is crazy.

My 7th grader goes to bed at 9pm on school nights...9:30pm the rest of the time

[Anonymous]

FYI, If you are planning on Alexandria for U13, the MLSNext tryouts (5/10,517) are different dates then the Academy tryout dates (5/28,6/2,6/4). Need to register

Thank you. My son refuses to do the MLS Next tryouts. He doesn't think he has a good chance, because he was not on the red team last time he played for Alexandria. I'm not sure that is reasonable, but I don't think it would be productive to force the issue.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

FYI, If you are planning on Alexandria for U13, the MLSNext tryouts (5/10,517) are different dates then the Academy tryout dates (5/28,6/2,6/4). Need to register

Thank you. My son refuses to do the MLS Next tryouts. He doesn't think he has a good chance, because he was not on the red team last time he played for Alexandria. I'm not sure that is reasonable, but I don't think it would be productive to force the issue.

In all honesty, I think they are already picked anyways....barring Messi jr shows up. My kid feels the same way.

[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 consideirng making a change for no real reason?

There is some focus on it - in that one of the weekly training sessions is called a "performance session" and run by coaches with more a of a fitness focus. It's still mostly ball work, but with slightly more emphasis on fitness and a few times a year they measure fitness (sprints, runs, jumps etc.). I don't know how much difference it really makes though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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 consideirng making a change for no real reason?

There is some focus on it - in that one of the weekly training sessions is called a "performance session" and run by coaches with more a of a fitness focus. It's still mostly ball work, but with slightly more emphasis on fitness and a few times a year they measure fitness (sprints, runs, jumps etc.). I don't know how much difference it really makes though.

I suspect this is designed to motivate players to do this outside sessions, which is exactly where it should be done. I have zero interest in soccer coaches serving as personal trainers. That stuff should be entirely outside of practice in my view, along with juggling,
passing drills and shooting exercises, which can and should all be done outside practice by players on top teams. Use practice to do things you can only do with teammates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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 consideirng making a change for no real reason?

There is some focus on it - in that one of the weekly training sessions is called a "performance session" and run by coaches with more a of a fitness focus. It's still mostly ball work, but with slightly more emphasis on fitness and a few times a year they measure fitness (sprints, runs, jumps etc.). I don't know how much difference it really makes though.

I suspect this is designed to motivate players to do this outside sessions, which is exactly where it should be done. I have zero interest in soccer coaches serving as personal trainers. That stuff should be entirely outside of practice in my view, along with juggling,
passing drills and shooting exercises, which can and should all be done outside practice by players on top teams. Use practice to do things you can only do with teammates.

I agree, when they are together as a group they should be working on tactics and flow. Sprinkle in a few Rondo's and you have a practice. Get your technical and weight training outside the team practice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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 consideirng making a change for no real reason?

There is some focus on it - in that one of the weekly training sessions is called a "performance session" and run by coaches with more a of a fitness focus. It's still mostly ball work, but with slightly more emphasis on fitness and a few times a year they measure fitness (sprints, runs, jumps etc.). I don't know how much difference it really makes though.

I suspect this is designed to motivate players to do this outside sessions, which is exactly where it should be done. I have zero interest in soccer coaches serving as personal trainers. That stuff should be entirely outside of practice in my view, along with juggling,
passing drills and shooting exercises, which can and should all be done outside practice by players on top teams. Use practice to do things you can only do with teammates.

He bruh, most players pass to teammates.
If the coach doesn’t do some passing and shooting drills it could mean players are enabling bad habits of their technique etc is wrong.
Why don’t you step up and coach then, bruh?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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 consideirng making a change for no real reason?

There is some focus on it - in that one of the weekly training sessions is called a "performance session" and run by coaches with more a of a fitness focus. It's still mostly ball work, but with slightly more emphasis on fitness and a few times a year they measure fitness (sprints, runs, jumps etc.). I don't know how much difference it really makes though.

I suspect this is designed to motivate players to do this outside sessions, which is exactly where it should be done. I have zero interest in soccer coaches serving as personal trainers. That stuff should be entirely outside of practice in my view, along with juggling,
passing drills and shooting exercises, which can and should all be done outside practice by players on top teams. Use practice to do things you can only do with teammates.

He bruh, most players pass to teammates.
If the coach doesn’t do some passing and shooting drills it could mean players are enabling bad habits of their technique etc is wrong.
Why don’t you step up and coach then, bruh?

Yeah I get that part my man but pure passing drills are for little kiddies. Integrate passing into tactical tutelage. I am talking about top players and teams. There shouldn’t be technical issues with passing at this juncture but some reps are always useful and most effective with teammates. But there is a lot of wasted time for stuff really good players should already have down. I already got my kids covered on tutelage and know how to find coaches and programs so it sort of obviates the need for me to do that, bruh.

[Anonymous]

Bruh, pros still do passing drills now and again. It’s called part of the warm ups.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Bruh, pros still do passing drills now and again. It’s called part of the warm ups.

Good god I f’n know but I have seen clubs do 40 minutes of drills because their kids cannot yet take a decent first touch or do one touches. We do rondos to warm up. Passing drills and dribble drills? For an entire practice? Or even 30 minutes? Waste of time.