youth soccer participation down 23.5% in key 6-12 year age group...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Too few clubs offer an alternative for U9-U12s. Rec teams are not even serious and treated as a joke, and few selection-based teams offer something in between rec and full blown NCSL travel ---- where we are with its big tourneys, winter practices, etc.

Can anyone name a VA club that has a U9-U12 select or travel-lite team that:

does not require a year commitment

practices only twice a week within 30 minutes of DC

plays in maybe one tourney a season

has all its home and away games within an hour drive of DC

has professional coaches

costs half of the usual $3K a year ---- because it doesn't have any DOCs, etc., etc.

Yes, Arlington Soccer has its Arlington Development Program (ADP) not Development Academy. It sits at that sweet spot between Rec and Travel - and some of the teams are better than the lower travel teams. You have to try out for the team, 2 practices a week - one with a professional coach and one with a parent coach, and games are only against other Arlington ADP teams. Some of the ADP parent coaches will enter their team into various travel team competitions. The cost is either $300 a semester or for the whole year, and that includes the uniforms and socks. They try to base it around your school, but if one team gets too good, they will shuffle teams around to even them out to keep it competitive for all. My son's team had several kids who could have easily been high ASA travel players, but the parents did not want that kind of commitment or worked too much. They have tryouts in both the Fall and Spring, but Spring is just to fill in some kids who left. Is it perfect? No, one of the worst parents I've come across, and I've had 3 kids in travel, was an ADP parent screaming at his kid every game. All games are in Arlington, just now always the best fields.

ADP is pretty small, limited to Arl. in-house teams, and stops at U11 . . . but that is a pretty good example.

Any others? Anything like what MD has with MSI Select where travel-lite teams from small clubs can play without the travel of CCL, NCSL, etc.?

ADP may be the only option down in VA, but from those I know, it is not like the MSI Select league. Are there no VA clubs that field simple teams that want to go up once a week and play in Montgomery County? Like ADP, but more competition. Aren't there even divisions?

No, because then that is simply travel soccer. Trying to schedule intra club rec stuff is a nightmare which is partially why leagues exist in the first place. The league handles the schedule making.

It is MSI Classic which is a select league run by MSI (with divisions) that schedules games for MSI select teams and nearby select teams from other clubs.The travel wouldn't be great for a NoVA player, prbly less then some NCSL divisions.Sounds like travel-lite. VA has no teams that play in this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Too few clubs offer an alternative for U9-U12s. Rec teams are not even serious and treated as a joke, and few selection-based teams offer something in between rec and full blown NCSL travel ---- where we are with its big tourneys, winter practices, etc.

Can anyone name a VA club that has a U9-U12 select or travel-lite team that:

does not require a year commitment

practices only twice a week within 30 minutes of DC

plays in maybe one tourney a season

has all its home and away games within an hour drive of DC

has professional coaches

costs half of the usual $3K a year ---- because it doesn't have any DOCs, etc., etc.

Yes, Arlington Soccer has its Arlington Development Program (ADP) not Development Academy. It sits at that sweet spot between Rec and Travel - and some of the teams are better than the lower travel teams. You have to try out for the team, 2 practices a week - one with a professional coach and one with a parent coach, and games are only against other Arlington ADP teams. Some of the ADP parent coaches will enter their team into various travel team competitions. The cost is either $300 a semester or for the whole year, and that includes the uniforms and socks. They try to base it around your school, but if one team gets too good, they will shuffle teams around to even them out to keep it competitive for all. My son's team had several kids who could have easily been high ASA travel players, but the parents did not want that kind of commitment or worked too much. They have tryouts in both the Fall and Spring, but Spring is just to fill in some kids who left. Is it perfect? No, one of the worst parents I've come across, and I've had 3 kids in travel, was an ADP parent screaming at his kid every game. All games are in Arlington, just now always the best fields.

ADP is pretty small, limited to Arl. in-house teams, and stops at U11 . . . but that is a pretty good example.

Any others? Anything like what MD has with MSI Select where travel-lite teams from small clubs can play without the travel of CCL, NCSL, etc.?

ADP may be the only option down in VA, but from those I know, it is not like the MSI Select league. Are there no VA clubs that field simple teams that want to go up once a week and play in Montgomery County? Like ADP, but more competition. Aren't there even divisions?

As explained on page 3-4 of this thread, most U11 and older kids in NoVA that are not playing travel soccer are playing on teams that the various clubs enter in SFL which coordinates games between clubs and an end of season seeded tournament. www.sflsoccer.org

The top 10-15 teams in each SFL age group play and train at a "travel lite" level of dedication and intensity -- good coaches, dedicated players, nice style and level of play etc. My son's SFL team has a great volunteer coach (former college player), the kids practice twice a week, and most of them make their high school JV teams as freshmen. Of course only on the teams near the top of the standings in SFL will you find a "travel lite"type of experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Too few clubs offer an alternative for U9-U12s. Rec teams are not even serious and treated as a joke, and few selection-based teams offer something in between rec and full blown NCSL travel ---- where we are with its big tourneys, winter practices, etc.

Can anyone name a VA club that has a U9-U12 select or travel-lite team that:

does not require a year commitment

practices only twice a week within 30 minutes of DC

plays in maybe one tourney a season

has all its home and away games within an hour drive of DC

has professional coaches

costs half of the usual $3K a year ---- because it doesn't have any DOCs, etc., etc.

YES. SFL and ODSL. Google them. TONS of clubs (BRYC and FPYC for example) in NoVa have teams in those leagues. They cost way less than travel leagues, require less commitment, etc., etc...all those things you mentioned...

[Anonymous]

Don't most teams that play in ODSL practice 3x a week and play in multiple tournaments? thought FPYC was that way but not sure on braddock

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't most teams that play in ODSL practice 3x a week and play in multiple tournaments? thought FPYC was that way but not sure on braddock

SMH. Then don’t play soccer and don’t play anything. There is no perfect fit unless you actually talk with the coach. Yes ODSL teams likely practice 3 days a week but work that out with the coach.

Tourneys would vary by team but all will be local meaning no overnight out of town stays. But again, ask the coach.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Too few clubs offer an alternative for U9-U12s. Rec teams are not even serious and treated as a joke, and few selection-based teams offer something in between rec and full blown NCSL travel ---- where we are with its big tourneys, winter practices, etc.

Can anyone name a VA club that has a U9-U12 select or travel-lite team that:

does not require a year commitment

practices only twice a week within 30 minutes of DC

plays in maybe one tourney a season

has all its home and away games within an hour drive of DC

has professional coaches

costs half of the usual $3K a year ---- because it doesn't have any DOCs, etc., etc.

YES. SFL and ODSL. Google them. TONS of clubs (BRYC and FPYC for example) in NoVa have teams in those leagues. They cost way less than travel leagues, require less commitment, etc., etc...all those things you mentioned...

ODSL is still travel soccer, and the clubs certainly charge travel soccer fees. I think what you mean is that the competition and quality of play is expected to be lower than that of NCSL and certainly VPL/CCL so the coaches shouldn't expect families and players to have as high a commitment to the team as they would if the players were to play in the top leagues or D1-D3 NCSL. Of course this is a terrible way of teaching your kids commitment and hardwork paying off, if you're not able to commit and play for soccer at a intermediate level for your age, just do rec. There would not be anything wrong with rec if the players that really cared about soccer but were on the 4th-6th travel team were to join rec.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Too few clubs offer an alternative for U9-U12s. Rec teams are not even serious and treated as a joke, and few selection-based teams offer something in between rec and full blown NCSL travel ---- where we are with its big tourneys, winter practices, etc.

Can anyone name a VA club that has a U9-U12 select or travel-lite team that:

does not require a year commitment

practices only twice a week within 30 minutes of DC

plays in maybe one tourney a season

has all its home and away games within an hour drive of DC

has professional coaches

costs half of the usual $3K a year ---- because it doesn't have any DOCs, etc., etc.

YES. SFL and ODSL. Google them. TONS of clubs (BRYC and FPYC for example) in NoVa have teams in those leagues. They cost way less than travel leagues, require less commitment, etc., etc...all those things you mentioned...

ODSL is still travel soccer, and the clubs certainly charge travel soccer fees. I think what you mean is that the competition and quality of play is expected to be lower than that of NCSL and certainly VPL/CCL so the coaches shouldn't expect families and players to have as high a commitment to the team as they would if the players were to play in the top leagues or D1-D3 NCSL. Of course this is a terrible way of teaching your kids commitment and hardwork paying off, if you're not able to commit and play for soccer at a intermediate level for your age, just do rec. There would not be anything wrong with rec if the players that really cared about soccer but were on the 4th-6th travel team were to join rec.

The real crux of the problem, for the PP, is that they want a Goldielocks situation. They want the commitment of Rec with the variety and organization of travel. Basically, they want to play other clubs but not have a regular travel commitment. Frankly, that just doesn’t exist outside of ODSL and registering through or joining a VISTA club (mileage in VISTA can vary as some teams are very good and very serious).

At 8-10 years old my best recommendation is to find the level of play and then try and work the schedule out with the coach. My kid was and played with multi sport kids at those ages and it was never a problem. Any reasonable coach will ultimately be in coaching to teach kids anyway and if all it takes to keep Johnny involved in the sport is making two practices instead of three is a small price to pay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Too few clubs offer an alternative for U9-U12s. Rec teams are not even serious and treated as a joke, and few selection-based teams offer something in between rec and full blown NCSL travel ---- where we are with its big tourneys, winter practices, etc.

Can anyone name a VA club that has a U9-U12 select or travel-lite team that:

does not require a year commitment

practices only twice a week within 30 minutes of DC

plays in maybe one tourney a season

has all its home and away games within an hour drive of DC

has professional coaches

costs half of the usual $3K a year ---- because it doesn't have any DOCs, etc., etc.

YES. SFL and ODSL. Google them. TONS of clubs (BRYC and FPYC for example) in NoVa have teams in those leagues. They cost way less than travel leagues, require less commitment, etc., etc...all those things you mentioned...

ODSL is still travel soccer, and the clubs certainly charge travel soccer fees. I think what you mean is that the competition and quality of play is expected to be lower than that of NCSL and certainly VPL/CCL so the coaches shouldn't expect families and players to have as high a commitment to the team as they would if the players were to play in the top leagues or D1-D3 NCSL. Of course this is a terrible way of teaching your kids commitment and hardwork paying off, if you're not able to commit and play for soccer at a intermediate level for your age, just do rec. There would not be anything wrong with rec if the players that really cared about soccer but were on the 4th-6th travel team were to join rec.

The real crux of the problem, for the PP, is that they want a Goldielocks situation. They want the commitment of Rec with the variety and organization of travel. Basically, they want to play other clubs but not have a regular travel commitment. Frankly, that just doesn’t exist outside of ODSL and registering through or joining a VISTA club (mileage in VISTA can vary as some teams are very good and very serious).

At 8-10 years old my best recommendation is to find the level of play and then try and work the schedule out with the coach. My kid was and played with multi sport kids at those ages and it was never a problem. Any reasonable coach will ultimately be in coaching to teach kids anyway and if all it takes to keep Johnny involved in the sport is making two practices instead of three is a small price to pay.

When FCBEscola was having their "tryouts", they mentioned that missing practices was "never" going to be an issue and the player wouldn't lose his/her place on the team. Also, they aren't in any leagues so the "place" I imagine wouldn't matter as much. You're going to pay quite a bit, and uniform is pricey, so missing out on a practice is going to be costly, but I think ultimately that is what the pp is looking for. What's not being mentioned here is that if the player isn't that good to begin with, a coach my be ambivalent when it comes to missing games and practices as the player might slow down the drill and would be a weak link on the pitch.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Too few clubs offer an alternative for U9-U12s. Rec teams are not even serious and treated as a joke, and few selection-based teams offer something in between rec and full blown NCSL travel ---- where we are with its big tourneys, winter practices, etc.

Can anyone name a VA club that has a U9-U12 select or travel-lite team that:

does not require a year commitment

practices only twice a week within 30 minutes of DC

plays in maybe one tourney a season

has all its home and away games within an hour drive of DC

has professional coaches

costs half of the usual $3K a year ---- because it doesn't have any DOCs, etc., etc.

YES. SFL and ODSL. Google them. TONS of clubs (BRYC and FPYC for example) in NoVa have teams in those leagues. They cost way less than travel leagues, require less commitment, etc., etc...all those things you mentioned...

ODSL is still travel soccer, and the clubs certainly charge travel soccer fees. I think what you mean is that the competition and quality of play is expected to be lower than that of NCSL and certainly VPL/CCL so the coaches shouldn't expect families and players to have as high a commitment to the team as they would if the players were to play in the top leagues or D1-D3 NCSL. Of course this is a terrible way of teaching your kids commitment and hardwork paying off, if you're not able to commit and play for soccer at a intermediate level for your age, just do rec. There would not be anything wrong with rec if the players that really cared about soccer but were on the 4th-6th travel team were to join rec.

The real crux of the problem, for the PP, is that they want a Goldielocks situation. They want the commitment of Rec with the variety and organization of travel. Basically, they want to play other clubs but not have a regular travel commitment. Frankly, that just doesn’t exist outside of ODSL and registering through or joining a VISTA club (mileage in VISTA can vary as some teams are very good and very serious).

At 8-10 years old my best recommendation is to find the level of play and then try and work the schedule out with the coach. My kid was and played with multi sport kids at those ages and it was never a problem. Any reasonable coach will ultimately be in coaching to teach kids anyway and if all it takes to keep Johnny involved in the sport is making two practices instead of three is a small price to pay.

When FCBEscola was having their "tryouts", they mentioned that missing practices was "never" going to be an issue and the player wouldn't lose his/her place on the team. Also, they aren't in any leagues so the "place" I imagine wouldn't matter as much. You're going to pay quite a bit, and uniform is pricey, so missing out on a practice is going to be costly, but I think ultimately that is what the pp is looking for. What's not being mentioned here is that if the player isn't that good to begin with, a coach my be ambivalent when it comes to missing games and practices as the player might slow down the drill and would be a weak link on the pitch.

Agree. FCBescola did say if a player routinely misses they aren't going to develop--they won't be penalized--but due to continual absences they most likely won't progress as quickly. However, if the player is still succeeding and has higher ability, the player will earn a spot/play in a match, etc. What I found is that my kid never wants to miss. He loves the training and the environment. It is 90-minutes of no BS and no breaks. The younger kids do only have 60 minute practices--2008 and below--for age appropriate reasons. My kid said as intense as training can be, it's 'fun'. Hard work and success is also recognized.

Player development is talked about in terms of years, not season to season. It's about the player and not about making a certain team, etc. They are carefully watching each player's individual progression and noticing things about each kid that wouldn't be apparent to any casual observer. It's not 'what player is right for this team, this position, this year' which is a completely wrong way to develop players. They are definitely looking long term.

The program runs a long time (stretches longer than travel clubs) and we have definitely missed some training here and there and it hasn't been an issue. I feel zero guilt about missing for an important family matter/event because they don't make you or the kid feel bad about it. In fact, it feels much more 'family-oriented' which I attribute to also the Spanish culture to begin with. That is refreshing.

FCB has numerous different training groups so if a player starts becoming a weak link they will most likely move groups. Conversely, a player that is excelling can continue to move up age groups, etc. It's very non-traditional concept for Americans. Unlike travel, movements occur all of the time, not just once a year---and they can float back and forth. There is no feeling of it being a 'stigma', a 'demotion'. All the trainers work with every group, every age on a rotating basis. It contributes to a much healthier environment for kids and parents and there isn't one iota of politics or favoritism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Too few clubs offer an alternative for U9-U12s. Rec teams are not even serious and treated as a joke, and few selection-based teams offer something in between rec and full blown NCSL travel ---- where we are with its big tourneys, winter practices, etc.

Can anyone name a VA club that has a U9-U12 select or travel-lite team that:

does not require a year commitment

practices only twice a week within 30 minutes of DC

plays in maybe one tourney a season

has all its home and away games within an hour drive of DC

has professional coaches

costs half of the usual $3K a year ---- because it doesn't have any DOCs, etc., etc.

YES. SFL and ODSL. Google them. TONS of clubs (BRYC and FPYC for example) in NoVa have teams in those leagues. They cost way less than travel leagues, require less commitment, etc., etc...all those things you mentioned...

ODSL is still travel soccer, and the clubs certainly charge travel soccer fees. I think what you mean is that the competition and quality of play is expected to be lower than that of NCSL and certainly VPL/CCL so the coaches shouldn't expect families and players to have as high a commitment to the team as they would if the players were to play in the top leagues or D1-D3 NCSL. Of course this is a terrible way of teaching your kids commitment and hardwork paying off, if you're not able to commit and play for soccer at a intermediate level for your age, just do rec. There would not be anything wrong with rec if the players that really cared about soccer but were on the 4th-6th travel team were to join rec.

The real crux of the problem, for the PP, is that they want a Goldielocks situation. They want the commitment of Rec with the variety and organization of travel. Basically, they want to play other clubs but not have a regular travel commitment. Frankly, that just doesn’t exist outside of ODSL and registering through or joining a VISTA club (mileage in VISTA can vary as some teams are very good and very serious).

At 8-10 years old my best recommendation is to find the level of play and then try and work the schedule out with the coach. My kid was and played with multi sport kids at those ages and it was never a problem. Any reasonable coach will ultimately be in coaching to teach kids anyway and if all it takes to keep Johnny involved in the sport is making two practices instead of three is a small price to pay.

When FCBEscola was having their "tryouts", they mentioned that missing practices was "never" going to be an issue and the player wouldn't lose his/her place on the team. Also, they aren't in any leagues so the "place" I imagine wouldn't matter as much. You're going to pay quite a bit, and uniform is pricey, so missing out on a practice is going to be costly, but I think ultimately that is what the pp is looking for. What's not being mentioned here is that if the player isn't that good to begin with, a coach my be ambivalent when it comes to missing games and practices as the player might slow down the drill and would be a weak link on the pitch.

Agree. FCBescola did say if a player routinely misses they aren't going to develop--they won't be penalized--but due to continual absences they most likely won't progress as quickly. However, if the player is still succeeding and has higher ability, the player will earn a spot/play in a match, etc. What I found is that my kid never wants to miss. He loves the training and the environment. It is 90-minutes of no BS and no breaks. The younger kids do only have 60 minute practices--2008 and below--for age appropriate reasons. My kid said as intense as training can be, it's 'fun'. Hard work and success is also recognized.

Player development is talked about in terms of years, not season to season. It's about the player and not about making a certain team, etc. They are carefully watching each player's individual progression and noticing things about each kid that wouldn't be apparent to any casual observer. It's not 'what player is right for this team, this position, this year' which is a completely wrong way to develop players. They are definitely looking long term.

The program runs a long time (stretches longer than travel clubs) and we have definitely missed some training here and there and it hasn't been an issue. I feel zero guilt about missing for an important family matter/event because they don't make you or the kid feel bad about it. In fact, it feels much more 'family-oriented' which I attribute to also the Spanish culture to begin with. That is refreshing.

FCB has numerous different training groups so if a player starts becoming a weak link they will most likely move groups. Conversely, a player that is excelling can continue to move up age groups, etc. It's very non-traditional concept for Americans. Unlike travel, movements occur all of the time, not just once a year---and they can float back and forth. There is no feeling of it being a 'stigma', a 'demotion'. All the trainers work with every group, every age on a rotating basis. It contributes to a much healthier environment for kids and parents and there isn't one iota of politics or favoritism.

Do you work for FCB? Not a snarky remark, truly want to know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Too few clubs offer an alternative for U9-U12s. Rec teams are not even serious and treated as a joke, and few selection-based teams offer something in between rec and full blown NCSL travel ---- where we are with its big tourneys, winter practices, etc.

Can anyone name a VA club that has a U9-U12 select or travel-lite team that:

does not require a year commitment

practices only twice a week within 30 minutes of DC

plays in maybe one tourney a season

has all its home and away games within an hour drive of DC

has professional coaches

costs half of the usual $3K a year ---- because it doesn't have any DOCs, etc., etc.

YES. SFL and ODSL. Google them. TONS of clubs (BRYC and FPYC for example) in NoVa have teams in those leagues. They cost way less than travel leagues, require less commitment, etc., etc...all those things you mentioned...

ODSL is still travel soccer, and the clubs certainly charge travel soccer fees. I think what you mean is that the competition and quality of play is expected to be lower than that of NCSL and certainly VPL/CCL so the coaches shouldn't expect families and players to have as high a commitment to the team as they would if the players were to play in the top leagues or D1-D3 NCSL. Of course this is a terrible way of teaching your kids commitment and hardwork paying off, if you're not able to commit and play for soccer at a intermediate level for your age, just do rec. There would not be anything wrong with rec if the players that really cared about soccer but were on the 4th-6th travel team were to join rec.

The real crux of the problem, for the PP, is that they want a Goldielocks situation. They want the commitment of Rec with the variety and organization of travel. Basically, they want to play other clubs but not have a regular travel commitment. Frankly, that just doesn’t exist outside of ODSL and registering through or joining a VISTA club (mileage in VISTA can vary as some teams are very good and very serious).

At 8-10 years old my best recommendation is to find the level of play and then try and work the schedule out with the coach. My kid was and played with multi sport kids at those ages and it was never a problem. Any reasonable coach will ultimately be in coaching to teach kids anyway and if all it takes to keep Johnny involved in the sport is making two practices instead of three is a small price to pay.

When FCBEscola was having their "tryouts", they mentioned that missing practices was "never" going to be an issue and the player wouldn't lose his/her place on the team. Also, they aren't in any leagues so the "place" I imagine wouldn't matter as much. You're going to pay quite a bit, and uniform is pricey, so missing out on a practice is going to be costly, but I think ultimately that is what the pp is looking for. What's not being mentioned here is that if the player isn't that good to begin with, a coach my be ambivalent when it comes to missing games and practices as the player might slow down the drill and would be a weak link on the pitch.

Agree. FCBescola did say if a player routinely misses they aren't going to develop--they won't be penalized--but due to continual absences they most likely won't progress as quickly. However, if the player is still succeeding and has higher ability, the player will earn a spot/play in a match, etc. What I found is that my kid never wants to miss. He loves the training and the environment. It is 90-minutes of no BS and no breaks. The younger kids do only have 60 minute practices--2008 and below--for age appropriate reasons. My kid said as intense as training can be, it's 'fun'. Hard work and success is also recognized.

Player development is talked about in terms of years, not season to season. It's about the player and not about making a certain team, etc. They are carefully watching each player's individual progression and noticing things about each kid that wouldn't be apparent to any casual observer. It's not 'what player is right for this team, this position, this year' which is a completely wrong way to develop players. They are definitely looking long term.

The program runs a long time (stretches longer than travel clubs) and we have definitely missed some training here and there and it hasn't been an issue. I feel zero guilt about missing for an important family matter/event because they don't make you or the kid feel bad about it. In fact, it feels much more 'family-oriented' which I attribute to also the Spanish culture to begin with. That is refreshing.

FCB has numerous different training groups so if a player starts becoming a weak link they will most likely move groups. Conversely, a player that is excelling can continue to move up age groups, etc. It's very non-traditional concept for Americans. Unlike travel, movements occur all of the time, not just once a year---and they can float back and forth. There is no feeling of it being a 'stigma', a 'demotion'. All the trainers work with every group, every age on a rotating basis. It contributes to a much healthier environment for kids and parents and there isn't one iota of politics or favoritism.

Do you work for FCB? Not a snarky remark, truly want to know.

No.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Too few clubs offer an alternative for U9-U12s. Rec teams are not even serious and treated as a joke, and few selection-based teams offer something in between rec and full blown NCSL travel ---- where we are with its big tourneys, winter practices, etc.

Can anyone name a VA club that has a U9-U12 select or travel-lite team that:

does not require a year commitment

practices only twice a week within 30 minutes of DC

plays in maybe one tourney a season

has all its home and away games within an hour drive of DC

has professional coaches

costs half of the usual $3K a year ---- because it doesn't have any DOCs, etc., etc.

YES. SFL and ODSL. Google them. TONS of clubs (BRYC and FPYC for example) in NoVa have teams in those leagues. They cost way less than travel leagues, require less commitment, etc., etc...all those things you mentioned...

ODSL is still travel soccer, and the clubs certainly charge travel soccer fees. I think what you mean is that the competition and quality of play is expected to be lower than that of NCSL and certainly VPL/CCL so the coaches shouldn't expect families and players to have as high a commitment to the team as they would if the players were to play in the top leagues or D1-D3 NCSL. Of course this is a terrible way of teaching your kids commitment and hardwork paying off, if you're not able to commit and play for soccer at a intermediate level for your age, just do rec. There would not be anything wrong with rec if the players that really cared about soccer but were on the 4th-6th travel team were to join rec.

The real crux of the problem, for the PP, is that they want a Goldielocks situation. They want the commitment of Rec with the variety and organization of travel. Basically, they want to play other clubs but not have a regular travel commitment. Frankly, that just doesn’t exist outside of ODSL and registering through or joining a VISTA club (mileage in VISTA can vary as some teams are very good and very serious).

At 8-10 years old my best recommendation is to find the level of play and then try and work the schedule out with the coach. My kid was and played with multi sport kids at those ages and it was never a problem. Any reasonable coach will ultimately be in coaching to teach kids anyway and if all it takes to keep Johnny involved in the sport is making two practices instead of three is a small price to pay.

When FCBEscola was having their "tryouts", they mentioned that missing practices was "never" going to be an issue and the player wouldn't lose his/her place on the team. Also, they aren't in any leagues so the "place" I imagine wouldn't matter as much. You're going to pay quite a bit, and uniform is pricey, so missing out on a practice is going to be costly, but I think ultimately that is what the pp is looking for. What's not being mentioned here is that if the player isn't that good to begin with, a coach my be ambivalent when it comes to missing games and practices as the player might slow down the drill and would be a weak link on the pitch.

Agree. FCBescola did say if a player routinely misses they aren't going to develop--they won't be penalized--but due to continual absences they most likely won't progress as quickly. However, if the player is still succeeding and has higher ability, the player will earn a spot/play in a match, etc. What I found is that my kid never wants to miss. He loves the training and the environment. It is 90-minutes of no BS and no breaks. The younger kids do only have 60 minute practices--2008 and below--for age appropriate reasons. My kid said as intense as training can be, it's 'fun'. Hard work and success is also recognized.

Player development is talked about in terms of years, not season to season. It's about the player and not about making a certain team, etc. They are carefully watching each player's individual progression and noticing things about each kid that wouldn't be apparent to any casual observer. It's not 'what player is right for this team, this position, this year' which is a completely wrong way to develop players. They are definitely looking long term.

The program runs a long time (stretches longer than travel clubs) and we have definitely missed some training here and there and it hasn't been an issue. I feel zero guilt about missing for an important family matter/event because they don't make you or the kid feel bad about it. In fact, it feels much more 'family-oriented' which I attribute to also the Spanish culture to begin with. That is refreshing.

FCB has numerous different training groups so if a player starts becoming a weak link they will most likely move groups. Conversely, a player that is excelling can continue to move up age groups, etc. It's very non-traditional concept for Americans. Unlike travel, movements occur all of the time, not just once a year---and they can float back and forth. There is no feeling of it being a 'stigma', a 'demotion'. All the trainers work with every group, every age on a rotating basis. It contributes to a much healthier environment for kids and parents and there isn't one iota of politics or favoritism.

Do you work for FCB? Not a snarky remark, truly want to know.

No.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Too few clubs offer an alternative for U9-U12s. Rec teams are not even serious and treated as a joke, and few selection-based teams offer something in between rec and full blown NCSL travel ---- where we are with its big tourneys, winter practices, etc.

Can anyone name a VA club that has a U9-U12 select or travel-lite team that:

does not require a year commitment

practices only twice a week within 30 minutes of DC

plays in maybe one tourney a season

has all its home and away games within an hour drive of DC

has professional coaches

costs half of the usual $3K a year ---- because it doesn't have any DOCs, etc., etc.

YES. SFL and ODSL. Google them. TONS of clubs (BRYC and FPYC for example) in NoVa have teams in those leagues. They cost way less than travel leagues, require less commitment, etc., etc...all those things you mentioned...

ODSL is still travel soccer, and the clubs certainly charge travel soccer fees. I think what you mean is that the competition and quality of play is expected to be lower than that of NCSL and certainly VPL/CCL so the coaches shouldn't expect families and players to have as high a commitment to the team as they would if the players were to play in the top leagues or D1-D3 NCSL. Of course this is a terrible way of teaching your kids commitment and hardwork paying off, if you're not able to commit and play for soccer at a intermediate level for your age, just do rec. There would not be anything wrong with rec if the players that really cared about soccer but were on the 4th-6th travel team were to join rec.

The real crux of the problem, for the PP, is that they want a Goldielocks situation. They want the commitment of Rec with the variety and organization of travel. Basically, they want to play other clubs but not have a regular travel commitment. Frankly, that just doesn’t exist outside of ODSL and registering through or joining a VISTA club (mileage in VISTA can vary as some teams are very good and very serious).

At 8-10 years old my best recommendation is to find the level of play and then try and work the schedule out with the coach. My kid was and played with multi sport kids at those ages and it was never a problem. Any reasonable coach will ultimately be in coaching to teach kids anyway and if all it takes to keep Johnny involved in the sport is making two practices instead of three is a small price to pay.

When FCBEscola was having their "tryouts", they mentioned that missing practices was "never" going to be an issue and the player wouldn't lose his/her place on the team. Also, they aren't in any leagues so the "place" I imagine wouldn't matter as much. You're going to pay quite a bit, and uniform is pricey, so missing out on a practice is going to be costly, but I think ultimately that is what the pp is looking for. What's not being mentioned here is that if the player isn't that good to begin with, a coach my be ambivalent when it comes to missing games and practices as the player might slow down the drill and would be a weak link on the pitch.

Agree. FCBescola did say if a player routinely misses they aren't going to develop--they won't be penalized--but due to continual absences they most likely won't progress as quickly. However, if the player is still succeeding and has higher ability, the player will earn a spot/play in a match, etc. What I found is that my kid never wants to miss. He loves the training and the environment. It is 90-minutes of no BS and no breaks. The younger kids do only have 60 minute practices--2008 and below--for age appropriate reasons. My kid said as intense as training can be, it's 'fun'. Hard work and success is also recognized.

Player development is talked about in terms of years, not season to season. It's about the player and not about making a certain team, etc. They are carefully watching each player's individual progression and noticing things about each kid that wouldn't be apparent to any casual observer. It's not 'what player is right for this team, this position, this year' which is a completely wrong way to develop players. They are definitely looking long term.

The program runs a long time (stretches longer than travel clubs) and we have definitely missed some training here and there and it hasn't been an issue. I feel zero guilt about missing for an important family matter/event because they don't make you or the kid feel bad about it. In fact, it feels much more 'family-oriented' which I attribute to also the Spanish culture to begin with. That is refreshing.

FCB has numerous different training groups so if a player starts becoming a weak link they will most likely move groups. Conversely, a player that is excelling can continue to move up age groups, etc. It's very non-traditional concept for Americans. Unlike travel, movements occur all of the time, not just once a year---and they can float back and forth. There is no feeling of it being a 'stigma', a 'demotion'. All the trainers work with every group, every age on a rotating basis. It contributes to a much healthier environment for kids and parents and there isn't one iota of politics or favoritism.

Do you work for FCB? Not a snarky remark, truly want to know.

No.

here is why Americans/and non-Spaniards have such a tough time with it...

https://www.fcbarcelona.com/club/news/2017-2018/rondo-around-the-world

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son (9 yo/3rd grade) decided to quit soccer after this fall. He didn't want the competitive pressure of a travel program (which I agree on, I think these programs are incredibly developmentally inappropriate at this age), but since the program has pulled off so much of the talent on his rec team, he's not having fun being the only kid out there working. I'm sad that he's giving up something he used to love, but I really can't blame him given what I've seen out on the field.

I tend to agree that lack of skilled coaching may be a part of it as well. My son's team has had a series of parent coaches who never coach more than a single season and who don't have much (if any) of a soccer background, so they basically just herd cats rather than actually teaching soccer skills (that's not a knock on them, I appreciate them stepping up so we could have a team at all). For those kids on the team who got outside coaching (either from a private coach or from a parent who knows the game), they were able to play at a higher level despite the lack of coach instruction at their practices, but for kids more in the middle who have potential but need to be taught the skills, they just haven't progressed much since the beginning.

tell your son that come high school, rec gets fun again. a lot of the travel players come back, and it is just plain fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My son (9 yo/3rd grade) decided to quit soccer after this fall. He didn't want the competitive pressure of a travel program (which I agree on, I think these programs are incredibly developmentally inappropriate at this age), but since the program has pulled off so much of the talent on his rec team, he's not having fun being the only kid out there working. I'm sad that he's giving up something he used to love, but I really can't blame him given what I've seen out on the field.

I tend to agree that lack of skilled coaching may be a part of it as well. My son's team has had a series of parent coaches who never coach more than a single season and who don't have much (if any) of a soccer background, so they basically just herd cats rather than actually teaching soccer skills (that's not a knock on them, I appreciate them stepping up so we could have a team at all). For those kids on the team who got outside coaching (either from a private coach or from a parent who knows the game), they were able to play at a higher level despite the lack of coach instruction at their practices, but for kids more in the middle who have potential but need to be taught the skills, they just haven't progressed much since the beginning.

Not to pile on a 9 year old but something seems odd regarding the logic that you are using. He doesn't want the competitive pressure of travel but bemoans being the "only kid working" at the rec level. What is killing youth soccer is people constantly looking for these "Goldilocks"

Totally not true. You can be 9, want to give it your all 3 hours a week and be done with it. That's not being Goldilocks.