I dont see how either clubs coaching could have been that influential. If it was VDAs, then the coaching wouldnt have changed, so why move? VDA didnt go to san diego, so she couldnt have been seen with VDA. As far as FCV, there wasnt enough time at FCV, so is this just showing us something else is at play for this players path. Did USSF tell her to move from VDA?

Youth national team players always seem to come from the same few clubs. Some clubs have zero and some clubs have a track record. For example Bethesda, FCV, and occasionally BRYC and McLean (Loudon once in a while), and now spirit. Nobody else in the area, really. Definitely think it has to do with coach recommendations that carry more weight.

Part of it is that these clubs are sought out by higher level female players and part of it I think has to do with coach connections.

I don't know the particulars, but VDA may have been closer than FCV. However, to my point on coaching, all last year, she was with VDA. She switched to FCV, and now she's at a YNT camp.

No, I'm not an FCV parent. We've never even tried out there because of their reputation. That all said, I can't deny their influence.

If I had to guess, knowing how there is no solid club in Williamsburg, they have to drive somewhere. So you might as well drive to NOVA and join a DA.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good topic. If YNT is the pathway to the pros, What is the best pathway for YNT? I was looking at the roster for the girls U15 team and none are from the DMV which seems odd considering how big the sport is around here.

One new girl just made it from Williamsburg. She played for VDA last year, but now with them being an ECNL, she's going to FCV.

Williamsburgh, VA? to Leesburg at least 4x a week? 3hrs+ each way? Is she homeschooled? I’m curious why VDA was her destination team last year.

But it's a valid point. I can say half of it is playing for a well-connected coach. That's still the best guarantee of making the YNT.

Anonymous wrote:Good topic. If YNT is the pathway to the pros, What is the best pathway for YNT? I was looking at the roster for the girls U15 team and none are from the DMV which seems odd considering how big the sport is around here.

One new girl just made it from Williamsburg. She played for VDA last year, but now with them being an ECNL, she's going to FCV.

Good topic. If YNT is the pathway to the pros, What is the best pathway for YNT? I was looking at the roster for the girls U15 team and none are from the DMV which seems odd considering how big the sport is around here.

There's some interesting names there. Satara Murray has played for Liverpool since 2015 and is American born but played for the England U23s.

Gina Lewandowski Has played for Bayern Munich since 2012. That's 6 years.

There were several American women actually who currently play in Europe mentioned in the article (except Dunn, she came back).

Anonymous wrote:From twitter: FC Frederick

Congratulations to PRO23 player Annie Wickett who has signed in Romania with Olimpia Cluj and will participate with the side in the UEFA Champions League Season. The University of Connecticut/Tuscarora HS product has been a leader in the back over the past 2 yrs for the PRO23's https://t.co/YhbYEGWQKq

Well done!

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2018/02/25/how-100-american-soccer-players-abroad-fared-this-weekend/?utm_term=.dda5cb9aa1dd

It lists several female players for the FA, the Frauen Bundesliga, and so forth.

From twitter: FC Frederick

Congratulations to PRO23 player Annie Wickett who has signed in Romania with Olimpia Cluj and will participate with the side in the UEFA Champions League Season. The University of Connecticut/Tuscarora HS product has been a leader in the back over the past 2 yrs for the PRO23's https://t.co/YhbYEGWQKq

Average salaries in French and German women's pro leagues:

D1 Feminine 2017/18 = $49,700
Frauen-Bundesliga 2017/18 = $44,000.

That's actually almost double the NWSL. Plus you could end up playing the Women's UEFA (the most competitive soccer to play in, except maybe the WC).

In addition to supporting women going pro ahead of college, financially and competition level, it just seems a better option.

Has anyone heard of PSC Soccer Academy? Supposedly they host combines and so forth and have transitioned some players into the pros. They offer combines for men and women both. Anyone have any experience with them?

Anonymous wrote:One common pathway is that you also get into coaching. the best thing you can do is start taking your coaching licenses at a younger age and then by the time you're in your early to mid twenties you have a least a B license. If you play and coach, you can make it work

That's a good thought. Very helpful. Yes, I do know a few men who continued to play professionally by subsidizing it with coaching. I heard all the Richmond Kickers players also coach for the club.

One common pathway is that you also get into coaching. the best thing you can do is start taking your coaching licenses at a younger age and then by the time you're in your early to mid twenties you have a least a B license. If you play and coach, you can make it work

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Training freebies happen all the time, spirit does it come a DC United does it, how often does it actually result in anything? The players they already having mind are the ones that end up signing a contract

The French women are a rising power in soccer. They beat the US 3-0. A chance to train for free is a great opportunity. I'm not saying training with Spirit isn't by the way. Both are great.

Plus, this is a tryout. She is a great player and could always make the team.

I think the cynicism comes from people who don't understand that there is lots of talent outside of their bubble of the best DA in the region or ECNL, etc. It is incomprehensible that a player outside of their bubble could attract the interest of a European club and that it must be a scam somehow. It just doesn't fit the narrative of playing on their winning DA/ECNL team and go play for State somewhere.