Anonymous wrote:OP, can you explain why you think Bethesda is a money grab while the NoVa clubs you mention are not? The prices and training for all will be comparable, and all will have some good and not so good coaches. The U13 ECNL coach for next year has a long track record of developing talented players and has also done very well as the Whitman HS boys varsity coach. And what's your issue with the MRM coach? If he's good, why do you care if his style is unique, whatever that is supposed to mean?
I've always been grateful to live in MoCo, given that MSI offers a lot of good, low to moderate price options for a variety of skill levels. Bethesda has been great for our boys, both in terms of training and college recruitment.
Bethesda ECNL/Whitman coach is as serious as anyone, i.e. a great coach. A define a money grab as any club that has multiple teams per category without providing any serious effort to develop those players. I consider a program serious about development if they only have one or two teams per age. I know Layton shut down his u13 B squad because he did not have enough quality players that he felt he could develop and promote over the years. He is a great coach but his style wouldn't work for my kid. Some kids thrive off of get's cursed at during games and while others don't do well.
At the end of the day, NoVA just has more options and a more serious, less status-focused culture.