RantingSoccerDad wrote:I've found the happiest kids in soccer are the ones who have grown close with their teammates.

In 10 years, unless they're playing in the pros, they will have forgotten most of the games and practices. They'll remember their friends.

But this is Northern Virginia, where every parent thinks DC should be playing for DC United -- unless they're REALLY good, in which case maybe Manchester United or Juventus. So we see players literally go in circles -- Club A, Club B, Club C and back to Club A. Accomplishing ... what?

Anonymous wrote:I’ve seen my kid flourish by changing Clubs. First 2 years was a kick-run club, but they really did a great job at ball skill training. Then, moved to a more possession-based Club for a different focus/style of training. Rondos and passing. Two years and moved to get better competition from teammates and games (harder league/team division).

Yet, other people will trash talk behind our backs and say can’t stay in one place. The fact is, I still get text messages and emails from former coaches (all the way back to U9 and kid is U15 now). They check in to see how my kid is doing. He trains with some of them.

Unhappy people judge others choices. They should only worry about their own kid. Some of them are loyalists that are flabbergasted when kid gets cut or demoted down the line. Often, the player didn’t develop appropriate skills because they were too focused on playing for a “name” or wins in the young ages.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, much of this forum is VERY subjective. Any thought of someone posting a survey to get some facts from the various parents across NOVA? I would want to know gender/age group, practices per week, length of practices, when season started and ended, practices on turf, grass or mixed, how often were practices cancelled (slightly subjective), and price.

Many of us feel the grass is greener somewhere else....and it may be, but without the facts, it is hard to know this for sure.

There are so many variants, so many factors that constantly change from year to year, from club to club. We know so many folks who hop from club to club and all they do is exchange one problem for another. Unless you really think your child is in the 0.1 percent to play professional and you need DA-level, the grass is never greener, all the clubs (and leagues) are basically the same.

AMEN

No. We left a toxic club. Annoying, political parents and bad mouthing players. No transparency. No consistency in coaches or training. Prima Donna bratty kids. Two years+ at new Club and still loving it. I am no longer tense and sick to my stomach on the sidelines. It’s a great environment.

I have a friend that played pro that thinks 2 years max for any club. Most top players have been at several by the age of 16. Exposure to new things creates growth.

But, just because a player leaves a Club does not mean their parents think they are a superstar. I’ve seen players leave big clubs for what is considered on this Board “inferior” clubs for better coaching/development, not because a player didn’t make a certain color.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, much of this forum is VERY subjective. Any thought of someone posting a survey to get some facts from the various parents across NOVA? I would want to know gender/age group, practices per week, length of practices, when season started and ended, practices on turf, grass or mixed, how often were practices cancelled (slightly subjective), and price.

Many of us feel the grass is greener somewhere else....and it may be, but without the facts, it is hard to know this for sure.

There are so many variants, so many factors that constantly change from year to year, from club to club. We know so many folks who hop from club to club and all they do is exchange one problem for another. Unless you really think your child is in the 0.1 percent to play professional and you need DA-level, the grass is never greener, all the clubs (and leagues) are basically the same.

AMEN

Anonymous wrote:I live near the SoccerPlex in Boyds MD (near Germantown MD). My 11 year old daughter plays rec there, and she is ready to move up to something more competitive. Can anybody provide a list of select/club/travel teams that are in the general area. From the Internet, I have read about Potomac Soccer, MSI, Damascus Soccer, MD Rush Montgomery, SAM Select. Are there others in the nearby area (not interested in going to Virginia). Thanks.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, much of this forum is VERY subjective. Any thought of someone posting a survey to get some facts from the various parents across NOVA? I would want to know gender/age group, practices per week, length of practices, when season started and ended, practices on turf, grass or mixed, how often were practices cancelled (slightly subjective), and price.

Many of us feel the grass is greener somewhere else....and it may be, but without the facts, it is hard to know this for sure.

There are so many variants, so many factors that constantly change from year to year, from club to club. We know so many folks who hop from club to club and all they do is exchange one problem for another. Unless you really think your child is in the 0.1 percent to play professional and you need DA-level, the grass is never greener, all the clubs (and leagues) are basically the same.

Anonymous wrote:Honestly, much of this forum is VERY subjective. Any thought of someone posting a survey to get some facts from the various parents across NOVA? I would want to know gender/age group, practices per week, length of practices, when season started and ended, practices on turf, grass or mixed, how often were practices cancelled (slightly subjective), and price.

Many of us feel the grass is greener somewhere else....and it may be, but without the facts, it is hard to know this for sure.