WS VA discussion

[Anonymous]

A thread was opened about complaints. What we need is a Spirit VA thread. Period. So here it is. Feel free to post about Spirit VA DA here.

[Anonymous]

Any word on whether Spirit VA will do fall ID sessions like the MD team is doing?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any word on whether Spirit VA will do fall ID sessions like the MD team is doing?

None, and I don't think they will until January time. But they regularly allow players to join them in practices so it's always a good idea to call up and ask for that.

[SpiritVAParent]

This is a good idea. I have had children in a variety of clubs and levels of soccer in the area. My DD currently plays for Spirit VA, started with them in their inaugural year. As I’ve said in other posts, the club has both positives and negatives, and whether it is a good fit for you and your family will depend on your DD’s soccer goals and perspectives. My DD—who had the option to move to other high-level clubs after her first year with Spirit—chose to stay because she really enjoys the environment. I’m happy to answer questions that i can.

[Anonymous]

SpiritVAParent wrote:This is a good idea. I have had children in a variety of clubs and levels of soccer in the area. My DD currently plays for Spirit VA, started with them in their inaugural year. As I’ve said in other posts, the club has both positives and negatives, and whether it is a good fit for you and your family will depend on your DD’s soccer goals and perspectives. My DD—who had the option to move to other high-level clubs after her first year with Spirit—chose to stay because she really enjoys the environment. I’m happy to answer questions that i can.

To give context to your answers, what year is she born in, what position does she play, and what team does she play on?

[SpiritVAParent]

Anonymous wrote:

SpiritVAParent wrote:This is a good idea. I have had children in a variety of clubs and levels of soccer in the area. My DD currently plays for Spirit VA, started with them in their inaugural year. As I’ve said in other posts, the club has both positives and negatives, and whether it is a good fit for you and your family will depend on your DD’s soccer goals and perspectives. My DD—who had the option to move to other high-level clubs after her first year with Spirit—chose to stay because she really enjoys the environment. I’m happy to answer questions that i can.

To give context to your answers, what year is she born in, what position does she play, and what team does she play on?

She is an 04 who generally plays with the U15 team, but who has played up with the U17s on occasion. I’ll keep it at that level of specificity, which I’m sure those of you who have read the more dramatic opinions of other Spirit parents will understand—I’d like to maintain some level of anonymity on the sidelines.

[Anonymous]

I sneaked a glimpse or two at WS VA practice while coaching at the field nearby. I have to say that the girls looked focused and the practices appeared to be well-run.

[Anonymous]

My DD is really enjoying her first year there-we switched from an ECNL club and even though her team hasn’t won, I think they have great potential.

[Anonymous]

Is there any real relationship between the Great Falls NPL team and VA Spirit? The website makes it look like some girls move up, but try-outs were separate last year and I haven’t heard of any movement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is there any real relationship between the Great Falls NPL team and VA Spirit? The website makes it look like some girls move up, but try-outs were separate last year and I haven’t heard of any movement.

Yes. The Spirit VA coaches would like to use Great Falls Reston increasingly as a feeder for the entry level DA teams. That is not to say they won’t take players from other clubs but they actually help coach Great Falls Reston practices.

[Anonymous]

In terms of style of play and the players they select for academy, does it seem that they tend to take girls who are more skilled but not as athletic or vice versa?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:In terms of style of play and the players they select for academy, does it seem that they tend to take girls who are more skilled but not as athletic or vice versa?

In terms of style of play they are not a kick ball club. They care more about developing good habits and technique at young ages rather than winning games. They are more impressed by players who make good choices on than field than players who reached puberty at early age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is there any real relationship between the Great Falls NPL team and VA Spirit? The website makes it look like some girls move up, but try-outs were separate last year and I haven’t heard of any movement.

Yes. The Spirit VA coaches would like to use Great Falls Reston increasingly as a feeder for the entry level DA teams. That is not to say they won’t take players from other clubs but they actually help coach Great Falls Reston practices.

This is correct. It looks as though they are positioning to train the girls up in their possession based style from GFR into the DA teams. The GFR U9-12 Spirit Academy director is a WS assistant coach who helps with the younger DA age groups as well. It looks to be moving toward a tightly integrated as a relationship can get for a pro club that doesn't have a youth travel program.

[Anonymous]

Washington Spirit VA U15 and U16/17 teams have not won any games. U19s are mid-pack. With the Virginia talent dilution among 4 ECNL and 3 DA teams at those ages, what do people think will happen with the club? Fold and call it a merger with MD Spirit side?

[Anonymous]

Don't hold your breath. The membership in DA and ECNL is like a membership in a country club i.e., by application. They don't relegate or promote teams.