Thanks everyone. These responses are so helpful. We are going to attend a couple of respective practices.

I have another question due to comments here -- what exactly is meant by outside training? Do you hire soccer coaches to train 1:1 on top of the 3 practices per week? If so, how do you find this kind of coach and at what age do kids start doing that?

Thanks so much - this is very helpful!

Our child actually already attended a couple of tryouts and has received invitations to join.

Are Achilles practices almost always at Saint Johns College High School? That is really ideal for us if so.

They all seem like wonderful clubs. My impressions was, like you mention, the coaches and vibe at PPA Premier may tend towards being a tad more nurturing vs. the other two. I wasn’t sure but it did seem like Achilles and Bethesda were more more systematic and technical in their training - at least what I saw at the tryouts.

Has anyone here had experience with Achilles, Bethesda or PPA Premier? We are looking at these 3 for our late elementary aged son who is very passionate about soccer and wants to take it to the next level. We have heard good things about other clubs but we are in NW DC and need to look at the places that are closest to us.

I am curious generally about peoples’ recent experiences with these clubs. Do they pretty much accept every kid but then the placement can vary? Or do they flat our deny kids?

More specific questions I have in case anyone with recent experience may be to help - where are each clubs’ practices held generally? Games? We are U10 if this matters.

Our child is really driving us on this and all of the info. out there is a little overwhelming - so any specific info. or advice is much appreciated.