Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From our experience at the fall session, the level of player there is very low. We did it to get my son in front of DCU coaches, but if you want intense training with good players...this is not the place for you. Won't do it again.

You looking for martial arts?
What's intensity in training for U-littles?

Some parents have the idea that the kids have to play only with players from top teams and with a lot of cardio in the session. It is such a narrow vision. Soccer can be improved while playing with or against players better or worse than your kid. Also with different age groups.

So, the question remains, why should a strong player entertain RDS? I would have taken the time to visit RDS and see for myself if they did not have my credit card on file willing to charge me once they saw my son. I already know where my son stands in his age group locally here in the DMV. The question is, why should we entertain DCU RDS or DCU academy?

"Entertain?" Dude, it's extra training for your kid if he's interested and you can afford it. Nothing more than that.

The DCU representative told us: RDS is the closest chance you kid has to be observed by DC United coaches/scouts in addition to being developmental.

I have seen DCU scouts in our other training environments so just trying to keep it real for the parents who are innocent and think DCU RDS is more than it is. The kids that I have seen with RDS in their IG profile would get dog walked in the cold training environment we were in last night. There was nothing on IG about it and no gear that needed to be purchased.

Are we finally at the point that we can acknowledge RDS is recreation + versus a true pathway?

Level varied in the RDS sessions but not much different compared to any of the other organizations listed above. Again if the time, location and quality fits your requirements it is a viable training option. It is not recreational you are exaggerating.

Anything below 2nd team is rec+ IMHO but clubs want to make money and they do that very well.

The organizations listed above either have:

1) track record of producing professionals from the DMV

2) coaches on staff who have played professionally and know how to translate that into age appropriate training

Do you finally care to share the credentials of the DCU RDS staff so we can compare and educate ourselves as parents?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From our experience at the fall session, the level of player there is very low. We did it to get my son in front of DCU coaches, but if you want intense training with good players...this is not the place for you. Won't do it again.

You looking for martial arts?
What's intensity in training for U-littles?

Some parents have the idea that the kids have to play only with players from top teams and with a lot of cardio in the session. It is such a narrow vision. Soccer can be improved while playing with or against players better or worse than your kid. Also with different age groups.

So, the question remains, why should a strong player entertain RDS? I would have taken the time to visit RDS and see for myself if they did not have my credit card on file willing to charge me once they saw my son. I already know where my son stands in his age group locally here in the DMV. The question is, why should we entertain DCU RDS or DCU academy?

"Entertain?" Dude, it's extra training for your kid if he's interested and you can afford it. Nothing more than that.

The DCU representative told us: RDS is the closest chance you kid has to be observed by DC United coaches/scouts in addition to being developmental.

I have seen DCU scouts in our other training environments so just trying to keep it real for the parents who are innocent and think DCU RDS is more than it is. The kids that I have seen with RDS in their IG profile would get dog walked in the cold training environment we were in last night. There was nothing on IG about it and no gear that needed to be purchased.

Are we finally at the point that we can acknowledge RDS is recreation + versus a true pathway?

Level varied in the RDS sessions but not much different compared to any of the other organizations listed above. Again if the time, location and quality fits your requirements it is a viable training option. It is not recreational you are exaggerating.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The DCU RDS sessions are good training sessions to supplement whatever your kid is doing with his other team(s).

In our case, my kid is taking a break from club soccer but playing for school and focusing on another sport over the winter. The DCU RDS seemed like a good way to maintain and work on his soccer skills during this downtime.

Cool. Any difference between what they do versus FC Training Grounds, False 8, Next Star, Ballerz, BSC Small Group Training, Arlington Winter Clinics, Futstars, etc. here in the area?

I'm pretty sure none of those are the same unless they all have the same coaches, players and facilities

All of them must have differences

RDS is the closest chance you kid has to be observed by DC United coaches/scouts in addition to being developmental. That does not necessarily mean they will be selected by DCUA. The training programs you listed above are developmental, it stops there.

What’s the benefit of being scouted by DCU academy? Proven methodology, proven coaches? Anything beyond being free? New to the states and this system.

DCU is a mess. Online school is a joke.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From our experience at the fall session, the level of player there is very low. We did it to get my son in front of DCU coaches, but if you want intense training with good players...this is not the place for you. Won't do it again.

You looking for martial arts?
What's intensity in training for U-littles?

Some parents have the idea that the kids have to play only with players from top teams and with a lot of cardio in the session. It is such a narrow vision. Soccer can be improved while playing with or against players better or worse than your kid. Also with different age groups.

So, the question remains, why should a strong player entertain RDS? I would have taken the time to visit RDS and see for myself if they did not have my credit card on file willing to charge me once they saw my son. I already know where my son stands in his age group locally here in the DMV. The question is, why should we entertain DCU RDS or DCU academy?

"Entertain?" Dude, it's extra training for your kid if he's interested and you can afford it. Nothing more than that.

The DCU representative told us: RDS is the closest chance you kid has to be observed by DC United coaches/scouts in addition to being developmental.

I have seen DCU scouts in our other training environments so just trying to keep it real for the parents who are innocent and think DCU RDS is more than it is. The kids that I have seen with RDS in their IG profile would get dog walked in the cold training environment we were in last night. There was nothing on IG about it and no gear that needed to be purchased.

Are we finally at the point that we can acknowledge RDS is recreation + versus a true pathway?

Stop with the drama. No one is seriously arguing that RDS is a true pathway to DCU or its academy. It's an opportunity for extra training if your child wants it, you can afford it, and location is convenient. Expect wide range of ability amongst participants and just focus on touches and individual improvement.

Find the right competition level for your child when you are deciding between club offers since that's where your child will spend most of his time learning to compete + develop. If good enough, DCUA will probably identify them and then, maybe parents can start with the drama.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From our experience at the fall session, the level of player there is very low. We did it to get my son in front of DCU coaches, but if you want intense training with good players...this is not the place for you. Won't do it again.

You looking for martial arts?
What's intensity in training for U-littles?

Some parents have the idea that the kids have to play only with players from top teams and with a lot of cardio in the session. It is such a narrow vision. Soccer can be improved while playing with or against players better or worse than your kid. Also with different age groups.

So, the question remains, why should a strong player entertain RDS? I would have taken the time to visit RDS and see for myself if they did not have my credit card on file willing to charge me once they saw my son. I already know where my son stands in his age group locally here in the DMV. The question is, why should we entertain DCU RDS or DCU academy?

"Entertain?" Dude, it's extra training for your kid if he's interested and you can afford it. Nothing more than that.

The DCU representative told us: RDS is the closest chance you kid has to be observed by DC United coaches/scouts in addition to being developmental.

I have seen DCU scouts in our other training environments so just trying to keep it real for the parents who are innocent and think DCU RDS is more than it is. The kids that I have seen with RDS in their IG profile would get dog walked in the cold training environment we were in last night. There was nothing on IG about it and no gear that needed to be purchased.

Are we finally at the point that we can acknowledge RDS is recreation + versus a true pathway?

DP. You seem to have a pretty inflated sense of self-importance based on your son's apparent soccer prowess. Why are you wasting your time on here if your son is such an amazing player? Actual elite athletes don't need everyone around them to know they are good, they just do their thing. Seems like you come on here just so you can brag. I guess if that makes you feel better...

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From our experience at the fall session, the level of player there is very low. We did it to get my son in front of DCU coaches, but if you want intense training with good players...this is not the place for you. Won't do it again.

You looking for martial arts?
What's intensity in training for U-littles?

Some parents have the idea that the kids have to play only with players from top teams and with a lot of cardio in the session. It is such a narrow vision. Soccer can be improved while playing with or against players better or worse than your kid. Also with different age groups.

So, the question remains, why should a strong player entertain RDS? I would have taken the time to visit RDS and see for myself if they did not have my credit card on file willing to charge me once they saw my son. I already know where my son stands in his age group locally here in the DMV. The question is, why should we entertain DCU RDS or DCU academy?

"Entertain?" Dude, it's extra training for your kid if he's interested and you can afford it. Nothing more than that.

The DCU representative told us: RDS is the closest chance you kid has to be observed by DC United coaches/scouts in addition to being developmental.

I have seen DCU scouts in our other training environments so just trying to keep it real for the parents who are innocent and think DCU RDS is more than it is. The kids that I have seen with RDS in their IG profile would get dog walked in the cold training environment we were in last night. There was nothing on IG about it and no gear that needed to be purchased.

Are we finally at the point that we can acknowledge RDS is recreation + versus a true pathway?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From our experience at the fall session, the level of player there is very low. We did it to get my son in front of DCU coaches, but if you want intense training with good players...this is not the place for you. Won't do it again.

You looking for martial arts?
What's intensity in training for U-littles?

Some parents have the idea that the kids have to play only with players from top teams and with a lot of cardio in the session. It is such a narrow vision. Soccer can be improved while playing with or against players better or worse than your kid. Also with different age groups.

So, the question remains, why should a strong player entertain RDS? I would have taken the time to visit RDS and see for myself if they did not have my credit card on file willing to charge me once they saw my son. I already know where my son stands in his age group locally here in the DMV. The question is, why should we entertain DCU RDS or DCU academy?

"Entertain?" Dude, it's extra training for your kid if he's interested and you can afford it. Nothing more than that.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From our experience at the fall session, the level of player there is very low. We did it to get my son in front of DCU coaches, but if you want intense training with good players...this is not the place for you. Won't do it again.

You looking for martial arts?
What's intensity in training for U-littles?

Some parents have the idea that the kids have to play only with players from top teams and with a lot of cardio in the session. It is such a narrow vision. Soccer can be improved while playing with or against players better or worse than your kid. Also with different age groups.

So, the question remains, why should a strong player entertain RDS? I would have taken the time to visit RDS and see for myself if they did not have my credit card on file willing to charge me once they saw my son. I already know where my son stands in his age group locally here in the DMV. The question is, why should we entertain DCU RDS or DCU academy?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From our experience at the fall session, the level of player there is very low. We did it to get my son in front of DCU coaches, but if you want intense training with good players...this is not the place for you. Won't do it again.

You looking for martial arts?
What's intensity in training for U-littles?

Some parents have the idea that the kids have to play only with players from top teams and with a lot of cardio in the session. It is such a narrow vision. Soccer can be improved while playing with or against players better or worse than your kid. Also with different age groups.

Woof...let me guess....rec ball?

So I agree that my child can get better playing pickup in the street with kids from the neighborhood. You CAN get better just playing anywhere. But I paid for this in dollars and time. There is plenty of data on the best way to develop players...it certainly isn't by playing with lower-level kids. If you want to keep paying for that, then do it! Enjoy. If you are beating kids regularly, there is no point at all.

Also, intense does not equal cardio. No one brought up cardio.

Being the bad player on the good team doesn't guarantee improvement

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From our experience at the fall session, the level of player there is very low. We did it to get my son in front of DCU coaches, but if you want intense training with good players...this is not the place for you. Won't do it again.

You looking for martial arts?
What's intensity in training for U-littles?

Some parents have the idea that the kids have to play only with players from top teams and with a lot of cardio in the session. It is such a narrow vision. Soccer can be improved while playing with or against players better or worse than your kid. Also with different age groups.

Woof...let me guess....rec ball?

So I agree that my child can get better playing pickup in the street with kids from the neighborhood. You CAN get better just playing anywhere. But I paid for this in dollars and time. There is plenty of data on the best way to develop players...it certainly isn't by playing with lower-level kids. If you want to keep paying for that, then do it! Enjoy. If you are beating kids regularly, there is no point at all.

Also, intense does not equal cardio. No one brought up cardio.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From our experience at the fall session, the level of player there is very low. We did it to get my son in front of DCU coaches, but if you want intense training with good players...this is not the place for you. Won't do it again.

You looking for martial arts?
What's intensity in training for U-littles?

Some parents have the idea that the kids have to play only with players from top teams and with a lot of cardio in the session. It is such a narrow vision. Soccer can be improved while playing with or against players better or worse than your kid. Also with different age groups.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From our experience at the fall session, the level of player there is very low. We did it to get my son in front of DCU coaches, but if you want intense training with good players...this is not the place for you. Won't do it again.

You looking for martial arts?
What's intensity in training for U-littles?

I don't know what a u-little is.

I think it’s U12 and under. I’m sure the groups vary by location. When we signed up for the tryout it looked like a lot of spots were still open in a couple locations while almost full in ours. I don’t think the level of player is high across the board, but there are enough decent players there to make it worthwhile for DS. But his goal is just to stay sharp over winter not get scouted.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:From our experience at the fall session, the level of player there is very low. We did it to get my son in front of DCU coaches, but if you want intense training with good players...this is not the place for you. Won't do it again.

You looking for martial arts?
What's intensity in training for U-littles?

I don't know what a u-little is.

Anonymous wrote:From our experience at the fall session, the level of player there is very low. We did it to get my son in front of DCU coaches, but if you want intense training with good players...this is not the place for you. Won't do it again.

You looking for martial arts?
What's intensity in training for U-littles?

From our experience at the fall session, the level of player there is very low. We did it to get my son in front of DCU coaches, but if you want intense training with good players...this is not the place for you. Won't do it again.