What's going on with FCBEscola NOVA?
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Anonymous
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We are 3 kids and 6 years into the travel scene around NOVA. Lately, specifically this year I've heard a lot of kids moving to FCB from well established clubs around the area, can someone that is in the program clue me in to what is going on there that makes it so appealing? I'll be honest, when they announced the launch a few years ago I brushed them off as just a program leveraging the mighty Barcelona name but it appears the program has some merits. I've never seen them plan, but the fact that I've heard a lot of teams going over has peeked my interest. We are in a good situation with my kids and there club, but you never know.
Also, are they in a league? No reference to any of the leagues and any clue if they are going to join the DA ranks? I was hoping to see some Youtube videos of a few of their games but I only found other locations and promo videos. |
Anonymous
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Been with FCB since the beginning, which is only one year. Sept 2017 was the beginning. I have multiple kids in different age groups. We have been very happy so far, and most of the other families we talk to have similar sentiments. The kids love it. The training is outstanding, extremely professional. Every player in every age group gets the exact same training. Practices are run like clockwork. Drills run the same way, they all take breaks at the same time, choreographed across 6-10 teams across 2 fields. Everything planned to the minute.
Focus is very much on player development. Kids will move frequently to train with different groups based on their strengths. Girls mixed with boys. I’ve seen players train with groups 2-3 years older. It works because the Barca style of play is less physical. As soon as player gets comfortable they challenge with more. This first year was to be internal competition only but we did a fair amount of tournaments because the TD felt teams were progressing ahead of schedule. This upcoming season will have more external competition and likely league play starting in the spring. There are some very good players from other clubs, some typical average Travel players. The focus is on team play, possession, and making the right decisions over score and winning. Some teams have done quite well in tournaments although as new teams they are needing to enter at the lowest brackets. Opportunities to travel to Spain and play in events with other escolas from around the world. These are “experience” opportunities (read: if you can pay you can go) and not completion based. Great experience for kids but don’t think it means your kid is Messi. Don’t know any family not returning. In fact most are adding more siblings. It’s different than the standard travel experience. May not be for everyone but we’ve enjoyed it Around 300 players this year. Will be over 400 in the fall as more were added in tryouts. Roughly 2 teams per age group but the teams are very fluid. |
Anonymous
| OP here, that sounds fantastic. Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. I may have to trek out there to take a look for myself. As mentioned, we are pretty happy with out club and training, but you have to inquire when you hear more and more people going to another club. |
Anonymous
| Too bad it is too far from where I am and probably from a majority of travel families. |
Anonymous
| Where? Sterling? |
Anonymous
Evergreen Sportsplex in Leesburg. Distance is our hang up as well. |
Anonymous
| Loudoun is getting a lot of pressure. FCB is gaining traction and DCU is moving to their backyard, that should make the player pool a bit more spread out. |
Anonymous
| How long do they practice? 1hr or 1.5 hrs? Thanks. |
Anonymous
| When will they add a program near the VA Beltway?!! I have little ones on A/B teams at one of those big clubs and they want out. Leesburg too far. |
Anonymous
| 1.5 hr practice three days a week, plus 1 hr internal game on Saturday mornings. For younger age groups (u8/9) practices are 1 hr |
Anonymous
I seriously doubt that there are any plans to move the club or to expand. They currently have a five year lease at Evergreen as is and they would have difficulty finding fields inside the beltway with all the clubs in the area. |
Anonymous
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Start small, get access to one field, start a training only group and then expand. So many players suffering from poor coaching and training with zero technique.
Bethesda South approach. |
Anonymous
How much do they charge? |
Anonymous
Leesburg? FFS. That's like another state. Do people who live in Leesburg work there too? |
Anonymous
$3100 which covers the training and any entry fees for local tournaments (if your kid/team is selected to play in one). Travel is extra. |