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Anonymous wrote:Lasso_FC_Girls wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote: If she tried out everywhere and didn't even make Brave and she's already doing all of that work, I wouldn't assume that she could close the gap.
Interesting comment given for the youngest Brave team, only Bethesda, Union, and VDA are better in the area. Arlington had an identical record, but Brave had a far superior goal differential.
Look at GA, ECNL is not the only league, I'd argue that FCV and Baltimore Armour are better than everyone else in the DMV outside of Bethesda, especially by the end of year when FCV got a result against Bethesda. Insignificant tournament, but signs of development for FCV team which is most important in these middle school years. You could argue potentially that VDA and Union are even with them but not Arlington and Brave; they only made playoffs at u13 this year because the mid-atlantic conference is soft and not deep at all. Sent 5 teams from the conference to playoffs, none got out of their group, proof is in the pudding.
What do you mean about “proof is in the pudding”? Everybody in the 2010 age group knows Union, BSC, VDA are the teams to beat. I don’t think FCV could hang with those teams for more than 20 minutes. The ECNL playoffs is a very high level with a lot of really great teams. DD has friends at FCV that did not make the 3 teams mentioned above.
So I just came across this...and then instantly noticed the FCV parent bashing. The OG FCV parent just posted and said they could "argue" the point and laid out some points but went wrong when he/she called the Mid-Atlantic ECNL Conference "weak" which is where he/she went wrong.
Then, the first response was an ECNL parent who immediately insults FCV 2010s by saying they couldn't hang for 20 minutes with those teams which is where he/she completely went wrong which was followed by multiple parents calling FCV parent delusional.
Her is reality. It is the ECNL parent who is in fact delusional by saying the FCV 2010s couldn't hang and backed it up with nothing. Then some of you just jumped right on with him.
All I am pointing out is that FCV gets a lot of hate when just having a debate. Whoever posted the next "FCV is better than everyone" post was probably just a troll trying to stir the pot. That's what you get with anonymous. Same thing happened over at that other site. Only matter of time before somebody starts insisting it's a coach posting and making ugly nicknames or stories. Careful. Let's not start that trend and treat parents from other clubs with disrespect.
I'd happily debate why the FCV 2010s can compete with anyone or why Bethesda 2010s are the best in DMV. Can't really debate 2011s because nobody is close to Arlington. Could debate 2009s have turned into a complete toss up between four different clubs. 2008s is similar to 2009s.
No point or need to debate/defend FCV here. There’s no sensible people that would understand. Seems like around here it’s either you’re a part of the ECNL cult or you’re nothing.
Well, prefer constructive debate. I don’t think anyone needs to say somebody is in a cult, ECNL or GA or USYS. That is just adding to the fire.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote: If she tried out everywhere and didn't even make Brave and she's already doing all of that work, I wouldn't assume that she could close the gap.
Interesting comment given for the youngest Brave team, only Bethesda, Union, and VDA are better in the area. Arlington had an identical record, but Brave had a far superior goal differential.
Look at GA, ECNL is not the only league, I'd argue that FCV and Baltimore Armour are better than everyone else in the DMV outside of Bethesda, especially by the end of year when FCV got a result against Bethesda. Insignificant tournament, but signs of development for FCV team which is most important in these middle school years. You could argue potentially that VDA and Union are even with them but not Arlington and Brave; they only made playoffs at u13 this year because the mid-atlantic conference is soft and not deep at all. Sent 5 teams from the conference to playoffs, none got out of their group, proof is in the pudding.
What do you mean about “proof is in the pudding”? Everybody in the 2010 age group knows Union, BSC, VDA are the teams to beat. I don’t think FCV could hang with those teams for more than 20 minutes. The ECNL playoffs is a very high level with a lot of really great teams. DD has friends at FCV that did not make the 3 teams mentioned above.
So I just came across this...and then instantly noticed the FCV parent bashing. The OG FCV parent just posted and said they could "argue" the point and laid out some points but went wrong when he/she called the Mid-Atlantic ECNL Conference "weak" which is where he/she went wrong.
Then, the first response was an ECNL parent who immediately insults FCV 2010s by saying they couldn't hang for 20 minutes with those teams which is where he/she completely went wrong which was followed by multiple parents calling FCV parent delusional.
Her is reality. It is the ECNL parent who is in fact delusional by saying the FCV 2010s couldn't hang and backed it up with nothing. Then some of you just jumped right on with him.
All I am pointing out is that FCV gets a lot of hate when just having a debate. Whoever posted the next "FCV is better than everyone" post was probably just a troll trying to stir the pot. That's what you get with anonymous. Same thing happened over at that other site. Only matter of time before somebody starts insisting it's a coach posting and making ugly nicknames or stories. Careful. Let's not start that trend and treat parents from other clubs with disrespect.
I'd happily debate why the FCV 2010s can compete with anyone or why Bethesda 2010s are the best in DMV. Can't really debate 2011s because nobody is close to Arlington. Could debate 2009s have turned into a complete toss up between four different clubs. 2008s is similar to 2009s.
runrmom wrote:To ECNLDD: this is why people don’t want to play ECNL. The parent arrogance is really astounding.
I know you are not speaking to me directly but people do want to play ECNL, that isn't the problem. The problem is when you go and other parents think they have a future USYNT player and they treat everyone else on the team like crap. Great ECNL teams usually have parents that promote teamwork instead of individual talents. I can't speak on Bethesda other than what my friend has told me. Always two sides to every story...but was just trying to help since I was told they have a short roster.
Also, I don't know how willing you are to drive. Bethesda is the only elite Club in Mont Co., next closest is McLean, Arlington, or Baltimore Armour.
Oh and I agree with others, if your child is indeed on the top level, and a team is short of 18 players, most will take her. It's the teams that are already at that 18 number who will tell you to look somewhere else until next year. Bethesda, Union and Arlington all have Super Y teams if you really need to get a foot in the door.
If you want to get in with Bethesda, you should look into Next Star Trainings. They train top Bethesda talents during the off season and have the direct ear of coaches.
Best of luck to you.
Wasn’t kidding. Friend told me they only have 15 on roster for next season. That might have changed since we spoke.
Bethesda ECNL is short players currently. I'm sure they would entertain your DD if she is an excellent player.
Guess I'll chime in now...
My opinion is that parents have lost the aspect they are the paying customers and given their power to the clubs instead.
If your child doesn't like a club, their are many others, no matter the level. Nobody is forcing you to stay whether a coach is abusive or butterflies and rainbows with participation trophies.
We recently moved our daughter to one of the most hated clubs on these forums and found the coaching/development to be the best we have experienced anywhere. Much less abusive coaches than two clubs we have previously experienced but if you were to come on here or Talking Soccer, you would assume the opposite.
I think each and every parent have different ideas of what abuse actually is. It's the extreme opinions from each side that ruin it for everyone, i.e. from no yelling whatsoever to the other end "toughen up and just deal with what the coach is dishing out."
For the most part, I think abusive coaches are delt with if they are getting negative feedback from parents. It's the Directors that have no checks and balances that are the problem.
My opinion is that parents have lost the aspect they are the paying customers and given their power to the clubs instead.
If your child doesn't like a club, their are many others, no matter the level. Nobody is forcing you to stay whether a coach is abusive or butterflies and rainbows with participation trophies.
We recently moved our daughter to one of the most hated clubs on these forums and found the coaching/development to be the best we have experienced anywhere. Much less abusive coaches than two clubs we have previously experienced but if you were to come on here or Talking Soccer, you would assume the opposite.
I think each and every parent have different ideas of what abuse actually is. It's the extreme opinions from each side that ruin it for everyone, i.e. from no yelling whatsoever to the other end "toughen up and just deal with what the coach is dishing out."
For the most part, I think abusive coaches are delt with if they are getting negative feedback from parents. It's the Directors that have no checks and balances that are the problem.
SDC wrote:SoccerWatcher wrote:Loudoun is going to be fine. For U13-U16 all of the teams qualified or are close to qualifying for Nationals. Their 2006 team is in the top half. The only team struggling is the oldest age group which is going to graduate this year. This merger will help them with the younger ages as they enter ECNL age. What Loudoun needs to focus on is getting girls into top college programs and they will be set going forward
Do you think that Loudoun getting "qualified or are close to qualifying for Nationals" is a pretty low bar? Especially considering that almost half the Mid-Atlantic qualifies, and the enormous pool of players they already pull from. Have any of their teams had success at Nationals when playing real competition?
Both a good question and very brave.
I think NVA ECNL is set up for well for the future 2012 birth year and beyond. NVA will continue to struggle with its 05/04 Class and 06 Class. 2007s should be the beginning of decent D1 placement since it is a little too late to move clubs now. From here on, you can find yourself being optimistic or pessimistic.
The 2008s had a great fall season, they are not as good as the ECNL record portrays however, a sign of a deep team is one that makes it through injuries with no major setbacks (VDA is on the other side, loss of a key player to another club as well as injuries and lack of depth). Also, if you know, you know, there are some politics involved with this team.
The 2009s continue to do well. They will have another new coach next season that has not been announced yet. No idea how many will stay or go but getting the right coach for this and the 2010 should be very very important to hit the mark. I'm hoping they just move Gus from GFR.
The 2010s still have time to bring in players and can get better. Same thing, get the right coach and succeed. Get the wrong coach, and bury the future for at least two years.
2011s are still young but will probably really begin to see the fruits of the merger in the coming years. Same goes for every younger team.
I think the future is bright for NVA. NVA has also brought Jill Ellis into the picture to help with improving the Clubs reputation, appeal, and pathway to a brighter future. One major thing Loudoun has to watch for and has already suffered from is parent politics with the Board and Club coaches.
TedLasso wrote:Blutarski wrote:TedLasso wrote:
Youth soccer would be so much better if there was pro/rel throughout but there's way too many different leagues/clubs currently to pull that off.
TedLasso, why would youth soccer be so much better with pro/rel ?
I definitely don't know or have all the answers, nor do I know what the silver bullet is. What I do know is that the current landscape is a huge and there are far too many clubs and leagues nationwide even for 'national' programs/leagues. A good article about this came out when the DA folded but still within there you can see why it would be difficult to solve this problem we have.
https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2020/4/16/21223638/us-soccer-development-academy-closed-coronavirus-mens-womens-national-teams
IMO, the ONLY way it could happen is if somehow all the leagues merged and manage it from there. ECNL, GA, and USYS for girls all together and MLS, ECNL, and USYS for boys. Unfortunetely this will never ever happen.
What can happen on the girls side though is GA folding and both ECNL and USYS split the teams involved. I don't consider ECNL and ECNL RL a pro system and USYS E64 vs. USYS P.RO. is confusing to me. I think if ECNL were to start a 3rd teir division, it could implement a relegation system. USYS could re-organize the system it has in place to a relegation system E64>P.R.O.>DPL/EDP. I think E64 is just Clubs chosen by USYS?
Boys is a little tougher because I don't see MLS Next or ECNL going anywhere and when you add in USYS, it gets very complicated.
The other huge hurdle is ideally you want to relegate by age group. Since the Elite leagues travel to other states and have long commutes, relegating an age group to play against an opponent that could be 300 miles away from another age group that could possibly share the same coach would make things impossible.
As for NVA Alliance, I don't see much of an impact. Smart parents are going to take their kids to the coach and system they feel is a better fit even if it means driving 45 minutes. Parents who are not concerned are going to go the most convenient. Everyone mentions VDA but forgets QP has a major recruiting oppurtunity in HP Elite training business which is a perfect example of some families willing to travel versus those who don't. NVA will certainly have larger pool to pull from and I think it will help the younger ages even more than it has already, but let's face it, a lot of players start leaving at or before U13 for reasons that I can only assume, and you know what happens when you assume.
Are they coming to coach older ages? Seems like 2008 and younger don't need any coaching changes. The only rumor I have heard is that Clyde will either be retiring or taking on a much smaller role after this season.
runrmom wrote:Good point. We live in Rockville. And part of the issue with FCGB is getting to the Soccerplex for practice at rush hour, which can take 45 minutes…
RTE 28 to Riffle Ford Road puts you right at Soccerplex. Even in traffic, that is a 30 minute drive at most and totally worth it based on what you are looking for.
FCGB is your best bet. /thread.
retiredref wrote:Lasso_FC_Girls wrote:I'll chime in...
Maryland side is currently hurting. Bethesda and MDU seem to keep trading players. Both have polarizing coaching and parents as well as high player turnover. I would probably put both Pipeline and Baltimore Armour above them since they are a little more grounded. Doesn't really matter for a true DMV layer as those clubs are further away.
Virginia's current leader is probably a toss up between VDA and FCV. The director at FCV is more like a dictator. Christian is very good. Tom Torres has the Spirit accusations but is still regarded as a very good coach. VDA's staff is excellent for the most part but I have heard complaints about the new 2008 coaches.
100% agree about what previous poster said about Mclean/Union. Clyde is/was best coach but on the way out. Some players are given favoritism due to who they might train with outside the club. Large rosters. Experienced college recruitment program.
Arlington is seeing success at younger ages. Good coaches but hear a lack of leadership and organization. Needs to work on building relationships with College coaches. Are they just another Loudoun? Time will only tell.
BRYC/Brave - Seem to have improved some for merger with VYS but not enough to put them in the top half of any ECNL tables. I don't know if they will ever get the college looks they once did.
Loudoun - Young teams always seem to do well due to the size of the club but by HS ages they aren't able to compete. This leads to a lack of interests at the next level. Coaches yell a lot but not an abusive manner. Still trying to figure out why the teams always start doing poorly at high school age.
Metro ASA - This club actually has my favorite set of coaches but they just can't bring in any talent teamwide. It's kind of a shame. As bad as some of the teams are, they still somehow manage to get kids to the next level. I bet if Loudoun had this coaching staff from an early age, they would see a lot more success.
Always go for ECNL unless you can get into a top GA club like FCV. I honestly wonder how long FCV can hold it together for. ECNL is hands down better competition, GA is a distant 2nd. The only thing that holds the GA together is it's Champions League Events and National Finals. Outside of the GA teams that make those, I don't see a big difference between GA, ECNLRL, or EDP.
2 cents deposited.
I've watched both Christian and Tom coach multiple times and I would not want my daughter anywhere near either.
Yeah, I've seen a lot of coaches I wouldn't want my DD to play for either BUT some players will excel under these coaches and others will not. We are close with two families at FCV who are very happy but have admitted other families that feel differently. That is why it is up to parents to find that coach and style that is a good fit. Every player is different and reacts to different environments. Fortunately we are happy where we are despite the lack of success through many older age groups. Who cares if a Club or team is good or gets more attention if your kid is unhappy or riding the bench.
I'll chime in...
Maryland side is currently hurting. Bethesda and MDU seem to keep trading players. Both have polarizing coaching and parents as well as high player turnover. I would probably put both Pipeline and Baltimore Armour above them since they are a little more grounded. Doesn't really matter for a true DMV layer as those clubs are further away.
Virginia's current leader is probably a toss up between VDA and FCV. The director at FCV is more like a dictator. Christian is very good. Tom Torres has the Spirit accusations but is still regarded as a very good coach. VDA's staff is excellent for the most part but I have heard complaints about the new 2008 coaches.
100% agree about what previous poster said about Mclean/Union. Clyde is/was best coach but on the way out. Some players are given favoritism due to who they might train with outside the club. Large rosters. Experienced college recruitment program.
Arlington is seeing success at younger ages. Good coaches but hear a lack of leadership and organization. Needs to work on building relationships with College coaches. Are they just another Loudoun? Time will only tell.
BRYC/Brave - Seem to have improved some for merger with VYS but not enough to put them in the top half of any ECNL tables. I don't know if they will ever get the college looks they once did.
Loudoun - Young teams always seem to do well due to the size of the club but by HS ages they aren't able to compete. This leads to a lack of interests at the next level. Coaches yell a lot but not an abusive manner. Still trying to figure out why the teams always start doing poorly at high school age.
Metro ASA - This club actually has my favorite set of coaches but they just can't bring in any talent teamwide. It's kind of a shame. As bad as some of the teams are, they still somehow manage to get kids to the next level. I bet if Loudoun had this coaching staff from an early age, they would see a lot more success.
Always go for ECNL unless you can get into a top GA club like FCV. I honestly wonder how long FCV can hold it together for. ECNL is hands down better competition, GA is a distant 2nd. The only thing that holds the GA together is it's Champions League Events and National Finals. Outside of the GA teams that make those, I don't see a big difference between GA, ECNLRL, or EDP.
2 cents deposited.
Maryland side is currently hurting. Bethesda and MDU seem to keep trading players. Both have polarizing coaching and parents as well as high player turnover. I would probably put both Pipeline and Baltimore Armour above them since they are a little more grounded. Doesn't really matter for a true DMV layer as those clubs are further away.
Virginia's current leader is probably a toss up between VDA and FCV. The director at FCV is more like a dictator. Christian is very good. Tom Torres has the Spirit accusations but is still regarded as a very good coach. VDA's staff is excellent for the most part but I have heard complaints about the new 2008 coaches.
100% agree about what previous poster said about Mclean/Union. Clyde is/was best coach but on the way out. Some players are given favoritism due to who they might train with outside the club. Large rosters. Experienced college recruitment program.
Arlington is seeing success at younger ages. Good coaches but hear a lack of leadership and organization. Needs to work on building relationships with College coaches. Are they just another Loudoun? Time will only tell.
BRYC/Brave - Seem to have improved some for merger with VYS but not enough to put them in the top half of any ECNL tables. I don't know if they will ever get the college looks they once did.
Loudoun - Young teams always seem to do well due to the size of the club but by HS ages they aren't able to compete. This leads to a lack of interests at the next level. Coaches yell a lot but not an abusive manner. Still trying to figure out why the teams always start doing poorly at high school age.
Metro ASA - This club actually has my favorite set of coaches but they just can't bring in any talent teamwide. It's kind of a shame. As bad as some of the teams are, they still somehow manage to get kids to the next level. I bet if Loudoun had this coaching staff from an early age, they would see a lot more success.
Always go for ECNL unless you can get into a top GA club like FCV. I honestly wonder how long FCV can hold it together for. ECNL is hands down better competition, GA is a distant 2nd. The only thing that holds the GA together is it's Champions League Events and National Finals. Outside of the GA teams that make those, I don't see a big difference between GA, ECNLRL, or EDP.
2 cents deposited.
Go ahead and search for Soccer Ranking on your mobile device. Scroll till you see an avatar with a standard soccer ball. The app is literally just called Soccer Rankings and the developer is Mark Lewis. Hope this helps!
The biggest benefit of the YSR system coming back is for Tournament Coordinators. Makes things much easier to balance in hopes of avoiding lopsided tiers. Nothing is perfect but it is certainly better than what GotSoccer has to offer. GotSoccer probably should have hired the guy after NBCParticipationTrophy bought him out.