Every team is going to be different. See if you can attend a training session so he can get to know the players and coach. Then I would try to watch a game for the teams your son is interested in, observing player rotation and the coach's demeanor. Assuming the distance isn't dramatically different you'll be in a better position to choose the club you prefer this way. No club is right for every kid, even if one is technically "better" (by whatever metric someone uses to decree this to be the case). You can also look to see if fees are dramatically different but they usually are not. One may include tournaments and look higher because another does not or something like that, so it is worth reading about what is included rather than just the number.

Anonymous wrote:We live in DC. What are the differences between PPA and DC Soccer Club?

Specifically what is the difference between PPA premier and DCSC travel team? Are they comparable? In what ways?

I'm sort of new to this with my son, not to soccer as I am from South America, so I'm trying to figure out what the system is and where to put my son. There is a lot to consider, labels, organizations, etc.

Thank you!!!!!

PPA premier and DCSC travel are similar but play in two different systems. PPA leans towards the MD side (USYS) and DCSC leans to towards the VA side (US Club). They are comparable in that they both cater to NW DC families and provide a decent local option for travel.

I would prefer PPA to DCSC but you should attend a practice of both and see for yourself. The organization and quality of coach is higher IMHO but this is always subjective. I think you should also reach out to DC XI. They are equivalent to PPA and better than DCSC at developing although they will lose to them because DCSC has the pure numbers and talent. All three clubs are inferior to Arlington, McLean, Achilles and Bethesda which serve a lot of motivated players who live in DC if you want to keep your options open.

DC typically gets the short end of the stick because we don't have a formal governing body. As a result, the organizations align with either MD or VA. While neighboring states, the soccer landscape of each organization in MD and VA is very different from each other.

These are two of many different organizations that have travel soccer teams ($$, coaches with certain licenses, fancy uniforms, year-long commitment).

They may also have recreational soccer teams. (cheap, volunteer coaches, cheaper uniform, 8-12 week commitment).

If you have a kid who wants to play soccer year round and you are ready to spend the money, find a few clubs that are close by. Reach out the coach and ask to practice with a team. Your kid will likely tell you which kids/coach they like the best.

Depends on your son’s age. For boys, the highest competition are the clubs in the MLS Next league. If he is under 10, the closest club is fine to get started and see if he likes the sport. You can search the DCUM threads on those specific clubs to get an idea.

Fair warning, travel youth sports is no joke. It’s basically another full time job for you as a parent. Soccer is year round and requires a bunch of additional training beyond the club team activities to be competitive at the highest level.

Anonymous wrote:We live in DC. What are the differences between PPA and DC Soccer Club?

Specifically what is the difference between PPA premier and DCSC travel team? Are they comparable? In what ways?

I'm sort of new to this with my son, not to soccer as I am from South America, so I'm trying to figure out what the system is and where to put my son. There is a lot to consider, labels, organizations, etc.

Thank you!!!!!

See if he likes other sports...that are free. Or buy him a keyboard and teach him the piano. Run. Now.

We live in DC. What are the differences between PPA and DC Soccer Club?

Specifically what is the difference between PPA premier and DCSC travel team? Are they comparable? In what ways?

I'm sort of new to this with my son, not to soccer as I am from South America, so I'm trying to figure out what the system is and where to put my son. There is a lot to consider, labels, organizations, etc.

Thank you!!!!!