Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are parents interested in joining BRYC welcome at the town hall or is the TH for current parents.

I'm pretty sure it is for anyone who is interested in ECNL, BRYC and ECNL at BRYC.

I would be curious to hear how ECNL will be pitched to parents now with DA looming. The marketing of ECNL by its member clubs will be very interesting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone know when Cougar tryouts for next year are?

In general most clubs don't begin to post tryout dates until late April. Regardless, it is always best to contact the coach ahead of time and arrange to have your player attend a couple of practices. This is a better approach especially with smaller clubs.

That is my understanding for Cougars as well (mid/late May try-outs) as they are looking to put some teams together in what will be next year's U11/U10/U9. I would think that for their current team you are best doing what PP says and contact their coaches. Small club so turnover may be smaller. Just like you want them to be a good fit for you, they will also want to make sure that you are a good fit for them.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Winter Futsal recap....what league were you in this winter and how was it? How was the organization? How were the facilities? How was the competition? How was the refereeing? Thanks. My son's team did indoor so I'm curious how the futsal went.

My U11 DS did FTF at NOVA (community college, not fieldhouse). Team played in a division with Arlington, McLean, LMVSC and Bethesda South and the competition was very good. Refereeing was fine with no issues.

We have friends at CYA and I like the way they do winter training. They have an internal futsal league at NOVA Fieldhouse where they take U11 & U12 and spread the kids out on different teams.

MY U11 DS also played at FTF in this same division. The organization was well done with games always starting exactly on time and ending with enough time for the next team to warm-up. Facility was good but wish Futsal court was slightly larger. No issues with referees. I find interesting that the previous poster left out one club from the division which is Cougars (I'm not a Cougars parent). Probably because just like me, I had no idea who they were. I find it interesting because out of all of the big names they came in second and will be playing against Bethesda South in final. From the game against my kids team they had great individual skills and team play. I know Futsal doesn't truly translate to outdoor but I'm curious if anyone has seen them play outdoor? Has anyone tried out with them? I've seen their name mentioned on this blog once or twice before but never gave it a second thought.

Interesting...Cougars is the ODSL team people are always saying are amazing and should not be playing in ODSL since they destroy everyone. If they are on par with with Bethesda South then they could easily try for EDP. Wonder why they stay in ODSL? Maybe financial??

I think they would do fine in 3rd division EDP.

I think they are dedicated to keeping costs down.

(I wonder when we'll hear from the guy who insists that "travel soccer" has to mean driving all over creation and spending thousands of dollars per season, because reasons.)

I'm sure the ODSL fees are very comparable to those in NCSL. EDP may be a bit more expensive but probably not that much.

People I know whose kids play in ODSL, I think they are 2005s, pay only a few hundred dollars a year (I think $300). They practice twice a week in season.

05s are U12. They do have a U12 team listed in ODSL but that is not the same team as the U11.

Looks like the U12 team also did pretty well in ODSL.

ODSL teams are a fraction of the price as teams that place in other leagues! ODSL is generally a step above rec, so the fees are like $300 in most clubs. I could see why Cougars would want to keep prices down, but I am surprised their players don't get poached by clubs with teams in NCSL, CCL etc.

Not PP or Cougars parent but I know a few things about the U11 team, I have a friend that has a child on that team. Responding to some of what prior posts mention. My DS is a U10 (plays at another local club) but not yet as technically skilled as the other U10s on that team. My DS has participated in a couple of practices and really enjoys the challenge, the level of play of the other boys, and the coaching staff.

I’ve seen them play a couple of times and really enjoy watching them. Do they compare to Bethesda South, not sure they do, I have heard some really good things about that team as well and know where many of those kids came from. I hear the EDP level is pretty high.

From what I know from my friend is that it’s not a financial issue. The club is not big enough yet to join NCSL and the U11 team tried to do so alone this season (I think by partnering up w/ someone else) but was told by NCSL that the division already had too many teams. That’s a shame since they are better than many there. Yes the boys could go and play elsewhere individually but I think they feel like they have a good thing going and that the boys can really continue to develop together. It seems that parents are all on the same page about the future plans for the team and their kids.

As for training, they practice twice per week in season and an optional club training session (haven’t been to those). The U11 team does practice during the winter. We have not been to any of these so I don’t know details. Not sure on cost since we have not discussed this.

Have you heard about try-outs? Is your kid trying out with them for next year?

I think I'll keep my ears open for what's available and at the same time pay attention to my own kids development. He wants to play with them but as he is a U10 he would need to be ready to play at U11 and if they will play some where more competitive than ODSL, then we'll need to see if that makes sense for him. The coach has been open about their space availability and my kid's current level so we have to just wait and see. If possible, I'll have my kid go out to a practice or two. At one of the practices my kid attended last season there was another kid but he is also not on the team so he may have not been ready. If they have open try-outs then he'll likely attend. I'm sure they'll have a spot or two available at the end of the season. People are always moving around this area.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Winter Futsal recap....what league were you in this winter and how was it? How was the organization? How were the facilities? How was the competition? How was the refereeing? Thanks. My son's team did indoor so I'm curious how the futsal went.

My U11 DS did FTF at NOVA (community college, not fieldhouse). Team played in a division with Arlington, McLean, LMVSC and Bethesda South and the competition was very good. Refereeing was fine with no issues.

We have friends at CYA and I like the way they do winter training. They have an internal futsal league at NOVA Fieldhouse where they take U11 & U12 and spread the kids out on different teams.

MY U11 DS also played at FTF in this same division. The organization was well done with games always starting exactly on time and ending with enough time for the next team to warm-up. Facility was good but wish Futsal court was slightly larger. No issues with referees. I find interesting that the previous poster left out one club from the division which is Cougars (I'm not a Cougars parent). Probably because just like me, I had no idea who they were. I find it interesting because out of all of the big names they came in second and will be playing against Bethesda South in final. From the game against my kids team they had great individual skills and team play. I know Futsal doesn't truly translate to outdoor but I'm curious if anyone has seen them play outdoor? Has anyone tried out with them? I've seen their name mentioned on this blog once or twice before but never gave it a second thought.

Interesting...Cougars is the ODSL team people are always saying are amazing and should not be playing in ODSL since they destroy everyone. If they are on par with with Bethesda South then they could easily try for EDP. Wonder why they stay in ODSL? Maybe financial??

I think they would do fine in 3rd division EDP.

I think they are dedicated to keeping costs down.

(I wonder when we'll hear from the guy who insists that "travel soccer" has to mean driving all over creation and spending thousands of dollars per season, because reasons.)

You clearly have a reading and comprehension problem. I have always said and maintained that parents have choice when it comes to where they look to have their kids play. But it is up to the parents to look into the club first, understand the club structure, number of teams, coaches and the leagues represented before one even tries out for the club. Go in and just assume that your kid is awesome sauce and will make the top team. What league is that team in and does that meet your lifestyle and development needs? If it travels too far and too often for your liking then DO NOT tryout or accept an offer.

I have never defended travel as a necessity but I have blamed the parent acting like they "have no choice" because the big bad mean league and club told them that this is the only way for their super star on the A Team to develop. If you signed your kid up for CCL and bitched about the travel after the fact well you were both stupid and to full of pride to dare lower your son or daughter to another, more convenient league.

It appears that this Cougars team has their players needs in concert with the parents and the club and that is great and refreshing to hear that a group of parents with talented kids are happy to do what they all feel is best for their kids development and not seek out a mega club in a mega league. I salute the parents on this Cougars team for being smarter than most of you.

"I salute the parents on this Cougars team for being smarter than most of you."
- and a nice insult to the whole board to boot! - what a disingenuous apology.

"I salute the parents on this Cougars team for playing in another league so I can maintain the illusion that my kid is the best."

"I also still hate the rest of this board for raising the issue of whether good players are being priced out of elite-level travel soccer and whether that will have ill effects on the U.S. talent pool down the road. Nyah nyah nyah, I can't hear you, choice is good even if only those of us with unlimited money and weekend travel time actually have choice and the rest of you can't do it, blah blah blah."

[Anonymous]

^^^

Putting quotes around a statement doesn't mean that anybody but you said it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Winter Futsal recap....what league were you in this winter and how was it? How was the organization? How were the facilities? How was the competition? How was the refereeing? Thanks. My son's team did indoor so I'm curious how the futsal went.

My U11 DS did FTF at NOVA (community college, not fieldhouse). Team played in a division with Arlington, McLean, LMVSC and Bethesda South and the competition was very good. Refereeing was fine with no issues.

We have friends at CYA and I like the way they do winter training. They have an internal futsal league at NOVA Fieldhouse where they take U11 & U12 and spread the kids out on different teams.

MY U11 DS also played at FTF in this same division. The organization was well done with games always starting exactly on time and ending with enough time for the next team to warm-up. Facility was good but wish Futsal court was slightly larger. No issues with referees. I find interesting that the previous poster left out one club from the division which is Cougars (I'm not a Cougars parent). Probably because just like me, I had no idea who they were. I find it interesting because out of all of the big names they came in second and will be playing against Bethesda South in final. From the game against my kids team they had great individual skills and team play. I know Futsal doesn't truly translate to outdoor but I'm curious if anyone has seen them play outdoor? Has anyone tried out with them? I've seen their name mentioned on this blog once or twice before but never gave it a second thought.

Interesting...Cougars is the ODSL team people are always saying are amazing and should not be playing in ODSL since they destroy everyone. If they are on par with with Bethesda South then they could easily try for EDP. Wonder why they stay in ODSL? Maybe financial??

I think they would do fine in 3rd division EDP.

I think they are dedicated to keeping costs down.

(I wonder when we'll hear from the guy who insists that "travel soccer" has to mean driving all over creation and spending thousands of dollars per season, because reasons.)

You clearly have a reading and comprehension problem. I have always said and maintained that parents have choice when it comes to where they look to have their kids play. But it is up to the parents to look into the club first, understand the club structure, number of teams, coaches and the leagues represented before one even tries out for the club. Go in and just assume that your kid is awesome sauce and will make the top team. What league is that team in and does that meet your lifestyle and development needs? If it travels too far and too often for your liking then DO NOT tryout or accept an offer.

I have never defended travel as a necessity but I have blamed the parent acting like they "have no choice" because the big bad mean league and club told them that this is the only way for their super star on the A Team to develop. If you signed your kid up for CCL and bitched about the travel after the fact well you were both stupid and to full of pride to dare lower your son or daughter to another, more convenient league.

It appears that this Cougars team has their players needs in concert with the parents and the club and that is great and refreshing to hear that a group of parents with talented kids are happy to do what they all feel is best for their kids development and not seek out a mega club in a mega league. I salute the parents on this Cougars team for being smarter than most of you.

"I salute the parents on this Cougars team for being smarter than most of you."
- and a nice insult to the whole board to boot! - what a disingenuous apology.

"I salute the parents on this Cougars team for playing in another league so I can maintain the illusion that my kid is the best."

"I also still hate the rest of this board for raising the issue of whether good players are being priced out of elite-level travel soccer and whether that will have ill effects on the U.S. talent pool down the road. Nyah nyah nyah, I can't hear you, choice is good even if only those of us with unlimited money and weekend travel time actually have choice and the rest of you can't do it, blah blah blah."

The problem is that some parents don't know elite soccer...Elite speed of play...Elite touch...Elite vision...Elite skill...they just think they do. It's not until their kid is put up against the best do they realize the difference. But a lot of parents purposefully avoid that so their kid doesn't get crushed emotionally. If you want your kid to improve then they must go up against kids who challenge them....and if they are getting challenged in the lower league then they are not elite.

[Anonymous]

I don't think anyone on this board has defended the economics of sports in general or soccer in particular. It would be for the best if the DA's could fund most if not all of the players. Not only are "elite" sports difficult to pay for but the time commitment is also a barrier for many talented kids. Carpools can be difficult to organize and many kids simply can't get to practice due to circumstances that are not their fault.

That these problems exist does not mean that choice is still not good. I'm not sure a one league structure could solve some of these problems but having lower cost, lower commitment leagues like ODSL absolutely keeps kids involved and playing the sport.

Not everything can be "elite" and not everything that is considered "not elite" is beneath contempt. It's only soccer. DA, CCL or Rec who cares. Are they having fun, learning and staying out of trouble? In the long run that is all that matters, the rest is just a bunch ego laced acronyms.

[Anonymous]

Just because you call something "elite" doesn't make it true.

Kind of funny how almost an entire DA boys team is now filled with kids who played u8-u13 NCSL/odsl on non-elite teams...just sayin...

[Anonymous]

The problem is that some parents don't know elite soccer...Elite speed of play...Elite touch...Elite vision...Elite skill...they just think they do. It's not until their kid is put up against the best do they realize the difference. But a lot of parents purposefully avoid that so their kid doesn't get crushed emotionally. If you want your kid to improve then they must go up against kids who challenge them....and if they are getting challenged in the lower league then they are not elite.

There is no elite soccer in this country. Who are you trying to fool ? Your elite team here would probably have to play down a year in Europe to have a chance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

The problem is that some parents don't know elite soccer...Elite speed of play...Elite touch...Elite vision...Elite skill...they just think they do. It's not until their kid is put up against the best do they realize the difference. But a lot of parents purposefully avoid that so their kid doesn't get crushed emotionally. If you want your kid to improve then they must go up against kids who challenge them....and if they are getting challenged in the lower league then they are not elite.

There is no elite soccer in this country. Who are you trying to fool ? Your elite team here would probably have to play down a year in Europe to have a chance.

only a year ??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just because you call something "elite" doesn't make it true.

Kind of funny how almost an entire DA boys team is now filled with kids who played u8-u13 NCSL/odsl on non-elite teams...just sayin...

I don't disagree and that is the point. It is also the point of my praise for the Cougars parents. I take a lot of crap being called "CCL Guy" when all along I have been a proponent of multiple paths, multiple options. There are many ways to successfully develop a player. Leagues don't develop players, coaches and parents do. Find the right fit for your kid and forget the rest. If you don't mind travel and overnight trips then great, but it isn't necessary. It also isn't detrimental either. Kids LOVE staying in hotels with their teammates.

If travel sucks for you, great, there are local leagues that will give you and your family time back to pursue other activities. But both paths need your support and a good coach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just because you call something "elite" doesn't make it true.

Kind of funny how almost an entire DA boys team is now filled with kids who played u8-u13 NCSL/odsl on non-elite teams...just sayin...

I don't disagree and that is the point. It is also the point of my praise for the Cougars parents. I take a lot of crap being called "CCL Guy" when all along I have been a proponent of multiple paths, multiple options. There are many ways to successfully develop a player. Leagues don't develop players, coaches and parents do. Find the right fit for your kid and forget the rest. If you don't mind travel and overnight trips then great, but it isn't necessary. It also isn't detrimental either. Kids LOVE staying in hotels with their teammates.

If travel sucks for you, great, there are local leagues that will give you and your family time back to pursue other activities. But both paths need your support and a good coach.

hook line sinker . . . bloviating ccl person, we get it. u r. Broken record. move on girl, and quit taking the bait . . . Broken record! go post it all in another forum you hypocrite.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just because you call something "elite" doesn't make it true.

Kind of funny how almost an entire DA boys team is now filled with kids who played u8-u13 NCSL/odsl on non-elite teams...just sayin...

I don't disagree and that is the point. It is also the point of my praise for the Cougars parents. I take a lot of crap being called "CCL Guy" when all along I have been a proponent of multiple paths, multiple options. There are many ways to successfully develop a player. Leagues don't develop players, coaches and parents do. Find the right fit for your kid and forget the rest. If you don't mind travel and overnight trips then great, but it isn't necessary. It also isn't detrimental either. Kids LOVE staying in hotels with their teammates.

If travel sucks for you, great, there are local leagues that will give you and your family time back to pursue other activities. But both paths need your support and a good coach.

hook line sinker . . . bloviating ccl person, we get it. u r. Broken record. move on girl, and quit taking the bait . . . Broken record! go post it all in another forum you hypocrite.

Why are you so bothered by my opinion? It is only an opinion why are you so offended or threatened? You realize that I don't really care what league or team that your or any other kid plays on right? I have seen kids from A teams drop and eventually quit the sport, I have also seen rec players reach very high levels of play in a very short time. I have watched my own kids develop, hit road blocks, break through and struggle again and on with the process and cycle.

So what exactly is it that I have said specifically that you disagree with or angers you so much?

[Anonymous]

Anyone think this CCL Guy is a sockpuppet?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just because you call something "elite" doesn't make it true.

Kind of funny how almost an entire DA boys team is now filled with kids who played u8-u13 NCSL/odsl on non-elite teams...just sayin...

I don't disagree and that is the point. It is also the point of my praise for the Cougars parents. I take a lot of crap being called "CCL Guy" when all along I have been a proponent of multiple paths, multiple options. There are many ways to successfully develop a player. Leagues don't develop players, coaches and parents do. Find the right fit for your kid and forget the rest. If you don't mind travel and overnight trips then great, but it isn't necessary. It also isn't detrimental either. Kids LOVE staying in hotels with their teammates.

If travel sucks for you, great, there are local leagues that will give you and your family time back to pursue other activities. But both paths need your support and a good coach.

hook line sinker . . . bloviating ccl person, we get it. u r. Broken record. move on girl, and quit taking the bait . . . Broken record! go post it all in another forum you hypocrite.

Why are you so bothered by my opinion? It is only an opinion why are you so offended or threatened? You realize that I don't really care what league or team that your or any other kid plays on right? I have seen kids from A teams drop and eventually quit the sport, I have also seen rec players reach very high levels of play in a very short time. I have watched my own kids develop, hit road blocks, break through and struggle again and on with the process and cycle.

So what exactly is it that I have said specifically that you disagree with or angers you so much?

No idea why these keep people keep picking on your opinion. There should be choices as you state that end up being better than others for players and families. CCL works for some and not others. Same as ODSL VS NCSL. choices are good. It keeps kids playing the game.