ADP Arl better program than Alex by far. That being said Alex at lower ages is fun for the kid Alex does a good job if that but they just don't have an infrastructure that supports development as they don't actually care about winning. At all. I get it's not about winning but when you lose all the games the kids want to quit. Most move at U10/11 to other clubs.

The top U9 team is usually made up of kids from the top JR Academy team. You can tell which teams are the best ones by what size field they play on. The typically make 1 or 2 futsal ID teams each winter from the Jr Academy kids. Or you can sign up for rec futsal and just play on your own

Just sign them up for futsal. They will put the 2017 kids with the 2016 kids and likely play a year up. You will likely get thrashed by the older kids on the regular. But it will give you a better idea of what the program is like and exposure to different coaches ect. Depending on where you live, you may not have too many other good options. But I would defiantly recommend jumping to travel from Rec now. As soon as possible. You kid will develop much faster and assuredly be placed on the top team with (most of the kids who start that young in travel are placed on the top team for their age group quickly.)
Good luck!

Can anyone offer their insight on ASA Junior Academy and Academy programs? I have not been impressed with the junior academy program (2017 kid) and feel silly for forking over almost $1,000 for lackluster coaching and a short season. My kid seemed to have a good time but I regret not staying in the rec leagues for another year.

What happens next? If the player is good enough, they get invited to do Futsal over the winter?