Travel Soccer teams around NOVA let's discuss

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At FPYC U9 yesterday, there were between 35-40 kids for 20 spots.

Seriously???? In Arlington there were about 130 kids for 40 spots. U-9

Arlington also has a great developmental program for kids who are between rec and travel level. Other clubs have a similar program. So if your child is not offered a travel spot, they may be invited to try out for the developmental program, which has lower cost, a mix of professional and volunteer coaches, and a lower level of commitment required. This is a great option for many kids who don't make a travel team but who find that rec may not be teaching them much - or who love their rec team and want to improve their skills as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At FPYC U9 yesterday, there were between 35-40 kids for 20 spots.

Seriously???? In Arlington there were about 130 kids for 40 spots. U-9

Arlington also has a great developmental program for kids who are between rec and travel level. Other clubs have a similar program. So if your child is not offered a travel spot, they may be invited to try out for the developmental program, which has lower cost, a mix of professional and volunteer coaches, and a lower level of commitment required. This is a great option for many kids who don't make a travel team but who find that rec may not be teaching them much - or who love their rec team and want to improve their skills as well.

I've seen that, and it's a terrific idea. VYS is going that direction as well.

[Anonymous]

[/b]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:He's 9, dude. I didn't play select until I was 11 and then I was on a B team until I was 13 and then I played D1 on a scholarship. Just do whatever you can for him to enjoy the sport or he'll give it up.

The counter to that is that lots of kids love playing with and against good players at 9 or younger, and starting younger helps them build skills that will give them more options for playing at top levels if they continue to love the game. Also, even if you are a recent graduate, the soccer landscape has changed considerably since you were growing up--presumably you didn't have to navigate the path to ECNL or the Development Academy en route to playing at the D1 level.

I will agree that it has changed. Holy shit has it changed. My siblings and I all played on top teams at top clubs, Div 1 in college, All-American, State teams, etc.. My first kid is just at the age to start travel and the way things are run is incredibly different than when I was a kid. I was actually scouted at at Rec game and asked to be on the team--that was it. I played with it for the next 7 years and we didn't have to tryout each year--though kids were occassionally cut and we'd have kids from other clubs vying to get on.

I certainly wasn't trying out at the tender age of 8 against 130 kids like my daughter .

It was certainly simpler in the good old days, and tryouts aren't particluarly fun for parents or kids. I bet if you and your daughter stick with it though, you'll come to really enjoy the modern soccer culture around here. Many of the top area teams, even in age groups as young as U10, are able to keep possession of the ball a lot of the time and play some pretty attractive soccer, which definitely was not the case even a decade ago. And if you are on a good team around here, you are very likely to do quite well against good teams from most other parts of the country. We don't have the soccer culture of Texas or California yet, but everything seems to be moving in the right direction.

This area was actually a hot bed of soccer in the 80s. Braddock Road Bluebelles won the [b]National[b] championship. Clubs in Springfield were Eastern Regional championship winners several times. There were several National men's players from the area. There was definitely very high level of soccer being played in this region. We certainly didn't have the academies and such, but most top players in the region were being coached by former Professional players in Europe, etc. and many to come out of local programs were top players in the Nation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
This area was actually a hot bed of soccer in the 80s. Braddock Road Bluebelles won the [b]National[b] championship. Clubs in Springfield were Eastern Regional championship winners several times. There were several National men's players from the area. There was definitely very high level of soccer being played in this region. We certainly didn't have the academies and such, but most top players in the region were being coached by former Professional players in Europe, etc. and many to come out of local programs were top players in the Nation.

Yeah--my husband grew up here and my BIL was a excellent, recruited player from that era. He was known for his skills, but the family consensus seems to be that the kids on the best teams from around here now are significantly more technically able than their earlier counterparts. Maybe you can report back in a few years once you've had the opportunity to compare!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of tryout attendees to available spots is typical?

I love FPYC's program for younger kids, by the way.

What do you love about their program? They pick the better kids already in kindergarten and first grade and start training them for travel. That's probably why there aren't a lot of other kids trying out. The other kids already have the feeling they won't make it and that FPYC doesn't see any potential in them.

[Anonymous]

VYS, those dismal letters . . .

What's frustrating is the squandered potential. VYS has good fields and facilities, efficient administration of all the background stuff, and interested parents. But somehow things are always just a bit off. The poor six-year-olds play on a field that's slightly too big, for quarters that are two minutes too long, and on teams that have one player too many. On a hot day it's torture. Eventually the small issues add up and you have travel teams that lack a certain something.

House practices are incredibly boring and of little worth. Someone needs to instruct these earnest company men from the hinterlands to let the kids run around for a bit. The overly regimented house training also affects travel eventually.

Part of the problem may be that VYI (a separate entity that houses teams for many other sports) is now delivering a lot more fun and high performance in football, basketball, and lacrosse. Vienna's County basketball teams, for example, do surprisingly well, while VYS travel teams (with several exceptions) are just okay.

I think the VYS parents are ready for some innovation, and there are some encouraging signs with the new programs created by the Technical Director. Like a lot of VYS folks, I'm chronically annoyed but still a little optimistic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:VYS, those dismal letters . . .

What's frustrating is the squandered potential. VYS has good fields and facilities, efficient administration of all the background stuff, and interested parents. But somehow things are always just a bit off. The poor six-year-olds play on a field that's slightly too big, for quarters that are two minutes too long, and on teams that have one player too many. On a hot day it's torture. Eventually the small issues add up and you have travel teams that lack a certain something.

House practices are incredibly boring and of little worth. Someone needs to instruct these earnest company men from the hinterlands to let the kids run around for a bit. The overly regimented house training also affects travel eventually.

Part of the problem may be that VYI (a separate entity that houses teams for many other sports) is now delivering a lot more fun and high performance in football, basketball, and lacrosse. Vienna's County basketball teams, for example, do surprisingly well, while VYS travel teams (with several exceptions) are just okay.

I think the VYS parents are ready for some innovation, and there are some encouraging signs with the new programs created by the Technical Director. Like a lot of VYS folks, I'm chronically annoyed but still a little optimistic.

I laughed at this line. This is precisely how we feel about our club (in MD), though our frustrations stem from different issues.

[Anonymous]

We actually love VYS. Much better for all families, not just travel, than FPYC IMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:VYS, those dismal letters . . .

What's frustrating is the squandered potential. VYS has good fields and facilities, efficient administration of all the background stuff, and interested parents. But somehow things are always just a bit off. The poor six-year-olds play on a field that's slightly too big, for quarters that are two minutes too long, and on teams that have one player too many. On a hot day it's torture. Eventually the small issues add up and you have travel teams that lack a certain something.

House practices are incredibly boring and of little worth. Someone needs to instruct these earnest company men from the hinterlands to let the kids run around for a bit. The overly regimented house training also affects travel eventually.

Part of the problem may be that VYI (a separate entity that houses teams for many other sports) is now delivering a lot more fun and high performance in football, basketball, and lacrosse. Vienna's County basketball teams, for example, do surprisingly well, while VYS travel teams (with several exceptions) are just okay.

I think the VYS parents are ready for some innovation, and there are some encouraging signs with the new programs created by the Technical Director. Like a lot of VYS folks, I'm chronically annoyed but still a little optimistic.

I keep seeing references to VYS having good travel teams but I just don't see it. They have a good U15 girls program, and their U14 girls was good but is falling apart, but both of those predate their academy program, which seems best at encouraging good players to move to better clubs.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:VYS, those dismal letters . . .

What's frustrating is the squandered potential. VYS has good fields and facilities, efficient administration of all the background stuff, and interested parents. But somehow things are always just a bit off. The poor six-year-olds play on a field that's slightly too big, for quarters that are two minutes too long, and on teams that have one player too many. On a hot day it's torture. Eventually the small issues add up and you have travel teams that lack a certain something.

House practices are incredibly boring and of little worth. Someone needs to instruct these earnest company men from the hinterlands to let the kids run around for a bit. The overly regimented house training also affects travel eventually.

Part of the problem may be that VYI (a separate entity that houses teams for many other sports) is now delivering a lot more fun and high performance in football, basketball, and lacrosse. Vienna's County basketball teams, for example, do surprisingly well, while VYS travel teams (with several exceptions) are just okay.

I think the VYS parents are ready for some innovation, and there are some encouraging signs with the new programs created by the Technical Director. Like a lot of VYS folks, I'm chronically annoyed but still a little optimistic.

I keep seeing references to VYS having good travel teams but I just don't see it. They have a good U15 girls program, and their U14 girls was good but is falling apart, but both of those predate their academy program, which seems best at encouraging good players to move to better clubs.

Sad, but so true.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of tryout attendees to available spots is typical?

I love FPYC's program for younger kids, by the way.

What do you love about their program? They pick the better kids already in kindergarten and first grade and start training them for travel. That's probably why there aren't a lot of other kids trying out. The other kids already have the feeling they won't make it and that FPYC doesn't see any potential in them.

Really, the kids have this feeling? From my recollection that's the age when my boys thought they could do anything. My guess is this fear(?) comes more from the parents. If so that's just plain silly. Yes, some of the kids who will be good as teens will be good at 6 or 7, but many more will not stand out. One of the best kids I know in U-13, who was recruited away to a team that just won the Virginia cup, almost didn't make travel at U-9. The coaches barely noticed him as so many kids seemed better. But as soon as this kid started training, his trajectory was just up, up, up. Many of the better kids in K & 1st grade remained just that -- the kids who were better in K and 1st grade.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of tryout attendees to available spots is typical?

I love FPYC's program for younger kids, by the way.

What do you love about their program? They pick the better kids already in kindergarten and first grade and start training them for travel. That's probably why there aren't a lot of other kids trying out. The other kids already have the feeling they won't make it and that FPYC doesn't see any potential in them.

Really, the kids have this feeling? From my recollection that's the age when my boys thought they could do anything. My guess is this fear(?) comes more from the parents. If so that's just plain silly. Yes, some of the kids who will be good as teens will be good at 6 or 7, but many more will not stand out. One of the best kids I know in U-13, who was recruited away to a team that just won the Virginia cup, almost didn't make travel at U-9. The coaches barely noticed him as so many kids seemed better. But as soon as this kid started training, his trajectory was just up, up, up. Many of the better kids in K & 1st grade remained just that -- the kids who were better in K and 1st grade.

What are you trying to say and what do your comments have to do with FPYC? I was merely commenting that FPYC creates pre-travel teams at ages 6 and 7 and nurtures those children more than other kids in the league. Other leagues like VYS do not create these pre-travel teams and offer training opportunities to everyone. You never answered why you love FPYC's program either. What particularly do you think is so great and above other neighboring programs? Why can't they get more children to try out for travel?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of tryout attendees to available spots is typical?

I love FPYC's program for younger kids, by the way.

What do you love about their program? They pick the better kids already in kindergarten and first grade and start training them for travel. That's probably why there aren't a lot of other kids trying out. The other kids already have the feeling they won't make it and that FPYC doesn't see any potential in them.

Really, the kids have this feeling? From my recollection that's the age when my boys thought they could do anything. My guess is this fear(?) comes more from the parents. If so that's just plain silly. Yes, some of the kids who will be good as teens will be good at 6 or 7, but many more will not stand out. One of the best kids I know in U-13, who was recruited away to a team that just won the Virginia cup, almost didn't make travel at U-9. The coaches barely noticed him as so many kids seemed better. But as soon as this kid started training, his trajectory was just up, up, up. Many of the better kids in K & 1st grade remained just that -- the kids who were better in K and 1st grade.

What are you trying to say and what do your comments have to do with FPYC? I was merely commenting that FPYC creates pre-travel teams at ages 6 and 7 and nurtures those children more than other kids in the league. Other leagues like VYS do not create these pre-travel teams and offer training opportunities to everyone. You never answered why you love FPYC's program either. What particularly do you think is so great and above other neighboring programs? Why can't they get more children to try out for travel?

I'm not the poster who said I loved FPYC. Personally, I think pre-travel programs for little kids are silly and little more than an attempt to capitalize on the paranoia of parents who think if their kids don't get the earliest start they'll never be competitive. Kind of like the idiots who stress out about what's the right Pre-K. But I truly expect we'll get to a point where 5 year olds are traveling for showcase tournaments before some people get a grip.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of tryout attendees to available spots is typical?

I love FPYC's program for younger kids, by the way.

What do you love about their program? They pick the better kids already in kindergarten and first grade and start training them for travel. That's probably why there aren't a lot of other kids trying out. The other kids already have the feeling they won't make it and that FPYC doesn't see any potential in them.

Really, the kids have this feeling? From my recollection that's the age when my boys thought they could do anything. My guess is this fear(?) comes more from the parents. If so that's just plain silly. Yes, some of the kids who will be good as teens will be good at 6 or 7, but many more will not stand out. One of the best kids I know in U-13, who was recruited away to a team that just won the Virginia cup, almost didn't make travel at U-9. The coaches barely noticed him as so many kids seemed better. But as soon as this kid started training, his trajectory was just up, up, up. Many of the better kids in K & 1st grade remained just that -- the kids who were better in K and 1st grade.

What are you trying to say and what do your comments have to do with FPYC? I was merely commenting that FPYC creates pre-travel teams at ages 6 and 7 and nurtures those children more than other kids in the league. Other leagues like VYS do not create these pre-travel teams and offer training opportunities to everyone. You never answered why you love FPYC's program either. What particularly do you think is so great and above other neighboring programs? Why can't they get more children to try out for travel?

I'm not the poster who said I loved FPYC. Personally, I think pre-travel programs for little kids are silly and little more than an attempt to capitalize on the paranoia of parents who think if their kids don't get the earliest start they'll never be competitive. Kind of like the idiots who stress out about what's the right Pre-K. But I truly expect we'll get to a point where 5 year olds are traveling for showcase tournaments before some people get a grip.

Pre-travel teams are about $. Plain and simple. You pay, you play.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So a 2:1 or 3:1 ratio of tryout attendees to available spots is typical?

I love FPYC's program for younger kids, by the way.

What do you love about their program? They pick the better kids already in kindergarten and first grade and start training them for travel. That's probably why there aren't a lot of other kids trying out. The other kids already have the feeling they won't make it and that FPYC doesn't see any potential in them.

Really, the kids have this feeling? From my recollection that's the age when my boys thought they could do anything. My guess is this fear(?) comes more from the parents. If so that's just plain silly. Yes, some of the kids who will be good as teens will be good at 6 or 7, but many more will not stand out. One of the best kids I know in U-13, who was recruited away to a team that just won the Virginia cup, almost didn't make travel at U-9. The coaches barely noticed him as so many kids seemed better. But as soon as this kid started training, his trajectory was just up, up, up. Many of the better kids in K & 1st grade remained just that -- the kids who were better in K and 1st grade.

What are you trying to say and what do your comments have to do with FPYC? I was merely commenting that FPYC creates pre-travel teams at ages 6 and 7 and nurtures those children more than other kids in the league. Other leagues like VYS do not create these pre-travel teams and offer training opportunities to everyone. You never answered why you love FPYC's program either. What particularly do you think is so great and above other neighboring programs? Why can't they get more children to try out for travel?

I'm not the poster who said I loved FPYC. Personally, I think pre-travel programs for little kids are silly and little more than an attempt to capitalize on the paranoia of parents who think if their kids don't get the earliest start they'll never be competitive. Kind of like the idiots who stress out about what's the right Pre-K. But I truly expect we'll get to a point where 5 year olds are traveling for showcase tournaments before some people get a grip.

I'm the one who loved FPYC. There's a split in youth soccer about when to start encouraging players to pass the ball. Some clubs (I've heard McLean is like this) don't encourage it until U9 or so. I get the emphasis on individual skills, but I think you have to start teaching some sort of team play when you get beyond 3v3. Otherwise, it's just one player and four kids who are watching. FPYC gets kids to start passing, and it's nice to watch.

That said, we certainly have a big divide in "pre-travel" approaches. Lee Mount Vernon operates a league for U8s in which the approaches are all over the map. IFC, as far as I can tell, has no House league -- they have a U8 team that practices 2-3 times a week, dominates the LMV league and dominates the All-Star tournaments. Alexandria assembles one team of players that stops playing House and concentrates on the LMV league. Then you have VYS, which wants to be as open as possible, taking the first 48 kids who sign up for the training program -- they're randomly assigned to four teams each week, they all play their House league games in the morning and their LMV games in the afternoon, and they spend the fall season getting creamed. (They catch up a bit in the spring, though.)

McLean rolled out a U8 program in which they just trained a lot and occasionally had "games" against each other. Gee, that sounds like fun. I'm sure no one burns out in that approach.