Thanks to all who responded!
I think we may start with Alexandria and go from there!

I'd recommend Alexandria - it's a strong club with top teams in the most competitive leagues but also with many other teams at different skill levels.

SYC is also another big club with a variety of teams at different skill levels.

First and foremost, however, I would see which club(s) practice fields for your kids' age group will be most conveniently located for you. Traffic can be really bad around here, and practices are often beginning/ending during the evening rush hour.

LMVSC welcome players on the fly. Just contact the clubs and come to practice. We have had walk-ons mid-season for LMVSC for the top team. It's more low-key, family friendly club. Usually room for kids. Usually 2 teams per age group. IF you can crack the top team at LMVSC, but want more, you can jump ship next year for a bigger commute and more competitive market like Alexandria or SYC. 1st team at LMVSC is like 2nd to 3rd team at SYC or 2nd team at Alexandria or 1st team at GUNSTON. They all have their pros and Cons. Each coach is an autocracy and run each team differently at each club. I highly recommend jut trying a practice first at whichever is closest. before you get your heart set on something. 2nd team coaches or 3rd team coaches can be horrible regardless of club. Commuting is bad around here, start with the clubs that are closest to your home address first. There are plenty of supplemental trainings in the area is you want to pursue them, that are club agnostic.

This is kind of a no brainer.

Just reach out to clubs and attend practices over the summer. At younger ages there are always spots available. Bigger clubs have more ability to place kids on a team with similarly skilled players. SYC is big and very competitive - I'd argue the strongest.

Alexandria and SYC are much bigger clubs with WAY more competitive higher teams, especially boys with MLS Next.

2015 is still really young re your daughter but I will generally say SYC has the strongest and most competitive of those clubs. Alexandria has a strong year here or there but generally weak on girls side. The other two do not have a high ceiling. Their top teams play fairly low level, comparatively speaking.

It would be helpful to just get out there and try to go to some practices and gauge fit.

A lot of soccer players from the down the parkway play for Alexandria.

We are moving this summer (soon) to the Alexandria/Mt Vernon area. I’m researching teams our son and daughter (2013 and 2015) but could use some help. It looks like Alexandria has their own club but Gunston and Lee Mount Vernon are also in the vicinity as is Springfield.

Any recommendations? Son is a very good (but not great) soccer player but a very very good athlete and daughter is usually best player on her team.

We know we have missed tryouts (seen a lot of those conversations here) so may not be able to get on best clubs right away but want to find A club for both this fall.

Welcome any thoughts or ideas.