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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My son plays for Next Level and it's a terrific program.

The Mitchell brothers, who own it, are excellent coaches, positive role models, and kind people.  They’ve put together a talented staff of professional coaches at every age group and I think that is the key to their success.

Practices are always positive, competitive, and up tempo.  The kids learn a lot, but they also have a lot of fun.  And in addition to the 3 main coaches for each Next Level team, positional coaches regularly attend practices to work with goalies, FOGOS, defense, etc.

There are lots of high-achieving clubs in this area.  I have friends whose kids play for MadLax and BLC and they are extremely happy there.

Yes, there are some philosophical/cultural differences between each club.

MadLax seems to be the most intense.  BLC is dad-coached and relies on high-quality volunteers (that model shifts when kids are old enough for DC Express).

Next Level really focuses on player development and technique.  They emphasize hard work, sportsmanship, teamwork, and doing things the right way (no shortcuts) and the coaches lead by example.  Even when they are getting on a kid’s case to correct something, they do it in a positive manner.  It’s really impressive.

Next Level did recently move out of their indoor facility on River Road and currently all their practices are outdoors at either The Heights or Washington Episcopal School.  But when indoor lacrosse can resume, they will have a new indoor space for the kids to use.

There is no one ‘best’ club because teams vary so much year to year.

But without a doubt, Next Level is ascending.  A lot of players recently left MadLax and BLC to come to Next Level this year, but not many players are voluntarily leaving Next Level (there are only so many roster spots, so inevitably some kids get cut and find a new home).

If you are new to the area, the best way to get a feel for each club is to have your kid try out and go observe what a practice is like, what the coaches are like, what the parents are like.

Again, there is no one ‘right’ program.  Just go with the club that feels right to you and works for your schedule.[/quote]

This is probably true for the younger kids. But the Mitchells are just as cutthroat and competitive when it comes to the older teams (2025 and up) as any other program in the area. They are running a business like any other program in the area, so that means stacking teams with re-classed players and players who are physically big. And they have no compunction about cutting long-time players in that quest. Again, it's a business for them.[/quote]

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