My son's team did it last year. The poster above is correct that we only traveled to PA twice a season. It does seem far, but considering we were regularly traveling 1.5 hrs plus for one local league game (thanks DMV traffic) playing multiple games while we were there made it worth it. And what 11 year old isn't hyped for the hotel pool with all their teammates.

The boys U12 bracket is loaded with high quality teams, but U13 is much weaker. It seems many (most?) strong teams leave by the time MLS Next starts.

I don’t doubt that the competition is good at Acela. And I think many of the Pre-MLSNext clubs participate in them. But I think it’s way too much travel. You can get the development and game time you need to be ready for MLSNext without all of that.

MLSNext starting at U13 is a lot of travel already, why start early?

I think the local teams only go up once or twice a season and play all their games at once. Supposedly very good competition.

https://system.gotsport.com/org_event/events/33371

I'm more familiar on the girl's side, but U11 and younger, it had the top teams from mostly Southeast PA/Philly area. It has expanded and now has several NJ/MD teams.

Take a look at the brackets above to see the competition for boys at your age group. If you're in DC area, it will likely include quite a bit of travel.

Anyone heard of the Acela league? DS's coach floated the idea of playing in it for the spring.