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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Can someone please explain the DC soccer landscape to my?  My kids are young (first grade and fourth grade girls) and we are new here (NWDC). Am trying to get my head wrapped around how things work / what to expect.  Interested in competitive play but also meeting local community/friends. [/quote]

Inside NWDC-Stoddert, DCYFC, PPA. Stoddert is expensive and coaching/program not the best, describe as a club of convenience(ie practice can be 6 minutes from your house). DCYFC does well with the younger ages but is very small. They also offer a program for pre u9 that is age appropriate and fun for the kids. PPA don’t have any experience with hear it is hit or miss.

Upper NW Maryland- Potomac and BSC are the big ones. BSC is the bigger name but practices can be in upper Montgomery County, technical emphasis, boys side very competitive. Potomac is a step up from stoddert. There are a few small clubs that do a good job in lower Montgomery just do not remember their names.

Lower NW Virginia -Arlington- close to practice fields and home game, lot of teams per age group, known for athleticism not technical skills at older ages*. McLean little further out, heavier emphasis on technical skills. Seems to be a little turmoil at the club right now.

All the clubs are looking for aggressive kids who are fast, physical or big for their age for their top team. Look for a club that is convenient and teaches technical skills at u9-u12. Do not believe the hype if your kid makes a top team. It is not elite soccer. If the coach screams or belittles the kids leave and go to another club.

* There are two basic philosophies for development that are practiced. One they get the best athletes and max them out through conditioning and strength training. The other takes the best athletes and makes them the best they can be technically. Each club leans one way or the other but all the clubs do both- ie club A will devote more practice time to physical conditioning vs technical development. Club B will spend more time on technical drill vs conditioning. Each favors a certain type of kid because the style of play is dependent on which type of development is emphasized.  Match your kid to the style of play. [/quote]

Note that the descriptions of Arlington vs McLean may be correct for girls - I don't know.  But it would be 100% the other way around for the boys where Arlington focuses heavily on technical skills.  [/quote]

Definitely not what I have seen from Arlington boys at those ages. Kick, run fast, charge hard, repeat. [/quote]

The poster's comment was "known for athleticism not technical skills at older ages", so I was referring to the academy age groups - U12 and up.  I believe there is also a movement to change the philosophy at the younger ages now too - but no idea if it's bearing fruit yet.

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