Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 13:11     Subject: Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
Visit/practice all the clubs and don’t listen to anything on this board. Talk to parents at practices. Most recognize the decision depends on what’s the best fit for your kid. It’s a fairly small world for kids playing in this league and many have done what you are doing (checking other clubs out) so can give you more insights.
I will say almost all parents were happy where their child was (this was at all clubs you listed).

Also, try to get an offer before tryouts.

If your kid is at this level, u should know by now what environment they thrive in the best so focus on that.
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 12:41     Subject: Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
Stay away from Aquiles and ASA (Alexandria). There are much better options.
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 11:33     Subject: Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
Anonymous wrote:My DS plays MLSNext, though I won't specify team or program. I checked out all of the MLSNext clubs when he was younger to find a good fit. For 2010 and 2011 ages, I think SYC and Alexandria have the better programs this year. For 2012, I think Bethesda and SYC are best. Most MLSNext teams here have been more on par with each other at 2009 and older, in years past, but you can look at the rankings for them on the MLSNext Website. If college is your goal, would also suggest you take a look at the ECNL programs. I give these observations based on wins and the talent I have seen on the field this year when they have played against my DS's team directly or have played nearby where I could see them. Most of these programs are lacking on individual training, IMO, and you will have to supplement on the side to improve upon things unless your DS is exceptional. They all also have problems with internal politics that can be off-putting. My DS has never played for Achilles. But I respect the program's training, despite the bad rap they get on this forum. It's unfortunate that training hasn't translated to wins these past few years, though they have sent some quality players to DCU. I don't have any observations to share about Armour.


Good info, however, Bethesda and SYC has always had the better teams in this area, throughout all age ranges. Alexandria perhaps, is more organized. I like that they run futsal in the winters. Achilles from what I see, have been struggling for the past 2 or so years. I don't know how the training is over there, but I do know the coach's behavior is pretty off-putting from what I see in games. I got no input on Armour.
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 10:14     Subject: Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
Anonymous wrote:My DS plays MLSNext, though I won't specify team or program. I checked out all of the MLSNext clubs when he was younger to find a good fit. For 2010 and 2011 ages, I think SYC and Alexandria have the better programs this year. For 2012, I think Bethesda and SYC are best. Most MLSNext teams here have been more on par with each other at 2009 and older, in years past, but you can look at the rankings for them on the MLSNext Website. If college is your goal, would also suggest you take a look at the ECNL programs. I give these observations based on wins and the talent I have seen on the field this year when they have played against my DS's team directly or have played nearby where I could see them. Most of these programs are lacking on individual training, IMO, and you will have to supplement on the side to improve upon things unless your DS is exceptional. They all also have problems with internal politics that can be off-putting. My DS has never played for Achilles. But I respect the program's training, despite the bad rap they get on this forum. It's unfortunate that training hasn't translated to wins these past few years, though they have sent some quality players to DCU. I don't have any observations to share about Armour.


Thank you for the information. this is very helpful.
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 10:01     Subject: Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
My DS plays MLSNext, though I won't specify team or program. I checked out all of the MLSNext clubs when he was younger to find a good fit. For 2010 and 2011 ages, I think SYC and Alexandria have the better programs this year. For 2012, I think Bethesda and SYC are best. Most MLSNext teams here have been more on par with each other at 2009 and older, in years past, but you can look at the rankings for them on the MLSNext Website. If college is your goal, would also suggest you take a look at the ECNL programs. I give these observations based on wins and the talent I have seen on the field this year when they have played against my DS's team directly or have played nearby where I could see them. Most of these programs are lacking on individual training, IMO, and you will have to supplement on the side to improve upon things unless your DS is exceptional. They all also have problems with internal politics that can be off-putting. My DS has never played for Achilles. But I respect the program's training, despite the bad rap they get on this forum. It's unfortunate that training hasn't translated to wins these past few years, though they have sent some quality players to DCU. I don't have any observations to share about Armour.
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 09:41     Subject: Re:Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
Anonymous wrote:Which age group? our Alexandria best 2010 mls team in the area.


Troll. No Alexandria parent or player posted this.
Anonymous
Post 10/11/2024 09:16     Subject: Re:Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
Which age group? our Alexandria best 2010 mls team in the area.
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2024 15:22     Subject: Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
Definitely not Achilles, that's for sure!
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2024 14:54     Subject: Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
Anonymous wrote:Who can be serious on the MLS Next level and come here for real advice and direction?


We did. But we were coming from a small non-MLSNext/ECNL. If you are already at an MLSNext club or big club with many teams per age group, you may know more in general. But we took the “advice” here with a grain of salt and did the legwork and went to practices and talk to parents.

But it holds true that your experience will depend on how good your kid is. As with any competitive sport. As a coach once told us, if your kid is at a certain level, ppl will make things happen for them.
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2024 14:39     Subject: Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
Who can be serious on the MLS Next level and come here for real advice and direction?
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2024 14:20     Subject: Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
Anonymous wrote:It sounds like you are transferring from another MLSNext club from another area. I think your experience will depend on how good your kid is.

If they are noticeably good, then the clubs will make recommendations to USYNT scouts. All of those clubs have had players invited to regional ID camps.

As for training and development, you should just have your player practice with the team and see if they fit in and if you think the coach and training are good for your kid.

Maybe check out the local MLSNext games and see if the clubs style of play is something your kid can do.

Good luck!


And when your kid practices with the team, talk to the parents to get their feedback.
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2024 14:18     Subject: Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
It sounds like you are transferring from another MLSNext club from another area. I think your experience will depend on how good your kid is.

If they are noticeably good, then the clubs will make recommendations to USYNT scouts. All of those clubs have had players invited to regional ID camps.

As for training and development, you should just have your player practice with the team and see if they fit in and if you think the coach and training are good for your kid.

Maybe check out the local MLSNext games and see if the clubs style of play is something your kid can do.

Good luck!
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2024 14:13     Subject: Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
Anonymous wrote:There is no difference between 90% of those clubs minus which coach you get or get stuck with. Contact the clubs and go from there. Being lazy and asking on here will get you no where


Websites and talking to coaches are one sided, it's all marketing and glorified info; often very far from the true reality of how the club is managed, players are trained. Just my 2 cents.
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2024 14:11     Subject: Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
There is no difference between 90% of those clubs minus which coach you get or get stuck with. Contact the clubs and go from there. Being lazy and asking on here will get you no where
Anonymous
Post 10/10/2024 14:05     Subject: Best DMV MLS Next Club for Player Transfer (SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles)
Exploring options for a player looking to transfer to another MLS Next club in the DMV area and would appreciate any insights or recommendations on the best program. Specifically, I’m interested in hearing from those with experience or knowledge about the following clubs: SYC, Alexandria, Bethesda, Baltimore Armour, Achilles. No need to touch on DC United, there's a separate thread.

Looking for information on the quality of the training programs, the coach experience and background, college prep resources, and the overall development environment. Additionally, any insight into how these clubs help players gain exposure to opportunities like US Soccer TalentID events, academy selections, and connections with scouts would be invaluable.

What are the key differences between these clubs in terms of player development, coaching philosophy, and overall potential for progression? Any input from parents, players, or coaches would be greatly appreciated.