With a very American-style of play. The problem with these two clubs in they use that player pool to seed the field with large kids. I've seen kids have a huge growth spurt---and now all the sudden player is very attractive to the upper team coach when they couldn't give a crap before and their skill level of play is exactly the same level as before--just now with size. It is not unheard of for players to turn down top spots at these clubs to go develop elsewhere. Not everyone thinks it is the holy grail to play for these Clubs. But--they do have huge player pools that most clubs do not have. I'll give you that. With respect to the long ball crap that pp mentioned---I've seen the same style of play even in Futsal where it is the last place you should be launching balls in the air. It was cringe-worthy. |
I didn't intend endorse those clubs just more stating numerical facts and outcome based facts. Smart parents know to look for development over "results". Sometimes they do occur together though. In regards to "long ball futsal" I'll disagree though. High level futsal is played more in the air than you realize. Scooping the ball for passing is common because of the low bounce nature of the ball allows easier trapping of the ball out of the air. passing through the air therefor becomes a commonly used tactic. It adds another dimension to the game. |
I asked the CCL question above. Noob soccer parent therefore just trying to distinguish the differences. Great feedback from everyone |
I completely agree with this. You are going to find the training and personal attention and development may be better where you are anyways. Some clubs have a much heavier investment in the U7-u11s to build for the future vs. focusing on the upper teams for tournament and state cup wins to draw players from other teams. I do disagree with your point about CCL though. I haven't found this to be the case with my kids, re. ccl quality. In fact, my kids team will blow every single team out in regular season CCL and that get crushed in tournaments (not sponsored by CCL) by teams in other leagues. Parents have been asking the coaches for more challenge during the regular season. Since there is no relegation you have teams at very different levels. From what I understand, you can't play a team in an upper age group like some of the other leagues allow as well. We counted on only 1 or 2 competitive games only per regular season and then getting our ass handed to us when we went to the MD or other away tournaments. |
Agree on all of this, too . Bethesda has very good training. Possible "downsides" at young age are 1). the logistics - practice locations can be tough and distance for games are far even for 'home' field in poolesville. I think PPA makes it much easier and classics tend to be more neighborhood basis . 2) The other part in Bethesda is that some parents can get anxious or competitive between on who is on the higher level teams (though far less than VA clubs) Those do not become issues for all parents - but just helpful to know before you commit |
CCL Guy resurfaces. So ez to spot his posts. CCL top teams do not play kickball, but the league sucks ass. Might as well travel to Florida at U11 and say, hey, find a new team, it is your choice! Thank you CCL Guy. Teams should leave this league just like BRYC and Md. U did. |
Nope, wrong. That post wasn't mine. The world is full of people with their own opinions. |
I don't get this comment. Isn't one of the gripes about CCL all the long distance travel? Wouldn't BRYC in the ECNL be even worse?? |
The CCL gripe is all the long distance travel to play weak teams. ECNL will not be weak teams. |
Correct. |
NP here. Also new to all of this. U10 DD is currently doing MSI Classic, but as PPs have stated, the quality varies and unfortunately we're on one of the "you get what you pay for" teams completely lacking in player development. Thinking about trying out for one of the clubs and would love any thoughts comparing Bethesda Soccer, Potomac Soccer, and PPA. Would PPA be convenient for someone living in the North Potomac/Gaithersburg area? One of the things that Classic does have going for it is the chance to really build a relationship with the teammates and coach. I'm a little afraid of what I've read on here about Bethesda and getting lost in the shuffle. Is it similar at Potomac? Any other nearby clubs I should be considering? Would really prefer not to go too far (like over 30 mins) for practices at this age. Thanks! |
Fair enough |
Just to get this topic back on point . . .
http://www.bethesdasoccer.org/Default.aspx?tabid=274486 |
Did not know they were in Va. |
Anyone with any insight on Maryland Rush Montgomery? How do they stack up in terms of training and cost with BSC and Potomac? |