Spring 2017 soccer club tryouts

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:does anyone know the approximate cost for a year of PAC? (club fees, team fees, etc.?) Their website is not quite as easy to navigate as ASA's and I can't find that info. Considering it for our 2008 girl who just got cut from ASA Travel. (though I'm pushing harder for ASA ADP for commuting and cost reasons.)

Its similar to other clubs. Around $2000 but that is not exact. We have kids at a couple different clubs and the fees are all pretty similar.

[Anonymous]

If you are declining because of the commitment, then you should withdraw from consideration as soon as you figure that out. Ideally before offers go out. If you handle it well, you will still be able go to tryouts for the experience of it all and even get full consideration when you decide that you actually are ready.

You are asking to join a team. The coaches say maybe, we need to see your player first to make sure he's where we feel is most appropriate. You bring your child to tryouts so that the coaches can see and evaluate your child. They place your child on a team. You say, oh, j/k nvm.

It's how you say the last part that either gives you credibility in the process - or not. Will they remember next year or the year after? Probably not. But the systems are all database-driven now, so they will know.

There are plenty of parents who are just using it to occupy a night or two and get their ego fix vis-a-vis their child, you are right. But there are also plenty of parents who take it a little more seriously then that. U9 travel soccer is in fact, a thing - you can justify your condescension towards it all you want, but the time the coaches spend looking at your child is less time that they have to look at a child who is actually serious about wanting to play. Those children may not get a fair look, and that's what you are completely discounting

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Has Bethesda told kids what teams they will be on yet?

We have heard for out boy. Offers probably go out at different times for different age groups.

Same here. I think all the kids already in the club who will be U9s next year have heard. We got an email from the TD of the boys' program that said all offers for boys' teams will go out by June 12, and most will go out well before that. The last tryout for some of the age groups is June 1.

[Anonymous]

11:07 - we sort of did what you are considering. My 2008 daughter loved rec soccer but wanted more. We were aiming for the middle ground between rec and travel (ADP at ASA) but friends suggested we try out for travel at the first opportunity because it was her best shot at getting a slot. Easier to get on a roster the first year when everyone is a newbie than the second (or later) year when there are a bunch of returning kids. She's a late 2008 birthday, so she was in 1st grade with 3.5 seasons under her belt, while the other kids were mostly in 2nd grade with 5.5 seasons under their belt. That extra year of play (and the extra months of age) were noticeable during tryouts - she was mostly being outplayed by bigger, faster, better kids.

Because of low numbers at tryouts, we ended up accepting a slot on the lowest of 6 teams. I wasn't sure she was ready, and we considered saying no. We liked our team, but being on the lowest team can be ego-busting at times. We got crushed in almost every game our first season because we were going up against teams who were just better. The teams above us could take players from our team if they needed bodies, which sometimes meant we played with fewer subs. We lost one kid to a higher team halfway through the first season. Second season was better - we started tying games against the teams who had previously crushed us. Through it all, we were very committed - we played every game, attended every practice.

But I noticed that my daughter wasn't getting much playing time lately, even though she did ok when she was on the field. She had improved a lot over the year, but it just wasn't enough; the other kids were still better. She ended up getting cut for next year; she was the only one. I wish that I had never had her try out for travel and we'd stuck with our original plan to do the in-between league. We spent a ton of money and a ton of time for just one year - feels like a waste now. I assumed that once she was in the system, she'd be able to stay in the system, but it's not always the case, and I feel bad that I put her through it. It's definitely hurt her confidence to know that half the girls on her team moved up a level or two, half stayed put and she's the odd girl out. Would have been better to have done the in-between league, where she might have stood out, vs. being the lowest kid on the lowest team.

So that's the potential downside of doing travel if you're not sure you're ready.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:11:07 - we sort of did what you are considering. My 2008 daughter loved rec soccer but wanted more. We were aiming for the middle ground between rec and travel (ADP at ASA) but friends suggested we try out for travel at the first opportunity because it was her best shot at getting a slot. Easier to get on a roster the first year when everyone is a newbie than the second (or later) year when there are a bunch of returning kids. She's a late 2008 birthday, so she was in 1st grade with 3.5 seasons under her belt, while the other kids were mostly in 2nd grade with 5.5 seasons under their belt. That extra year of play (and the extra months of age) were noticeable during tryouts - she was mostly being outplayed by bigger, faster, better kids.

Because of low numbers at tryouts, we ended up accepting a slot on the lowest of 6 teams. I wasn't sure she was ready, and we considered saying no. We liked our team, but being on the lowest team can be ego-busting at times. We got crushed in almost every game our first season because we were going up against teams who were just better. The teams above us could take players from our team if they needed bodies, which sometimes meant we played with fewer subs. We lost one kid to a higher team halfway through the first season. Second season was better - we started tying games against the teams who had previously crushed us. Through it all, we were very committed - we played every game, attended every practice.

But I noticed that my daughter wasn't getting much playing time lately, even though she did ok when she was on the field. She had improved a lot over the year, but it just wasn't enough; the other kids were still better. She ended up getting cut for next year; she was the only one. I wish that I had never had her try out for travel and we'd stuck with our original plan to do the in-between league. We spent a ton of money and a ton of time for just one year - feels like a waste now. I assumed that once she was in the system, she'd be able to stay in the system, but it's not always the case, and I feel bad that I put her through it. It's definitely hurt her confidence to know that half the girls on her team moved up a level or two, half stayed put and she's the odd girl out. Would have been better to have done the in-between league, where she might have stood out, vs. being the lowest kid on the lowest team.

So that's the potential downside of doing travel if you're not sure you're ready.

I have some friends that threw their kids into the ring a full year earlier. 2 of the 3 kids suffered and aren't returning next year. They were burned out by it in 2nd grade. One of the parents definitely expressed regret they pushed to soon. There is a thing in our Club that if you start a full year earlier--your kid can drop down and be on the A team the following year. So you get many very young first graders trying out.

Looking back at my own child's team now at U13. Only one of the kids on the entire A team at U9 is still on the A team now. Many of the A team players are now on the 3rd team. Many quit after a year or 2. Many ADP players or players that stayed in Rec, etc. are now on some of the higher teams.

Do not let any idiot tell you that if your kid doesn't start travel at the earliest age possible, their soccer chances are over. I have actually seen the opposite bear out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:11:07 - we sort of did what you are considering. My 2008 daughter loved rec soccer but wanted more. We were aiming for the middle ground between rec and travel (ADP at ASA) but friends suggested we try out for travel at the first opportunity because it was her best shot at getting a slot. Easier to get on a roster the first year when everyone is a newbie than the second (or later) year when there are a bunch of returning kids. She's a late 2008 birthday, so she was in 1st grade with 3.5 seasons under her belt, while the other kids were mostly in 2nd grade with 5.5 seasons under their belt. That extra year of play (and the extra months of age) were noticeable during tryouts - she was mostly being outplayed by bigger, faster, better kids.

Because of low numbers at tryouts, we ended up accepting a slot on the lowest of 6 teams. I wasn't sure she was ready, and we considered saying no. We liked our team, but being on the lowest team can be ego-busting at times. We got crushed in almost every game our first season because we were going up against teams who were just better. The teams above us could take players from our team if they needed bodies, which sometimes meant we played with fewer subs. We lost one kid to a higher team halfway through the first season. Second season was better - we started tying games against the teams who had previously crushed us. Through it all, we were very committed - we played every game, attended every practice.

But I noticed that my daughter wasn't getting much playing time lately, even though she did ok when she was on the field. She had improved a lot over the year, but it just wasn't enough; the other kids were still better. She ended up getting cut for next year; she was the only one. I wish that I had never had her try out for travel and we'd stuck with our original plan to do the in-between league. We spent a ton of money and a ton of time for just one year - feels like a waste now. I assumed that once she was in the system, she'd be able to stay in the system, but it's not always the case, and I feel bad that I put her through it. It's definitely hurt her confidence to know that half the girls on her team moved up a level or two, half stayed put and she's the odd girl out. Would have been better to have done the in-between league, where she might have stood out, vs. being the lowest kid on the lowest team.

So that's the potential downside of doing travel if you're not sure you're ready.

I have some friends that threw their kids into the ring a full year earlier. 2 of the 3 kids suffered and aren't returning next year. They were burned out by it in 2nd grade. One of the parents definitely expressed regret they pushed to soon. There is a thing in our Club that if you start a full year earlier--your kid can drop down and be on the A team the following year. So you get many very young first graders trying out.

Looking back at my own child's team now at U13. Only one of the kids on the entire A team at U9 is still on the A team now. Many of the A team players are now on the 3rd team. Many quit after a year or 2. Many ADP players or players that stayed in Rec, etc. are now on some of the higher teams.

Do not let any idiot tell you that if your kid doesn't start travel at the earliest age possible, their soccer chances are over. I have actually seen the opposite bear out.

Thank you so much for this insight. This is exactly what I am worried about. I really appreciate you actually discussing how it plays out in 4 years.

[Anonymous]

This sounds very discouraging for a young talented kid that starts travel a year early. I watched a kid completely dominate this weekend and he's playing his second year of travel. If he drops down to the 3rd team It would be because he just lost interest. It's just not that simple. No matter if you start early or later your kid must want to improve. Early success is easier because most young kids just don't get the touches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This sounds very discouraging for a young talented kid that starts travel a year early. I watched a kid completely dominate this weekend and he's playing his second year of travel. If he drops down to the 3rd team It would be because he just lost interest. It's just not that simple. No matter if you start early or later your kid must want to improve. Early success is easier because most young kids just don't get the touches.

Or other kids physically developed. My kid fast and skilled was bend back on 2nd team, until he caught up growth wise.

Kids drop down for all reasons. Mis-identification, just learned skills prior to 7--but now everyone else has caught up, not a thinking player, etc. I know very few kids that start on the top and are there at 15. Sure, some. Not that common.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:does anyone know the approximate cost for a year of PAC? (club fees, team fees, etc.?) Their website is not quite as easy to navigate as ASA's and I can't find that info. Considering it for our 2008 girl who just got cut from ASA Travel. (though I'm pushing harder for ASA ADP for commuting and cost reasons.)

Its similar to other clubs. Around $2000 but that is not exact. We have kids at a couple different clubs and the fees are all pretty similar.

I have kids in two clubs and, of the two, PAC is a lot less expensive because the price includes all the training, year-round. No extras for winter training, summer leagues, or tournaments. It is a good club. Excellent coaches.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:11:07 - we sort of did what you are considering. My 2008 daughter loved rec soccer but wanted more. We were aiming for the middle ground between rec and travel (ADP at ASA) but friends suggested we try out for travel at the first opportunity because it was her best shot at getting a slot. Easier to get on a roster the first year when everyone is a newbie than the second (or later) year when there are a bunch of returning kids. She's a late 2008 birthday, so she was in 1st grade with 3.5 seasons under her belt, while the other kids were mostly in 2nd grade with 5.5 seasons under their belt. That extra year of play (and the extra months of age) were noticeable during tryouts - she was mostly being outplayed by bigger, faster, better kids.

Because of low numbers at tryouts, we ended up accepting a slot on the lowest of 6 teams. I wasn't sure she was ready, and we considered saying no. We liked our team, but being on the lowest team can be ego-busting at times. We got crushed in almost every game our first season because we were going up against teams who were just better. The teams above us could take players from our team if they needed bodies, which sometimes meant we played with fewer subs. We lost one kid to a higher team halfway through the first season. Second season was better - we started tying games against the teams who had previously crushed us. Through it all, we were very committed - we played every game, attended every practice.

But I noticed that my daughter wasn't getting much playing time lately, even though she did ok when she was on the field. She had improved a lot over the year, but it just wasn't enough; the other kids were still better. She ended up getting cut for next year; she was the only one. I wish that I had never had her try out for travel and we'd stuck with our original plan to do the in-between league. We spent a ton of money and a ton of time for just one year - feels like a waste now. I assumed that once she was in the system, she'd be able to stay in the system, but it's not always the case, and I feel bad that I put her through it. It's definitely hurt her confidence to know that half the girls on her team moved up a level or two, half stayed put and she's the odd girl out. Would have been better to have done the in-between league, where she might have stood out, vs. being the lowest kid on the lowest team.

So that's the potential downside of doing travel if you're not sure you're ready.

I have some friends that threw their kids into the ring a full year earlier. 2 of the 3 kids suffered and aren't returning next year. They were burned out by it in 2nd grade. One of the parents definitely expressed regret they pushed to soon. There is a thing in our Club that if you start a full year earlier--your kid can drop down and be on the A team the following year. So you get many very young first graders trying out.

Looking back at my own child's team now at U13. Only one of the kids on the entire A team at U9 is still on the A team now. Many of the A team players are now on the 3rd team. Many quit after a year or 2. Many ADP players or players that stayed in Rec, etc. are now on some of the higher teams.

Do not let any idiot tell you that if your kid doesn't start travel at the earliest age possible, their soccer chances are over. I have actually seen the opposite bear out.

Thank you so much for this insight. This is exactly what I am worried about. I really appreciate you actually discussing how it plays out in 4 years.

It's possible that for every player who burns out by U13, another players develops and excels by U13. Mine started travel with U9 on the lowest team and is now on the highest team for U12. Loves every minute, never complains about the number of practices, the distance traveled for matches, the birthday parties missed. As long as your child loves it AND it is logistically and financially possible for your family, it's worthwhile. I'd worry much less about the outcome (there's little you can do to influence it, anyway) and much more about the process.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:does anyone know the approximate cost for a year of PAC? (club fees, team fees, etc.?) Their website is not quite as easy to navigate as ASA's and I can't find that info. Considering it for our 2008 girl who just got cut from ASA Travel. (though I'm pushing harder for ASA ADP for commuting and cost reasons.)

Its similar to other clubs. Around $2000 but that is not exact. We have kids at a couple different clubs and the fees are all pretty similar.

I have kids in two clubs and, of the two, PAC is a lot less expensive because the price includes all the training, year-round. No extras for winter training, summer leagues, or tournaments. It is a good club. Excellent coaches.

Agreed.

PAC occasionally drives you crazy with some disorganization -- the last two springs, the younger travel players have been bumped from Luther Jackson MS (their usual practice field) by Thomas Jefferson's lacrosse team, and they clearly didn't plan for it in advance.

But on the other hand, they don't do hidden fees. You don't pay upfront and then hear "oh, we're entering the Blah Blah Tournament, that'll be another $200" or anything like that.

And the coaches are great. Very patient, stressing footskills over everything else.

[Anonymous]

Is there anyone on the board who can explain how the offer process (not internet posting) works, and why some players on all the teams, not just top, can hear so quickly, while others have to wait for quite a while? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

It really depends. Sometimes offers are extended immediately to top picks for a top team, or solid players for a lower team. But if you're on the bubble between 2 teams, you have to wait for others to accept or decline. That can take a while. They don't want to offer a spot on team 2 if they might need you in team 1.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there anyone on the board who can explain how the offer process (not internet posting) works, and why some players on all the teams, not just top, can hear so quickly, while others have to wait for quite a while? Thanks!

Think about how you would choose two teams from a pool of 40 fresh young faces. Typically you see a handful who are clearly better, and another handful struggling with a large bunch in the middle. You might easily identify the top 10 and offer them spots pretty quickly. You might also identify the bottom 10 and note them. Most teams call or email offers out and ask for responses within 48 hrs. While those 10 are deciding, you start sorting the middle groups. And so on. It can take a few tryouts and some period of time to get responses back until you have only a few spaces left which you may leave open for latecomers, or not.

[Anonymous]

Our existing club had two 90 minute tryouts a wek ago and promised offers withim in a week(not dc area). Formed top team amd now is havimg another tryout, scheduled a week and a half later. Maybe because B team coach only watched A field? Meanwhile all
other local clubs have given offers and expect responses before this tram's third truout night. Right to be anmoyed?