Anonymous
Post 01/30/2025 08:34     Subject: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matt-hartman-on-the-new-homegrown-rules/id1611865497?i=1000577479814

Randomly came across this podcast from 2022. Start at the 6 min mark, he briefly touches on DCU. Youth sports analyst. Pretty much says what was said in previous posts.

TLDR: DCUA sucks at scouting. Talent rich area and outside academies come and scoop up players.


Interesting. Analyst said people are not confident in DCUs ability to scout and nurture talent and competitors see that as an opportunity to take talent from the region. A position that is definitely supported in this thread.


Also supported in this thread are there are losers with axes to grind against the academy with an endless obsession because their kids were rejected and other low self-esteem and insecurities reasons.
Anonymous
Post 01/30/2025 01:27     Subject: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
Also supports the concept raised here that DCU doesn't start their pipeline early enough.
Anonymous
Post 01/30/2025 01:12     Subject: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
Anonymous wrote:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matt-hartman-on-the-new-homegrown-rules/id1611865497?i=1000577479814

Randomly came across this podcast from 2022. Start at the 6 min mark, he briefly touches on DCU. Youth sports analyst. Pretty much says what was said in previous posts.

TLDR: DCUA sucks at scouting. Talent rich area and outside academies come and scoop up players.


Interesting. Analyst said people are not confident in DCUs ability to scout and nurture talent and competitors see that as an opportunity to take talent from the region. A position that is definitely supported in this thread.
Anonymous
Post 01/29/2025 23:07     Subject: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/matt-hartman-on-the-new-homegrown-rules/id1611865497?i=1000577479814

Randomly came across this podcast from 2022. Start at the 6 min mark, he briefly touches on DCU. Youth sports analyst. Pretty much says what was said in previous posts.

TLDR: DCUA sucks at scouting. Talent rich area and outside academies come and scoop up players.
Anonymous
Post 01/23/2025 14:48     Subject: Re: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I've posted here a couple of times bashing the process of not only DCU but many of the academies - really club soccer in general. What I have learned is this - my perspective is not that of others. Nor are my kids' and family needs. I have an academically-focused smaller player who has been scouted by DCU but was not offered. Honestly, had he been, we were unlikely to accept. I know that seems ridiculous to some, but you have to do what is best for your child. The skill level at DCUA is undoubtedly the best in the area. You can also say that there are aspects of the academy that lag far behind Philly Union and others. I'm sure they do something better than some academy out there. But, it's not the best fit for my kid. If you have a kid who lives and breathes soccer, is a good but not great student, and is athletic for his age - you'd be a fool not to accept a DCUA offer. Believe it or not - one size does not fit all in this process. Too many parent egos are involved. Do what's right for your kid and don't bash others for doing what's right for their own.


There are several DC Academy kids going to top ranked academic Universities every year.
Ivy League etc

Can you explain your reasoning more on why you don't think its good for a kid who does well academically?


PP here...yes, I understand that and it's a good question. In fact, personally know one of them. See him on a weekly basis. Won't add names but this particular kid is doing online school only. Hates it. He was accepted to a high level university and will play soccer there, but misses the engagement. There is also the aspect of logistics. All of travel soccer requires a time commitment for getting to practice and games. DCUA trains at Segra. If you live in Leesburg, that might work out well. Not everyone lives in Leesburg. Those are two hours (maybe more) of every day that kids miss out on after school activities or school work. Some kids can balance it by doing school work in the car or on a bus. Some can't. That's why I noted that many of the kids are good, maybe even great students. But that doesn't mean the learning situation is ideal for everyone. At some point you have to also make an honest assessment of how much soccer will play a role in your kid's future. Very few (maybe a handful) out of any age group in this area will play competitively past 25 years old. Lots of different ways to prepare for the 50 years after that. DCUA is one but not the best for most.


Understand the difficulties. I assume there was a logistic they couldn't work out to be able to attend the onsite program? My concern at first was also the interaction but the morning training, breaks, and group work together has done a great job of making it feel pretty normal. It was worth the changes I had to make on my end to accommodate the morning drive. He was on his school bus at 6:30, rushed straight from school to training every day, and then tried to juggle his schoolwork in the car or when he got home close to 10pm each night. It was a lot. The onsite option has really helped him have the social piece but also taken the stress of squeezing in schoolwork when he's exhausted and the crazy drive in ridiculous traffic at 3:45 when he would get out of school. I know that may not have worked for all parents due to work restrictions. I was lucky enough to be mostly remote and have a very flexible boss.
Anonymous
Post 01/23/2025 14:46     Subject: Re: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I've posted here a couple of times bashing the process of not only DCU but many of the academies - really club soccer in general. What I have learned is this - my perspective is not that of others. Nor are my kids' and family needs. I have an academically-focused smaller player who has been scouted by DCU but was not offered. Honestly, had he been, we were unlikely to accept. I know that seems ridiculous to some, but you have to do what is best for your child. The skill level at DCUA is undoubtedly the best in the area. You can also say that there are aspects of the academy that lag far behind Philly Union and others. I'm sure they do something better than some academy out there. But, it's not the best fit for my kid. If you have a kid who lives and breathes soccer, is a good but not great student, and is athletic for his age - you'd be a fool not to accept a DCUA offer. Believe it or not - one size does not fit all in this process. Too many parent egos are involved. Do what's right for your kid and don't bash others for doing what's right for their own.


There are several DC Academy kids going to top ranked academic Universities every year.
Ivy League etc

Can you explain your reasoning more on why you don't think its good for a kid who does well academically?


PP here...yes, I understand that and it's a good question. In fact, personally know one of them. See him on a weekly basis. Won't add names but this particular kid is doing online school only. Hates it. He was accepted to a high level university and will play soccer there, but misses the engagement. There is also the aspect of logistics. All of travel soccer requires a time commitment for getting to practice and games. DCUA trains at Segra. If you live in Leesburg, that might work out well. Not everyone lives in Leesburg. Those are two hours (maybe more) of every day that kids miss out on after school activities or school work. Some kids can balance it by doing school work in the car or on a bus. Some can't. That's why I noted that many of the kids are good, maybe even great students. But that doesn't mean the learning situation is ideal for everyone. At some point you have to also make an honest assessment of how much soccer will play a role in your kid's future. Very few (maybe a handful) out of any age group in this area will play competitively past 25 years old. Lots of different ways to prepare for the 50 years after that. DCUA is one but not the best for most.


So you're more seemingly concerned with the environment than the pure academic impact.
One thing we all know, the foundation and discipline around academics in the home is the most important element.

Hence why kids in the same schools/classes with same teachers all shake out differently in the end.
Anonymous
Post 01/23/2025 14:39     Subject: Re: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I've posted here a couple of times bashing the process of not only DCU but many of the academies - really club soccer in general. What I have learned is this - my perspective is not that of others. Nor are my kids' and family needs. I have an academically-focused smaller player who has been scouted by DCU but was not offered. Honestly, had he been, we were unlikely to accept. I know that seems ridiculous to some, but you have to do what is best for your child. The skill level at DCUA is undoubtedly the best in the area. You can also say that there are aspects of the academy that lag far behind Philly Union and others. I'm sure they do something better than some academy out there. But, it's not the best fit for my kid. If you have a kid who lives and breathes soccer, is a good but not great student, and is athletic for his age - you'd be a fool not to accept a DCUA offer. Believe it or not - one size does not fit all in this process. Too many parent egos are involved. Do what's right for your kid and don't bash others for doing what's right for their own.


There are several DC Academy kids going to top ranked academic Universities every year.
Ivy League etc

Can you explain your reasoning more on why you don't think its good for a kid who does well academically?


PP here...yes, I understand that and it's a good question. In fact, personally know one of them. See him on a weekly basis. Won't add names but this particular kid is doing online school only. Hates it. He was accepted to a high level university and will play soccer there, but misses the engagement. There is also the aspect of logistics. All of travel soccer requires a time commitment for getting to practice and games. DCUA trains at Segra. If you live in Leesburg, that might work out well. Not everyone lives in Leesburg. Those are two hours (maybe more) of every day that kids miss out on after school activities or school work. Some kids can balance it by doing school work in the car or on a bus. Some can't. That's why I noted that many of the kids are good, maybe even great students. But that doesn't mean the learning situation is ideal for everyone. At some point you have to also make an honest assessment of how much soccer will play a role in your kid's future. Very few (maybe a handful) out of any age group in this area will play competitively past 25 years old. Lots of different ways to prepare for the 50 years after that. DCUA is one but not the best for most.
Anonymous
Post 01/23/2025 14:34     Subject: Re: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
Anonymous wrote:I've posted here a couple of times bashing the process of not only DCU but many of the academies - really club soccer in general. What I have learned is this - my perspective is not that of others. Nor are my kids' and family needs. I have an academically-focused smaller player who has been scouted by DCU but was not offered. Honestly, had he been, we were unlikely to accept. I know that seems ridiculous to some, but you have to do what is best for your child. The skill level at DCUA is undoubtedly the best in the area. You can also say that there are aspects of the academy that lag far behind Philly Union and others. I'm sure they do something better than some academy out there. But, it's not the best fit for my kid. If you have a kid who lives and breathes soccer, is a good but not great student, and is athletic for his age - you'd be a fool not to accept a DCUA offer. Believe it or not - one size does not fit all in this process. Too many parent egos are involved. Do what's right for your kid and don't bash others for doing what's right for their own.


This. 100%. I have a difference of opinion on the good but not great student part. My player did the schooling option which he loves and is in honors and ap classes. He's doing very well and likes the flexibility. His previous school consider National Team ID camps as unexcused absences. Wild. I will say if you have a student that wants to double enroll, it's not an option right now. It's just something to be aware of. He is onsite 4 days a week with 1 remote day on their rest day. I would also add to not write off the opportunities for the smaller players because we have some great talent on the smaller size. MLS offers bioflex options that allow the smaller players to compete in the group just below them to level the playing field size wise. They train with their true age bracket to continue the development of skills. They can play for either team for games at any time. But like you said, it really does come down to the best fit for the player. I'm not sure I would classify what you are doing as bashing. That's an honest opinion being shared. Much more reasonable than some of the other actual bashing I've seen going on.
Anonymous
Post 01/23/2025 14:28     Subject: Re: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
Anonymous wrote:I've posted here a couple of times bashing the process of not only DCU but many of the academies - really club soccer in general. What I have learned is this - my perspective is not that of others. Nor are my kids' and family needs. I have an academically-focused smaller player who has been scouted by DCU but was not offered. Honestly, had he been, we were unlikely to accept. I know that seems ridiculous to some, but you have to do what is best for your child. The skill level at DCUA is undoubtedly the best in the area. You can also say that there are aspects of the academy that lag far behind Philly Union and others. I'm sure they do something better than some academy out there. But, it's not the best fit for my kid. If you have a kid who lives and breathes soccer, is a good but not great student, and is athletic for his age - you'd be a fool not to accept a DCUA offer. Believe it or not - one size does not fit all in this process. Too many parent egos are involved. Do what's right for your kid and don't bash others for doing what's right for their own.


There are several DC Academy kids going to top ranked academic Universities every year.
Ivy League etc

Can you explain your reasoning more on why you don't think its good for a kid who does well academically?
Anonymous
Post 01/23/2025 14:19     Subject: Re: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
Anonymous wrote:I've posted here a couple of times bashing the process of not only DCU but many of the academies - really club soccer in general. What I have learned is this - my perspective is not that of others. Nor are my kids' and family needs. I have an academically-focused smaller player who has been scouted by DCU but was not offered. Honestly, had he been, we were unlikely to accept. I know that seems ridiculous to some, but you have to do what is best for your child. The skill level at DCUA is undoubtedly the best in the area. You can also say that there are aspects of the academy that lag far behind Philly Union and others. I'm sure they do something better than some academy out there. But, it's not the best fit for my kid. If you have a kid who lives and breathes soccer, is a good but not great student, and is athletic for his age - you'd be a fool not to accept a DCUA offer. Believe it or not - one size does not fit all in this process. Too many parent egos are involved. Do what's right for your kid and don't bash others for doing what's right for their own.


Well said.
Anonymous
Post 01/23/2025 14:17     Subject: Re: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
I've posted here a couple of times bashing the process of not only DCU but many of the academies - really club soccer in general. What I have learned is this - my perspective is not that of others. Nor are my kids' and family needs. I have an academically-focused smaller player who has been scouted by DCU but was not offered. Honestly, had he been, we were unlikely to accept. I know that seems ridiculous to some, but you have to do what is best for your child. The skill level at DCUA is undoubtedly the best in the area. You can also say that there are aspects of the academy that lag far behind Philly Union and others. I'm sure they do something better than some academy out there. But, it's not the best fit for my kid. If you have a kid who lives and breathes soccer, is a good but not great student, and is athletic for his age - you'd be a fool not to accept a DCUA offer. Believe it or not - one size does not fit all in this process. Too many parent egos are involved. Do what's right for your kid and don't bash others for doing what's right for their own.
Anonymous
Post 01/23/2025 14:14     Subject: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:SURVEY:

If you live in the DMV and your DS is a strong player 12 to 15 years old and being recruited to the DC United Academy, will you let him go?

If you say No, why not and what better option would you take?


Bottom line, if you say yes, you're signing up for an inferior academy compared to the majority of other MLS academies. That is just the reality. As long as you accept that and make the best of it, that is all you can do. But being ignorant to the realities of DCU is just hurting you own son.


Yes, DCUA is inferior compared to the other MLS Club academies, because of your feelings.
We get it. We don't care about your griping. Now go away.


DCU is OBJECTIVELY inferior to other academies. no feelings involved.


Well, if you use all caps, case closed.

Why didn't you do that before and save all the trouble.
Anonymous
Post 01/23/2025 14:07     Subject: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
And if you want to know why read this entire thread.
Anonymous
Post 01/23/2025 14:06     Subject: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:SURVEY:

If you live in the DMV and your DS is a strong player 12 to 15 years old and being recruited to the DC United Academy, will you let him go?

If you say No, why not and what better option would you take?


Bottom line, if you say yes, you're signing up for an inferior academy compared to the majority of other MLS academies. That is just the reality. As long as you accept that and make the best of it, that is all you can do. But being ignorant to the realities of DCU is just hurting you own son.


Yes, DCUA is inferior compared to the other MLS Club academies, because of your feelings.
We get it. We don't care about your griping. Now go away.


DCU is OBJECTIVELY inferior to other academies. no feelings involved.
Anonymous
Post 01/23/2025 14:05     Subject: DC United Academy - aa strong academy or not
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:SURVEY:

If you live in the DMV and your DS is a strong player 12 to 15 years old and being recruited to the DC United Academy, will you let him go?

If you say No, why not and what better option would you take?


Bottom line, if you say yes, you're signing up for an inferior academy compared to the majority of other MLS academies. That is just the reality. As long as you accept that and make the best of it, that is all you can do. But being ignorant to the realities of DCU is just hurting you own son.


If your son is thriving at a world class professional academy, why do you care as much as you do what's happening to other people's sons at dcua?


Why do you care so much? You've posted more than anyone. And posted with complete garbage.


I've posted twice