Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 12:35     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Cross the river with a 2016? Please don't do that to your child. Play for you local Pre-ECNL designated club (proximity is paramount) and then at u14 or u15 move to VDA, Arlington, or FVU in that order if your DD can cut it, othwerise there will probably be three other GA teams to add to the 9 already within driving distance if you are willing to go to Bethesda.

Bottom line is none of these clubs will develop your child, thats up to your own kids drive to practice and grow. A personal trainier who can instill the correct technique is worth the money at this age, and then after that its just about being showcased in the HS ages, hence my first three suggestions, ECNL or GA will serve that function adequately either way.


Thanks.
I guess i need to understand the reality: to add personal training or clinics on top of 3x/week team trainings is the universal way?


-OP, to some degree that answer is yes. Hardly none the girls in our GA club, top team and the girls on the 2nd team (who want to move up and get off the 2nd team) only do the 3x team practices per week. Almost all the kids supplement and or start to supplement to get to the top team or stay on the top team. The kids on the 2nd team who only do the 3x team practices per week, will likely never move up and they are ok with that. But the difference in skill is obvious between the kids who supplement vs the kids who do not.

Now, if you want ECNL/GA level and you are not at one of those clubs now, you are at a big risk of being boxed out for the early years. So, its not enough to show up and be good, you have to show up and be great in order to get in.

Often the the wisdom also suggests the coach alone is not the biggest factor in development, it is the other players/ families on the team. I am on a 2nd team now, and the kids are good and athletic, but they do not supplement, the families will not commit to extra activities, the kids are not as intense and the coaching is a notch below the 1st team in intensity. My kid will never get off the 2nd team without seeking outside skill work/ fitness (unless its a lower level club where they take in a lot of kids on the rosters.) But, when my kid does practice or events w the 1st team kids, she levels up and just gets better being around the other talented players.

However, if you only want a Coach who's Coaching style is suited to develop your kid. Consider the Coach's background, age and enthusiasm level. Is your kid a defender, center mid or forward? -Well, you want a Coach who has a background/ style in of those areas that matches your kid. Ask what position they played? My kid is a forward and we have a Coach who played a lot of defense. My kid is not getting a lot of offensive development (but the defenders on her team are). Does the Coach love ball-hogs? and does your kid refuse to pass? -Well maybe that is the best match!
-And if you do find a great match, in that way, you probably don't need to try for ECNL/GA right away. You really have to do some leg work though, attend lots of practices, talk to lots of parents and pay attention to toe Coach in training & games.

In summary: Universally, yes do the extra clinics & training to get to a top team -or- do a lot of research to find a Coach best suited for your kid based on their background.


Thank you for sharing so much insights, it’s really helpful! Much appreciated.

It’s a little “sad” for me that kids do academic supplemental as well as sports supplemental stuff, even though she hasn’t started either, but if she wants to play the high level soccer, I guess it’s “mandatory”, no matter which club she joins or how athletic she is. Thanks again.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 12:22     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Cross the river with a 2016? Please don't do that to your child. Play for you local Pre-ECNL designated club (proximity is paramount) and then at u14 or u15 move to VDA, Arlington, or FVU in that order if your DD can cut it, othwerise there will probably be three other GA teams to add to the 9 already within driving distance if you are willing to go to Bethesda.

Bottom line is none of these clubs will develop your child, thats up to your own kids drive to practice and grow. A personal trainier who can instill the correct technique is worth the money at this age, and then after that its just about being showcased in the HS ages, hence my first three suggestions, ECNL or GA will serve that function adequately either way.


Thanks.
I guess i need to understand the reality: to add personal training or clinics on top of 3x/week team trainings is the universal way?


-OP, to some degree that answer is yes. Hardly none the girls in our GA club, top team and the girls on the 2nd team (who want to move up and get off the 2nd team) only do the 3x team practices per week. Almost all the kids supplement and or start to supplement to get to the top team or stay on the top team. The kids on the 2nd team who only do the 3x team practices per week, will likely never move up and they are ok with that. But the difference in skill is obvious between the kids who supplement vs the kids who do not.

Now, if you want ECNL/GA level and you are not at one of those clubs now, you are at a big risk of being boxed out for the early years. So, its not enough to show up and be good, you have to show up and be great in order to get in.

Often the the wisdom also suggests the coach alone is not the biggest factor in development, it is the other players/ families on the team. I am on a 2nd team now, and the kids are good and athletic, but they do not supplement, the families will not commit to extra activities, the kids are not as intense and the coaching is a notch below the 1st team in intensity. My kid will never get off the 2nd team without seeking outside skill work/ fitness (unless its a lower level club where they take in a lot of kids on the rosters.) But, when my kid does practice or events w the 1st team kids, she levels up and just gets better being around the other talented players.

However, if you only want a Coach who's Coaching style is suited to develop your kid. Consider the Coach's background, age and enthusiasm level. Is your kid a defender, center mid or forward? -Well, you want a Coach who has a background/ style in of those areas that matches your kid. Ask what position they played? My kid is a forward and we have a Coach who played a lot of defense. My kid is not getting a lot of offensive development (but the defenders on her team are). Does the Coach love ball-hogs? and does your kid refuse to pass? -Well maybe that is the best match!
-And if you do find a great match, in that way, you probably don't need to try for ECNL/GA right away. You really have to do some leg work though, attend lots of practices, talk to lots of parents and pay attention to toe Coach in training & games.

In summary: Universally, yes do the extra clinics & training to get to a top team -or- do a lot of research to find a Coach best suited for your kid based on their background.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 12:16     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
Anonymous wrote:my 2012 DD practices with the 2011 team. Its not detrimental in any way. Why does this bother you about current team?
Not enough players would be annoying though if they cant man a team for games.


Our team lost a few teammates because of the earlier chaotic situation, so now our roster is smaller to field a 9v9 team. Additionally, the new coach decided to combine our team and another for trainings, so it’s 1 coach : 18 players.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 12:13     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Cross the river with a 2016? Please don't do that to your child. Play for you local Pre-ECNL designated club (proximity is paramount) and then at u14 or u15 move to VDA, Arlington, or FVU in that order if your DD can cut it, othwerise there will probably be three other GA teams to add to the 9 already within driving distance if you are willing to go to Bethesda.

Bottom line is none of these clubs will develop your child, thats up to your own kids drive to practice and grow. A personal trainier who can instill the correct technique is worth the money at this age, and then after that its just about being showcased in the HS ages, hence my first three suggestions, ECNL or GA will serve that function adequately either way.


Thanks.
I guess i need to understand the reality: to add personal training or clinics on top of 3x/week team trainings is the universal way?


For technical skills, yes. But she could always do them at home. Watch youtube videos.


Understood, thank you.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 11:57     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
Anonymous wrote:my 2012 DD practices with the 2011 team. Its not detrimental in any way. Why does this bother you about current team?
Not enough players would be annoying though if they cant man a team for games.


Where did OP say that the practices were combined with an older, better team?

Combined practices are just a way for clubs to save money on coaching staff or field space and a way for coaches to "double dip" on their pay.. A ratio of 1 coach to 15 players is FAR better FOR THE PLAYERS than 1 coach coaching two teams at the same practices.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 11:48     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
my 2012 DD practices with the 2011 team. Its not detrimental in any way. Why does this bother you about current team?
Not enough players would be annoying though if they cant man a team for games.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 11:45     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
In my experience with an older player, at U11-13, Arlington's top two teams focused on playing out of the back, possession, passing, etc. Beyond the top 2 teams, it seemed to be much more kick-ball. It is somewhat coach dependent, I think, but that was our experience.

I'm sure others will chime in and tell me that I am wrong. Good luck finding the right fit.

There were other things that I didn't love about the club, but having now experienced three different clubs, and reading this forum, there really isn't any great club. Your experience will depend on the coach, teammates, and other parents.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 11:44     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Cross the river with a 2016? Please don't do that to your child. Play for you local Pre-ECNL designated club (proximity is paramount) and then at u14 or u15 move to VDA, Arlington, or FVU in that order if your DD can cut it, othwerise there will probably be three other GA teams to add to the 9 already within driving distance if you are willing to go to Bethesda.

Bottom line is none of these clubs will develop your child, thats up to your own kids drive to practice and grow. A personal trainier who can instill the correct technique is worth the money at this age, and then after that its just about being showcased in the HS ages, hence my first three suggestions, ECNL or GA will serve that function adequately either way.


Thanks.
I guess i need to understand the reality: to add personal training or clinics on top of 3x/week team trainings is the universal way?


For technical skills, yes. But she could always do them at home. Watch youtube videos.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 11:41     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
Anonymous wrote:Cross the river with a 2016? Please don't do that to your child. Play for you local Pre-ECNL designated club (proximity is paramount) and then at u14 or u15 move to VDA, Arlington, or FVU in that order if your DD can cut it, othwerise there will probably be three other GA teams to add to the 9 already within driving distance if you are willing to go to Bethesda.

Bottom line is none of these clubs will develop your child, thats up to your own kids drive to practice and grow. A personal trainier who can instill the correct technique is worth the money at this age, and then after that its just about being showcased in the HS ages, hence my first three suggestions, ECNL or GA will serve that function adequately either way.


Thanks.
I guess i need to understand the reality: to add personal training or clinics on top of 3x/week team trainings is the universal way?
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 11:04     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
Cross the river with a 2016? Please don't do that to your child. Play for you local Pre-ECNL designated club (proximity is paramount) and then at u14 or u15 move to VDA, Arlington, or FVU in that order if your DD can cut it, othwerise there will probably be three other GA teams to add to the 9 already within driving distance if you are willing to go to Bethesda.

Bottom line is none of these clubs will develop your child, thats up to your own kids drive to practice and grow. A personal trainier who can instill the correct technique is worth the money at this age, and then after that its just about being showcased in the HS ages, hence my first three suggestions, ECNL or GA will serve that function adequately either way.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 10:53     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
Op here. Thanks for all the responses.

I’m trying to understand if there are club coaches who have excellent reputation for U11-13 development, with focus on technical skills and soccer intelligence.

We are not satisfied with our current situation, like political dramas, short of players, combined training with other teams, no clear development plan other than “fixing the problems”, etc

If naming is impossible here, point me to the right direction is also appreciated. We are in Fairfax county, but willing to travel as far as to Bethesda if needed. Thanks again!
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 08:32     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
Anonymous wrote:Which club /coach is really great about developing players (who has good athletism, speed, training mentality) , with less youth soccer dramas and more consistent training quality?

Thank you.


OP, you have to tell us where you live. Otherwise, you will get unhelpful responses.

Also, about the only way to guarantee a specific Coach, is to wait until next August when teams and coaching assignments are actually solidified -vs- what the "coaching slate" will be when announced in the Spring time. So many personal decisions are up in the air in the spring time, that quite often the team you try out for will assign a different coach by August.

It has happened to my DD's team twice 3-4 years ago and it's beyond frustrating.
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 07:42     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
What age group will you be in next year?
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 06:35     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
Where do you live?
Anonymous
Post 01/06/2026 01:58     Subject: For 2016 travel girl
Which club /coach is really great about developing players (who has good athletism, speed, training mentality) , with less youth soccer dramas and more consistent training quality?

Thank you.