No MLS academy will have a boarding school with excellent academics attached to it! Why would they, the point of their boarding program is to develop pros. Their academics will do the bare minimum, enough for them to graduate high school.

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Anonymous wrote:It's one or two at most. They typically save 3 or 4 spots for the late spring summer and going to this might put you on the radar for one of those spots. We were encouraged by the scout to go next weekend and will go, but doing so with no expectations. Honestly, don't know if it's in the best interest of son.

What do you see as the tangible negatives of going to a DC United ID session for your son?

Perhaps a misunderstanding. Zero negatives for going to the ID session. Just don't know that if there was an offer made that we would accept. I know this comes as a surprise to some. But, logistics come into play, and school is more important in the long run.

Sounds like you shouldn't be concerned with the ID session of a professional academy since you're not committed or dedicated.
Also, if school is more important than DCU, isn't it also more important than his current club?

Not committed or dedicated? Give me a break. Our son trains 15-20 hours a week with club, trainer, and various clinics. You clearly don't have a kid at DCU. Do you know the hours some kids spend on the bus getting to Segra? Do you know the situation they are embarking upon with academics being provided at Virginia Revolution's complex?
The chances of my kid making substantial money playing soccer are far less than 1% - as they are with anyone else. The chance and need for him to make money from a career that requires an education are far greater than 99%.
In terms of current club - yes, school is still more important, but we are able to make it work logistically. That would be significantly harder at DCU.
Spare me with your lack of dedication jabs and maybe consider that we're not chasing fools gold.

So you probably wouldn't accept an offer if given (your words), but you're also dedicated to getting an offer and be at DCU?

So strange to harp on families decisions. We are in the same boat regarding logistics and priorities. Not sure if we would accept either but at minimum, the flex of having been offered a spot is enough for us. Gives a kid more options if they want to move somewhere else. The reality is the educational options for a kid that is at DCU is not great. We would keep our kid at our local private but that means a long commute to segra.

Second hand information we’ve also heard is that the training is not great so it’s a lot to say you will accept without having seen what the practices and training are like.

You wouldn't go to DCU, don't want to go to DCU, you just want them to make you an offer for bragging rights?

Can you please elaborate with specifics the negative impact on academics for DC United academy kids?

No not bragging rights. We are silent about our kids soccer journey (no social media presence for example) bc assuming college or pro is the kids goal, they need to stay humble and focused to keep up with the grind. Competitive kids are already hard on themselves. Social media adds unnecessary pressure and expectations that a soccer journey is always going to be an upward trajectory.

Dcu is a professional youth academy. It’s easier to go abroad (assuming kid has dual citizenship) or to other MLS academies and say my kid is at minimum, good enough for DCU, or has been vetted by them, and get a look.

The academic options that are convenient to segra (to minimize commute) or home schooling is not the right fit for my kid who is a top student and goes hard at academics as they do soccer.

Also at this young age, we need our kid to still have a life and identity away from soccer (eg school friends and activities). They need a strong social and academic base to fall back on if soccer doesn’t work out.

What would be ideal is if DCU had a boarding school with excellent academics attached to it. Like Philadelphia although I’m not sure the quality of the academics of the boarding school, don’t know anything about it. That’s something to consider for high school years.

The kids on DC United Academy are in the same exact school system cluster as they were before going to the academy.
Unless the family moved for non soccer reasons.
So, the kid who was on Bethesda or PPA or Potomac and is now at DCU is going to the same school as before. Stop spewing nonsense.

No academy abroad is taking you just because you played for a MLS Club academy.
They may be more inclined to look at you, but they're only taking you if you meet their academy criteria.

Why are you so angry? I haven’t said anything that is inconsistent with what you wrote. Keeping kids where they are for school and going to DC academy was a choice those parents made, it was convenient for them or they were ok with the commute and/or they believe academics would still be fine or whatever reason they decided.

Again, no competitive kid or their parents (unless they are a generational talent) - at least healthy, realistic ones - have any expectations about whether their kid can get into any academy or even just a look. The most we can do is advocate for them and put them in the best position to try.

If your point is that it’s hard, no shit. That’s why a lot of parents of talented kids still care very much about their kids eduction and childhood experience.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:It's one or two at most. They typically save 3 or 4 spots for the late spring summer and going to this might put you on the radar for one of those spots. We were encouraged by the scout to go next weekend and will go, but doing so with no expectations. Honestly, don't know if it's in the best interest of son.

What do you see as the tangible negatives of going to a DC United ID session for your son?

Perhaps a misunderstanding. Zero negatives for going to the ID session. Just don't know that if there was an offer made that we would accept. I know this comes as a surprise to some. But, logistics come into play, and school is more important in the long run.

Sounds like you shouldn't be concerned with the ID session of a professional academy since you're not committed or dedicated.
Also, if school is more important than DCU, isn't it also more important than his current club?

Not committed or dedicated? Give me a break. Our son trains 15-20 hours a week with club, trainer, and various clinics. You clearly don't have a kid at DCU. Do you know the hours some kids spend on the bus getting to Segra? Do you know the situation they are embarking upon with academics being provided at Virginia Revolution's complex?
The chances of my kid making substantial money playing soccer are far less than 1% - as they are with anyone else. The chance and need for him to make money from a career that requires an education are far greater than 99%.
In terms of current club - yes, school is still more important, but we are able to make it work logistically. That would be significantly harder at DCU.
Spare me with your lack of dedication jabs and maybe consider that we're not chasing fools gold.

So you probably wouldn't accept an offer if given (your words), but you're also dedicated to getting an offer and be at DCU?

So strange to harp on families decisions. We are in the same boat regarding logistics and priorities. Not sure if we would accept either but at minimum, the flex of having been offered a spot is enough for us. Gives a kid more options if they want to move somewhere else. The reality is the educational options for a kid that is at DCU is not great. We would keep our kid at our local private but that means a long commute to segra.

Second hand information we’ve also heard is that the training is not great so it’s a lot to say you will accept without having seen what the practices and training are like.

You wouldn't go to DCU, don't want to go to DCU, you just want them to make you an offer for bragging rights?

Can you please elaborate with specifics the negative impact on academics for DC United academy kids?

No not bragging rights. We are silent about our kids soccer journey (no social media presence for example) bc assuming college or pro is the kids goal, they need to stay humble and focused to keep up with the grind. Competitive kids are already hard on themselves. Social media adds unnecessary pressure and expectations that a soccer journey is always going to be an upward trajectory.

Dcu is a professional youth academy. It’s easier to go abroad (assuming kid has dual citizenship) or to other MLS academies and say my kid is at minimum, good enough for DCU, or has been vetted by them, and get a look.

The academic options that are convenient to segra (to minimize commute) or home schooling is not the right fit for my kid who is a top student and goes hard at academics as they do soccer.

Also at this young age, we need our kid to still have a life and identity away from soccer (eg school friends and activities). They need a strong social and academic base to fall back on if soccer doesn’t work out.

What would be ideal is if DCU had a boarding school with excellent academics attached to it. Like Philadelphia although I’m not sure the quality of the academics of the boarding school, don’t know anything about it. That’s something to consider for high school years.

The kids on DC United Academy are in the same exact school system cluster as they were before going to the academy.
Unless the family moved for non soccer reasons.
So, the kid who was on Bethesda or PPA or Potomac and is now at DCU is going to the same school as before. Stop spewing nonsense.

No academy abroad is taking you just because you played for a MLS Club academy.
They may be more inclined to look at you, but they're only taking you if you meet their academy criteria.

Thank you -- we are in MD (close to DC) and Achilles is not for us for a variety of reasons so the other option is Bethesda and we hear mixed reviews.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The PP's comment about the training is interesting to me -- if training is the priority, what local non-academy MLS Next teams would you say have the best training?

Drumroll and popcorn time

😆 I’ll bite and say that it completely depends on the coach, that particular group of kids on a team, and what your kids need.

There is not a club that has it all. And I think parents of top kids know this and will supplement their kids training accordingly.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:It's one or two at most. They typically save 3 or 4 spots for the late spring summer and going to this might put you on the radar for one of those spots. We were encouraged by the scout to go next weekend and will go, but doing so with no expectations. Honestly, don't know if it's in the best interest of son.

What do you see as the tangible negatives of going to a DC United ID session for your son?

Perhaps a misunderstanding. Zero negatives for going to the ID session. Just don't know that if there was an offer made that we would accept. I know this comes as a surprise to some. But, logistics come into play, and school is more important in the long run.

Sounds like you shouldn't be concerned with the ID session of a professional academy since you're not committed or dedicated.
Also, if school is more important than DCU, isn't it also more important than his current club?

Not committed or dedicated? Give me a break. Our son trains 15-20 hours a week with club, trainer, and various clinics. You clearly don't have a kid at DCU. Do you know the hours some kids spend on the bus getting to Segra? Do you know the situation they are embarking upon with academics being provided at Virginia Revolution's complex?
The chances of my kid making substantial money playing soccer are far less than 1% - as they are with anyone else. The chance and need for him to make money from a career that requires an education are far greater than 99%.
In terms of current club - yes, school is still more important, but we are able to make it work logistically. That would be significantly harder at DCU.
Spare me with your lack of dedication jabs and maybe consider that we're not chasing fools gold.

So you probably wouldn't accept an offer if given (your words), but you're also dedicated to getting an offer and be at DCU?

So strange to harp on families decisions. We are in the same boat regarding logistics and priorities. Not sure if we would accept either but at minimum, the flex of having been offered a spot is enough for us. Gives a kid more options if they want to move somewhere else. The reality is the educational options for a kid that is at DCU is not great. We would keep our kid at our local private but that means a long commute to segra.

Second hand information we’ve also heard is that the training is not great so it’s a lot to say you will accept without having seen what the practices and training are like.

You wouldn't go to DCU, don't want to go to DCU, you just want them to make you an offer for bragging rights?

Can you please elaborate with specifics the negative impact on academics for DC United academy kids?

No not bragging rights. We are silent about our kids soccer journey (no social media presence for example) bc assuming college or pro is the kids goal, they need to stay humble and focused to keep up with the grind. Competitive kids are already hard on themselves. Social media adds unnecessary pressure and expectations that a soccer journey is always going to be an upward trajectory.

Dcu is a professional youth academy. It’s easier to go abroad (assuming kid has dual citizenship) or to other MLS academies and say my kid is at minimum, good enough for DCU, or has been vetted by them, and get a look.

The academic options that are convenient to segra (to minimize commute) or home schooling is not the right fit for my kid who is a top student and goes hard at academics as they do soccer.

Also at this young age, we need our kid to still have a life and identity away from soccer (eg school friends and activities). They need a strong social and academic base to fall back on if soccer doesn’t work out.

What would be ideal is if DCU had a boarding school with excellent academics attached to it. Like Philadelphia although I’m not sure the quality of the academics of the boarding school, don’t know anything about it. That’s something to consider for high school years.

Anonymous wrote:The PP's comment about the training is interesting to me -- if training is the priority, what local non-academy MLS Next teams would you say have the best training?

Drumroll and popcorn time

The PP's comment about the training is interesting to me -- if training is the priority, what local non-academy MLS Next teams would you say have the best training?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's one or two at most. They typically save 3 or 4 spots for the late spring summer and going to this might put you on the radar for one of those spots. We were encouraged by the scout to go next weekend and will go, but doing so with no expectations. Honestly, don't know if it's in the best interest of son.

What do you see as the tangible negatives of going to a DC United ID session for your son?

Perhaps a misunderstanding. Zero negatives for going to the ID session. Just don't know that if there was an offer made that we would accept. I know this comes as a surprise to some. But, logistics come into play, and school is more important in the long run.

Sounds like you shouldn't be concerned with the ID session of a professional academy since you're not committed or dedicated.
Also, if school is more important than DCU, isn't it also more important than his current club?

Not committed or dedicated? Give me a break. Our son trains 15-20 hours a week with club, trainer, and various clinics. You clearly don't have a kid at DCU. Do you know the hours some kids spend on the bus getting to Segra? Do you know the situation they are embarking upon with academics being provided at Virginia Revolution's complex?
The chances of my kid making substantial money playing soccer are far less than 1% - as they are with anyone else. The chance and need for him to make money from a career that requires an education are far greater than 99%.
In terms of current club - yes, school is still more important, but we are able to make it work logistically. That would be significantly harder at DCU.
Spare me with your lack of dedication jabs and maybe consider that we're not chasing fools gold.

So you probably wouldn't accept an offer if given (your words), but you're also dedicated to getting an offer and be at DCU?

So strange to harp on families decisions. We are in the same boat regarding logistics and priorities. Not sure if we would accept either but at minimum, the flex of having been offered a spot is enough for us. Gives a kid more options if they want to move somewhere else. The reality is the educational options for a kid that is at DCU is not great. We would keep our kid at our local private but that means a long commute to segra.

Second hand information we’ve also heard is that the training is not great so it’s a lot to say you will accept without having seen what the practices and training are like.

You wouldn't go to DCU, don't want to go to DCU, you just want them to make you an offer for bragging rights?

Can you please elaborate with specifics the negative impact on academics for DC United academy kids?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's one or two at most. They typically save 3 or 4 spots for the late spring summer and going to this might put you on the radar for one of those spots. We were encouraged by the scout to go next weekend and will go, but doing so with no expectations. Honestly, don't know if it's in the best interest of son.

What do you see as the tangible negatives of going to a DC United ID session for your son?

Perhaps a misunderstanding. Zero negatives for going to the ID session. Just don't know that if there was an offer made that we would accept. I know this comes as a surprise to some. But, logistics come into play, and school is more important in the long run.

Sounds like you shouldn't be concerned with the ID session of a professional academy since you're not committed or dedicated.
Also, if school is more important than DCU, isn't it also more important than his current club?

Not committed or dedicated? Give me a break. Our son trains 15-20 hours a week with club, trainer, and various clinics. You clearly don't have a kid at DCU. Do you know the hours some kids spend on the bus getting to Segra? Do you know the situation they are embarking upon with academics being provided at Virginia Revolution's complex?
The chances of my kid making substantial money playing soccer are far less than 1% - as they are with anyone else. The chance and need for him to make money from a career that requires an education are far greater than 99%.
In terms of current club - yes, school is still more important, but we are able to make it work logistically. That would be significantly harder at DCU.
Spare me with your lack of dedication jabs and maybe consider that we're not chasing fools gold.

So you probably wouldn't accept an offer if given (your words), but you're also dedicated to getting an offer and be at DCU?

So strange to harp on families decisions. We are in the same boat regarding logistics and priorities. Not sure if we would accept either but at minimum, the flex of having been offered a spot is enough for us. Gives a kid more options if they want to move somewhere else. The reality is the educational options for a kid that is at DCU is not great. We would keep our kid at our local private but that means a long commute to segra.

Second hand information we’ve also heard is that the training is not great so it’s a lot to say you will accept without having seen what the practices and training are like.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's one or two at most. They typically save 3 or 4 spots for the late spring summer and going to this might put you on the radar for one of those spots. We were encouraged by the scout to go next weekend and will go, but doing so with no expectations. Honestly, don't know if it's in the best interest of son.

What do you see as the tangible negatives of going to a DC United ID session for your son?

Perhaps a misunderstanding. Zero negatives for going to the ID session. Just don't know that if there was an offer made that we would accept. I know this comes as a surprise to some. But, logistics come into play, and school is more important in the long run.

Sounds like you shouldn't be concerned with the ID session of a professional academy since you're not committed or dedicated.
Also, if school is more important than DCU, isn't it also more important than his current club?

Not committed or dedicated? Give me a break. Our son trains 15-20 hours a week with club, trainer, and various clinics. You clearly don't have a kid at DCU. Do you know the hours some kids spend on the bus getting to Segra? Do you know the situation they are embarking upon with academics being provided at Virginia Revolution's complex?
The chances of my kid making substantial money playing soccer are far less than 1% - as they are with anyone else. The chance and need for him to make money from a career that requires an education are far greater than 99%.
In terms of current club - yes, school is still more important, but we are able to make it work logistically. That would be significantly harder at DCU.
Spare me with your lack of dedication jabs and maybe consider that we're not chasing fools gold.

So you probably wouldn't accept an offer if given (your words), but you're also dedicated to getting an offer and be at DCU?

Not the case at all. You're just trying to fight with someone. Good luck to your son.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's one or two at most. They typically save 3 or 4 spots for the late spring summer and going to this might put you on the radar for one of those spots. We were encouraged by the scout to go next weekend and will go, but doing so with no expectations. Honestly, don't know if it's in the best interest of son.

What do you see as the tangible negatives of going to a DC United ID session for your son?

Perhaps a misunderstanding. Zero negatives for going to the ID session. Just don't know that if there was an offer made that we would accept. I know this comes as a surprise to some. But, logistics come into play, and school is more important in the long run.

Sounds like you shouldn't be concerned with the ID session of a professional academy since you're not committed or dedicated.
Also, if school is more important than DCU, isn't it also more important than his current club?

Not committed or dedicated? Give me a break. Our son trains 15-20 hours a week with club, trainer, and various clinics. You clearly don't have a kid at DCU. Do you know the hours some kids spend on the bus getting to Segra? Do you know the situation they are embarking upon with academics being provided at Virginia Revolution's complex?
The chances of my kid making substantial money playing soccer are far less than 1% - as they are with anyone else. The chance and need for him to make money from a career that requires an education are far greater than 99%.
In terms of current club - yes, school is still more important, but we are able to make it work logistically. That would be significantly harder at DCU.
Spare me with your lack of dedication jabs and maybe consider that we're not chasing fools gold.

The percentage odds of players becoming professionals has a problem with people including players who have no chance in the pool.

When you're on an ECNL team for instance at 16 or 17 years old, and you're the number 16 kid on the depth chart, of course you're not going to become a professional soccer player.
The percentage is measured from the top 5 or so kids on MLS Professional academy teams. That's the realistic pool.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's one or two at most. They typically save 3 or 4 spots for the late spring summer and going to this might put you on the radar for one of those spots. We were encouraged by the scout to go next weekend and will go, but doing so with no expectations. Honestly, don't know if it's in the best interest of son.

What do you see as the tangible negatives of going to a DC United ID session for your son?

Perhaps a misunderstanding. Zero negatives for going to the ID session. Just don't know that if there was an offer made that we would accept. I know this comes as a surprise to some. But, logistics come into play, and school is more important in the long run.

Sounds like you shouldn't be concerned with the ID session of a professional academy since you're not committed or dedicated.
Also, if school is more important than DCU, isn't it also more important than his current club?

Not committed or dedicated? Give me a break. Our son trains 15-20 hours a week with club, trainer, and various clinics. You clearly don't have a kid at DCU. Do you know the hours some kids spend on the bus getting to Segra? Do you know the situation they are embarking upon with academics being provided at Virginia Revolution's complex?
The chances of my kid making substantial money playing soccer are far less than 1% - as they are with anyone else. The chance and need for him to make money from a career that requires an education are far greater than 99%.
In terms of current club - yes, school is still more important, but we are able to make it work logistically. That would be significantly harder at DCU.
Spare me with your lack of dedication jabs and maybe consider that we're not chasing fools gold.

So you probably wouldn't accept an offer if given (your words), but you're also dedicated to getting an offer and be at DCU?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's one or two at most. They typically save 3 or 4 spots for the late spring summer and going to this might put you on the radar for one of those spots. We were encouraged by the scout to go next weekend and will go, but doing so with no expectations. Honestly, don't know if it's in the best interest of son.

What do you see as the tangible negatives of going to a DC United ID session for your son?

Perhaps a misunderstanding. Zero negatives for going to the ID session. Just don't know that if there was an offer made that we would accept. I know this comes as a surprise to some. But, logistics come into play, and school is more important in the long run.

Sounds like you shouldn't be concerned with the ID session of a professional academy since you're not committed or dedicated.
Also, if school is more important than DCU, isn't it also more important than his current club?

Not committed or dedicated? Give me a break. Our son trains 15-20 hours a week with club, trainer, and various clinics. You clearly don't have a kid at DCU. Do you know the hours some kids spend on the bus getting to Segra? Do you know the situation they are embarking upon with academics being provided at Virginia Revolution's complex?
The chances of my kid making substantial money playing soccer are far less than 1% - as they are with anyone else. The chance and need for him to make money from a career that requires an education are far greater than 99%.
In terms of current club - yes, school is still more important, but we are able to make it work logistically. That would be significantly harder at DCU.
Spare me with your lack of dedication jabs and maybe consider that we're not chasing fools gold.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's one or two at most. They typically save 3 or 4 spots for the late spring summer and going to this might put you on the radar for one of those spots. We were encouraged by the scout to go next weekend and will go, but doing so with no expectations. Honestly, don't know if it's in the best interest of son.

What do you see as the tangible negatives of going to a DC United ID session for your son?

Perhaps a misunderstanding. Zero negatives for going to the ID session. Just don't know that if there was an offer made that we would accept. I know this comes as a surprise to some. But, logistics come into play, and school is more important in the long run.

Sounds like you shouldn't be concerned with the ID session of a professional academy since you're not committed or dedicated.
Also, if school is more important than DCU, isn't it also more important than his current club?