Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I had no idea how difficult it was to get placed on a decent (read WAGS, CCL, VPL) travel team in this area at u10(g). Just endured tryout season at two major VA clubs and got an eyeful. Both clubs seemed intent on keeping all of their u9 players on the top teams with no real change (assuming politics are playing a major role here). One club even structured the tryout in a way such that the top three teams didn't even tryout on the same fields with the unwashed masses, unless a coach specifically selected one or two to move to the "field of dreams." At both, it didn't seem to matter if the new kids showed more technical ability, speed, drive, <insert your favorite player attributes here> than some (or many) of the established kids. I got a strong sense that if a girl didn't show far superior skills, hands down above all existing players, forget it. Or, better yet, at the same cost, join our ODSL team which plays at a level on par with Rec.

Is this common throughout the area or was this just a warped, bad experience?

Note, I just want my kid to progress. I have no illusions about her being the top player in her age group, but I've played and watched a lot of soccer and she's not Rec/5th travel team material either. It's very hard to improve when you play with/against kids that are not nearly at the same skill level, at least in my experience. This makes it even harder for the next tryout in a year. Any recommended strategies/professional training programs that we can use to supplement our next year of Rec level play?

Which 2 clubs? If she is going to be 5th- I am assuming she would be trying out for a U-11 team? 3rd graders/rising 4th are U-10; 4th grade/rising 5th are mostly U-11.

She's a rising u10 player, 9yo going into 4th grade next year.

If you are in Arlington and she doesn't make travel- she can try out for the ADP (developmental league). It's a step above Rec-- more training. Not sure where you live.

[Anonymous]

Suggestions for a rising U11 that didn't make any teams at a top club? & was currently on a travel team last year?

[Anonymous]

IMO, the kids who break through the crowd and clutter of big club tryouts (and weren't known standouts from other clubs already identified by the coaches in league or tournament play throughout the season) are those who introduced themselves to the coach/club PRIOR to tryouts (as in weeks or months before tryouts, not the day before). Reached out to the coach, had their kid participate in a few practices, asked intelligent questions, came out and watched the team in games, etc. That way, the coach has seen them before tryouts. Identify one or two clubs where you think your daughter would like to play and start a conversation in advance of tryouts. Likely too late for this year, but something to think about for the future. The kids who just flew in, attended 1 or 2 of our club's tryouts, didn't know anyone coming in, and were also trying out at 3 other clubs weren't taken too seriously unless they had extraordinary skills or athleticism.

As for skills training, not sure where you live, but if in Va, take a look at HP Elite, Coerver, Golden Boot, Soccer the Brazilian Way, BW Advanced Soccer, etc. You can also ask the club where you'd like your kid to play if any of their coaches do private or group training on the side - many do. I think sometimes half the battle is just getting on their radar. May feel like you're buying your way in, but the reality is the kids who do these training programs build soccer skills, as well as rapport and relationships with the people running or working the travel programs. My kid does one of the above programs and has gotten to know trainers from a number of area clubs - this would come in handy if we ever needed an intro into another club.

Try not to be discouraged. For better or worse, it's a little bit like job hunting. There's some networking involved, especially if your child didn't come into travel on the ground floor at U8 or U9. Also, talk to other parents whose kids play at a high level in the club you like (even if their kids are older). They can give advice, make introductions, suggest local training programs, etc.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IMO, the kids who break through the crowd and clutter of big club tryouts (and weren't known standouts from other clubs already identified by the coaches in league or tournament play throughout the season) are those who introduced themselves to the coach/club PRIOR to tryouts (as in weeks or months before tryouts, not the day before). Reached out to the coach, had their kid participate in a few practices, asked intelligent questions, came out and watched the team in games, etc. That way, the coach has seen them before tryouts. Identify one or two clubs where you think your daughter would like to play and start a conversation in advance of tryouts. Likely too late for this year, but something to think about for the future. The kids who just flew in, attended 1 or 2 of our club's tryouts, didn't know anyone coming in, and were also trying out at 3 other clubs weren't taken too seriously unless they had extraordinary skills or athleticism.

As for skills training, not sure where you live, but if in Va, take a look at HP Elite, Coerver, Golden Boot, Soccer the Brazilian Way, BW Advanced Soccer, etc. You can also ask the club where you'd like your kid to play if any of their coaches do private or group training on the side - many do. I think sometimes half the battle is just getting on their radar. May feel like you're buying your way in, but the reality is the kids who do these training programs build soccer skills, as well as rapport and relationships with the people running or working the travel programs. My kid does one of the above programs and has gotten to know trainers from a number of area clubs - this would come in handy if we ever needed an intro into another club.

Try not to be discouraged. For better or worse, it's a little bit like job hunting. There's some networking involved, especially if your child didn't come into travel on the ground floor at U8 or U9. Also, talk to other parents whose kids play at a high level in the club you like (even if their kids are older). They can give advice, make introductions, suggest local training programs, etc.

Good luck!

This is great advice, and applies no matter what jurisdiction you are in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:IMO, the kids who break through the crowd and clutter of big club tryouts (and weren't known standouts from other clubs already identified by the coaches in league or tournament play throughout the season) are those who introduced themselves to the coach/club PRIOR to tryouts (as in weeks or months before tryouts, not the day before). Reached out to the coach, had their kid participate in a few practices, asked intelligent questions, came out and watched the team in games, etc. That way, the coach has seen them before tryouts. Identify one or two clubs where you think your daughter would like to play and start a conversation in advance of tryouts. Likely too late for this year, but something to think about for the future. The kids who just flew in, attended 1 or 2 of our club's tryouts, didn't know anyone coming in, and were also trying out at 3 other clubs weren't taken too seriously unless they had extraordinary skills or athleticism.

As for skills training, not sure where you live, but if in Va, take a look at HP Elite, Coerver, Golden Boot, Soccer the Brazilian Way, BW Advanced Soccer, etc. You can also ask the club where you'd like your kid to play if any of their coaches do private or group training on the side - many do. I think sometimes half the battle is just getting on their radar. May feel like you're buying your way in, but the reality is the kids who do these training programs build soccer skills, as well as rapport and relationships with the people running or working the travel programs. My kid does one of the above programs and has gotten to know trainers from a number of area clubs - this would come in handy if we ever needed an intro into another club.

Try not to be discouraged. For better or worse, it's a little bit like job hunting. There's some networking involved, especially if your child didn't come into travel on the ground floor at U8 or U9. Also, talk to other parents whose kids play at a high level in the club you like (even if their kids are older). They can give advice, make introductions, suggest local training programs, etc.

Good luck!

PP, thank you so much for the well thought out advice and kinds words

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd rather plane travel to a tournament in Florida than drive

I think they are questioning the need for that at age 9. A 9-year old does not need to fly from DC-FL to find competition.

DC Metro has so many teams there is no need to drive long distances or fly. All other places lived travel is a necessity starting at U9. Travel from Denver crisis crossing the state, to Las Vegas, and California. DC Metro is a great location to play Travel Soccer. Great competition, great coaches and the cost is very reasonable for what you get. As with all things in the DC area the down fall is of course the great competition & great coaches make it difficult for some to get their foot in the door. Over all players and their parents have it good in DC!

[Anonymous]

Can a kid with above average speed have success beyond rec? He's U12. Tks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can a kid with above average speed have success beyond rec? He's U12. Tks.

Speed alone- no. Speed and ball skills-yes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can a kid with above average speed have success beyond rec? He's U12. Tks.

The short answer is absolutely. Being a great soccer player is much more than merely being fast. Technical skills--the ability to receive the ball under pressure, the ability to shield the ball, the ability take a touch or two to relieve pressure and open up space for teammates, the ability to strike the ball well etc.--are more important than pure speed. Also, quickness to the ball and anticipation are equally if not more important than speed.

[Anonymous]

Veteran of many years of travel parenting at a middling level.

It is fun. Lots of fun. Until it is not. Your kid will give up many things to make this commitment. Be sure it is worth it to you and your child.

And then, when it stops being fun, stop playing. There are tons of other sports and activities for kids, and many ways to excel. You may not know what they are because you are so busy with travel, but trust me -- there is live after travel.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Veteran of many years of travel parenting at a middling level.

It is fun. Lots of fun. Until it is not. Your kid will give up many things to make this commitment. Be sure it is worth it to you and your child.

And then, when it stops being fun, stop playing. There are tons of other sports and activities for kids, and many ways to excel. You may not know what they are because you are so busy with travel, but trust me -- there is live after travel.

I so agree! I have great childhood memories--all kids will decide when it's not fun anymore in their own--and its our job to let them take the lead.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd rather plane travel to a tournament in Florida than drive

I think they are questioning the need for that at age 9. A 9-year old does not need to fly from DC-FL to find competition.

DC Metro has so many teams there is no need to drive long distances or fly. All other places lived travel is a necessity starting at U9. Travel from Denver crisis crossing the state, to Las Vegas, and California. DC Metro is a great location to play Travel Soccer. Great competition, great coaches and the cost is very reasonable for what you get. As with all things in the DC area the down fall is of course the great competition & great coaches make it difficult for some to get their foot in the door. Over all players and their parents have it good in DC!

Is the struggle with travel soccer and getting your foot in the door centered more toward younger age groups?

I ask because my oldest son is the soccer player of the 4 kids and will play U17 next year. We are in the moving process and aren't able to make any of the tryouts. I've contacted a few clubs told coaches about our situation And a run down of my sons experiences and they have all told me that when we physically arrive the door is open.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd rather plane travel to a tournament in Florida than drive

I think they are questioning the need for that at age 9. A 9-year old does not need to fly from DC-FL to find competition.

DC Metro has so many teams there is no need to drive long distances or fly. All other places lived travel is a necessity starting at U9. Travel from Denver crisis crossing the state, to Las Vegas, and California. DC Metro is a great location to play Travel Soccer. Great competition, great coaches and the cost is very reasonable for what you get. As with all things in the DC area the down fall is of course the great competition & great coaches make it difficult for some to get their foot in the door. Over all players and their parents have it good in DC!

Is the struggle with travel soccer and getting your foot in the door centered more toward younger age groups?

I ask because my oldest son is the soccer player of the 4 kids and will play U17 next year. We are in the moving process and aren't able to make any of the tryouts. I've contacted a few clubs told coaches about our situation And a run down of my sons experiences and they have all told me that when we physically arrive the door is open.

Yes. There is huge turnover and many kids leave travel soccer at middle school and even more at High School age.

U-9/10/11 is probably the hardest to find a spot.

[Anonymous]

Ok. Making a little more sense now. Do most high school players play club/travel as well as high school

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok. Making a little more sense now. Do most high school players play club/travel as well as high school

Some solely do Academy(no Travel; No HS).

Some choose to only play for their HS team.

Some do HS and Travel.