SM’s teams are possession-based and get results but the kids all play like robots and are afraid to make mistakes. No individual style or development. A few of the top top kids stand out and be a little more creative but other than that I wouldn’t say they are a joy to watch.

Not bad mouthing, just stating an opinion from being at Bethesda for several years with my son, Coach Simone is not everyone's cup of tea. He gets top players but he also loses top players to other clubs given his style. If you are not on his top team you have nearly zero chance to ascend within Bethesda onto his team because it is a known fact that he is always looking outside the club for players and not from within. I personally like his style of coaching but also feel he is the beneficiary of talented kids to begin with. I have seen other coaches at Bethesda and outside of Bethesda that are equally as good if not better at developing kids.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bethesda has MLSNext (beginning at U13), Arlington does not. Bethesda usually outperforms Arlington in those younger age groups, winning more local tournaments, etc. The primary local club that seems to match (or sometimes better) Bethesda is SYC, and once in awhile, Alexandria (both of which also have MLSNext). Arlington will likely have better practice fields, but Bethesda has the better game field when they hit U12 (Soccerplex).

Not sure about U11, but Bethesda is much better than Arlington at U9/10/12/13.

IMO, if the choice is between Bethesda and Arlington, the answer is very clearly Bethesda.

Agree with all this, but would add that your experience will depend on which coaches you end up with. For example, Simone Mariotti is a phenomenal coach (truly possession oriented) who historically had Bethesda’s top U9 and U10 teams, but this season he has the U11 and U12 teams. If your son is good enough to make the top Bethesda team and the coaching assignments line up, I would pick him over any coach in the area at those ages.

Would note that this statement carries with it a lot of different opinions. Many wonder if he's the best for boys that young given his coaching style and personality and I know several families who avoid BSC because of him specifically.

Players and parents who are exceptionally committed to soccer are are willing to work exceptionally hard will love him, others won’t. Expectations are very high for young kids, but probably not any different than a good academy in Europe. Watching his kids play is a treat.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bethesda has MLSNext (beginning at U13), Arlington does not. Bethesda usually outperforms Arlington in those younger age groups, winning more local tournaments, etc. The primary local club that seems to match (or sometimes better) Bethesda is SYC, and once in awhile, Alexandria (both of which also have MLSNext). Arlington will likely have better practice fields, but Bethesda has the better game field when they hit U12 (Soccerplex).

Not sure about U11, but Bethesda is much better than Arlington at U9/10/12/13.

IMO, if the choice is between Bethesda and Arlington, the answer is very clearly Bethesda.

Agree with all this, but would add that your experience will depend on which coaches you end up with. For example, Simone Mariotti is a phenomenal coach (truly possession oriented) who historically had Bethesda’s top U9 and U10 teams, but this season he has the U11 and U12 teams. If your son is good enough to make the top Bethesda team and the coaching assignments line up, I would pick him over any coach in the area at those ages.

Would note that this statement carries with it a lot of different opinions. Many wonder if he's the best for boys that young given his coaching style and personality and I know several families who avoid BSC because of him specifically.

Anonymous wrote:You are going to go over a bridge for soccer practice for an 8 year old? Lady. No.

Yeah - the premise is impossible. Given that practice times are generally going to have one driving smack dab in the middle of the afternoon/evening rush hour traffic nightmare on 495, there is simply no way that geography isn't a factor here.

That said, both Bethesda and Arlington are good clubs. Bethesda has MLS Next (which seems to be gaining ground as the top league for boys trying for a professional career) and Arlington is in ECNL (which has the benefit of allowing players to also play middle/high school soccer if they want to). But really, go with the one that's on the same side of the river as you lol.

Bethesda's top teams for boys U9-U13 are better than Arlington's. If your son is very talented and you are willing to drive longer to practice all over Montgomery County, then join Bethesda. If he cannot make the top team, then join Arlington.

You are going to go over a bridge for soccer practice for an 8 year old? Lady. No.

Anonymous wrote:Bethesda has MLSNext (beginning at U13), Arlington does not. Bethesda usually outperforms Arlington in those younger age groups, winning more local tournaments, etc. The primary local club that seems to match (or sometimes better) Bethesda is SYC, and once in awhile, Alexandria (both of which also have MLSNext). Arlington will likely have better practice fields, but Bethesda has the better game field when they hit U12 (Soccerplex).

Not sure about U11, but Bethesda is much better than Arlington at U9/10/12/13.

IMO, if the choice is between Bethesda and Arlington, the answer is very clearly Bethesda.

Agree with all this, but would add that your experience will depend on which coaches you end up with. For example, Simone Mariotti is a phenomenal coach (truly possession oriented) who historically had Bethesda’s top U9 and U10 teams, but this season he has the U11 and U12 teams. If your son is good enough to make the top Bethesda team and the coaching assignments line up, I would pick him over any coach in the area at those ages.

Just pick the one closest to your house. Seriously.

Arlington, Bethesda, and other local clubs at that age range will be playing in the Arlington tournament this weekend (Feb 24-25). You should find the age group you are looking at and attend some games from each club. https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/28267

Bethesda has MLSNext (beginning at U13), Arlington does not. Bethesda usually outperforms Arlington in those younger age groups, winning more local tournaments, etc. The primary local club that seems to match (or sometimes better) Bethesda is SYC, and once in awhile, Alexandria (both of which also have MLSNext). Arlington will likely have better practice fields, but Bethesda has the better game field when they hit U12 (Soccerplex).

Not sure about U11, but Bethesda is much better than Arlington at U9/10/12/13.

IMO, if the choice is between Bethesda and Arlington, the answer is very clearly Bethesda.

I am looking into having my DS join either Bethesda or Arlington next year. Curious what people’s experiences have been and which teams they think field stronger boys teams in the younger age groups (U9-U13). Both appear to be strong programs and work from a transportation standpoint. Curious how people think these clubs compare at this age level.