Maryland leagues similar to MSI Classic?

[Anonymous]

My dd loves soccer but doesn't love the girls on her team. Classic (her team is one of the strongest in the age bracket) is a good fit for her level, but she doesn't want to move to a team that would play the current one.

I've heard of SAM and PPL. Does anyone know if those are more or less the same level as Classic?

[Anonymous]

SAM Select is more or less at the same level, maybe a bit more competitive. You may be thinking of PPA, which is another option. I'd tell your daughter to rethink the idea of switching Classic teams. It's not that big a deal to play against an old team; it's not like it happens every week. Plus, it would put her at an advantage with the new team because she knows the other girls' strengths and weaknesses. If she likes Classic but doesn't like her team, why not try to move around there first?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:SAM Select is more or less at the same level, maybe a bit more competitive. You may be thinking of PPA, which is another option. I'd tell your daughter to rethink the idea of switching Classic teams. It's not that big a deal to play against an old team; it's not like it happens every week. Plus, it would put her at an advantage with the new team because she knows the other girls' strengths and weaknesses. If she likes Classic but doesn't like her team, why not try to move around there first?

This. I wouldn't give up on a league because of a team. There's lots of Classic teams. SAM Select is fine too. Geography matters too if you care where you practice. Classic teams are heavily focused, though not entirely, Bethesda/Potomac/Rockville. SAM less so, more upcounty. Also I think PPA, which is heavy DC and Bethesda, has been putting a lot of teams in SAM lately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SAM Select is more or less at the same level, maybe a bit more competitive. You may be thinking of PPA, which is another option. I'd tell your daughter to rethink the idea of switching Classic teams. It's not that big a deal to play against an old team; it's not like it happens every week. Plus, it would put her at an advantage with the new team because she knows the other girls' strengths and weaknesses. If she likes Classic but doesn't like her team, why not try to move around there first?

This. I wouldn't give up on a league because of a team. There's lots of Classic teams. SAM Select is fine too. Geography matters too if you care where you practice. Classic teams are heavily focused, though not entirely, Bethesda/Potomac/Rockville. SAM less so, more upcounty. Also I think PPA, which is heavy DC and Bethesda, has been putting a lot of teams in SAM lately.

PPA is pulling its middle aged kids out of SAM next year and moving to NCSL. Top teams still in EDP.

[Anonymous]

Too bad. SAM was the one reason many families I know stayed with PPA. No need to drive that far at that level.