A third for McLean rec in spring. DD started in 4th grade with Arlington Elite but switched to Mclean rec and it was a world of a difference. The mixed age groups in Arl makes it a bit chaotic. For something a bit more structured, I hear St James is offering a rec program starting in the winter. It'll be more $$ than the other rec leagues but better training for sure.

Anonymous wrote:We liked mclean youth volleyball for my DD in 4th grade. It was a great intro to volleyball. After that we did club volleyball because she liked it so much!

My DD started with McLean and loved it too.

We liked mclean youth volleyball for my DD in 4th grade. It was a great intro to volleyball. After that we did club volleyball because she liked it so much!

Anonymous wrote:Try a couple clinics, find a short term house league. All of those are reputable at that age. Find what’s closest and works best for your schedule. If the clinics and league excite her keep with it and then worry about the better or best options. My DS was locked in after first clinic. DD after house league play.

+1. Go with the closest to your house. My DD was older than yours and did one season of VYI because it was closest and moved on, as did most of her rec team. They are all fine for the first season.

CYA: https://www.chantillyyouth.org/volleyball

SYA: https://syasports.org/sports/volleyball/house-volleyball/

BRYC: https://www.brycvolleyball.org/page/show/3624483-general-information

SYC:
https://www.sycva.com/volleyball

VYI:
https://www.vyi.org/volleyball/about-volleyball

DYS: https://dullesyouthsports.com/volleyball/

There’s not a ton of rec options nearby, but you’ve found the two closest - Arlington “elite” and McLean.

My DD got hooked after a summer camp. She didn't like the clinics (she thought they were boring), but really loved the leagues because of the competition.

Try a couple clinics, find a short term house league. All of those are reputable at that age. Find what’s closest and works best for your schedule. If the clinics and league excite her keep with it and then worry about the better or best options. My DS was locked in after first clinic. DD after house league play.

Try a couple clinics, find a short term house league. All of those are reputable at that age. Find what’s closest and works best for your schedule. If the clinics and league excite her keep with it and then worry about the better or best options. My DS was locked in after first clinic. DD after house league play.

Hi - we are in Arlington and DD wants to try volleyball. I’ve looked around online and luckily it does seem that 4th grade is the entry year. I see a McLean rec league, a Vienna rec league, and an “Arlington Elite” program that seems to be rec-level despite the name.

Should I look at one instead of another? Try a couple of clinics first? A camp?

FWIW, DD is tall and moderately athletic but hasn’t fallen in love with a sport and likes to try new ones.