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[quote=westsidesoccer][quote=Nova2Euro][quote=SoccerSkeptic][quote=Nova2Euro][quote=SoccerSkeptic][quote=Nova2Euro]Regardless of what kids' leagues they're in, NVU is doing something really important by introducing to the area a European-style club construct that previously only existed at DC United.

They have two adult teams (4th and 5th tier, IIRC) that their advanced teenagers can train with and even possibly get game minutes with. It's hard to overstate how valuable this is if you want to have a career playing soccer. [/quote]

Isn't that what some people touted on here about Barca?  Learn the Barca way!  That didn't last long.  The difference between NVU and DC United is DC United takes the best of the best from the area so when they are looking for someone for their pro team, they don't need to look farther than their own academy team.  NVU is in EDP.  Players from other clubs are most likely better so they would 100% consider them for their semi-pro team.[/quote]

Did Barca (assuming you're talking about NV Barca at Evergreen) ever have a senior-level team to which they could promote their players?

I'm gonna disagree with your statement that DC United not needing to look beyond their own Academy for players. I think DCU would also disagree with you. But it's great that they have Loudoun United, a lower-level senior team where players can break into the seniors without the pressure that comes at the highest level. And that's exactly what I'm talking about NVU offering. The shame is that in the NOVA area (and much of the US) there simply isn't enough opportunity for senior-level exposure.

Regarding NVU, what they're offering is extremely valuable. I state without hesitation that for just about any 16-year-old, training with an adult team will help them develop better than training with any MLS Next/ECNL in their age group.

I guess that's not quite as valuable to players whose goal is to get shoveled into the manure truck that is NCAA soccer. If you want to make that 30-person college roster, then MLS Next/ECNL is probably the way to go.

You want to be a pro footballer--train with adults. [/quote]

Your post just reminded me of the very enthusiastic Barca Academy parents from several years ago.  This is totally different!  Barca is going to be the destination club!  No one else trains the Barca way!  The problem with Barca, much like NVU, is a lack of talent.  There is a lack of talent because its not in a top league.  How often will players train with the pro team?  I'm guessing not that often because the pro players won't get anything out of training with a bunch of kids.  Its a marketing gimmick.  And you fell for it hook line and sinker.

Kids in the area dream about playing for DC United.  None of them dream to play for NVU.  So to compare the two is really silly.

The coaches mostly came from BRYC, who were bottom of the barrel ECNL.  So why would a kid from a good MLSNext or ECNL team go to NVU?  I'd rather have my kid play with better teammates and against better opponents than occasionally training with semi-pro players.

But you do you, and I'll do me.[/quote]

Maybe English isn't your native language?

I'm not sure what you're saying I fell for. I live in Europe. My 17-year-old son gets paid to play senior football. Most clubs invite their advanced U17s (sometimes younger) to train with their senior teams to acclimate them to the speed and physicality of the senior game. Pro players do train with kids (although not a "bunch," most 16-year-olds are pretty physically developed, and usually no more than 2 at a time). And the pros kick their asses and make them improve. This is from the first division down to the 8th. Your dream team, DC United, also does this. Arlington does not. Alexandria does not. Loudoun does not. Because they don't have senior teams.

NVU has implemented what appears to be a European model (which would make sense with their Scottish coaching staff). If Americans can get past their youth league branding sadness (which is more for the parents' egos, of course), they might see the value in this. Every MLS Next kid in the country would benefit from training with semi-pros. You're right, though, about one thing--if the clubs junior teams aren't providing quality game minutes, then occasional training with the senior team isn't worth it. It will be a slow process to build up to it, too. [/quote]

I agree with you on branding obsession.  NOVA is perfect for this - adults who are overwhelmingly wealthy, risk-averse, follow-the-leader people who know little or nothing about sports will continue to go with much safer and established alternatives for their little ones.  But a few clubs have broken through and continue to defy expectations on the boys side.  It takes years of work and a critical mass of talented kids and families who know what they are doing, along with location next to areas where talent is most likely to reside (Woodbridge, Alexandria, Springfield).  And you're wrong about Alexandria and SYC.  They have older teams.  I am not sure they can or should all practice with more talented younger players.  But it has always amazed me that in every other sport, you begin playing against adults when you hit puberty. Not so much in soccer here in the US.[/quote]

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