Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:SYC MLS Next parent. This “program” is not what was pitched to us. The practices have been the same, the competition has been much better than us, and it’s really becoming clear that we’re not even a feeder team to DC United. There has been no exposure, and having talked to some parents from out of state MLS Next clubs here (non MLS academies), we’re not doing several basic level elements of development. This “philosophy” of “play all the time” is a joke. Our teams are slower, less technical, and less intelligent than our opponents.

I agree. Not what it was pitched to us either. We thought this "new level" would bring some changes to technical development but nothing has changed.
I though there would be more involvement from the MLS Next program but it looks like is nothing more than just a name.

Quality of practice time is very poor. Not sure how tons of "scrimmages" will help my kid get to the next level.

Poor attitude from players doesn't help either. Hoping the Spring is better, otherwise we will be done.

You guys give these guys too much credit. SYC just like any other club in our area do not develop players. Coaches are at about the same level. What determines whether teams are good or not is rarely the coach, but the players. What determines whether players develop is how much they train outside of their team and with whom.

On this board it's constantly mentioned how the training is pretty much scrimmages. If you are marketing yourself as MLSNext, that type of training is pretty much below the expected level. You are correct, most of their recruited players do get most of their training on the outside. Players are there for there for the brand they play in and not for the coaching/teaching being provided.

Any SYC parent disagree with this take? Was considering taking my player there for tryouts this spring but want to make sure the training is good if we do join. Is it any different from MLS to their other teams or is it coach specific?

MLSNext parent here. We're still doing the same practices as before the teams became "MLS Next". They added 1 more practice day, so now it's 4 practices per week. Rain or shine, heat or cold. It is also coach specific but not much has changed.
From what I observed this season, technically and developmentally we are below other MLS Next Clubs, however, coaches insist their style works.

As others have mentioned, be prepared for a lot of scrimmages during practices.

I'd try Alexandria Club.