We are in Herndon, and my 9 year old dd played her first season last year with this league. Very friendly and team oriented environment if you don't mind the drive to Herndon.

http://herndonyouthsoccer.org/

Anonymous wrote:OP, just have her try out for the McLean team for her age group. I would guess there are 2 if not 3 teams for her age. It is better than rec - if she loves it, great, she is in the right spot. And if she doesn't, just move on to the next thing. If nothing else, it will be a great way for her to meet a new set of friends.

The McLean travel groups formed in May/June and have been practicing all summer with some tournaments starting Labor Day weekend. Try-outs were quite competitive, with some girls who were on travel teams in McLean last year not invited back for this year. I don't think that's where you want to put a girl who has never played, even if it were somehow an option. MYS Rec is a great place to start, with some high-quality players as well as girls playing for fun and a few with no experience. If she likes soccer you can try for the All-Stars team for added competition.

OP, just have her try out for the McLean team for her age group. I would guess there are 2 if not 3 teams for her age. It is better than rec - if she loves it, great, she is in the right spot. And if she doesn't, just move on to the next thing. If nothing else, it will be a great way for her to meet a new set of friends.

PP here, you may be U11 based on the age cut-off. That group is not in the Suburban Friends yet.

The U12 girls group of McLean Rec is wonderful. You'll be starting Suburban Friends League this year, so its a bit more travel than last year, so there are more teams to play against. The team is encouraging, the coaches are good, and the girls have fun together.

Anonymous wrote:New to area, live in McLean. Our soon to be 11 year old daughter (will be in 6th grade) has expressed an interest in playing soccer this year. Can you recommend a league/team that isn't too turbo and would accept a child who has never played before? Zippo interest in the travel league business, just want a fun atmosphere where she can learn the game. Thanks.

A new player wouldn't make a travel team, anyway, so don't worry about that. Just play in a House (recreational) league.

Some clubs' deadlines have passed, but check McLean and, depending on where in McLean you live, Reston or Arlington.

You'll definitely need to do this soon. The season is about to start. Vienna may let you get on a waiting list even though registration deadline has passed, but that's probably too far for you, anyway.

New to area, live in McLean. Our soon to be 11 year old daughter (will be in 6th grade) has expressed an interest in playing soccer this year. Can you recommend a league/team that isn't too turbo and would accept a child who has never played before? Zippo interest in the travel league business, just want a fun atmosphere where she can learn the game. Thanks.