novasoccer15324
05/23/2022 14:31
Subject: any hope of extending Arlington's ADP program to older ages?
Hi OP,
I don't know if you are aware of this, but arlington's rec league has different divisions for each age group. If your son is on the more competitive side, you should try to join a team that is in a high division when he finishes ADP. The divisions are posted here:
https://arlingtonsoccer.demosphere-secure.com/programs/recreation/schedules-scores
By the time players finish up ADP, all of the ADP players will filter out to Arlington's internal rec league, so the league will be more competitive anyway because the same players from ADP will be in it.
If you're looking for a less intense travel program than arlington eventually, check out PAC. Premier Athletics Club. It is based in Falls church with practices at Luther Jackson middle school, falls church high school, and maybe some other nearby locations.
Middle school soccer is extremely competitive in Arlington. The middle schools have several hundred students in each grade, and many, many players who play on Arlington's travel teams all want to try out and be on the team. Making the middle school roster is a big accomplishment just by the sheer number of players who try out.
It is not a place to learn soccer, it is just 2 months of the year, the coaches are more like PE teachers, and some of them coach for Arlington Soccer in some capacity or another.
So, I would not worry about Arlington middle school soccer at all. When ADP ends, just try to find a higher division team to join, and if you feel like taking it a step further, check out PAC.
Also, by the high school age groups, all of the less serious, less motivated players have moved on. The high school divisions of Arlington's internal league are very competitive, especially division 1, which has former travel players who dropped out, and talented players who should be playing travel but never did. The high school age group teams offer plenty of competition.
I don't know if you are aware of this, but arlington's rec league has different divisions for each age group. If your son is on the more competitive side, you should try to join a team that is in a high division when he finishes ADP. The divisions are posted here:
https://arlingtonsoccer.demosphere-secure.com/programs/recreation/schedules-scores
By the time players finish up ADP, all of the ADP players will filter out to Arlington's internal rec league, so the league will be more competitive anyway because the same players from ADP will be in it.
If you're looking for a less intense travel program than arlington eventually, check out PAC. Premier Athletics Club. It is based in Falls church with practices at Luther Jackson middle school, falls church high school, and maybe some other nearby locations.
Middle school soccer is extremely competitive in Arlington. The middle schools have several hundred students in each grade, and many, many players who play on Arlington's travel teams all want to try out and be on the team. Making the middle school roster is a big accomplishment just by the sheer number of players who try out.
It is not a place to learn soccer, it is just 2 months of the year, the coaches are more like PE teachers, and some of them coach for Arlington Soccer in some capacity or another.
So, I would not worry about Arlington middle school soccer at all. When ADP ends, just try to find a higher division team to join, and if you feel like taking it a step further, check out PAC.
Also, by the high school age groups, all of the less serious, less motivated players have moved on. The high school divisions of Arlington's internal league are very competitive, especially division 1, which has former travel players who dropped out, and talented players who should be playing travel but never did. The high school age group teams offer plenty of competition.
RedCard
05/23/2022 11:32
Subject: any hope of extending Arlington's ADP program to older ages?
The text of my previous post somehow got intermingled with the prior person's post. So I'm repeating my post, but without any quotes referencing the prior post:
----------------------------
Ah, yes, the article is stale. Thx for pointing that out.
I understand that ASA and Arlington's middle school sports program are entirely separate. To sum up the entire thread, I expressed a desire for the ASA's ADP program to be extended upwards to age 13. But then another poster pointed out that Arlington's middle school sports program might be a reasonable substitute for the ADP program.
The middle school soccer program would be a good substitute for ADP if the level-of-play is above the ASA's rec league. If the level-of-play is the same, then it isn't what I'm looking for. I'm trying to find an option for my kids, when they reach ages 12 and 13, that will allow them to play competitive soccer without joining a travel league. ADP is a perfect fit for us: all games are local, the coaching is good, and the level-of-play is good. Do you think Arlington's middle school soccer offers a decent level-of-play? And who coaches these teams?
----------------------------
Ah, yes, the article is stale. Thx for pointing that out.
I understand that ASA and Arlington's middle school sports program are entirely separate. To sum up the entire thread, I expressed a desire for the ASA's ADP program to be extended upwards to age 13. But then another poster pointed out that Arlington's middle school sports program might be a reasonable substitute for the ADP program.
The middle school soccer program would be a good substitute for ADP if the level-of-play is above the ASA's rec league. If the level-of-play is the same, then it isn't what I'm looking for. I'm trying to find an option for my kids, when they reach ages 12 and 13, that will allow them to play competitive soccer without joining a travel league. ADP is a perfect fit for us: all games are local, the coaching is good, and the level-of-play is good. Do you think Arlington's middle school soccer offers a decent level-of-play? And who coaches these teams?
RedCard
05/23/2022 11:24
Subject: any hope of extending Arlington's ADP program to older ages?
Heloise wrote:RedCard wrote:RedCard wrote:S0ccerdad wrote:RedCard wrote:[
Yes, Arlington offers a middle school soccer league. I know little about this league and will investigate. From what I can gather online, the league only offers a fall season. There is no spring season. But I could be mistaken. I know nothing about the level-of-play. Hopefully it is more competitive than rec soccer.
Arlington has a very large middle school rec program with 10-12 teams per grade on both the girls and boys side. Teams have both a fall and spring season. Season is 8 games and includes at least 1 practice per week.
I'd also add the one of the unique features of Arlington is that they also have a self-contained (i.e., not part of the Suburban Friendship League) with 20+ teams on the boys side and 16 on the girls side.
Thanks for the info. How is the level-of-play? Better than rec?
I just found this article indicating that Arlington's middle school sports program could potentially be eliminated due to budget constraints:
[url]
Ah, yes, the article is stale. Thx for pointing that out.
I understand that ASA and Arlington's middle school sports program are entirely separate. To sum up the entire thread, I expressed a desire for the ASA's ADP program to be extended upwards to age 13. But then another poster pointed out that Arlington's middle school sports program might be a reasonable substitute for the ADP program. It would be a good substitute, I think, if the level-of-play is above the ASA's rec league. If the level-of-play is the same, then it isn't what I'm looking forward. I'm trying to find an option for my kids, when they reach ages 12 and 13, that will allow them to play competitive soccer without joining a travel league. ADP is a perfect fit for us: all games are local, the coaching is good, and the level-of-play is good. Do you think Arlington's middle school soccer offers a reasonable level-of-play? And who coaches these teams?
https://www.insidenova.com/news/arlington/budget-cuts-could-imperil-arlington-middle-school-sports/article_db250602-8714-11eb-b396-0fa81fd8b40e.html
[/url]
Hopefully this won't happen.
Two things:
1. I think the previous poster may have been confusing Arlington Soccer Association and the Arlington Public Schools middle school athletics program.
2. That article is over a year old and refers to the budget process for the current school year. Middle school athletics were not eliminated for this year, and I am not aware that eliminating them was even mentioned in the recent budget process for next school year (which passed earlier this month).
Heloise
05/23/2022 10:36
Subject: any hope of extending Arlington's ADP program to older ages?
RedCard wrote:RedCard wrote:S0ccerdad wrote:RedCard wrote:[
Yes, Arlington offers a middle school soccer league. I know little about this league and will investigate. From what I can gather online, the league only offers a fall season. There is no spring season. But I could be mistaken. I know nothing about the level-of-play. Hopefully it is more competitive than rec soccer.
Arlington has a very large middle school rec program with 10-12 teams per grade on both the girls and boys side. Teams have both a fall and spring season. Season is 8 games and includes at least 1 practice per week.
I'd also add the one of the unique features of Arlington is that they also have a self-contained (i.e., not part of the Suburban Friendship League) with 20+ teams on the boys side and 16 on the girls side.
Thanks for the info. How is the level-of-play? Better than rec?
I just found this article indicating that Arlington's middle school sports program could potentially be eliminated due to budget constraints:
[url]
https://www.insidenova.com/news/arlington/budget-cuts-could-imperil-arlington-middle-school-sports/article_db250602-8714-11eb-b396-0fa81fd8b40e.html
[/url]
Hopefully this won't happen.
Two things:
1. I think the previous poster may have been confusing Arlington Soccer Association and the Arlington Public Schools middle school athletics program.
2. That article is over a year old and refers to the budget process for the current school year. Middle school athletics were not eliminated for this year, and I am not aware that eliminating them was even mentioned in the recent budget process for next school year (which passed earlier this month).
RedCard
05/23/2022 10:21
Subject: any hope of extending Arlington's ADP program to older ages?
RedCard wrote:S0ccerdad wrote:RedCard wrote:[
Yes, Arlington offers a middle school soccer league. I know little about this league and will investigate. From what I can gather online, the league only offers a fall season. There is no spring season. But I could be mistaken. I know nothing about the level-of-play. Hopefully it is more competitive than rec soccer.
Arlington has a very large middle school rec program with 10-12 teams per grade on both the girls and boys side. Teams have both a fall and spring season. Season is 8 games and includes at least 1 practice per week.
I'd also add the one of the unique features of Arlington is that they also have a self-contained (i.e., not part of the Suburban Friendship League) with 20+ teams on the boys side and 16 on the girls side.
Thanks for the info. How is the level-of-play? Better than rec?
I just found this article indicating that Arlington's middle school sports program could potentially be eliminated due to budget constraints:
[url]
https://www.insidenova.com/news/arlington/budget-cuts-could-imperil-arlington-middle-school-sports/article_db250602-8714-11eb-b396-0fa81fd8b40e.html
[/url]
Hopefully this won't happen.
RedCard
05/23/2022 09:17
Subject: any hope of extending Arlington's ADP program to older ages?
S0ccerdad wrote:RedCard wrote:[
Yes, Arlington offers a middle school soccer league. I know little about this league and will investigate. From what I can gather online, the league only offers a fall season. There is no spring season. But I could be mistaken. I know nothing about the level-of-play. Hopefully it is more competitive than rec soccer.
Arlington has a very large middle school rec program with 10-12 teams per grade on both the girls and boys side. Teams have both a fall and spring season. Season is 8 games and includes at least 1 practice per week.
I'd also add the one of the unique features of Arlington is that they also have a self-contained (i.e., not part of the Suburban Friendship League) with 20+ teams on the boys side and 16 on the girls side.
Thanks for the info. How is the level-of-play? Better than rec?
S0ccerdad
05/22/2022 18:44
Subject: any hope of extending Arlington's ADP program to older ages?
RedCard wrote:[
Yes, Arlington offers a middle school soccer league. I know little about this league and will investigate. From what I can gather online, the league only offers a fall season. There is no spring season. But I could be mistaken. I know nothing about the level-of-play. Hopefully it is more competitive than rec soccer.
Arlington has a very large middle school rec program with 10-12 teams per grade on both the girls and boys side. Teams have both a fall and spring season. Season is 8 games and includes at least 1 practice per week.
I'd also add the one of the unique features of Arlington is that they also have a self-contained (i.e., not part of the Suburban Friendship League) with 20+ teams on the boys side and 16 on the girls side.
RedCard
05/21/2022 11:24
Subject: any hope of extending Arlington's ADP program to older ages?
personanongrata wrote:RedCard wrote:Arlington ADP's program runs through age 11. After this age, a child must either switch to the travel program or head back to the rec league.
My kids are in the ADP program and we love it. One gets a lot of bang for the buck, the games are competitive, and all games are played locally. Also, with only 2 practices a week as opposed to 3 (travel program), there is enough time available for other activities or sports.
I believe DC and Alexandra have ADP-style programs that run through age 13. This gives kids two additional years in which they have time for multiple sports. This makes a lot of sense, IMO.
I was told that Arlington cannot offer ADP through age 13 due to space constraints -- that is, there simply aren't enough fields for weekend games. Yet DC and Alexandria are somehow able to offer ADP-style programs through age 13.
I'm curious for this group's thoughts on the following:
1. What is the optimal cut-off age for an ADP-style program? (11, 12, 13?)
2. Are space constraints the sole reason that Arlington stops its ADP program at age 11? Or could there be other reasons?
3. Are there any solutions to Arlington's space constraints? Maybe kids are switched to large fields at too young an age? Using smaller fields (and small-sided games) might help resolve space issues.
Does Arlington still have middle school soccer ? I know there are other counties that have no middle school soccer because the local soccer club runs an ADP style program through middle school age groups. The county and club could work together to use middle school fields to provide soccer in fall and spring for an expanded ADP program.
Yes, Arlington offers a middle school soccer league. I know little about this league and will investigate. From what I can gather online, the league only offers a fall season. There is no spring season. But I could be mistaken. I know nothing about the level-of-play. Hopefully it is more competitive than rec soccer.
personanongrata
05/20/2022 19:34
Subject: any hope of extending Arlington's ADP program to older ages?
RedCard wrote:Arlington ADP's program runs through age 11. After this age, a child must either switch to the travel program or head back to the rec league.
My kids are in the ADP program and we love it. One gets a lot of bang for the buck, the games are competitive, and all games are played locally. Also, with only 2 practices a week as opposed to 3 (travel program), there is enough time available for other activities or sports.
I believe DC and Alexandra have ADP-style programs that run through age 13. This gives kids two additional years in which they have time for multiple sports. This makes a lot of sense, IMO.
I was told that Arlington cannot offer ADP through age 13 due to space constraints -- that is, there simply aren't enough fields for weekend games. Yet DC and Alexandria are somehow able to offer ADP-style programs through age 13.
I'm curious for this group's thoughts on the following:
1. What is the optimal cut-off age for an ADP-style program? (11, 12, 13?)
2. Are space constraints the sole reason that Arlington stops its ADP program at age 11? Or could there be other reasons?
3. Are there any solutions to Arlington's space constraints? Maybe kids are switched to large fields at too young an age? Using smaller fields (and small-sided games) might help resolve space issues.
Does Arlington still have middle school soccer ? I know there are other counties that have no middle school soccer because the local soccer club runs an ADP style program through middle school age groups. The county and club could work together to use middle school fields to provide soccer in fall and spring for an expanded ADP program.
Arch
05/20/2022 11:10
Subject: Re:any hope of extending Arlington's ADP program to older ages?
Heloise wrote:retiredref wrote:I ran for Arlington board a while back and even though I didn't win I did a lot of research while running and can assure the field space issue in Arlington is very real. Since the current AD took over the travel program and they stopped shooting themselves in the foot year after year they have been attracting more and more players from outside Arlington to their travel programs and Arlington is a very small and pretty urbanized county with very limited field space. Field space is a limiter for every travel age group, the last time my son tried out there were ~120 boys trying out and they could only allocate space for 2 teams. If you have ideas for how to fix this or connections in the county to help sufficiently prioritize soccer I suggest you run for board there.
Could you share more on this? This is not an aspect of ASA I have as much knowledge about and would be very interested in your thoughts on the difference.
I'm no Heloise, but I have seen Arlington coaches actively recruiting U9 and U10 players from other clubs at their games. Not just observing/scouting players--they had already done that homework--but actively talking to parents of these players offering them spots and recruiting over their existing players basically. As someone else mentioned, the "Arlington" is just a label and does not mean they have to serve the Arlington community and residents.