Anonymous wrote:This is an honest question. Assume a kid is good enough to be invited to DC United's academy, but he is middle of the pack there, so it's not obvious that he is on a path to get a professional contract. Besides cost (free), what is the advantage of playing for DC United over being a very good player at one of the local MLS Next teams, say Bethesda or SYC?

Will playing for DC United academy lead to better college recruitment? assuming this kid doesn't make it to the pros, will he benefit from having played for DC United academy?

There are no short or long-term benefits or advantages to your kid being the best player on a mediocre team.

Other than he or she may have to work harder to cover for the shortcomings of others and that may benefit in some ways.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is an honest question. Assume a kid is good enough to be invited to DC United's academy, but he is middle of the pack there, so it's not obvious that he is on a path to get a professional contract. Besides cost (free), what is the advantage of playing for DC United over being a very good player at one of the local MLS Next teams, say Bethesda or SYC?

Will playing for DC United academy lead to better college recruitment? assuming this kid doesn't make it to the pros, will he benefit from having played for DC United academy?

There are only 26 professional clubs academies in the country.

Yes, there are 26 academies in the US. Let's say they all have a senior team with 22 players. That's 572 players. My question is where will these players be in 5 years? If your kid is in the top 5% of these already very good 572 players, he will likely be offered a pro contract, that's great! What happens to the other 540 players? do most of them play in college?

I'm not implying these kids who don't go pro wasted their time at a professional academy. I'm honestly asking if there is any data to say what these kids do after they leave the academies.

Anonymous wrote:This is an honest question. Assume a kid is good enough to be invited to DC United's academy, but he is middle of the pack there, so it's not obvious that he is on a path to get a professional contract. Besides cost (free), what is the advantage of playing for DC United over being a very good player at one of the local MLS Next teams, say Bethesda or SYC?

Will playing for DC United academy lead to better college recruitment? assuming this kid doesn't make it to the pros, will he benefit from having played for DC United academy?

Yes to college. Also, DCU will have resources on tap that clubs can't match. Medical, therapy, gear, etc... Plus the training is 100x better than at any club. You're also surrounded by top players and you know what they say, iron sharpens iron. But the biggest advantage, everything is completely free!

Anonymous wrote:This is an honest question. Assume a kid is good enough to be invited to DC United's academy, but he is middle of the pack there, so it's not obvious that he is on a path to get a professional contract. Besides cost (free), what is the advantage of playing for DC United over being a very good player at one of the local MLS Next teams, say Bethesda or SYC?

Will playing for DC United academy lead to better college recruitment? assuming this kid doesn't make it to the pros, will he benefit from having played for DC United academy?

There are only 26 professional clubs academies in the country.

This is an honest question. Assume a kid is good enough to be invited to DC United's academy, but he is middle of the pack there, so it's not obvious that he is on a path to get a professional contract. Besides cost (free), what is the advantage of playing for DC United over being a very good player at one of the local MLS Next teams, say Bethesda or SYC?

Will playing for DC United academy lead to better college recruitment? assuming this kid doesn't make it to the pros, will he benefit from having played for DC United academy?

They prob slipped TS a couple of bens to come.

Anonymous wrote:DCU scouts will be seen watching a player of interest on any team in any league in the area

Anonymous wrote:Arlington parents told us the scout shows up to their practices. This is for U14 boys.

6 days a week

DCU scouts will be seen watching a player of interest on any team in any league in the area

Arlington parents told us the scout shows up to their practices. This is for U14 boys.

Anonymous wrote:Friends of ours whose DS plays on an MLSNext team says that DC United scouts are at all the local MLSNext games.

Is that really true? Or is that just something thrown around to make MLSNext teams more attractive to players?

Do they do the same at local ECNL games? Or local tournaments?

Thanks!

Or is it that kids/parents looking for the best training, league and competition try to make MLS Next teams?

Anonymous wrote:That’s a lot of games to cover! How many DCU scouts are there?

Honestly, I think there are only like two. No joke. I only know of Trevor Singer but sometimes I see others around that are not him. Probably like friends of his or something. : )

Anonymous wrote:what age group?

I’m assuming they scout at all MLSNext age groups.

Anyone know how big the DCU rosters are?

Is it 24 max for MLSNext teams?

what age group?

That’s a lot of games to cover! How many DCU scouts are there?

It is true. We've seen them at games. There was one at the Copa Rayodos tournament.