Not the best players, the best players that have been paying-to-play and have access and transportation to that Club. Transportation is a big deal in this area, particularly with DCU setting up shop in a far flung region.

There are players that rival the travel club DA players all around the region. But, they aren’t feeding into DA.

The other posters were more accurate. That’s why are USMNT looks the way it does.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Will anyone be able to compete with DCU and Bethesda this year?

DCU's 04s sent 3 players to the USYNT U15 camp last week, plus their GK went with the U15s last year to compete in Europe. None of the other area clubs seem to be getting any call-ups, even though Bethesda's 04s were probably a better team. Plus Bethesda had a couple of standout 04s playing with the 03s most of the time. I wonder if they will be tempted to jump over, just so they can get a fair look from US Soccer scouts.

One of them was with Arlington and got selected as Arlington player. He just joined DCU.

This is a big part of the UMMT talent issue. They look at a very limited pool of players. Many of the best players in the country are not playing in DA. That’s not to take away from any of the kids selected.

142 out of 153 had DA ties. Yes, it’s virtually impossible for a player not with DA. That’s the USA’s problem. It’s a limited and self-selecting pool.

These are interesting points, but not really relevant to the topic here, which is for discussions of the actual DA program. I think it may make sense to have a new thread along the lines of "What's wrong with US soccer" so the discussion can happen there without derailing all the other threads.

DP here. But wasn't the point of the earlier post that DCU is soooo good because three of its players were selected to U15 NT camp? Nothing against these particular players, but if the USSF soccer has indeed created a self-selecting pool (i.e., DA players plus a handful of foreign based players), then the selection only means that the selected players are big fish in a very small pond.

There is no question DA players have an advantage over non-DA when it comes to USYNT selections. That has been part of what has driven recruitment to the DA since it started. USYNT dreamers go there to give themselves the best shot getting selected, the other top talent follows because they want to play with and compete against the best.
So 10 or so years in, the USSF's bias has become accurate (even if maybe it wasn't so at the beginning). In 2018, the vast majority of the top talent plays in the DA. There are exceptions, but they are extremely rare.

The question is whether the USSF also has a bias that within the DA, the MLS academies have the best players. If so, will that also result in a self-fulfilling prophesy. In other words, will the best players from non-MLS DAs move to the MLS because they feel that's the only way they'll get a fair look, thus ultimately justifying the USSF's belief that MLS DAs have the best players?

Locally, this would have the biggest effect on Bethesda. By and large, most of the best players from Arlington, Loudoun and VDA's region seem to end up at DCU sooner or later already. Bethesda is the only one that seems able to compete consistently - both on the field and in player retention. They have some extremely talented players at that club (especially in the 06/05s) and it would be a shame not to see them get the recognition and opportunities they deserve.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Will anyone be able to compete with DCU and Bethesda this year?

DCU's 04s sent 3 players to the USYNT U15 camp last week, plus their GK went with the U15s last year to compete in Europe. None of the other area clubs seem to be getting any call-ups, even though Bethesda's 04s were probably a better team. Plus Bethesda had a couple of standout 04s playing with the 03s most of the time. I wonder if they will be tempted to jump over, just so they can get a fair look from US Soccer scouts.

One of them was with Arlington and got selected as Arlington player. He just joined DCU.

This is a big part of the UMMT talent issue. They look at a very limited pool of players. Many of the best players in the country are not playing in DA. That’s not to take away from any of the kids selected.

142 out of 153 had DA ties. Yes, it’s virtually impossible for a player not with DA. That’s the USA’s problem. It’s a limited and self-selecting pool.

These are interesting points, but not really relevant to the topic here, which is for discussions of the actual DA program. I think it may make sense to have a new thread along the lines of "What's wrong with US soccer" so the discussion can happen there without derailing all the other threads.

DP here. But wasn't the point of the earlier post that DCU is soooo good because three of its players were selected to U15 NT camp? Nothing against these particular players, but if the USSF soccer has indeed created a self-selecting pool (i.e., DA players plus a handful of foreign based players), then the selection only means that the selected players are big fish in a very small pond.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Will anyone be able to compete with DCU and Bethesda this year?

DCU's 04s sent 3 players to the USYNT U15 camp last week, plus their GK went with the U15s last year to compete in Europe. None of the other area clubs seem to be getting any call-ups, even though Bethesda's 04s were probably a better team. Plus Bethesda had a couple of standout 04s playing with the 03s most of the time. I wonder if they will be tempted to jump over, just so they can get a fair look from US Soccer scouts.

One of them was with Arlington and got selected as Arlington player. He just joined DCU.

This is a big part of the UMMT talent issue. They look at a very limited pool of players. Many of the best players in the country are not playing in DA. That’s not to take away from any of the kids selected.

142 out of 153 had DA ties. Yes, it’s virtually impossible for a player not with DA. That’s the USA’s problem. It’s a limited and self-selecting pool.

These are interesting points, but not really relevant to the topic here, which is for discussions of the actual DA program. I think it may make sense to have a new thread along the lines of "What's wrong with US soccer" so the discussion can happen there without derailing all the other threads.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Will anyone be able to compete with DCU and Bethesda this year?

DCU's 04s sent 3 players to the USYNT U15 camp last week, plus their GK went with the U15s last year to compete in Europe. None of the other area clubs seem to be getting any call-ups, even though Bethesda's 04s were probably a better team. Plus Bethesda had a couple of standout 04s playing with the 03s most of the time. I wonder if they will be tempted to jump over, just so they can get a fair look from US Soccer scouts.

One of them was with Arlington and got selected as Arlington player. He just joined DCU.

This is a big part of the UMMT talent issue. They look at a very limited pool of players. Many of the best players in the country are not playing in DA. That’s not to take away from any of the kids selected.

142 out of 153 had DA ties. Yes, it’s virtually impossible for a player not with DA. That’s the USA’s problem. It’s a limited and self-selecting pool.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Will anyone be able to compete with DCU and Bethesda this year?

DCU's 04s sent 3 players to the USYNT U15 camp last week, plus their GK went with the U15s last year to compete in Europe. None of the other area clubs seem to be getting any call-ups, even though Bethesda's 04s were probably a better team. Plus Bethesda had a couple of standout 04s playing with the 03s most of the time. I wonder if they will be tempted to jump over, just so they can get a fair look from US Soccer scouts.

One of them was with Arlington and got selected as Arlington player. He just joined DCU.

This is a big part of the UMMT talent issue. They look at a very limited pool of players. Many of the best players in the country are not playing in DA. That’s not to take away from any of the kids selected.

Anonymous wrote:Will anyone be able to compete with DCU and Bethesda this year?

DCU's 04s sent 3 players to the USYNT U15 camp last week, plus their GK went with the U15s last year to compete in Europe. None of the other area clubs seem to be getting any call-ups, even though Bethesda's 04s were probably a better team. Plus Bethesda had a couple of standout 04s playing with the 03s most of the time. I wonder if they will be tempted to jump over, just so they can get a fair look from US Soccer scouts.

Bethesda to Loudoun would be one hell of a commute.

Anonymous wrote:Will anyone be able to compete with DCU and Bethesda this year?

DCU's 04s sent 3 players to the USYNT U15 camp last week, plus their GK went with the U15s last year to compete in Europe. None of the other area clubs seem to be getting any call-ups, even though Bethesda's 04s were probably a better team. Plus Bethesda had a couple of standout 04s playing with the 03s most of the time. I wonder if they will be tempted to jump over, just so they can get a fair look from US Soccer scouts.

One of them was with Arlington and got selected as Arlington player. He just joined DCU.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Will anyone be able to compete with DCU and Bethesda this year?

DCU's 04s sent 3 players to the USYNT U15 camp last week, plus their GK went with the U15s last year to compete in Europe. None of the other area clubs seem to be getting any call-ups, even though Bethesda's 04s were probably a better team. Plus Bethesda had a couple of standout 04s playing with the 03s most of the time. I wonder if they will be tempted to jump over, just so they can get a fair look from US Soccer scouts.

Red Bulls has been consistently strong in the older groups. And they are free.

They have incredible facilities too. Same with Philadelphia Union. Unfortunately, both are a just a bit too far for a reasonable week-night commute from the DMV, what with traffic and all.

Not sure why they don't have their residence program like DCU and Union?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Will anyone be able to compete with DCU and Bethesda this year?

DCU's 04s sent 3 players to the USYNT U15 camp last week, plus their GK went with the U15s last year to compete in Europe. None of the other area clubs seem to be getting any call-ups, even though Bethesda's 04s were probably a better team. Plus Bethesda had a couple of standout 04s playing with the 03s most of the time. I wonder if they will be tempted to jump over, just so they can get a fair look from US Soccer scouts.

Red Bulls has been consistently strong in the older groups. And they are free.

They have incredible facilities too. Same with Philadelphia Union. Unfortunately, both are a just a bit too far for a reasonable week-night commute from the DMV, what with traffic and all.

Anonymous wrote:Will anyone be able to compete with DCU and Bethesda this year?

DCU's 04s sent 3 players to the USYNT U15 camp last week, plus their GK went with the U15s last year to compete in Europe. None of the other area clubs seem to be getting any call-ups, even though Bethesda's 04s were probably a better team. Plus Bethesda had a couple of standout 04s playing with the 03s most of the time. I wonder if they will be tempted to jump over, just so they can get a fair look from US Soccer scouts.

Red Bulls has been consistently strong in the older groups. And they are free.

Anonymous wrote:I hate all these gender segregated threads, but glad you started one for boys. Da is da. There should be one single thread.

NP here. If you are saying that there should be a single thread for boys' and girls' DA, I disagree. Putting aside the fact that there seem to be a lot more crazily intense posters on the various girls' soccer threads on DCUM, I think there are a lot of different issues and questions that come up in one arena that don't come up in the other. For example, the boys (thankfully) don't have to deal with this ECNL vs. DA debate that will likely continue on for a few more years and the girls are less likely to be weighing going pro vs. going to college or considering when or whether to try to go overseas or play in amateur leagues.

If you look at other soccer or sports forums that have a lot of threads, they are virtually always divided along gender lines. It's a tried and true way of organizing things.

I hate all these gender segregated threads, but glad you started one for boys. Da is da. There should be one single thread.

Will anyone be able to compete with DCU and Bethesda this year?

DCU's 04s sent 3 players to the USYNT U15 camp last week, plus their GK went with the U15s last year to compete in Europe. None of the other area clubs seem to be getting any call-ups, even though Bethesda's 04s were probably a better team. Plus Bethesda had a couple of standout 04s playing with the 03s most of the time. I wonder if they will be tempted to jump over, just so they can get a fair look from US Soccer scouts.

Setting up a twin thread mirroring the Girl DA one for the new season to see if there is enough interest for boys DA as another boy's post lumped all the leagues together. Below is the 2018-2019 DA season boys map for all the age groups:


U12: MID-ATLANTIC

Arlington Soccer Association
Baltimore Armour
Bethesda SC
D.C. United
Loudoun Soccer
Richmond United
Virginia Development Academy

U13&14: NORTH ATLANTIC

Arlington Soccer Association
Baltimore Armour
Bethesda SC
D.C. United
Lehigh Valley United
Loudoun Soccer
PA Classics
Richmond United
Virginia Development Academy

U15&16/7&18/19: ATLANTIC

Arlington Soccer Association(U-15 only)
Baltimore Armour
Bethesda SC
Cedar Stars Academy - Monmouth
Continental FC DELCO
D.C. United
Loudoun Soccer (U-15 only)
New York Red Bulls
PA Classics
Philadelphia Union
Players Development Academy
Richmond United
Virginia Development Academy