Would not recommend GFR based on our past experiences. Especially now with all the changes. They churn kids and cram the fields with as many teams as will pay including parent coached teams who they let use their name to get into NCSL. Coaching is hit or miss and there are some good coaches but it's more often missed in our experience on the boys side. Heard it's even worse on the girls but no direct experience there. Major coaching/staff turnover the past few years and lots of drama and no communication from leadership. Good advice above to scout it and watch development and tone of the coaching. in our experience there wasn't much good there.

Be wary of GFR, because of the unfolding and major changes to the program leadership. You should have them try out in a couple of places, maybe even join a training session this spring. Travel teams allow that. You could look at Herndon or Valor as well, both clubs have players from Sterling. Do you have friends with children playing on travel teams? Ask them what they think about their clubs. The main thing is to wait for the coaching lists to come out and then see what you think of the coach. Watch their behavior on the sidelines and watch the players interaction with the coach. Stand near the parents and just listen. Doing your homework this spring will help you find a good fit. The NCSL website will list the schedule in late March. Find the club you are looking at (there is a club tab) and then the age group of the teams and watch for a bit. You can get a sense about where your children will be as far as the level of competition too and that may help you determine things. Take advice from people you know and trust, and use your time this spring to check around and you'll put your players in the best programs for them.

Another vote for GFR

Notcreative wrote:Hi all,

I have 2 kids who are interested in switching to travel soccer in the fall. A 2012 girl who plays defense, and a 2013 boy who plays goalie/defense.

I’m looking for a club that would be good for both of them, where practice is a reasonable distance from my house (20 minutes?) I’d love to have them play at the same club if possible, but if that doesn’t make sense I’m also open to splitting them up. This is all new to me so looking for advice. Thanks!

GFRSC

Just do Sterling. Silly to drive all over the place when your kids don't even know if they will stick with it.

If you live in Sterling and want something to 20 minutes or less, than you have two options - Sterling Soccer or Great Falls-Reston. FCV's new set up may be within 20 minutes.

There is only one big club in all of Loudoun County and that's Loudoun Soccer. It is the ultimate paradigm of the DMV youth soccer scene - how has only one club ever emerged to serve all of Loudoun? Makes no sense when you look at Fairfax, etc.

Hi all,

I have 2 kids who are interested in switching to travel soccer in the fall. A 2012 girl who plays defense, and a 2013 boy who plays goalie/defense.

I’m looking for a club that would be good for both of them, where practice is a reasonable distance from my house (20 minutes?) I’d love to have them play at the same club if possible, but if that doesn’t make sense I’m also open to splitting them up. This is all new to me so looking for advice. Thanks!