2015 Boys Travel Teams?
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Lasso911
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| We just relocated from the EU, not familiar with soccer in the US. Which club would be the strongest for 2015 boys/U9 next fall? I have heard McLane/Arlington/SYC and bethesda. I am not sure who the coaches are but any background is helpful. |
BunchlineDC
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There are bunch. But at that age, decide your priorities.
First, where do you live? You don't want to set yourself up to sit in traffic 3X a week if you don't have to. Second, what are you looking to get out of the experience? Best technical training? Best overall soccer experience? Most cutthroat? Least cutthroat? Third, where are most of the neighborhood kids/friends playing? This is key if you will need or want to carpool and make friends. There are big clubs with big names and reputations and smaller clubs with different benefits and drawbacks. You need to figure out what you want and then look for the club and team to fit. |
Lasso911
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| My focus is on the coach who can provide the best experience and environment. I just want my son to have a positive experience and learn. I would just not prefer to send him to a small club because he has played high level academy here in EU and it will not challenge him. |
Cruzado
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Welcome to the USA! I also suggest taking a close look at the distance between your house (and your son's school) and any potential new soccer club. Afternoon/evening traffic around the DC metro area can be absolutely terrible--a 20 minute drive can turn into a 60 minute drive very easily--and you need to factor that in. Setting aside distance/traffic ... in my opinion, the strongest of the major boys clubs in the area are Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda and SYC. There are a few other smaller clubs that also field very good boys teams, and many other "good" clubs that aren't quite at the same level as the first four I mentioned. |
BunchlineDC
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PP is correct on all fronts. Of the "big" clubs they mentioned, I think Arlington has the best culture, but they are all strong clubs. There are also smaller clubs which can be a fantastic experience as well. But pick the club that you can actually get to in rush hour, or all of this is moot. |
mollysdad
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| Welcome! If you live near Takoma Park or Silver Spring or that part of DC, I highly recommend DCXI. Excellent coaching, great culture, and they have a terrific group of 2015s. |
Lasso911
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thanks for all the info, I live in falls church area so we are accesible in between Mclean Arlington and Springfield. Not sure how to compare it or how it compares with us soccer but he had been playing with MK dons youth academy (They are EFL league one) and he had a great experience. Work obligations relocated me here with the possibility to go back after a year but we will see how we accomodate.
my son doesnt mind the social aspect, he will get along with anyone, he just wants to focus on playing because of the level he was at back home. |
akindc
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While you won't find any professional academy programs around here for your age group (DC United's academy starts at U13), both Arlington and Springfield are really good clubs, and you should be happy at either. |
Bcas19
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| Best team in VA at 2015 is SYC boys coached by Hasán. Best team in MD is Sac and Coppermine at 2015. These team dominate players a year up. |