I used to be dismissive of the HS game, but now that my son is playing, I'm surprised at how much I enjoy it. There are a lot of quality ECNL players spread throughout the region and the games are intense. There are a handful of teams that play cohesive soccer and some that don't, but that doesn't change the passion that these kids have for their schools. It's been especially fun when club teammates play each other in HS matches. In fact, my son was consistently fouled WAY harder by his club teammates than he was by other players.

My son is a rising senior and has been playing with his 2006 team for years. I've seen the interest and level of commitment of both the players and their families start to wane as the finish line of travel soccer is approaching. The exact opposite is true of HS. The chance to win a district/region/state championship drives these kids and the passion if pretty cool to see.

Anonymous wrote:I thought MLS Next can't play high school?

Yes according to the MLS Next rules. It doesn't stop them from playing HS. As long as your team is winning and the MLS Next club doesn't find out, you are free to do whatever you want.

Anonymous wrote:The McLean HS Varsity boys team is heading to the state semifinals. I know that many on here are dismissive of HS soccer but I'll tell you this is the most fun my kid has had with soccer. Playing for your high school is pretty special. No club tournament in his experience has ever come close.

I blame the travel system. We have been in NCSL and there is no end of season tournament. The kids literally don't get fired up about wins and losses as there is nothing to look forward to (other than a promotion or demotion). But thats is not the same as tournament against all the teams you just played during the season. The tournaments are all money makes and have no real impact on actual club performance (unless you enter a state cup). But its good to hear that in HS, you try to make it to the playoffs and then the excitement begins.

I thought MLS Next can't play high school?

And they are on to the finals! Go Highlanders!

Anonymous wrote:Been to a couple of class 6 high school soccer games, very hard to watch. WITHOUT MLS Next and some ECNL kids (VDA, ASA, NVA), the level is just bad.

A lot of those ECNL and MLS Next kids are playing in VA Class 6, believe it or not.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's safe to say that one different component is that the stakes that most people think are involved with club soccer don't exist with HS Soccer - leaving room for more enjoyment. Scouts aren't coming, nobody really cares if you go below .500. And rather than trying to beat you out for a starting spot or being scouted by club teammates, HS teammates have each others' back and are in it for the camaraderie. Exceptions to these, but seems to be a distinguishing difference.

Go below .500? I thought that was a different sport.

Waiting for the first no hitter

McLean HS looks good bc some Va Union/Fairfax ECNL kids are playing there

Anonymous wrote:I think it's safe to say that one different component is that the stakes that most people think are involved with club soccer don't exist with HS Soccer - leaving room for more enjoyment. Scouts aren't coming, nobody really cares if you go below .500. And rather than trying to beat you out for a starting spot or being scouted by club teammates, HS teammates have each others' back and are in it for the camaraderie. Exceptions to these, but seems to be a distinguishing difference.

Go below .500? I thought that was a different sport.

Been to a couple of class 6 high school soccer games, very hard to watch. WITHOUT MLS Next and some ECNL kids (VDA, ASA, NVA), the level is just bad.

I think it's safe to say that one different component is that the stakes that most people think are involved with club soccer don't exist with HS Soccer - leaving room for more enjoyment. Scouts aren't coming, nobody really cares if you go below .500. And rather than trying to beat you out for a starting spot or being scouted by club teammates, HS teammates have each others' back and are in it for the camaraderie. Exceptions to these, but seems to be a distinguishing difference.

Very cool. Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:Yes, same with my son.
Too bad there’re far too many people on here that don’t understand the concept of fun, and are only concerned about college.
They’ll be here shortly to insult us, and our kids, don’t worry.

No fun and friends in club soccer?

Yes, same with my son.
Too bad there’re far too many people on here that don’t understand the concept of fun, and are only concerned about college.
They’ll be here shortly to insult us, and our kids, don’t worry.

The McLean HS Varsity boys team is heading to the state semifinals. I know that many on here are dismissive of HS soccer but I'll tell you this is the most fun my kid has had with soccer. Playing for your high school is pretty special. No club tournament in his experience has ever come close.