Anonymous wrote:Can anyone explain the various alliances/partnerships that exist with the NOVA clubs? My DD is U12 in Maryland. For U13 we aren't opposed to crossing the river to find the right fit, but we are confused by some of these club relationships. Arlington seems pretty straightforward, but for others, I read posts here about "feeder" clubs and 3 different associations joining together to pool resources. If we wanted to try a high level team in NOVA (ECNL/RL, GA/Aspire), what team/organization tryout to we go to in the Spring?

I'm not really looking for opinions on the best vs the mediocre. I can do that research on my own. And if it is different for girls vs boys, then just explain the girls side. Thanks.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone explain the various alliances/partnerships that exist with the NOVA clubs? My DD is U12 in Maryland. For U13 we aren't opposed to crossing the river to find the right fit, but we are confused by some of these club relationships. Arlington seems pretty straightforward, but for others, I read posts here about "feeder" clubs and 3 different associations joining together to pool resources. If we wanted to try a high level team in NOVA (ECNL/RL, GA/Aspire), what team/organization tryout to we go to in the Spring?

I'm not really looking for opinions on the best vs the mediocre. I can do that research on my own. And if it is different for girls vs boys, then just explain the girls side. Thanks.

Each of the ECNL/GA teams have their own team-specific tryout so no need to go to feeder clubs unless looking for some guest practices in advance.

+1
Take ECNL as an example, specifically FXU (Fairfax Virginia United). FXU partners with six clubs, but you don’t need to attend those clubs’ tryouts unless you specifically want to play for them at U12 or younger. Even then, it’s not required. The only tryout you actually need to attend is FXU’s U13 tryout.

The reality is, FXU will select any player from tryouts if they are good enough — they don’t have to come from one of the six partner clubs. It’s unclear how much preference those six clubs actually get, but if there is any, it’s probably minimal. Generally, coaches don’t know the players beforehand, though they may receive a list of “earmarked” players from the partner clubs’ Technical Directors. Still, in practice, the best kids at tryouts get picked.

So, the best approach is to monitor ECNL/GA tryout announcements on social media and club websites. These usually come out by late November for tryouts held in February or March.

If your child isn’t quite ready for an ECNL/GA first-team spot, you might be tempted to accept placement on a second team. I’d be cautious about that (unless you strongly dislike your home club). Second teams at the Aspire or RL level often provide limited exposure, secondary coaching attention, and fewer training opportunities. For example, our team trains three times per week at medium intensity, while the first team trains four times a week at higher intensity. We’ve had to pay out-of-pocket for extra training, otherwise our daughter would never progress beyond the second team.

From our experience, these second teams don’t do much to move kids up. Practices seem designed to keep players where they are, while the first team gets more intense sessions and additional development. The only kids moving up are usually new outsiders joining the club, not existing second-team players. In that sense, accepting an RL or GA second-team spot can feel like a trap.

So if a player can't make an ECNL or GA team, are you saying it's better for them to be at a club where the top team is RL, than to be on the second (RL or Aspire) team at a club where the first team is ECNL or GA?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In terms of "feeders", Fairfax Virginia Union (FVU) seems to have every club in fairfax as a "feeder": Vienna, BRYC, Herndon, Villareal, Valor, and Lee Mount Vernon. You can take a look at these clubs Pre-ENCL teams to see how "strong" the feeders are. Bottom line - they are not strong clubs. However, as PP noted, you don't have to be affiliated with a feeder club to try out for the ECNL team and earn a spot.

VDA is the other ENCL team (besides Arl, which you already noted and is straightforward). VDA is an alliance between VSA and PWSI. Again, you can just try out for VDA without being in an alliance.

The GA teams are not alliances: Springfield (SYC), McLean (which used to be part of Union/FVU but left), Loudoun, NVA (formerly an alliance with Loudoun and Valor, but they appear to have split up), Alexandria, Virginia Revolution, and The St. James.

NVA was initially an alliance of Loudoun, Great Falls Reston, and Valor. After a year GFR left the alliance (GFR Leadership reasons), and then when NVA made the switch to GA, Valor decided to stay ECNL-RL as a feeder for Fairfax Union. in ECNL NVA was the top team for Loudoun, and the Loudoun 2nd team played in ECNL-RL. Since moving to GA the high schooled age girls left NVA for for ECNL, and the younger ones stayed. Older aged NVA teams backfilled with players from outside the club, a lot of the high schooled aged girls from the Loudoun RL teams stayed together since they are now GA and did not need to move to NVA. So yes NVA's name doesn't really match right now since they are not technically in an alliance with anyone, but maybe they will grab someone in the future.... On the Boys side it's a little different though. There is still no alliance for NVA, but NVA plays MLSNext tier 1 and Loudoun plays MLSNext tier 2. So the structure there is more similar to how it was in ECNL. NVA is the top team, and Loudoun is the second team. Pretty straightforward.

incorrect. NVA which is Loudoun decided to keep all their players first before taking other players from partnership. so GFR left first and then Valor did the same later. there was no partnership but marketing and selfishness. Look at how they are failing to retain talent and not able to keep up with bringing up their own talent within Loudoun. U13 and under are a mess.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone explain the various alliances/partnerships that exist with the NOVA clubs? My DD is U12 in Maryland. For U13 we aren't opposed to crossing the river to find the right fit, but we are confused by some of these club relationships. Arlington seems pretty straightforward, but for others, I read posts here about "feeder" clubs and 3 different associations joining together to pool resources. If we wanted to try a high level team in NOVA (ECNL/RL, GA/Aspire), what team/organization tryout to we go to in the Spring?

I'm not really looking for opinions on the best vs the mediocre. I can do that research on my own. And if it is different for girls vs boys, then just explain the girls side. Thanks.

Each of the ECNL/GA teams have their own team-specific tryout so no need to go to feeder clubs unless looking for some guest practices in advance.

+1
Take ECNL as an example, specifically FXU (Fairfax Virginia United). FXU partners with six clubs, but you don’t need to attend those clubs’ tryouts unless you specifically want to play for them at U12 or younger. Even then, it’s not required. The only tryout you actually need to attend is FXU’s U13 tryout.

The reality is, FXU will select any player from tryouts if they are good enough — they don’t have to come from one of the six partner clubs. It’s unclear how much preference those six clubs actually get, but if there is any, it’s probably minimal. Generally, coaches don’t know the players beforehand, though they may receive a list of “earmarked” players from the partner clubs’ Technical Directors. Still, in practice, the best kids at tryouts get picked.

So, the best approach is to monitor ECNL/GA tryout announcements on social media and club websites. These usually come out by late November for tryouts held in February or March.

If your child isn’t quite ready for an ECNL/GA first-team spot, you might be tempted to accept placement on a second team. I’d be cautious about that (unless you strongly dislike your home club). Second teams at the Aspire or RL level often provide limited exposure, secondary coaching attention, and fewer training opportunities. For example, our team trains three times per week at medium intensity, while the first team trains four times a week at higher intensity. We’ve had to pay out-of-pocket for extra training, otherwise our daughter would never progress beyond the second team.

From our experience, these second teams don’t do much to move kids up. Practices seem designed to keep players where they are, while the first team gets more intense sessions and additional development. The only kids moving up are usually new outsiders joining the club, not existing second-team players. In that sense, accepting an RL or GA second-team spot can feel like a trap.

So if a player can't make an ECNL or GA team, are you saying it's better for them to be at a club where the top team is RL, than to be on the second (RL or Aspire) team at a club where the first team is ECNL or GA?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone explain the various alliances/partnerships that exist with the NOVA clubs? My DD is U12 in Maryland. For U13 we aren't opposed to crossing the river to find the right fit, but we are confused by some of these club relationships. Arlington seems pretty straightforward, but for others, I read posts here about "feeder" clubs and 3 different associations joining together to pool resources. If we wanted to try a high level team in NOVA (ECNL/RL, GA/Aspire), what team/organization tryout to we go to in the Spring?

I'm not really looking for opinions on the best vs the mediocre. I can do that research on my own. And if it is different for girls vs boys, then just explain the girls side. Thanks.

Each of the ECNL/GA teams have their own team-specific tryout so no need to go to feeder clubs unless looking for some guest practices in advance.

+1
Take ECNL as an example, specifically FXU (Fairfax Virginia United). FXU partners with six clubs, but you don’t need to attend those clubs’ tryouts unless you specifically want to play for them at U12 or younger. Even then, it’s not required. The only tryout you actually need to attend is FXU’s U13 tryout.

The reality is, FXU will select any player from tryouts if they are good enough — they don’t have to come from one of the six partner clubs. It’s unclear how much preference those six clubs actually get, but if there is any, it’s probably minimal. Generally, coaches don’t know the players beforehand, though they may receive a list of “earmarked” players from the partner clubs’ Technical Directors. Still, in practice, the best kids at tryouts get picked.

So, the best approach is to monitor ECNL/GA tryout announcements on social media and club websites. These usually come out by late November for tryouts held in February or March.

If your child isn’t quite ready for an ECNL/GA first-team spot, you might be tempted to accept placement on a second team. I’d be cautious about that (unless you strongly dislike your home club). Second teams at the Aspire or RL level often provide limited exposure, secondary coaching attention, and fewer training opportunities. For example, our team trains three times per week at medium intensity, while the first team trains four times a week at higher intensity. We’ve had to pay out-of-pocket for extra training, otherwise our daughter would never progress beyond the second team.

From our experience, these second teams don’t do much to move kids up. Practices seem designed to keep players where they are, while the first team gets more intense sessions and additional development. The only kids moving up are usually new outsiders joining the club, not existing second-team players. In that sense, accepting an RL or GA second-team spot can feel like a trap.

So if a player can't make an ECNL or GA team, are you saying it's better for them to be at a club where the top team is RL, than to be on the second (RL or Aspire) team at a club where the first team is ECNL or GA?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone explain the various alliances/partnerships that exist with the NOVA clubs? My DD is U12 in Maryland. For U13 we aren't opposed to crossing the river to find the right fit, but we are confused by some of these club relationships. Arlington seems pretty straightforward, but for others, I read posts here about "feeder" clubs and 3 different associations joining together to pool resources. If we wanted to try a high level team in NOVA (ECNL/RL, GA/Aspire), what team/organization tryout to we go to in the Spring?

I'm not really looking for opinions on the best vs the mediocre. I can do that research on my own. And if it is different for girls vs boys, then just explain the girls side. Thanks.

Each of the ECNL/GA teams have their own team-specific tryout so no need to go to feeder clubs unless looking for some guest practices in advance.

+1
Take ECNL as an example, specifically FXU (Fairfax Virginia United). FXU partners with six clubs, but you don’t need to attend those clubs’ tryouts unless you specifically want to play for them at U12 or younger. Even then, it’s not required. The only tryout you actually need to attend is FXU’s U13 tryout.

The reality is, FXU will select any player from tryouts if they are good enough — they don’t have to come from one of the six partner clubs. It’s unclear how much preference those six clubs actually get, but if there is any, it’s probably minimal. Generally, coaches don’t know the players beforehand, though they may receive a list of “earmarked” players from the partner clubs’ Technical Directors. Still, in practice, the best kids at tryouts get picked.

So, the best approach is to monitor ECNL/GA tryout announcements on social media and club websites. These usually come out by late November for tryouts held in February or March.

If your child isn’t quite ready for an ECNL/GA first-team spot, you might be tempted to accept placement on a second team. I’d be cautious about that (unless you strongly dislike your home club). Second teams at the Aspire or RL level often provide limited exposure, secondary coaching attention, and fewer training opportunities. For example, our team trains three times per week at medium intensity, while the first team trains four times a week at higher intensity. We’ve had to pay out-of-pocket for extra training, otherwise our daughter would never progress beyond the second team.

From our experience, these second teams don’t do much to move kids up. Practices seem designed to keep players where they are, while the first team gets more intense sessions and additional development. The only kids moving up are usually new outsiders joining the club, not existing second-team players. In that sense, accepting an RL or GA second-team spot can feel like a trap.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In terms of "feeders", Fairfax Virginia Union (FVU) seems to have every club in fairfax as a "feeder": Vienna, BRYC, Herndon, Villareal, Valor, and Lee Mount Vernon. You can take a look at these clubs Pre-ENCL teams to see how "strong" the feeders are. Bottom line - they are not strong clubs. However, as PP noted, you don't have to be affiliated with a feeder club to try out for the ECNL team and earn a spot.

VDA is the other ENCL team (besides Arl, which you already noted and is straightforward). VDA is an alliance between VSA and PWSI. Again, you can just try out for VDA without being in an alliance.

The GA teams are not alliances: Springfield (SYC), McLean (which used to be part of Union/FVU but left), Loudoun, NVA (formerly an alliance with Loudoun and Valor, but they appear to have split up), Alexandria, Virginia Revolution, and The St. James.

NVA was initially an alliance of Loudoun, Great Falls Reston, and Valor. After a year GFR left the alliance (GFR Leadership reasons), and then when NVA made the switch to GA, Valor decided to stay ECNL-RL as a feeder for Fairfax Union. in ECNL NVA was the top team for Loudoun, and the Loudoun 2nd team played in ECNL-RL. Since moving to GA the high schooled age girls left NVA for for ECNL, and the younger ones stayed. Older aged NVA teams backfilled with players from outside the club, a lot of the high schooled aged girls from the Loudoun RL teams stayed together since they are now GA and did not need to move to NVA. So yes NVA's name doesn't really match right now since they are not technically in an alliance with anyone, but maybe they will grab someone in the future.... On the Boys side it's a little different though. There is still no alliance for NVA, but NVA plays MLSNext tier 1 and Loudoun plays MLSNext tier 2. So the structure there is more similar to how it was in ECNL. NVA is the top team, and Loudoun is the second team. Pretty straightforward.

incorrect. NVA which is Loudoun decided to keep all their players first before taking other players from partnership. so GFR left first and then Valor did the same later. there was no partnership but marketing and selfishness. Look at how they are failing to retain talent and not able to keep up with bringing up their own talent within Loudoun. U13 and under are a mess.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:In terms of "feeders", Fairfax Virginia Union (FVU) seems to have every club in fairfax as a "feeder": Vienna, BRYC, Herndon, Villareal, Valor, and Lee Mount Vernon. You can take a look at these clubs Pre-ENCL teams to see how "strong" the feeders are. Bottom line - they are not strong clubs. However, as PP noted, you don't have to be affiliated with a feeder club to try out for the ECNL team and earn a spot.

VDA is the other ENCL team (besides Arl, which you already noted and is straightforward). VDA is an alliance between VSA and PWSI. Again, you can just try out for VDA without being in an alliance.

The GA teams are not alliances: Springfield (SYC), McLean (which used to be part of Union/FVU but left), Loudoun, NVA (formerly an alliance with Loudoun and Valor, but they appear to have split up), Alexandria, Virginia Revolution, and The St. James.

NVA was initially an alliance of Loudoun, Great Falls Reston, and Valor. After a year GFR left the alliance (GFR Leadership reasons), and then when NVA made the switch to GA, Valor decided to stay ECNL-RL as a feeder for Fairfax Union. in ECNL NVA was the top team for Loudoun, and the Loudoun 2nd team played in ECNL-RL. Since moving to GA the high schooled age girls left NVA for for ECNL, and the younger ones stayed. Older aged NVA teams backfilled with players from outside the club, a lot of the high schooled aged girls from the Loudoun RL teams stayed together since they are now GA and did not need to move to NVA. So yes NVA's name doesn't really match right now since they are not technically in an alliance with anyone, but maybe they will grab someone in the future.... On the Boys side it's a little different though. There is still no alliance for NVA, but NVA plays MLSNext tier 1 and Loudoun plays MLSNext tier 2. So the structure there is more similar to how it was in ECNL. NVA is the top team, and Loudoun is the second team. Pretty straightforward.

Anonymous wrote:In terms of "feeders", Fairfax Virginia Union (FVU) seems to have every club in fairfax as a "feeder": Vienna, BRYC, Herndon, Villareal, Valor, and Lee Mount Vernon. You can take a look at these clubs Pre-ENCL teams to see how "strong" the feeders are. Bottom line - they are not strong clubs. However, as PP noted, you don't have to be affiliated with a feeder club to try out for the ECNL team and earn a spot.

VDA is the other ENCL team (besides Arl, which you already noted and is straightforward). VDA is an alliance between VSA and PWSI. Again, you can just try out for VDA without being in an alliance.

The GA teams are not alliances: Springfield (SYC), McLean (which used to be part of Union/FVU but left), Loudoun, NVA (formerly an alliance with Loudoun and Valor, but they appear to have split up), Alexandria, Virginia Revolution, and The St. James.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone explain the various alliances/partnerships that exist with the NOVA clubs? My DD is U12 in Maryland. For U13 we aren't opposed to crossing the river to find the right fit, but we are confused by some of these club relationships. Arlington seems pretty straightforward, but for others, I read posts here about "feeder" clubs and 3 different associations joining together to pool resources. If we wanted to try a high level team in NOVA (ECNL/RL, GA/Aspire), what team/organization tryout to we go to in the Spring?

I'm not really looking for opinions on the best vs the mediocre. I can do that research on my own. And if it is different for girls vs boys, then just explain the girls side. Thanks.

Each of the ECNL/GA teams have their own team-specific tryout so no need to go to feeder clubs unless looking for some guest practices in advance.

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone explain the various alliances/partnerships that exist with the NOVA clubs? My DD is U12 in Maryland. For U13 we aren't opposed to crossing the river to find the right fit, but we are confused by some of these club relationships. Arlington seems pretty straightforward, but for others, I read posts here about "feeder" clubs and 3 different associations joining together to pool resources. If we wanted to try a high level team in NOVA (ECNL/RL, GA/Aspire), what team/organization tryout to we go to in the Spring?

I'm not really looking for opinions on the best vs the mediocre. I can do that research on my own. And if it is different for girls vs boys, then just explain the girls side. Thanks.