Anonymous wrote:She's 8. Please repeat this multiple times.

What a douche.
It's not like the OP said they were looking at colleges.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for all the feedback. To the snarky poster, yes she is 8, which is why I said I don't want something crazy. I doubt she will play in college, and I'm not looking for that. But it seems like soccer may be one of her primary activities, so I'm looking for something slightly more than what she is getting. It sounds like MSI classic might be the best.

You're right, don't listen to some of the posters on here. Some are just bitter and angry. Anytime you ask for something more challenging for your child under the age of 12 people love to criticize like you are asking how to make your kid pro at 8. At 8 years old it is a good time to challenge a little bit more if they want more, but mainly need to keep having fun and preferably playing with some friends. Developing a love for the game as well as progressing with the skills are most important at that age. Most posters have provided some good options in your area.

Thanks for all the feedback. To the snarky poster, yes she is 8, which is why I said I don't want something crazy. I doubt she will play in college, and I'm not looking for that. But it seems like soccer may be one of her primary activities, so I'm looking for something slightly more than what she is getting. It sounds like MSI classic might be the best.

FCGB is forming a U10 team playing SAM for this Spring. It's made up of a mix of girls born in 2011 and 2012. They practice at the Soccerplex and Stone Ridge in Bethesda. Joining in the Spring would be a great way to check out the higher level atmosphere without thr commitment of a full year.

FCGB is small but growing club with great training. They start them in SAM and play in EDP when they are ready. The coaches focus on development in the early years.

Anonymous wrote:In 4th grade, next fall, your daughter can try out for a MSI Classic team. More competitive, more practices (twice a week instead of once), games in Montgomery County (so no crazy travel), and while slightly more than MSI Recreation, not the many hundreds, or even thousands, that some of those private clubs charge.

+1. Travel teams requires you to commit for a year. Hence, I would try MSI Classic for one season to determine if you like then can move to a travel program. At MSI, it has Recreation, Classic (select soccer), and Academy (travel soccer).

Potomoc would be a good medium level club.

In 4th grade, next fall, your daughter can try out for a MSI Classic team. More competitive, more practices (twice a week instead of once), games in Montgomery County (so no crazy travel), and while slightly more than MSI Recreation, not the many hundreds, or even thousands, that some of those private clubs charge.

Anonymous wrote:Bethesda/Potomac/MSI are bigger clubs and the safe bet. They all practice around rockville area for 2 or 3 times a week.

The top team with insane schedule are very hard to get into. Mots of people do not need to worry about it.

I don't think they are hard to get into. Usually the top teams are more demanding of your time. There's also FCGB, Juventus, and Maryland Rush Montgomery. MSI has Classic and Academy teams, both can have professional coaches. Arrington Training and Development also has teams. Another team is Player Progressive Academy. Check out the clubs on the website and contact them about attending a practice. Most teams are practicing outside and will welcome you. If you can, go watch a game see how the coach reacts especially if they are loosing. You can tell a lot about a coach.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't say top teams are hard to get into. If your kid loves soccer and works at it 3-4 days a week on her own juggling, footwork, hitting off a wall and playing on a team with like-minded players with similar skill sets....she will be on a very good team by the time she's U13 on the big field. Then it will be up to her to set it up even more if she wants to play in college, etc.

Anonymous wrote:She's 8. Please repeat this multiple times.

Yeah, lots of U9s I knew then and lots of U9s I know now train 3 days a week with their club and 1 or 2 days outside of their club teams. Juggle on their own, etc. Today they are on top top teams at U15. Yeah, it's not for everyone.

Maybe look here to help you see what is close to you geographically. Most would have some kind of more-competitive-than recreational programs for calendar years 2012 and older.
https://rantingsoccerdad.com/guide-to-youth-soccer/

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't say top teams are hard to get into. If your kid loves soccer and works at it 3-4 days a week on her own juggling, footwork, hitting off a wall and playing on a team with like-minded players with similar skill sets....she will be on a very good team by the time she's U13 on the big field. Then it will be up to her to set it up even more if she wants to play in college, etc.

Anonymous wrote:She's 8. Please repeat this multiple times.

I wouldn't say top teams are hard to get into. If your kid loves soccer and works at it 3-4 days a week on her own juggling, footwork, hitting off a wall and playing on a team with like-minded players with similar skill sets....she will be on a very good team by the time she's U13 on the big field. Then it will be up to her to set it up even more if she wants to play in college, etc.

She's 8. Please repeat this multiple times.

Bethesda/Potomac/MSI are bigger clubs and the safe bet. They all practice around rockville area for 2 or 3 times a week.

The top team with insane schedule are very hard to get into. Mots of people do not need to worry about it.

My 8 year old daughter (3rd grade) currently plays MSI Rec. We live in Potomac MD. I think she is ready for something more for next Fall, but I don't know that we need the very top or an insane schedule. She is a good player, but not amazing. I'm confused by all the options. Can someone break down the options for us that are close to Potomac? Thank you!