Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it true that the Boys 2013 and 2014 teams are losing significant numbers of players to other clubs?

Have heard this too and would be curious to hear why this is happening and whether these teams will remain competitive?

When you have to label your first two teams Academy I so as not to offend the parents and kids on the “2nd team” by actually calling them Academy II, the kids who do not make the MLS Next team, the only true Academy I are invariably “insulted” at their true level and will seek another club that see their kid is worthy of the badge.

The two Academy teams at Bethesda are not equal but the parents ego’s are not strong enough to handle that. I have heard it straight from kids mouths and kids are a reflection of their parents.

So the B team is also called A team to satisfy parents insecurities?

Bethesda has AA at U11 and U12 😂

Entitlement and privilege running rampant

So is Pulisic 1 and McKennie 2 or viceversa?

Anonymous wrote:I think so, for 25-26 season there are two 2014 Academy I teams, white and silver. White is the top team, no question.

If that were true, that is just really sad and kinda pathetic.

I think so, for 25-26 season there are two 2014 Academy I teams, white and silver. White is the top team, no question.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is it true that the Boys 2013 and 2014 teams are losing significant numbers of players to other clubs?

Have heard this too and would be curious to hear why this is happening and whether these teams will remain competitive?

When you have to label your first two teams Academy I so as not to offend the parents and kids on the “2nd team” by actually calling them Academy II, the kids who do not make the MLS Next team, the only true Academy I are invariably “insulted” at their true level and will seek another club that see their kid is worthy of the badge.

The two Academy teams at Bethesda are not equal but the parents ego’s are not strong enough to handle that. I have heard it straight from kids mouths and kids are a reflection of their parents.

So the B team is also called A team to satisfy parents insecurities?

Bethesda has AA at U11 and U12 😂

Jeezus.

Switches out coaches.
No witches.

Anonymous wrote:Probably true, but why would so many leave? Grass appears greener somewhere else?

Bethesda witches its coaches out too often – maybe more often than other clubs. A lot of the top players were there because of the top coaches, and when they knew they wouldn’t have them this year and would have either new coaches or other equally accomplished coaches, they left because they were already traveling a far away to come to the club and had equally good options close to home. A lot of Springfield, Arlington, Alexandria, Coppermine, and pipeline area kids choose Bethesda so if the coach is changed, then those kids have options. Not too many Maryland kids will go to the Virginia side for training.

Anonymous wrote:What is consistent between PG and SM and other coaches in the area who may have a reputation for development is the constant drilling of individual ball mastery, discipline to train regularly, and accountability for individual performance. It makes sense that they coach the younger ages as this is the foundation of how they can stay competitive as they get older.

+1

Hey all, I appreciate the conversation, not just heat and hate. Thanks!

What is consistent between PG and SM and other coaches in the area who may have a reputation for development is the constant drilling of individual ball mastery, discipline to train regularly, and accountability for individual performance. It makes sense that they coach the younger ages as this is the foundation of how they can stay competitive as they get older.

Anonymous wrote:But you will only have Phillip for one, maybe two years. My son has never had him despite being on a top team for many years.

Never had him as a coach but trust his influence in the organization.

Versatility in coaching is something I want for my child. My child will have to deal with a “bad” coach just like they may have to deal with a “bad” teacher or a “bad” coworker.

Very committed to possession-based soccer and skill on the ball. Won't make it with his program if you are not putting the time in as a player on ball mastery.

Anonymous wrote:Coach SM on the boy's side is also a top, top coach. Will be going younger with the top 2017s next year.

I have heard a lot of mixed reviews about SM. What do you see as his strengths?

But you will only have Phillip for one, maybe two years. My son has never had him despite being on a top team for many years.

Coach SM on the boy's side is also a top, top coach. Will be going younger with the top 2017s next year.