Anonymous
Post 04/14/2026 10:34     Subject: Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
I was there too, saw a bunch of Bethesda kids trying out. Seemed like 2 coaches per age group was not enough to assess properly. Also, saw the taller girls moved to one specific field and no cross-field movement. Was pretty clear the second field was not being evaluated for the 1st team at all. There was no way they could have figured out the skills by the earlier activities prior to the scrimmages. I guess they had enough kids trying out that they decided to only evaluate the taller kids for the better team.
Anonymous
Post 04/14/2026 03:18     Subject: Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
Watched the U11 and U12 girls tryouts yesterday. Only 2 coaches per age group were evaluating. The U12s had around 35 kids. First a brief 1v1 gaggle and then some 2v2 or 3v3. They let the kids make their own teams so the current 1 team girls ended up in their own mini teams. Then two 8v8 scrimmage fields. It was clear that Alex (1 team coach) just picked the tallest girls for his side and mixed them up with the rest of his 1 team. There was no movement from one scrimmage field to the other… actually in the last few minutes he swapped 2 girls, but they barely had any time before the session ended. Realistically, if the kid was shorter, they had almost zero chance to even show their skills in the 1 team field. The smaller girls’ scrimmage was a mix of decent players and mediocre ones and spacing was an issue even for good players as the mediocre ones crowded and got on top of one another preventing good passing.

Bethesda has not started their tryouts for this age group yet, but at the younger ages they at least moved the kids from group to group to see who can handle playing with the stronger girls, so everyone had a chance to show their skills no matter their size.
Anonymous
Post 04/13/2026 21:49     Subject: Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
With respect, this is the same old sad violin of complaints. Potomac is a great club and the 2016-2015-214 cohort had some growing pains Related with integrating a new club and doing it poorly but I haven’t heard of anything else. Our particular coach is awesome and club has been solid!!! You don’t like it, go elsewhere. The families we know in older teams are happy and trust the clubs development.
Anonymous
Post 04/13/2026 18:46     Subject: Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
With respect, as the OP this thread took a typical turn into a place it wasn’t meant to go. It wasn’t about pathway to pro, or BSC vs Potomac. It was very targeted towards how the specific age group parents I mentioned felt about the club. Appreciate those that tried to answer the question rather than pontificating about other topics.
Anonymous
Post 04/13/2026 11:19     Subject: Re:Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
Anonymous wrote:I know of several kids at U-13 and up that were in the DCU ID process (they would train occassionally with DCU) and at least one other that made the jump (U-16 I think). I've also seen DCU coaches/scouts at Potomac games. If the kid is good, he'll get chances.


Exactly. the latest, is a 2011 who has trialed w DC. if you’re actually in the club, ask one of the TD’s, Potomac is in thepathway 2 pro like most ECNL clubs in the area. Now wether you want to send your kid to DC is another long thread

I was trying to let this thread die, thinking it must be from younger families who are learning what the top level looks like or maybe those 2015’s who left for project 90.

Since it didn’t…. The measure of local youth community clubs is not putting your kid to the USYNT and Pro academy.

The vast majority of kids on any of the local club’s TOP teams (ECNL AND Mlsnext HG (non affiliated)) are NOT going pro.

After you play Orlando city, Philly, RedBull, Miami teams you see the actual level of players on a pro path and enjoy the ride hopefully to high school and academic D3. Even that pathway requires hard work and talent.

The handful that might make it,
stand out: the work rate, the athleticism, the extra work, the game vision. And most of the won’t make it after puberty and distractions of the teenage years.

Enjoy watching your kids play and seeing them learn about the hard work it takes and stop worrying about pro pathways.
Anonymous
Post 04/13/2026 10:45     Subject: Re:Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
I know of several kids at U-13 and up that were in the DCU ID process (they would train occassionally with DCU) and at least one other that made the jump (U-16 I think). I've also seen DCU coaches/scouts at Potomac games. If the kid is good, he'll get chances.
Anonymous
Post 04/13/2026 10:32     Subject: Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Potomac is like any club. They’re happy people and unhappy people. I would venture to say the unhappy people at Potomac will be unhappy anywhere. It is a well run club with good coaches and decent communication. However they did let a coach that was brought from the outside create too much turmoil and upheaval and that disrupted what should have been a natural flow of kids moving upward and their progression. However, those kids are developing and will do fine. Most everyone we know from u12 and above is happy and u9 and below seems happy.
The top teams at Potomac can beat anyone and their “issues” seem to be the same that any club has.


No doubt the top ECNL and MLSNext clubs are competive against each other. But I’m curious as to what has been asked. Why are Potomac boys and girls not being invited to USYNT events or do not appear to be scouted by academies? DCU takes kids from the other MLSNext and ECNL clubs all the time (even the ones they have cool relationships with). Haven’t seen much from Potomac. Are the coaches and club not doing enough to advocate for their players?


Is that Potomac’s business model?

1) DCU has its P2P clubs it works with. I would not expect any special relationship to Potomac.
2) BSC does not promote anything to DCU and DCU still find kids at BSC despite the clubs efforts to block them. If you are good enough, they will find you. I would not focus on the club. I would focus on your kid.
3) Potomac coaches SHOULD be recommending players to ID2. Again, if your kid can play, USYNT and MLS academies will find you through that process.
4) Potomac coaches SHOULD be recommending players for the MLS Next ID weekend on Indigenous People/Columbus weekend.
5) MLS academies recruit at the regional ID camp for ODP. I know a few Potomac players in ODP. If you are not making the regional ID camp for ODP, USMNT should not be on your radar. If you kid can ball, they will be noticed.

No horse in the race but a club does not dictate what happens to a kid. Plenty of ways to get seen if your kid can ball. Most kids can’t ball at the level of their parent’s ambition and think it is the club's fault.


Potomac does have a relationship with DCU.
Anonymous
Post 04/13/2026 10:27     Subject: Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I only have exp with the girls' side at the u-little level... seemingly at the u8 - u10, Potomac is way behind BSC. At u11 and u12 its comparable depending on the team. The girl's side (seems) to be trying to improve, bring in better quality coaches and be more selective on the players they bring in, but who knows what next year will bring. BSC is BSC, I generally think if your kid is 1st or 2nd team u10 and under, BSC is a better option. Not sure what's going on for next year. I know parents on both clubs looking to possibly move (including BSC to PSA and PSA to BSC).


BSC boys side is a mess right now so good look to those attracted to the name. You can have our spot.


At what age group is BSC a mess? First two teams are u10 and u9 look pretty strong? Is it poor training?
Anonymous
Post 04/13/2026 06:07     Subject: Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
Anonymous wrote:I only have exp with the girls' side at the u-little level... seemingly at the u8 - u10, Potomac is way behind BSC. At u11 and u12 its comparable depending on the team. The girl's side (seems) to be trying to improve, bring in better quality coaches and be more selective on the players they bring in, but who knows what next year will bring. BSC is BSC, I generally think if your kid is 1st or 2nd team u10 and under, BSC is a better option. Not sure what's going on for next year. I know parents on both clubs looking to possibly move (including BSC to PSA and PSA to BSC).


BSC boys side is a mess right now so good look to those attracted to the name. You can have our spot.
Anonymous
Post 04/13/2026 05:41     Subject: Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
I only have exp with the girls' side at the u-little level... seemingly at the u8 - u10, Potomac is way behind BSC. At u11 and u12 its comparable depending on the team. The girl's side (seems) to be trying to improve, bring in better quality coaches and be more selective on the players they bring in, but who knows what next year will bring. BSC is BSC, I generally think if your kid is 1st or 2nd team u10 and under, BSC is a better option. Not sure what's going on for next year. I know parents on both clubs looking to possibly move (including BSC to PSA and PSA to BSC).
Anonymous
Post 04/12/2026 18:47     Subject: Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Potomac is like any club. They’re happy people and unhappy people. I would venture to say the unhappy people at Potomac will be unhappy anywhere. It is a well run club with good coaches and decent communication. However they did let a coach that was brought from the outside create too much turmoil and upheaval and that disrupted what should have been a natural flow of kids moving upward and their progression. However, those kids are developing and will do fine. Most everyone we know from u12 and above is happy and u9 and below seems happy.
The top teams at Potomac can beat anyone and their “issues” seem to be the same that any club has.


No doubt the top ECNL and MLSNext clubs are competive against each other. But I’m curious as to what has been asked. Why are Potomac boys and girls not being invited to USYNT events or do not appear to be scouted by academies? DCU takes kids from the other MLSNext and ECNL clubs all the time (even the ones they have cool relationships with). Haven’t seen much from Potomac. Are the coaches and club not doing enough to advocate for their players?


Is that Potomac’s business model?

1) DCU has its P2P clubs it works with. I would not expect any special relationship to Potomac.
2) BSC does not promote anything to DCU and DCU still find kids at BSC despite the clubs efforts to block them. If you are good enough, they will find you. I would not focus on the club. I would focus on your kid.
3) Potomac coaches SHOULD be recommending players to ID2. Again, if your kid can play, USYNT and MLS academies will find you through that process.
4) Potomac coaches SHOULD be recommending players for the MLS Next ID weekend on Indigenous People/Columbus weekend.
5) MLS academies recruit at the regional ID camp for ODP. I know a few Potomac players in ODP. If you are not making the regional ID camp for ODP, USMNT should not be on your radar. If you kid can ball, they will be noticed.

No horse in the race but a club does not dictate what happens to a kid. Plenty of ways to get seen if your kid can ball. Most kids can’t ball at the level of their parent’s ambition and think it is the club's fault.
Anonymous
Post 04/12/2026 18:40     Subject: Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
Anonymous wrote:Potomac is like any club. They’re happy people and unhappy people. I would venture to say the unhappy people at Potomac will be unhappy anywhere. It is a well run club with good coaches and decent communication. However they did let a coach that was brought from the outside create too much turmoil and upheaval and that disrupted what should have been a natural flow of kids moving upward and their progression. However, those kids are developing and will do fine. Most everyone we know from u12 and above is happy and u9 and below seems happy.
The top teams at Potomac can beat anyone and their “issues” seem to be the same that any club has.


That’s such a dumb generalization, that parents unhappy there would feel that way anywhere. I know multiple families with one kid on Potomac and one kid at a different club (Bethesda, McLean) and are only unhappy with Potomac.
Anonymous
Post 04/12/2026 18:03     Subject: Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
At the Maryland Soccerplex today, I saw one of the worst teammates I have ever seen at the uLittle level. Potomac goalie comes way far off his line to try to make a save against SYC. SYC kid passes to a teammate, megging a defender on the way. SYC forward #2 taps it in because the goalie is out of position. Defender starts berating the goalie like nothing I’ve ever seen. Worst part was neither the Potomac coach nor the defender’s parents appeared to step in to stop the defender. The goal was at least 50% the defender’s fault and the fact that this type of team behavior was accepted was disturbing. Seems like at least that team at the club had a culture problem.
Anonymous
Post 04/12/2026 09:45     Subject: Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
Anonymous wrote:Potomac is like any club. They’re happy people and unhappy people. I would venture to say the unhappy people at Potomac will be unhappy anywhere. It is a well run club with good coaches and decent communication. However they did let a coach that was brought from the outside create too much turmoil and upheaval and that disrupted what should have been a natural flow of kids moving upward and their progression. However, those kids are developing and will do fine. Most everyone we know from u12 and above is happy and u9 and below seems happy.
The top teams at Potomac can beat anyone and their “issues” seem to be the same that any club has.


No doubt the top ECNL and MLSNext clubs are competive against each other. But I’m curious as to what has been asked. Why are Potomac boys and girls not being invited to USYNT events or do not appear to be scouted by academies? DCU takes kids from the other MLSNext and ECNL clubs all the time (even the ones they have cool relationships with). Haven’t seen much from Potomac. Are the coaches and club not doing enough to advocate for their players?
Anonymous
Post 04/12/2026 09:40     Subject: Potomac soccer: Anyone happy?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:So do most top Potomac ECNL players make the jump to MLSNext teams or other ECNL teams? Most top clubs had at least a player (boys and girls) or some invited to a USYNT talent ID event and I don’t recall seeing Potomac ECNL on the list much.


I would imagine so. In full transparency, we are with Bethesda because it is the closest to us. Potomac beat us last year and they have some really top players that my kid trains with in neutral environments. Those parents are with Potomac because it is close to them just like we are with Bethesda because it is convenient for us. I am not some crazy that believes my club is better than your club. These kids are where they are based mostly on what they do outside of training. The more comfortable you get with setting up home training and pickup close to home, the less inherent pressure and expectations you will have from your kid, and the more they will enjoy the game and actually want to train on their own. Once they have passion and internal drive on their own, the sky is the limit.

As the kids age up, people will tend to gravitate towards Bethesda because they have the track record. In our age group, if Potomac kept their team together, they would be formidable if they continue to develop. It is really deeper than the club and badge. At Bethesda, we had an awesome coach for two years and then a dud this year. If we had another dud, we will start looking. The leagues do not matter pre-puberty from talking to parents of older kids.

To combine two previous posts, if you are a novice parent, check out neutral training environments to see what quality training looks like. Then pick the club closest to you that has those principles and train with them. More importantly, play at home with your kid in the backyard and with other kids in the area at school. Most parents default to club because there aren’t a lot of options between rec and club. Even if you want to be fancy, find a top coach who is $50-$200 an hour and split it with 9 kids and run 3v3 pickup with guidance. For $6-$23 a session, your kid will have a blast with some guidance on their free play. That is how they develop. Actually playing and making mistakes and learning from those mistakes. We all love our kids and these clubs take advantage it but many of them aren’t providing a quality product for the hype.

Whatever you do, don’t believe that any club or badge means anything on the boys side. I can’t speak on the girls side but because those Bethesda girls take so much abuse and parents accept it because of the “access” the coaches provide. I would not do it but I am grateful the boys side is not like that and I am not forced to make that decision. On the boys side, most of the boys develop in environments that allow them to play. We, Bethesda, have several USYNT players that developed on smaller, no name, clubs before they came to us. If your kids stand out, a coach will walk across the sidelines to find you. You go to tryouts and they will ask your kid “who are your parents?” It is really that simple on the boys side. Once that starts happening, you can begin worry to think about the league and access. ECNL still has ID2 and I know a few kids who have been identified through that process for USYNT’s and MLS academies also.

To summarize, there is no one path.


Potomac ECNL defeated Bethesda MLS Next?


I think PP was referring to pre-U13 ages.