Anonymous wrote:Paredes, Yow, Nyeman, Pines, Ku Di Pietro, Hopkins and Akinmboni. Is really all you can tout as fairly recent products of the academy.. And most of those players signed deals years ago and were products of an older and MUCH different DCU system with better coaches and more knowledge available to them. In fact,.some of them were even at DCU when it was pay to play.

The current academy in its current form and with its current staff will not put a player on the first team or sell one to Europe in the next three years. Minimum.

Doesn't matter what DCU academy did in the past with a different overall vision for It's academy. Now, in its current form It's future is bleak.

Paredes, Yow, Nyeman, Pines, Ku Di Pietro, Hopkins and Akinmboni. Is really all you can tout as fairly recent products of the academy.. And most of those players signed deals years ago and were products of an older and MUCH different DCU system with better coaches and more knowledge available to them. In fact,.some of them were even at DCU when it was pay to play.

The current academy in its current form and with its current staff will not put a player on the first team or sell one to Europe in the next three years. Minimum.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holy Cheese and Crackers! Wow.

This thread is just bananas. I've posted a bit before when some stuff came up about the DC United online school charges and some other things....

First things first. I do not have a child playing at the academy but do know two past players and a current player. Past player 1 was there, left and came back and is now playing professionally. Player 2 spent most of their later youth career there and is also playing professionally. Both are in the MLS.

Both have said that the experiences there could have been better as many mention. But they made it to where they wanted to be. Was it luck, their hard work, DC United? IDK for sure, but it's great that they did. I do suspect that DCU had less to do with it than anything else.

Current player is new to their program but is at an older age and wanted the experience of playing at an academy level. They are doing online school from their home district and are close enough to be able to commute. FWIW, this player already committed to play college soccer at a Big10 school. So, pro plans weren't in the works before this experience at DCU.

There are local players in my area that have gone to DC United, but there currently 4 kids playing at Union even though DCU is closer. Plus we have others at Columbus, Charlotte, etc. I think that is telling that although DCU isn't the greatest, but if it's an option, it may be better than continuing to play P2P club.

Good luck to all.

Thanks for the neutral data. This is where this conversation goes array. People like me suggest P2P because we are going to Europe by U16. P2P is the most efficient route to effectively managing that move versus giving our rights to DCU. If you don't want to go to Europe, fine. Just don't tell me the DCU academy is a great option for those kids truly looking to go pro with the full support of their parents.

I would not argue that a kid playing D1 soccer, which is not an efficient pro pathway, should stay in P2P versus going to a pro academy for free. He should take that deal 101x out of 100. This conversation has become uneducated because the pro-DCU folks are completely emotional and lack acumen regarding development and simply kiss the DCU ring.

What nobody seems to see is a problem is why would DCU have a spot on an academy team for a player already committed to go to college when the goal should be to produce professionals. Yes, no brainer for the kid, but you mean to tell me they are that limited in the talent pool that they have to accept that kid and they are the only academy covering DC, MD, VA, DE and WV?!? Is nobody curious why Makai Wells is being called up to the U17 USMNT and playing professionally for NE Rev II when he is from DC probably not on the radar when he was here? That is called development and it is crazy that people in DCU don't understand the D word.

GREAT points. If you have European ambition, going to DCU is a negative. Period. Not impossible but a negative because they will.have a say in your move now that they have gotten greedy in the transfer market. P2P allows you to leave to Europe unencumbered which, for European clubs, is gold. A free player that is at the level will be highly sought after. Having to negotiate with DCU, will just be a deterrent and slow your process (which is already complicated).

Players with GENUINE ambition to become professionals leave the DMV market if they have the ability and the means. They do this because DCU cannot develop players with its current setup, methodology, coaching slate and structure. If you're currently at DCU, it doesn't mean that all is lost. It just means that your chances of becoming a pro are just not great for all the reasons already stated....no second, team, no money, no development methodology, no accountability to the players, weak leadership, and a no vision for the future.

In addition to DCU having a seat at your negotiation in a transfer, if you're in DCUs system for a long time, you won't progress as much as a player because their development methodology is weak and players in better systems will be better than you and progress faster than you over time.

What that means is that if you should actually make it to Europe from DCU, the likelihood of your skills being ready to have immediate impact on a competitive,.high level European roster are very slim. You would have to go to a club that sees your potential and is willing to wait to further develop you. At younger ages this is more.realistic. At older ages, much harder as the clubs don't have time to wait on you. There is talent everywhere...

You will need good advisors around you that know know what they are talking about to make the right moves.

Explain why a DCU Academy player product is currently on the roster of a Premier League Senior team at 18 years old if DCU academy cannot produce European level players?
Explain why every MLS academy doesn't also currently have academy products in the top league in the World if DCU is the worst?

Just seeking some logical clarification, not an argument

If someone says you can't cross the Bay Bridge in a Honda, then I see a Honda Accord driving over and make it to the other side, I'd ask for an explanation.

Oh god...here we go again with you. How many times do you have to hear the same thing???

His family had connections and had an agent and was trying desperately to get him out of DCU before DCU squandered all of his precious time as a young player. Not a transfer DCU produced for him. He was sitting on the bench not playing in the MLS...He went to Bournemouths SECOND team which is part of their academy so don't try and paint a picture of something that isnt the case. This is not someone playing in the premier league. So essentially went from being on the first team at DCU to an academy team. He went because he has physical traits that are attractive to a club and he had a good agent. Did he come.from.DCU, yes but I would gamble large sums that if you asked him or anyone close to him who developed him it wouldn't be DCU. And in fact, I would also gamble that they would say DCU was a hindrance to his development

But hold on to that one example, because there aren't many others. And there won't be many others any time soon.

Facts: He is a DC United Academy Product who is currently on the AFC Bournemouth FIRST TEAM

https://www.afcb.co.uk/teams

Many players parents know people. That may open doors easier, but only talent and potential keeps you there.

Your biased madness is perfect in our current political climate.

-"DCU cannot produce Professional Players to top European teams so don't go there"

But DCU academy has a player currently at a Premier League Club

-"DCU didn't get him there, Santa Clause did"

But if he went from Philly Union academy to Bournemouth, you'd say Philly did it 😆😄
You need a big red nose and bunch of balloons

Riiiihht...he's played the same amount of minutes at Bournemouth that I have . ZERO. I don't care what the link says. Clubs play with the rosters for their own selfish reasons.

Even if he was playing at Bournemouth it would t make DCU a good academy.. it just means he best the odds of playing in a piece of sh#t academy and made something of his career. Don't expect me to sign up making a miracle happen.

So which is it, DC United Academy can't produce any professionals to top tier leagues
Or
DC United despite sending players to professional top tier clubs is still shyte to you

Either way, you're pitiful

It is...Don't use one, RARE example.to define the entire academy. Minnesota United has produced pro players from its academy but is still regarded as one of the worst in the MLS just like DCU. A successful academy has consistent results. DCU does not. DCU is not set up to produce professional players from its academy. This one off instance is an anomaly...a player, who they didn't even want, and who didn't even really play for the first team, just happened to leverage himself for an opportunity. DCU didn't do anything for this kid. They thought so highly of its academy product that they let him ride the bench for homegrown numbers only to appease the MLS with no intention of developing him. FACTS. They were desperately trying to get out of DCU because the club was killing his career..

And the purpose of this thread is to discuss whether DCU is a good academy or not. Not whether DCU produced one pro player years ago that miraculously got to a premier league developmental.squad. To be very honest, if that was the barometer of success, Bethesda would be FAR BETTER than DCU because it has produced.multiple players that have actually played real minutes in high level European leagues including the Premier League and the Bundesliga. So, don't keep trying to go there. Your argument is weak.

So yes, despite having a player from the academy at Bournemouth in whatever capacity you want to have him in, DCU is still trash at developing players and is still a poor academy with very little upside. For ALL the reasons listed. This one player doesn't change that. This one player defied the system and had success despite of DCU not because of it. That is just the reality of the situation. If you think otherwise again, you don't know what you're talking about.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holy Cheese and Crackers! Wow.

This thread is just bananas. I've posted a bit before when some stuff came up about the DC United online school charges and some other things....

First things first. I do not have a child playing at the academy but do know two past players and a current player. Past player 1 was there, left and came back and is now playing professionally. Player 2 spent most of their later youth career there and is also playing professionally. Both are in the MLS.

Both have said that the experiences there could have been better as many mention. But they made it to where they wanted to be. Was it luck, their hard work, DC United? IDK for sure, but it's great that they did. I do suspect that DCU had less to do with it than anything else.

Current player is new to their program but is at an older age and wanted the experience of playing at an academy level. They are doing online school from their home district and are close enough to be able to commute. FWIW, this player already committed to play college soccer at a Big10 school. So, pro plans weren't in the works before this experience at DCU.

There are local players in my area that have gone to DC United, but there currently 4 kids playing at Union even though DCU is closer. Plus we have others at Columbus, Charlotte, etc. I think that is telling that although DCU isn't the greatest, but if it's an option, it may be better than continuing to play P2P club.

Good luck to all.

Thanks for the neutral data. This is where this conversation goes array. People like me suggest P2P because we are going to Europe by U16. P2P is the most efficient route to effectively managing that move versus giving our rights to DCU. If you don't want to go to Europe, fine. Just don't tell me the DCU academy is a great option for those kids truly looking to go pro with the full support of their parents.

I would not argue that a kid playing D1 soccer, which is not an efficient pro pathway, should stay in P2P versus going to a pro academy for free. He should take that deal 101x out of 100. This conversation has become uneducated because the pro-DCU folks are completely emotional and lack acumen regarding development and simply kiss the DCU ring.

What nobody seems to see is a problem is why would DCU have a spot on an academy team for a player already committed to go to college when the goal should be to produce professionals. Yes, no brainer for the kid, but you mean to tell me they are that limited in the talent pool that they have to accept that kid and they are the only academy covering DC, MD, VA, DE and WV?!? Is nobody curious why Makai Wells is being called up to the U17 USMNT and playing professionally for NE Rev II when he is from DC probably not on the radar when he was here? That is called development and it is crazy that people in DCU don't understand the D word.

GREAT points. If you have European ambition, going to DCU is a negative. Period. Not impossible but a negative because they will.have a say in your move now that they have gotten greedy in the transfer market. P2P allows you to leave to Europe unencumbered which, for European clubs, is gold. A free player that is at the level will be highly sought after. Having to negotiate with DCU, will just be a deterrent and slow your process (which is already complicated).

Players with GENUINE ambition to become professionals leave the DMV market if they have the ability and the means. They do this because DCU cannot develop players with its current setup, methodology, coaching slate and structure. If you're currently at DCU, it doesn't mean that all is lost. It just means that your chances of becoming a pro are just not great for all the reasons already stated....no second, team, no money, no development methodology, no accountability to the players, weak leadership, and a no vision for the future.

In addition to DCU having a seat at your negotiation in a transfer, if you're in DCUs system for a long time, you won't progress as much as a player because their development methodology is weak and players in better systems will be better than you and progress faster than you over time.

What that means is that if you should actually make it to Europe from DCU, the likelihood of your skills being ready to have immediate impact on a competitive,.high level European roster are very slim. You would have to go to a club that sees your potential and is willing to wait to further develop you. At younger ages this is more.realistic. At older ages, much harder as the clubs don't have time to wait on you. There is talent everywhere...

You will need good advisors around you that know know what they are talking about to make the right moves.

Explain why a DCU Academy player product is currently on the roster of a Premier League Senior team at 18 years old if DCU academy cannot produce European level players?
Explain why every MLS academy doesn't also currently have academy products in the top league in the World if DCU is the worst?

Just seeking some logical clarification, not an argument

If someone says you can't cross the Bay Bridge in a Honda, then I see a Honda Accord driving over and make it to the other side, I'd ask for an explanation.

Oh god...here we go again with you. How many times do you have to hear the same thing???

His family had connections and had an agent and was trying desperately to get him out of DCU before DCU squandered all of his precious time as a young player. Not a transfer DCU produced for him. He was sitting on the bench not playing in the MLS...He went to Bournemouths SECOND team which is part of their academy so don't try and paint a picture of something that isnt the case. This is not someone playing in the premier league. So essentially went from being on the first team at DCU to an academy team. He went because he has physical traits that are attractive to a club and he had a good agent. Did he come.from.DCU, yes but I would gamble large sums that if you asked him or anyone close to him who developed him it wouldn't be DCU. And in fact, I would also gamble that they would say DCU was a hindrance to his development

But hold on to that one example, because there aren't many others. And there won't be many others any time soon.

Facts: He is a DC United Academy Product who is currently on the AFC Bournemouth FIRST TEAM

https://www.afcb.co.uk/teams

Many players parents know people. That may open doors easier, but only talent and potential keeps you there.

Your biased madness is perfect in our current political climate.

-"DCU cannot produce Professional Players to top European teams so don't go there"

But DCU academy has a player currently at a Premier League Club

-"DCU didn't get him there, Santa Clause did"

But if he went from Philly Union academy to Bournemouth, you'd say Philly did it 😆😄
You need a big red nose and bunch of balloons

Riiiihht...he's played the same amount of minutes at Bournemouth that I have . ZERO. I don't care what the link says. Clubs play with the rosters for their own selfish reasons.

Even if he was playing at Bournemouth it would t make DCU a good academy.. it just means he best the odds of playing in a piece of sh#t academy and made something of his career. Don't expect me to sign up making a miracle happen.

So you’re saying no difference between you who has played minutes (where?) and a teenager riding pine for PL Team? Riiiight…

You sound real stupid!

Please get this right. I'm a fan of the player. I root for him and think his progress is amazing. I take a look at the Bournemouth lineup every week to see if he's gotten a call up. He did sit on the bench with the first team and was listed in the lineup several times last season, although he didn't make an appearance. But he is not "riding pine" with an EPL team. He is playing with their Developmental Squad. And that is absolutely something to be proud of. Stop calling people dumb.

You ain't no fan. You're a Hater

You say its not an accomplishment of DCU to have a player in the Premier League because you have a gripe against DC United Academy, fine. Be biased against the organization.

Calling the kid's accomplishment being on the First Team at a Premier League club nothing because of his appearances so far shows your true dark colors!

This mischaracterizes just about everything I said. Who hurt you? I hope you're OK. No gripe with the academy here. And I hope you can take a break. Assess some things.

LMAO! What was mischaracterized?

He's blaming the mirror for his reflection

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holy Cheese and Crackers! Wow.

This thread is just bananas. I've posted a bit before when some stuff came up about the DC United online school charges and some other things....

First things first. I do not have a child playing at the academy but do know two past players and a current player. Past player 1 was there, left and came back and is now playing professionally. Player 2 spent most of their later youth career there and is also playing professionally. Both are in the MLS.

Both have said that the experiences there could have been better as many mention. But they made it to where they wanted to be. Was it luck, their hard work, DC United? IDK for sure, but it's great that they did. I do suspect that DCU had less to do with it than anything else.

Current player is new to their program but is at an older age and wanted the experience of playing at an academy level. They are doing online school from their home district and are close enough to be able to commute. FWIW, this player already committed to play college soccer at a Big10 school. So, pro plans weren't in the works before this experience at DCU.

There are local players in my area that have gone to DC United, but there currently 4 kids playing at Union even though DCU is closer. Plus we have others at Columbus, Charlotte, etc. I think that is telling that although DCU isn't the greatest, but if it's an option, it may be better than continuing to play P2P club.

Good luck to all.

Thanks for the neutral data. This is where this conversation goes array. People like me suggest P2P because we are going to Europe by U16. P2P is the most efficient route to effectively managing that move versus giving our rights to DCU. If you don't want to go to Europe, fine. Just don't tell me the DCU academy is a great option for those kids truly looking to go pro with the full support of their parents.

I would not argue that a kid playing D1 soccer, which is not an efficient pro pathway, should stay in P2P versus going to a pro academy for free. He should take that deal 101x out of 100. This conversation has become uneducated because the pro-DCU folks are completely emotional and lack acumen regarding development and simply kiss the DCU ring.

What nobody seems to see is a problem is why would DCU have a spot on an academy team for a player already committed to go to college when the goal should be to produce professionals. Yes, no brainer for the kid, but you mean to tell me they are that limited in the talent pool that they have to accept that kid and they are the only academy covering DC, MD, VA, DE and WV?!? Is nobody curious why Makai Wells is being called up to the U17 USMNT and playing professionally for NE Rev II when he is from DC probably not on the radar when he was here? That is called development and it is crazy that people in DCU don't understand the D word.

GREAT points. If you have European ambition, going to DCU is a negative. Period. Not impossible but a negative because they will.have a say in your move now that they have gotten greedy in the transfer market. P2P allows you to leave to Europe unencumbered which, for European clubs, is gold. A free player that is at the level will be highly sought after. Having to negotiate with DCU, will just be a deterrent and slow your process (which is already complicated).

Players with GENUINE ambition to become professionals leave the DMV market if they have the ability and the means. They do this because DCU cannot develop players with its current setup, methodology, coaching slate and structure. If you're currently at DCU, it doesn't mean that all is lost. It just means that your chances of becoming a pro are just not great for all the reasons already stated....no second, team, no money, no development methodology, no accountability to the players, weak leadership, and a no vision for the future.

In addition to DCU having a seat at your negotiation in a transfer, if you're in DCUs system for a long time, you won't progress as much as a player because their development methodology is weak and players in better systems will be better than you and progress faster than you over time.

What that means is that if you should actually make it to Europe from DCU, the likelihood of your skills being ready to have immediate impact on a competitive,.high level European roster are very slim. You would have to go to a club that sees your potential and is willing to wait to further develop you. At younger ages this is more.realistic. At older ages, much harder as the clubs don't have time to wait on you. There is talent everywhere...

You will need good advisors around you that know know what they are talking about to make the right moves.

Explain why a DCU Academy player product is currently on the roster of a Premier League Senior team at 18 years old if DCU academy cannot produce European level players?
Explain why every MLS academy doesn't also currently have academy products in the top league in the World if DCU is the worst?

Just seeking some logical clarification, not an argument

If someone says you can't cross the Bay Bridge in a Honda, then I see a Honda Accord driving over and make it to the other side, I'd ask for an explanation.

Oh god...here we go again with you. How many times do you have to hear the same thing???

His family had connections and had an agent and was trying desperately to get him out of DCU before DCU squandered all of his precious time as a young player. Not a transfer DCU produced for him. He was sitting on the bench not playing in the MLS...He went to Bournemouths SECOND team which is part of their academy so don't try and paint a picture of something that isnt the case. This is not someone playing in the premier league. So essentially went from being on the first team at DCU to an academy team. He went because he has physical traits that are attractive to a club and he had a good agent. Did he come.from.DCU, yes but I would gamble large sums that if you asked him or anyone close to him who developed him it wouldn't be DCU. And in fact, I would also gamble that they would say DCU was a hindrance to his development

But hold on to that one example, because there aren't many others. And there won't be many others any time soon.

Facts: He is a DC United Academy Product who is currently on the AFC Bournemouth FIRST TEAM

https://www.afcb.co.uk/teams

Many players parents know people. That may open doors easier, but only talent and potential keeps you there.

Your biased madness is perfect in our current political climate.

-"DCU cannot produce Professional Players to top European teams so don't go there"

But DCU academy has a player currently at a Premier League Club

-"DCU didn't get him there, Santa Clause did"

But if he went from Philly Union academy to Bournemouth, you'd say Philly did it 😆😄
You need a big red nose and bunch of balloons

Riiiihht...he's played the same amount of minutes at Bournemouth that I have . ZERO. I don't care what the link says. Clubs play with the rosters for their own selfish reasons.

Even if he was playing at Bournemouth it would t make DCU a good academy.. it just means he best the odds of playing in a piece of sh#t academy and made something of his career. Don't expect me to sign up making a miracle happen.

So you’re saying no difference between you who has played minutes (where?) and a teenager riding pine for PL Team? Riiiight…

You sound real stupid!

Please get this right. I'm a fan of the player. I root for him and think his progress is amazing. I take a look at the Bournemouth lineup every week to see if he's gotten a call up. He did sit on the bench with the first team and was listed in the lineup several times last season, although he didn't make an appearance. But he is not "riding pine" with an EPL team. He is playing with their Developmental Squad. And that is absolutely something to be proud of. Stop calling people dumb.

You ain't no fan. You're a Hater

You say its not an accomplishment of DCU to have a player in the Premier League because you have a gripe against DC United Academy, fine. Be biased against the organization.

Calling the kid's accomplishment being on the First Team at a Premier League club nothing because of his appearances so far shows your true dark colors!

This mischaracterizes just about everything I said. Who hurt you? I hope you're OK. No gripe with the academy here. And I hope you can take a break. Assess some things.

LMAO! What was mischaracterized?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holy Cheese and Crackers! Wow.

This thread is just bananas. I've posted a bit before when some stuff came up about the DC United online school charges and some other things....

First things first. I do not have a child playing at the academy but do know two past players and a current player. Past player 1 was there, left and came back and is now playing professionally. Player 2 spent most of their later youth career there and is also playing professionally. Both are in the MLS.

Both have said that the experiences there could have been better as many mention. But they made it to where they wanted to be. Was it luck, their hard work, DC United? IDK for sure, but it's great that they did. I do suspect that DCU had less to do with it than anything else.

Current player is new to their program but is at an older age and wanted the experience of playing at an academy level. They are doing online school from their home district and are close enough to be able to commute. FWIW, this player already committed to play college soccer at a Big10 school. So, pro plans weren't in the works before this experience at DCU.

There are local players in my area that have gone to DC United, but there currently 4 kids playing at Union even though DCU is closer. Plus we have others at Columbus, Charlotte, etc. I think that is telling that although DCU isn't the greatest, but if it's an option, it may be better than continuing to play P2P club.

Good luck to all.

Thanks for the neutral data. This is where this conversation goes array. People like me suggest P2P because we are going to Europe by U16. P2P is the most efficient route to effectively managing that move versus giving our rights to DCU. If you don't want to go to Europe, fine. Just don't tell me the DCU academy is a great option for those kids truly looking to go pro with the full support of their parents.

I would not argue that a kid playing D1 soccer, which is not an efficient pro pathway, should stay in P2P versus going to a pro academy for free. He should take that deal 101x out of 100. This conversation has become uneducated because the pro-DCU folks are completely emotional and lack acumen regarding development and simply kiss the DCU ring.

What nobody seems to see is a problem is why would DCU have a spot on an academy team for a player already committed to go to college when the goal should be to produce professionals. Yes, no brainer for the kid, but you mean to tell me they are that limited in the talent pool that they have to accept that kid and they are the only academy covering DC, MD, VA, DE and WV?!? Is nobody curious why Makai Wells is being called up to the U17 USMNT and playing professionally for NE Rev II when he is from DC probably not on the radar when he was here? That is called development and it is crazy that people in DCU don't understand the D word.

GREAT points. If you have European ambition, going to DCU is a negative. Period. Not impossible but a negative because they will.have a say in your move now that they have gotten greedy in the transfer market. P2P allows you to leave to Europe unencumbered which, for European clubs, is gold. A free player that is at the level will be highly sought after. Having to negotiate with DCU, will just be a deterrent and slow your process (which is already complicated).

Players with GENUINE ambition to become professionals leave the DMV market if they have the ability and the means. They do this because DCU cannot develop players with its current setup, methodology, coaching slate and structure. If you're currently at DCU, it doesn't mean that all is lost. It just means that your chances of becoming a pro are just not great for all the reasons already stated....no second, team, no money, no development methodology, no accountability to the players, weak leadership, and a no vision for the future.

In addition to DCU having a seat at your negotiation in a transfer, if you're in DCUs system for a long time, you won't progress as much as a player because their development methodology is weak and players in better systems will be better than you and progress faster than you over time.

What that means is that if you should actually make it to Europe from DCU, the likelihood of your skills being ready to have immediate impact on a competitive,.high level European roster are very slim. You would have to go to a club that sees your potential and is willing to wait to further develop you. At younger ages this is more.realistic. At older ages, much harder as the clubs don't have time to wait on you. There is talent everywhere...

You will need good advisors around you that know know what they are talking about to make the right moves.

Explain why a DCU Academy player product is currently on the roster of a Premier League Senior team at 18 years old if DCU academy cannot produce European level players?
Explain why every MLS academy doesn't also currently have academy products in the top league in the World if DCU is the worst?

Just seeking some logical clarification, not an argument

If someone says you can't cross the Bay Bridge in a Honda, then I see a Honda Accord driving over and make it to the other side, I'd ask for an explanation.

Oh god...here we go again with you. How many times do you have to hear the same thing???

His family had connections and had an agent and was trying desperately to get him out of DCU before DCU squandered all of his precious time as a young player. Not a transfer DCU produced for him. He was sitting on the bench not playing in the MLS...He went to Bournemouths SECOND team which is part of their academy so don't try and paint a picture of something that isnt the case. This is not someone playing in the premier league. So essentially went from being on the first team at DCU to an academy team. He went because he has physical traits that are attractive to a club and he had a good agent. Did he come.from.DCU, yes but I would gamble large sums that if you asked him or anyone close to him who developed him it wouldn't be DCU. And in fact, I would also gamble that they would say DCU was a hindrance to his development

But hold on to that one example, because there aren't many others. And there won't be many others any time soon.

Facts: He is a DC United Academy Product who is currently on the AFC Bournemouth FIRST TEAM

https://www.afcb.co.uk/teams

Many players parents know people. That may open doors easier, but only talent and potential keeps you there.

Your biased madness is perfect in our current political climate.

-"DCU cannot produce Professional Players to top European teams so don't go there"

But DCU academy has a player currently at a Premier League Club

-"DCU didn't get him there, Santa Clause did"

But if he went from Philly Union academy to Bournemouth, you'd say Philly did it 😆😄
You need a big red nose and bunch of balloons

Riiiihht...he's played the same amount of minutes at Bournemouth that I have . ZERO. I don't care what the link says. Clubs play with the rosters for their own selfish reasons.

Even if he was playing at Bournemouth it would t make DCU a good academy.. it just means he best the odds of playing in a piece of sh#t academy and made something of his career. Don't expect me to sign up making a miracle happen.

So you’re saying no difference between you who has played minutes (where?) and a teenager riding pine for PL Team? Riiiight…

You sound real stupid!

Please get this right. I'm a fan of the player. I root for him and think his progress is amazing. I take a look at the Bournemouth lineup every week to see if he's gotten a call up. He did sit on the bench with the first team and was listed in the lineup several times last season, although he didn't make an appearance. But he is not "riding pine" with an EPL team. He is playing with their Developmental Squad. And that is absolutely something to be proud of. Stop calling people dumb.

You ain't no fan. You're a Hater

You say its not an accomplishment of DCU to have a player in the Premier League because you have a gripe against DC United Academy, fine. Be biased against the organization.

Calling the kid's accomplishment being on the First Team at a Premier League club nothing because of his appearances so far shows your true dark colors!

This mischaracterizes just about everything I said. Who hurt you? I hope you're OK. No gripe with the academy here. And I hope you can take a break. Assess some things.

He is emotional about his choices. 🤦‍♂️

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holy Cheese and Crackers! Wow.

This thread is just bananas. I've posted a bit before when some stuff came up about the DC United online school charges and some other things....

First things first. I do not have a child playing at the academy but do know two past players and a current player. Past player 1 was there, left and came back and is now playing professionally. Player 2 spent most of their later youth career there and is also playing professionally. Both are in the MLS.

Both have said that the experiences there could have been better as many mention. But they made it to where they wanted to be. Was it luck, their hard work, DC United? IDK for sure, but it's great that they did. I do suspect that DCU had less to do with it than anything else.

Current player is new to their program but is at an older age and wanted the experience of playing at an academy level. They are doing online school from their home district and are close enough to be able to commute. FWIW, this player already committed to play college soccer at a Big10 school. So, pro plans weren't in the works before this experience at DCU.

There are local players in my area that have gone to DC United, but there currently 4 kids playing at Union even though DCU is closer. Plus we have others at Columbus, Charlotte, etc. I think that is telling that although DCU isn't the greatest, but if it's an option, it may be better than continuing to play P2P club.

Good luck to all.

Thanks for the neutral data. This is where this conversation goes array. People like me suggest P2P because we are going to Europe by U16. P2P is the most efficient route to effectively managing that move versus giving our rights to DCU. If you don't want to go to Europe, fine. Just don't tell me the DCU academy is a great option for those kids truly looking to go pro with the full support of their parents.

I would not argue that a kid playing D1 soccer, which is not an efficient pro pathway, should stay in P2P versus going to a pro academy for free. He should take that deal 101x out of 100. This conversation has become uneducated because the pro-DCU folks are completely emotional and lack acumen regarding development and simply kiss the DCU ring.

What nobody seems to see is a problem is why would DCU have a spot on an academy team for a player already committed to go to college when the goal should be to produce professionals. Yes, no brainer for the kid, but you mean to tell me they are that limited in the talent pool that they have to accept that kid and they are the only academy covering DC, MD, VA, DE and WV?!? Is nobody curious why Makai Wells is being called up to the U17 USMNT and playing professionally for NE Rev II when he is from DC probably not on the radar when he was here? That is called development and it is crazy that people in DCU don't understand the D word.

GREAT points. If you have European ambition, going to DCU is a negative. Period. Not impossible but a negative because they will.have a say in your move now that they have gotten greedy in the transfer market. P2P allows you to leave to Europe unencumbered which, for European clubs, is gold. A free player that is at the level will be highly sought after. Having to negotiate with DCU, will just be a deterrent and slow your process (which is already complicated).

Players with GENUINE ambition to become professionals leave the DMV market if they have the ability and the means. They do this because DCU cannot develop players with its current setup, methodology, coaching slate and structure. If you're currently at DCU, it doesn't mean that all is lost. It just means that your chances of becoming a pro are just not great for all the reasons already stated....no second, team, no money, no development methodology, no accountability to the players, weak leadership, and a no vision for the future.

In addition to DCU having a seat at your negotiation in a transfer, if you're in DCUs system for a long time, you won't progress as much as a player because their development methodology is weak and players in better systems will be better than you and progress faster than you over time.

What that means is that if you should actually make it to Europe from DCU, the likelihood of your skills being ready to have immediate impact on a competitive,.high level European roster are very slim. You would have to go to a club that sees your potential and is willing to wait to further develop you. At younger ages this is more.realistic. At older ages, much harder as the clubs don't have time to wait on you. There is talent everywhere...

You will need good advisors around you that know know what they are talking about to make the right moves.

Explain why a DCU Academy player product is currently on the roster of a Premier League Senior team at 18 years old if DCU academy cannot produce European level players?
Explain why every MLS academy doesn't also currently have academy products in the top league in the World if DCU is the worst?

Just seeking some logical clarification, not an argument

If someone says you can't cross the Bay Bridge in a Honda, then I see a Honda Accord driving over and make it to the other side, I'd ask for an explanation.

Oh god...here we go again with you. How many times do you have to hear the same thing???

His family had connections and had an agent and was trying desperately to get him out of DCU before DCU squandered all of his precious time as a young player. Not a transfer DCU produced for him. He was sitting on the bench not playing in the MLS...He went to Bournemouths SECOND team which is part of their academy so don't try and paint a picture of something that isnt the case. This is not someone playing in the premier league. So essentially went from being on the first team at DCU to an academy team. He went because he has physical traits that are attractive to a club and he had a good agent. Did he come.from.DCU, yes but I would gamble large sums that if you asked him or anyone close to him who developed him it wouldn't be DCU. And in fact, I would also gamble that they would say DCU was a hindrance to his development

But hold on to that one example, because there aren't many others. And there won't be many others any time soon.

Facts: He is a DC United Academy Product who is currently on the AFC Bournemouth FIRST TEAM

https://www.afcb.co.uk/teams

Many players parents know people. That may open doors easier, but only talent and potential keeps you there.

Your biased madness is perfect in our current political climate.

-"DCU cannot produce Professional Players to top European teams so don't go there"

But DCU academy has a player currently at a Premier League Club

-"DCU didn't get him there, Santa Clause did"

But if he went from Philly Union academy to Bournemouth, you'd say Philly did it 😆😄
You need a big red nose and bunch of balloons

Riiiihht...he's played the same amount of minutes at Bournemouth that I have . ZERO. I don't care what the link says. Clubs play with the rosters for their own selfish reasons.

Even if he was playing at Bournemouth it would t make DCU a good academy.. it just means he best the odds of playing in a piece of sh#t academy and made something of his career. Don't expect me to sign up making a miracle happen.

So you’re saying no difference between you who has played minutes (where?) and a teenager riding pine for PL Team? Riiiight…

You sound real stupid!

Please get this right. I'm a fan of the player. I root for him and think his progress is amazing. I take a look at the Bournemouth lineup every week to see if he's gotten a call up. He did sit on the bench with the first team and was listed in the lineup several times last season, although he didn't make an appearance. But he is not "riding pine" with an EPL team. He is playing with their Developmental Squad. And that is absolutely something to be proud of. Stop calling people dumb.

You ain't no fan. You're a Hater

You say its not an accomplishment of DCU to have a player in the Premier League because you have a gripe against DC United Academy, fine. Be biased against the organization.

Calling the kid's accomplishment being on the First Team at a Premier League club nothing because of his appearances so far shows your true dark colors!

This mischaracterizes just about everything I said. Who hurt you? I hope you're OK. No gripe with the academy here. And I hope you can take a break. Assess some things.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holy Cheese and Crackers! Wow.

This thread is just bananas. I've posted a bit before when some stuff came up about the DC United online school charges and some other things....

First things first. I do not have a child playing at the academy but do know two past players and a current player. Past player 1 was there, left and came back and is now playing professionally. Player 2 spent most of their later youth career there and is also playing professionally. Both are in the MLS.

Both have said that the experiences there could have been better as many mention. But they made it to where they wanted to be. Was it luck, their hard work, DC United? IDK for sure, but it's great that they did. I do suspect that DCU had less to do with it than anything else.

Current player is new to their program but is at an older age and wanted the experience of playing at an academy level. They are doing online school from their home district and are close enough to be able to commute. FWIW, this player already committed to play college soccer at a Big10 school. So, pro plans weren't in the works before this experience at DCU.

There are local players in my area that have gone to DC United, but there currently 4 kids playing at Union even though DCU is closer. Plus we have others at Columbus, Charlotte, etc. I think that is telling that although DCU isn't the greatest, but if it's an option, it may be better than continuing to play P2P club.

Good luck to all.

Thanks for the neutral data. This is where this conversation goes array. People like me suggest P2P because we are going to Europe by U16. P2P is the most efficient route to effectively managing that move versus giving our rights to DCU. If you don't want to go to Europe, fine. Just don't tell me the DCU academy is a great option for those kids truly looking to go pro with the full support of their parents.

I would not argue that a kid playing D1 soccer, which is not an efficient pro pathway, should stay in P2P versus going to a pro academy for free. He should take that deal 101x out of 100. This conversation has become uneducated because the pro-DCU folks are completely emotional and lack acumen regarding development and simply kiss the DCU ring.

What nobody seems to see is a problem is why would DCU have a spot on an academy team for a player already committed to go to college when the goal should be to produce professionals. Yes, no brainer for the kid, but you mean to tell me they are that limited in the talent pool that they have to accept that kid and they are the only academy covering DC, MD, VA, DE and WV?!? Is nobody curious why Makai Wells is being called up to the U17 USMNT and playing professionally for NE Rev II when he is from DC probably not on the radar when he was here? That is called development and it is crazy that people in DCU don't understand the D word.

GREAT points. If you have European ambition, going to DCU is a negative. Period. Not impossible but a negative because they will.have a say in your move now that they have gotten greedy in the transfer market. P2P allows you to leave to Europe unencumbered which, for European clubs, is gold. A free player that is at the level will be highly sought after. Having to negotiate with DCU, will just be a deterrent and slow your process (which is already complicated).

Players with GENUINE ambition to become professionals leave the DMV market if they have the ability and the means. They do this because DCU cannot develop players with its current setup, methodology, coaching slate and structure. If you're currently at DCU, it doesn't mean that all is lost. It just means that your chances of becoming a pro are just not great for all the reasons already stated....no second, team, no money, no development methodology, no accountability to the players, weak leadership, and a no vision for the future.

In addition to DCU having a seat at your negotiation in a transfer, if you're in DCUs system for a long time, you won't progress as much as a player because their development methodology is weak and players in better systems will be better than you and progress faster than you over time.

What that means is that if you should actually make it to Europe from DCU, the likelihood of your skills being ready to have immediate impact on a competitive,.high level European roster are very slim. You would have to go to a club that sees your potential and is willing to wait to further develop you. At younger ages this is more.realistic. At older ages, much harder as the clubs don't have time to wait on you. There is talent everywhere...

You will need good advisors around you that know know what they are talking about to make the right moves.

Explain why a DCU Academy player product is currently on the roster of a Premier League Senior team at 18 years old if DCU academy cannot produce European level players?
Explain why every MLS academy doesn't also currently have academy products in the top league in the World if DCU is the worst?

Just seeking some logical clarification, not an argument

If someone says you can't cross the Bay Bridge in a Honda, then I see a Honda Accord driving over and make it to the other side, I'd ask for an explanation.

Oh god...here we go again with you. How many times do you have to hear the same thing???

His family had connections and had an agent and was trying desperately to get him out of DCU before DCU squandered all of his precious time as a young player. Not a transfer DCU produced for him. He was sitting on the bench not playing in the MLS...He went to Bournemouths SECOND team which is part of their academy so don't try and paint a picture of something that isnt the case. This is not someone playing in the premier league. So essentially went from being on the first team at DCU to an academy team. He went because he has physical traits that are attractive to a club and he had a good agent. Did he come.from.DCU, yes but I would gamble large sums that if you asked him or anyone close to him who developed him it wouldn't be DCU. And in fact, I would also gamble that they would say DCU was a hindrance to his development

But hold on to that one example, because there aren't many others. And there won't be many others any time soon.

Facts: He is a DC United Academy Product who is currently on the AFC Bournemouth FIRST TEAM

https://www.afcb.co.uk/teams

Many players parents know people. That may open doors easier, but only talent and potential keeps you there.

Your biased madness is perfect in our current political climate.

-"DCU cannot produce Professional Players to top European teams so don't go there"

But DCU academy has a player currently at a Premier League Club

-"DCU didn't get him there, Santa Clause did"

But if he went from Philly Union academy to Bournemouth, you'd say Philly did it 😆😄
You need a big red nose and bunch of balloons

Riiiihht...he's played the same amount of minutes at Bournemouth that I have . ZERO. I don't care what the link says. Clubs play with the rosters for their own selfish reasons.

Even if he was playing at Bournemouth it would t make DCU a good academy.. it just means he best the odds of playing in a piece of sh#t academy and made something of his career. Don't expect me to sign up making a miracle happen.

So which is it, DC United Academy can't produce any professionals to top tier leagues
Or
DC United despite sending players to professional top tier clubs is still shyte to you

Either way, you're pitiful

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holy Cheese and Crackers! Wow.

This thread is just bananas. I've posted a bit before when some stuff came up about the DC United online school charges and some other things....

First things first. I do not have a child playing at the academy but do know two past players and a current player. Past player 1 was there, left and came back and is now playing professionally. Player 2 spent most of their later youth career there and is also playing professionally. Both are in the MLS.

Both have said that the experiences there could have been better as many mention. But they made it to where they wanted to be. Was it luck, their hard work, DC United? IDK for sure, but it's great that they did. I do suspect that DCU had less to do with it than anything else.

Current player is new to their program but is at an older age and wanted the experience of playing at an academy level. They are doing online school from their home district and are close enough to be able to commute. FWIW, this player already committed to play college soccer at a Big10 school. So, pro plans weren't in the works before this experience at DCU.

There are local players in my area that have gone to DC United, but there currently 4 kids playing at Union even though DCU is closer. Plus we have others at Columbus, Charlotte, etc. I think that is telling that although DCU isn't the greatest, but if it's an option, it may be better than continuing to play P2P club.

Good luck to all.

Thanks for the neutral data. This is where this conversation goes array. People like me suggest P2P because we are going to Europe by U16. P2P is the most efficient route to effectively managing that move versus giving our rights to DCU. If you don't want to go to Europe, fine. Just don't tell me the DCU academy is a great option for those kids truly looking to go pro with the full support of their parents.

I would not argue that a kid playing D1 soccer, which is not an efficient pro pathway, should stay in P2P versus going to a pro academy for free. He should take that deal 101x out of 100. This conversation has become uneducated because the pro-DCU folks are completely emotional and lack acumen regarding development and simply kiss the DCU ring.

What nobody seems to see is a problem is why would DCU have a spot on an academy team for a player already committed to go to college when the goal should be to produce professionals. Yes, no brainer for the kid, but you mean to tell me they are that limited in the talent pool that they have to accept that kid and they are the only academy covering DC, MD, VA, DE and WV?!? Is nobody curious why Makai Wells is being called up to the U17 USMNT and playing professionally for NE Rev II when he is from DC probably not on the radar when he was here? That is called development and it is crazy that people in DCU don't understand the D word.

GREAT points. If you have European ambition, going to DCU is a negative. Period. Not impossible but a negative because they will.have a say in your move now that they have gotten greedy in the transfer market. P2P allows you to leave to Europe unencumbered which, for European clubs, is gold. A free player that is at the level will be highly sought after. Having to negotiate with DCU, will just be a deterrent and slow your process (which is already complicated).

Players with GENUINE ambition to become professionals leave the DMV market if they have the ability and the means. They do this because DCU cannot develop players with its current setup, methodology, coaching slate and structure. If you're currently at DCU, it doesn't mean that all is lost. It just means that your chances of becoming a pro are just not great for all the reasons already stated....no second, team, no money, no development methodology, no accountability to the players, weak leadership, and a no vision for the future.

In addition to DCU having a seat at your negotiation in a transfer, if you're in DCUs system for a long time, you won't progress as much as a player because their development methodology is weak and players in better systems will be better than you and progress faster than you over time.

What that means is that if you should actually make it to Europe from DCU, the likelihood of your skills being ready to have immediate impact on a competitive,.high level European roster are very slim. You would have to go to a club that sees your potential and is willing to wait to further develop you. At younger ages this is more.realistic. At older ages, much harder as the clubs don't have time to wait on you. There is talent everywhere...

You will need good advisors around you that know know what they are talking about to make the right moves.

Explain why a DCU Academy player product is currently on the roster of a Premier League Senior team at 18 years old if DCU academy cannot produce European level players?
Explain why every MLS academy doesn't also currently have academy products in the top league in the World if DCU is the worst?

Just seeking some logical clarification, not an argument

If someone says you can't cross the Bay Bridge in a Honda, then I see a Honda Accord driving over and make it to the other side, I'd ask for an explanation.

Oh god...here we go again with you. How many times do you have to hear the same thing???

His family had connections and had an agent and was trying desperately to get him out of DCU before DCU squandered all of his precious time as a young player. Not a transfer DCU produced for him. He was sitting on the bench not playing in the MLS...He went to Bournemouths SECOND team which is part of their academy so don't try and paint a picture of something that isnt the case. This is not someone playing in the premier league. So essentially went from being on the first team at DCU to an academy team. He went because he has physical traits that are attractive to a club and he had a good agent. Did he come.from.DCU, yes but I would gamble large sums that if you asked him or anyone close to him who developed him it wouldn't be DCU. And in fact, I would also gamble that they would say DCU was a hindrance to his development

But hold on to that one example, because there aren't many others. And there won't be many others any time soon.

Facts: He is a DC United Academy Product who is currently on the AFC Bournemouth FIRST TEAM

https://www.afcb.co.uk/teams

Many players parents know people. That may open doors easier, but only talent and potential keeps you there.

Your biased madness is perfect in our current political climate.

-"DCU cannot produce Professional Players to top European teams so don't go there"

But DCU academy has a player currently at a Premier League Club

-"DCU didn't get him there, Santa Clause did"

But if he went from Philly Union academy to Bournemouth, you'd say Philly did it 😆😄
You need a big red nose and bunch of balloons

Riiiihht...he's played the same amount of minutes at Bournemouth that I have . ZERO. I don't care what the link says. Clubs play with the rosters for their own selfish reasons.

Even if he was playing at Bournemouth it would t make DCU a good academy.. it just means he best the odds of playing in a piece of sh#t academy and made something of his career. Don't expect me to sign up making a miracle happen.

So you’re saying no difference between you who has played minutes (where?) and a teenager riding pine for PL Team? Riiiight…

You sound real stupid!

Please get this right. I'm a fan of the player. I root for him and think his progress is amazing. I take a look at the Bournemouth lineup every week to see if he's gotten a call up. He did sit on the bench with the first team and was listed in the lineup several times last season, although he didn't make an appearance. But he is not "riding pine" with an EPL team. He is playing with their Developmental Squad. And that is absolutely something to be proud of. Stop calling people dumb.

You ain't no fan. You're a Hater

You say its not an accomplishment of DCU to have a player in the Premier League because you have a gripe against DC United Academy, fine. Be biased against the organization.

Calling the kid's accomplishment being on the First Team at a Premier League club nothing because of his appearances so far shows your true dark colors!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holy Cheese and Crackers! Wow.

This thread is just bananas. I've posted a bit before when some stuff came up about the DC United online school charges and some other things....

First things first. I do not have a child playing at the academy but do know two past players and a current player. Past player 1 was there, left and came back and is now playing professionally. Player 2 spent most of their later youth career there and is also playing professionally. Both are in the MLS.

Both have said that the experiences there could have been better as many mention. But they made it to where they wanted to be. Was it luck, their hard work, DC United? IDK for sure, but it's great that they did. I do suspect that DCU had less to do with it than anything else.

Current player is new to their program but is at an older age and wanted the experience of playing at an academy level. They are doing online school from their home district and are close enough to be able to commute. FWIW, this player already committed to play college soccer at a Big10 school. So, pro plans weren't in the works before this experience at DCU.

There are local players in my area that have gone to DC United, but there currently 4 kids playing at Union even though DCU is closer. Plus we have others at Columbus, Charlotte, etc. I think that is telling that although DCU isn't the greatest, but if it's an option, it may be better than continuing to play P2P club.

Good luck to all.

Thanks for the neutral data. This is where this conversation goes array. People like me suggest P2P because we are going to Europe by U16. P2P is the most efficient route to effectively managing that move versus giving our rights to DCU. If you don't want to go to Europe, fine. Just don't tell me the DCU academy is a great option for those kids truly looking to go pro with the full support of their parents.

I would not argue that a kid playing D1 soccer, which is not an efficient pro pathway, should stay in P2P versus going to a pro academy for free. He should take that deal 101x out of 100. This conversation has become uneducated because the pro-DCU folks are completely emotional and lack acumen regarding development and simply kiss the DCU ring.

What nobody seems to see is a problem is why would DCU have a spot on an academy team for a player already committed to go to college when the goal should be to produce professionals. Yes, no brainer for the kid, but you mean to tell me they are that limited in the talent pool that they have to accept that kid and they are the only academy covering DC, MD, VA, DE and WV?!? Is nobody curious why Makai Wells is being called up to the U17 USMNT and playing professionally for NE Rev II when he is from DC probably not on the radar when he was here? That is called development and it is crazy that people in DCU don't understand the D word.

GREAT points. If you have European ambition, going to DCU is a negative. Period. Not impossible but a negative because they will.have a say in your move now that they have gotten greedy in the transfer market. P2P allows you to leave to Europe unencumbered which, for European clubs, is gold. A free player that is at the level will be highly sought after. Having to negotiate with DCU, will just be a deterrent and slow your process (which is already complicated).

Players with GENUINE ambition to become professionals leave the DMV market if they have the ability and the means. They do this because DCU cannot develop players with its current setup, methodology, coaching slate and structure. If you're currently at DCU, it doesn't mean that all is lost. It just means that your chances of becoming a pro are just not great for all the reasons already stated....no second, team, no money, no development methodology, no accountability to the players, weak leadership, and a no vision for the future.

In addition to DCU having a seat at your negotiation in a transfer, if you're in DCUs system for a long time, you won't progress as much as a player because their development methodology is weak and players in better systems will be better than you and progress faster than you over time.

What that means is that if you should actually make it to Europe from DCU, the likelihood of your skills being ready to have immediate impact on a competitive,.high level European roster are very slim. You would have to go to a club that sees your potential and is willing to wait to further develop you. At younger ages this is more.realistic. At older ages, much harder as the clubs don't have time to wait on you. There is talent everywhere...

You will need good advisors around you that know know what they are talking about to make the right moves.

Explain why a DCU Academy player product is currently on the roster of a Premier League Senior team at 18 years old if DCU academy cannot produce European level players?
Explain why every MLS academy doesn't also currently have academy products in the top league in the World if DCU is the worst?

Just seeking some logical clarification, not an argument

If someone says you can't cross the Bay Bridge in a Honda, then I see a Honda Accord driving over and make it to the other side, I'd ask for an explanation.

Oh god...here we go again with you. How many times do you have to hear the same thing???

His family had connections and had an agent and was trying desperately to get him out of DCU before DCU squandered all of his precious time as a young player. Not a transfer DCU produced for him. He was sitting on the bench not playing in the MLS...He went to Bournemouths SECOND team which is part of their academy so don't try and paint a picture of something that isnt the case. This is not someone playing in the premier league. So essentially went from being on the first team at DCU to an academy team. He went because he has physical traits that are attractive to a club and he had a good agent. Did he come.from.DCU, yes but I would gamble large sums that if you asked him or anyone close to him who developed him it wouldn't be DCU. And in fact, I would also gamble that they would say DCU was a hindrance to his development

But hold on to that one example, because there aren't many others. And there won't be many others any time soon.

Facts: He is a DC United Academy Product who is currently on the AFC Bournemouth FIRST TEAM

https://www.afcb.co.uk/teams

Many players parents know people. That may open doors easier, but only talent and potential keeps you there.

Your biased madness is perfect in our current political climate.

-"DCU cannot produce Professional Players to top European teams so don't go there"

But DCU academy has a player currently at a Premier League Club

-"DCU didn't get him there, Santa Clause did"

But if he went from Philly Union academy to Bournemouth, you'd say Philly did it 😆😄
You need a big red nose and bunch of balloons

Riiiihht...he's played the same amount of minutes at Bournemouth that I have . ZERO. I don't care what the link says. Clubs play with the rosters for their own selfish reasons.

Even if he was playing at Bournemouth it would t make DCU a good academy.. it just means he best the odds of playing in a piece of sh#t academy and made something of his career. Don't expect me to sign up making a miracle happen.

So you’re saying no difference between you who has played minutes (where?) and a teenager riding pine for PL Team? Riiiight…

You sound real stupid!

Please get this right. I'm a fan of the player. I root for him and think his progress is amazing. I take a look at the Bournemouth lineup every week to see if he's gotten a call up. He did sit on the bench with the first team and was listed in the lineup several times last season, although he didn't make an appearance. But he is not "riding pine" with an EPL team. He is playing with their Developmental Squad. And that is absolutely something to be proud of. Stop calling people dumb.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holy Cheese and Crackers! Wow.

This thread is just bananas. I've posted a bit before when some stuff came up about the DC United online school charges and some other things....

First things first. I do not have a child playing at the academy but do know two past players and a current player. Past player 1 was there, left and came back and is now playing professionally. Player 2 spent most of their later youth career there and is also playing professionally. Both are in the MLS.

Both have said that the experiences there could have been better as many mention. But they made it to where they wanted to be. Was it luck, their hard work, DC United? IDK for sure, but it's great that they did. I do suspect that DCU had less to do with it than anything else.

Current player is new to their program but is at an older age and wanted the experience of playing at an academy level. They are doing online school from their home district and are close enough to be able to commute. FWIW, this player already committed to play college soccer at a Big10 school. So, pro plans weren't in the works before this experience at DCU.

There are local players in my area that have gone to DC United, but there currently 4 kids playing at Union even though DCU is closer. Plus we have others at Columbus, Charlotte, etc. I think that is telling that although DCU isn't the greatest, but if it's an option, it may be better than continuing to play P2P club.

Good luck to all.

Thanks for the neutral data. This is where this conversation goes array. People like me suggest P2P because we are going to Europe by U16. P2P is the most efficient route to effectively managing that move versus giving our rights to DCU. If you don't want to go to Europe, fine. Just don't tell me the DCU academy is a great option for those kids truly looking to go pro with the full support of their parents.

I would not argue that a kid playing D1 soccer, which is not an efficient pro pathway, should stay in P2P versus going to a pro academy for free. He should take that deal 101x out of 100. This conversation has become uneducated because the pro-DCU folks are completely emotional and lack acumen regarding development and simply kiss the DCU ring.

What nobody seems to see is a problem is why would DCU have a spot on an academy team for a player already committed to go to college when the goal should be to produce professionals. Yes, no brainer for the kid, but you mean to tell me they are that limited in the talent pool that they have to accept that kid and they are the only academy covering DC, MD, VA, DE and WV?!? Is nobody curious why Makai Wells is being called up to the U17 USMNT and playing professionally for NE Rev II when he is from DC probably not on the radar when he was here? That is called development and it is crazy that people in DCU don't understand the D word.

GREAT points. If you have European ambition, going to DCU is a negative. Period. Not impossible but a negative because they will.have a say in your move now that they have gotten greedy in the transfer market. P2P allows you to leave to Europe unencumbered which, for European clubs, is gold. A free player that is at the level will be highly sought after. Having to negotiate with DCU, will just be a deterrent and slow your process (which is already complicated).

Players with GENUINE ambition to become professionals leave the DMV market if they have the ability and the means. They do this because DCU cannot develop players with its current setup, methodology, coaching slate and structure. If you're currently at DCU, it doesn't mean that all is lost. It just means that your chances of becoming a pro are just not great for all the reasons already stated....no second, team, no money, no development methodology, no accountability to the players, weak leadership, and a no vision for the future.

In addition to DCU having a seat at your negotiation in a transfer, if you're in DCUs system for a long time, you won't progress as much as a player because their development methodology is weak and players in better systems will be better than you and progress faster than you over time.

What that means is that if you should actually make it to Europe from DCU, the likelihood of your skills being ready to have immediate impact on a competitive,.high level European roster are very slim. You would have to go to a club that sees your potential and is willing to wait to further develop you. At younger ages this is more.realistic. At older ages, much harder as the clubs don't have time to wait on you. There is talent everywhere...

You will need good advisors around you that know know what they are talking about to make the right moves.

Explain why a DCU Academy player product is currently on the roster of a Premier League Senior team at 18 years old if DCU academy cannot produce European level players?
Explain why every MLS academy doesn't also currently have academy products in the top league in the World if DCU is the worst?

Just seeking some logical clarification, not an argument

If someone says you can't cross the Bay Bridge in a Honda, then I see a Honda Accord driving over and make it to the other side, I'd ask for an explanation.

Oh god...here we go again with you. How many times do you have to hear the same thing???

His family had connections and had an agent and was trying desperately to get him out of DCU before DCU squandered all of his precious time as a young player. Not a transfer DCU produced for him. He was sitting on the bench not playing in the MLS...He went to Bournemouths SECOND team which is part of their academy so don't try and paint a picture of something that isnt the case. This is not someone playing in the premier league. So essentially went from being on the first team at DCU to an academy team. He went because he has physical traits that are attractive to a club and he had a good agent. Did he come.from.DCU, yes but I would gamble large sums that if you asked him or anyone close to him who developed him it wouldn't be DCU. And in fact, I would also gamble that they would say DCU was a hindrance to his development

But hold on to that one example, because there aren't many others. And there won't be many others any time soon.

Facts: He is a DC United Academy Product who is currently on the AFC Bournemouth FIRST TEAM

https://www.afcb.co.uk/teams

Many players parents know people. That may open doors easier, but only talent and potential keeps you there.

Your biased madness is perfect in our current political climate.

-"DCU cannot produce Professional Players to top European teams so don't go there"

But DCU academy has a player currently at a Premier League Club

-"DCU didn't get him there, Santa Clause did"

But if he went from Philly Union academy to Bournemouth, you'd say Philly did it 😆😄
You need a big red nose and bunch of balloons

Riiiihht...he's played the same amount of minutes at Bournemouth that I have . ZERO. I don't care what the link says. Clubs play with the rosters for their own selfish reasons.

Even if he was playing at Bournemouth it would t make DCU a good academy.. it just means he best the odds of playing in a piece of sh#t academy and made something of his career. Don't expect me to sign up making a miracle happen.

So you’re saying no difference between you who has played minutes (where?) and a teenager riding pine for PL Team? Riiiight…

You sound real stupid!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holy Cheese and Crackers! Wow.

This thread is just bananas. I've posted a bit before when some stuff came up about the DC United online school charges and some other things....

First things first. I do not have a child playing at the academy but do know two past players and a current player. Past player 1 was there, left and came back and is now playing professionally. Player 2 spent most of their later youth career there and is also playing professionally. Both are in the MLS.

Both have said that the experiences there could have been better as many mention. But they made it to where they wanted to be. Was it luck, their hard work, DC United? IDK for sure, but it's great that they did. I do suspect that DCU had less to do with it than anything else.

Current player is new to their program but is at an older age and wanted the experience of playing at an academy level. They are doing online school from their home district and are close enough to be able to commute. FWIW, this player already committed to play college soccer at a Big10 school. So, pro plans weren't in the works before this experience at DCU.

There are local players in my area that have gone to DC United, but there currently 4 kids playing at Union even though DCU is closer. Plus we have others at Columbus, Charlotte, etc. I think that is telling that although DCU isn't the greatest, but if it's an option, it may be better than continuing to play P2P club.

Good luck to all.

Thanks for the neutral data. This is where this conversation goes array. People like me suggest P2P because we are going to Europe by U16. P2P is the most efficient route to effectively managing that move versus giving our rights to DCU. If you don't want to go to Europe, fine. Just don't tell me the DCU academy is a great option for those kids truly looking to go pro with the full support of their parents.

I would not argue that a kid playing D1 soccer, which is not an efficient pro pathway, should stay in P2P versus going to a pro academy for free. He should take that deal 101x out of 100. This conversation has become uneducated because the pro-DCU folks are completely emotional and lack acumen regarding development and simply kiss the DCU ring.

What nobody seems to see is a problem is why would DCU have a spot on an academy team for a player already committed to go to college when the goal should be to produce professionals. Yes, no brainer for the kid, but you mean to tell me they are that limited in the talent pool that they have to accept that kid and they are the only academy covering DC, MD, VA, DE and WV?!? Is nobody curious why Makai Wells is being called up to the U17 USMNT and playing professionally for NE Rev II when he is from DC probably not on the radar when he was here? That is called development and it is crazy that people in DCU don't understand the D word.

GREAT points. If you have European ambition, going to DCU is a negative. Period. Not impossible but a negative because they will.have a say in your move now that they have gotten greedy in the transfer market. P2P allows you to leave to Europe unencumbered which, for European clubs, is gold. A free player that is at the level will be highly sought after. Having to negotiate with DCU, will just be a deterrent and slow your process (which is already complicated).

Players with GENUINE ambition to become professionals leave the DMV market if they have the ability and the means. They do this because DCU cannot develop players with its current setup, methodology, coaching slate and structure. If you're currently at DCU, it doesn't mean that all is lost. It just means that your chances of becoming a pro are just not great for all the reasons already stated....no second, team, no money, no development methodology, no accountability to the players, weak leadership, and a no vision for the future.

In addition to DCU having a seat at your negotiation in a transfer, if you're in DCUs system for a long time, you won't progress as much as a player because their development methodology is weak and players in better systems will be better than you and progress faster than you over time.

What that means is that if you should actually make it to Europe from DCU, the likelihood of your skills being ready to have immediate impact on a competitive,.high level European roster are very slim. You would have to go to a club that sees your potential and is willing to wait to further develop you. At younger ages this is more.realistic. At older ages, much harder as the clubs don't have time to wait on you. There is talent everywhere...

You will need good advisors around you that know know what they are talking about to make the right moves.

Explain why a DCU Academy player product is currently on the roster of a Premier League Senior team at 18 years old if DCU academy cannot produce European level players?
Explain why every MLS academy doesn't also currently have academy products in the top league in the World if DCU is the worst?

Just seeking some logical clarification, not an argument

If someone says you can't cross the Bay Bridge in a Honda, then I see a Honda Accord driving over and make it to the other side, I'd ask for an explanation.

Oh god...here we go again with you. How many times do you have to hear the same thing???

His family had connections and had an agent and was trying desperately to get him out of DCU before DCU squandered all of his precious time as a young player. Not a transfer DCU produced for him. He was sitting on the bench not playing in the MLS...He went to Bournemouths SECOND team which is part of their academy so don't try and paint a picture of something that isnt the case. This is not someone playing in the premier league. So essentially went from being on the first team at DCU to an academy team. He went because he has physical traits that are attractive to a club and he had a good agent. Did he come.from.DCU, yes but I would gamble large sums that if you asked him or anyone close to him who developed him it wouldn't be DCU. And in fact, I would also gamble that they would say DCU was a hindrance to his development

But hold on to that one example, because there aren't many others. And there won't be many others any time soon.

Facts: He is a DC United Academy Product who is currently on the AFC Bournemouth FIRST TEAM

https://www.afcb.co.uk/teams

Many players parents know people. That may open doors easier, but only talent and potential keeps you there.

Your biased madness is perfect in our current political climate.

-"DCU cannot produce Professional Players to top European teams so don't go there"

But DCU academy has a player currently at a Premier League Club

-"DCU didn't get him there, Santa Clause did"

But if he went from Philly Union academy to Bournemouth, you'd say Philly did it 😆😄
You need a big red nose and bunch of balloons

Maybe click through to see how many appearances he's had with the first team. Then go check the line-ups for their development squad and tell me facts about how he's on the FIRST TEAM.

You're a sad, pitiful, despicable HATER!

So the AFC Bournemouth website is lying and he's not listed clearly on their First Team

Your negativity and bad karma is probably a reflection of your failures, hence your constant need to feel better by putting down the accomplishments of this player.

Sad little person. Be gone

NO NO, don't get it twisted. No hate just realities told.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holy Cheese and Crackers! Wow.

This thread is just bananas. I've posted a bit before when some stuff came up about the DC United online school charges and some other things....

First things first. I do not have a child playing at the academy but do know two past players and a current player. Past player 1 was there, left and came back and is now playing professionally. Player 2 spent most of their later youth career there and is also playing professionally. Both are in the MLS.

Both have said that the experiences there could have been better as many mention. But they made it to where they wanted to be. Was it luck, their hard work, DC United? IDK for sure, but it's great that they did. I do suspect that DCU had less to do with it than anything else.

Current player is new to their program but is at an older age and wanted the experience of playing at an academy level. They are doing online school from their home district and are close enough to be able to commute. FWIW, this player already committed to play college soccer at a Big10 school. So, pro plans weren't in the works before this experience at DCU.

There are local players in my area that have gone to DC United, but there currently 4 kids playing at Union even though DCU is closer. Plus we have others at Columbus, Charlotte, etc. I think that is telling that although DCU isn't the greatest, but if it's an option, it may be better than continuing to play P2P club.

Good luck to all.

Thanks for the neutral data. This is where this conversation goes array. People like me suggest P2P because we are going to Europe by U16. P2P is the most efficient route to effectively managing that move versus giving our rights to DCU. If you don't want to go to Europe, fine. Just don't tell me the DCU academy is a great option for those kids truly looking to go pro with the full support of their parents.

I would not argue that a kid playing D1 soccer, which is not an efficient pro pathway, should stay in P2P versus going to a pro academy for free. He should take that deal 101x out of 100. This conversation has become uneducated because the pro-DCU folks are completely emotional and lack acumen regarding development and simply kiss the DCU ring.

What nobody seems to see is a problem is why would DCU have a spot on an academy team for a player already committed to go to college when the goal should be to produce professionals. Yes, no brainer for the kid, but you mean to tell me they are that limited in the talent pool that they have to accept that kid and they are the only academy covering DC, MD, VA, DE and WV?!? Is nobody curious why Makai Wells is being called up to the U17 USMNT and playing professionally for NE Rev II when he is from DC probably not on the radar when he was here? That is called development and it is crazy that people in DCU don't understand the D word.

By what process are non Europeans leaving America at 16 and going to Europe to a club or academy and registering with the national federation and association without legally meeting one of the two UEFA, FIFA exceptions?

How does DCU or any academy in America identify a player at 13, 14 that has already committed to going to college as their only goal unless the parents and player announces that?
Who at 13 is at a level that they are good enough for a MLS academy, go through the trouble of getting into an academy, but their only goal and ambition is UVA?

When the PP mentioned the plan to go to Europe, I kinda am curious about the above question as well. How, unless the exceptions are met.

Also, I made the comment about the player that joined DCU late - ie their final year and already had committed to play at a Big10 school. DCU was well aware of that when he came on board at their academy. So, it wasn't like they were joining the academy as a freshman in HS.

an exception would have to be met. I don't think anyone is debating that. For s transfer under the age of 16 without a passport you need an exception. Clearly.

Then why is the anti-dc poster constantly referring to all of dcum just easily packing up our under 18 year old kids and sending them to clubs in Europe?

(btw, most of our kids can't make it unto elite youth clubs in Europe or wouldn't even be invited)

No said it was an easy path. Just an option if you have it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holy Cheese and Crackers! Wow.

This thread is just bananas. I've posted a bit before when some stuff came up about the DC United online school charges and some other things....

First things first. I do not have a child playing at the academy but do know two past players and a current player. Past player 1 was there, left and came back and is now playing professionally. Player 2 spent most of their later youth career there and is also playing professionally. Both are in the MLS.

Both have said that the experiences there could have been better as many mention. But they made it to where they wanted to be. Was it luck, their hard work, DC United? IDK for sure, but it's great that they did. I do suspect that DCU had less to do with it than anything else.

Current player is new to their program but is at an older age and wanted the experience of playing at an academy level. They are doing online school from their home district and are close enough to be able to commute. FWIW, this player already committed to play college soccer at a Big10 school. So, pro plans weren't in the works before this experience at DCU.

There are local players in my area that have gone to DC United, but there currently 4 kids playing at Union even though DCU is closer. Plus we have others at Columbus, Charlotte, etc. I think that is telling that although DCU isn't the greatest, but if it's an option, it may be better than continuing to play P2P club.

Good luck to all.

Thanks for the neutral data. This is where this conversation goes array. People like me suggest P2P because we are going to Europe by U16. P2P is the most efficient route to effectively managing that move versus giving our rights to DCU. If you don't want to go to Europe, fine. Just don't tell me the DCU academy is a great option for those kids truly looking to go pro with the full support of their parents.

I would not argue that a kid playing D1 soccer, which is not an efficient pro pathway, should stay in P2P versus going to a pro academy for free. He should take that deal 101x out of 100. This conversation has become uneducated because the pro-DCU folks are completely emotional and lack acumen regarding development and simply kiss the DCU ring.

What nobody seems to see is a problem is why would DCU have a spot on an academy team for a player already committed to go to college when the goal should be to produce professionals. Yes, no brainer for the kid, but you mean to tell me they are that limited in the talent pool that they have to accept that kid and they are the only academy covering DC, MD, VA, DE and WV?!? Is nobody curious why Makai Wells is being called up to the U17 USMNT and playing professionally for NE Rev II when he is from DC probably not on the radar when he was here? That is called development and it is crazy that people in DCU don't understand the D word.

GREAT points. If you have European ambition, going to DCU is a negative. Period. Not impossible but a negative because they will.have a say in your move now that they have gotten greedy in the transfer market. P2P allows you to leave to Europe unencumbered which, for European clubs, is gold. A free player that is at the level will be highly sought after. Having to negotiate with DCU, will just be a deterrent and slow your process (which is already complicated).

Players with GENUINE ambition to become professionals leave the DMV market if they have the ability and the means. They do this because DCU cannot develop players with its current setup, methodology, coaching slate and structure. If you're currently at DCU, it doesn't mean that all is lost. It just means that your chances of becoming a pro are just not great for all the reasons already stated....no second, team, no money, no development methodology, no accountability to the players, weak leadership, and a no vision for the future.

In addition to DCU having a seat at your negotiation in a transfer, if you're in DCUs system for a long time, you won't progress as much as a player because their development methodology is weak and players in better systems will be better than you and progress faster than you over time.

What that means is that if you should actually make it to Europe from DCU, the likelihood of your skills being ready to have immediate impact on a competitive,.high level European roster are very slim. You would have to go to a club that sees your potential and is willing to wait to further develop you. At younger ages this is more.realistic. At older ages, much harder as the clubs don't have time to wait on you. There is talent everywhere...

You will need good advisors around you that know know what they are talking about to make the right moves.

Explain why a DCU Academy player product is currently on the roster of a Premier League Senior team at 18 years old if DCU academy cannot produce European level players?
Explain why every MLS academy doesn't also currently have academy products in the top league in the World if DCU is the worst?

Just seeking some logical clarification, not an argument

If someone says you can't cross the Bay Bridge in a Honda, then I see a Honda Accord driving over and make it to the other side, I'd ask for an explanation.

Oh god...here we go again with you. How many times do you have to hear the same thing???

His family had connections and had an agent and was trying desperately to get him out of DCU before DCU squandered all of his precious time as a young player. Not a transfer DCU produced for him. He was sitting on the bench not playing in the MLS...He went to Bournemouths SECOND team which is part of their academy so don't try and paint a picture of something that isnt the case. This is not someone playing in the premier league. So essentially went from being on the first team at DCU to an academy team. He went because he has physical traits that are attractive to a club and he had a good agent. Did he come.from.DCU, yes but I would gamble large sums that if you asked him or anyone close to him who developed him it wouldn't be DCU. And in fact, I would also gamble that they would say DCU was a hindrance to his development

But hold on to that one example, because there aren't many others. And there won't be many others any time soon.

Facts: He is a DC United Academy Product who is currently on the AFC Bournemouth FIRST TEAM

https://www.afcb.co.uk/teams

Many players parents know people. That may open doors easier, but only talent and potential keeps you there.

Your biased madness is perfect in our current political climate.

-"DCU cannot produce Professional Players to top European teams so don't go there"

But DCU academy has a player currently at a Premier League Club

-"DCU didn't get him there, Santa Clause did"

But if he went from Philly Union academy to Bournemouth, you'd say Philly did it 😆😄
You need a big red nose and bunch of balloons

Riiiihht...he's played the same amount of minutes at Bournemouth that I have . ZERO. I don't care what the link says. Clubs play with the rosters for their own selfish reasons.

Even if he was playing at Bournemouth it would t make DCU a good academy.. it just means he best the odds of playing in a piece of sh#t academy and made something of his career. Don't expect me to sign up making a miracle happen.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Holy Cheese and Crackers! Wow.

This thread is just bananas. I've posted a bit before when some stuff came up about the DC United online school charges and some other things....

First things first. I do not have a child playing at the academy but do know two past players and a current player. Past player 1 was there, left and came back and is now playing professionally. Player 2 spent most of their later youth career there and is also playing professionally. Both are in the MLS.

Both have said that the experiences there could have been better as many mention. But they made it to where they wanted to be. Was it luck, their hard work, DC United? IDK for sure, but it's great that they did. I do suspect that DCU had less to do with it than anything else.

Current player is new to their program but is at an older age and wanted the experience of playing at an academy level. They are doing online school from their home district and are close enough to be able to commute. FWIW, this player already committed to play college soccer at a Big10 school. So, pro plans weren't in the works before this experience at DCU.

There are local players in my area that have gone to DC United, but there currently 4 kids playing at Union even though DCU is closer. Plus we have others at Columbus, Charlotte, etc. I think that is telling that although DCU isn't the greatest, but if it's an option, it may be better than continuing to play P2P club.

Good luck to all.

Thanks for the neutral data. This is where this conversation goes array. People like me suggest P2P because we are going to Europe by U16. P2P is the most efficient route to effectively managing that move versus giving our rights to DCU. If you don't want to go to Europe, fine. Just don't tell me the DCU academy is a great option for those kids truly looking to go pro with the full support of their parents.

I would not argue that a kid playing D1 soccer, which is not an efficient pro pathway, should stay in P2P versus going to a pro academy for free. He should take that deal 101x out of 100. This conversation has become uneducated because the pro-DCU folks are completely emotional and lack acumen regarding development and simply kiss the DCU ring.

What nobody seems to see is a problem is why would DCU have a spot on an academy team for a player already committed to go to college when the goal should be to produce professionals. Yes, no brainer for the kid, but you mean to tell me they are that limited in the talent pool that they have to accept that kid and they are the only academy covering DC, MD, VA, DE and WV?!? Is nobody curious why Makai Wells is being called up to the U17 USMNT and playing professionally for NE Rev II when he is from DC probably not on the radar when he was here? That is called development and it is crazy that people in DCU don't understand the D word.

GREAT points. If you have European ambition, going to DCU is a negative. Period. Not impossible but a negative because they will.have a say in your move now that they have gotten greedy in the transfer market. P2P allows you to leave to Europe unencumbered which, for European clubs, is gold. A free player that is at the level will be highly sought after. Having to negotiate with DCU, will just be a deterrent and slow your process (which is already complicated).

Players with GENUINE ambition to become professionals leave the DMV market if they have the ability and the means. They do this because DCU cannot develop players with its current setup, methodology, coaching slate and structure. If you're currently at DCU, it doesn't mean that all is lost. It just means that your chances of becoming a pro are just not great for all the reasons already stated....no second, team, no money, no development methodology, no accountability to the players, weak leadership, and a no vision for the future.

In addition to DCU having a seat at your negotiation in a transfer, if you're in DCUs system for a long time, you won't progress as much as a player because their development methodology is weak and players in better systems will be better than you and progress faster than you over time.

What that means is that if you should actually make it to Europe from DCU, the likelihood of your skills being ready to have immediate impact on a competitive,.high level European roster are very slim. You would have to go to a club that sees your potential and is willing to wait to further develop you. At younger ages this is more.realistic. At older ages, much harder as the clubs don't have time to wait on you. There is talent everywhere...

You will need good advisors around you that know know what they are talking about to make the right moves.

Explain why a DCU Academy player product is currently on the roster of a Premier League Senior team at 18 years old if DCU academy cannot produce European level players?
Explain why every MLS academy doesn't also currently have academy products in the top league in the World if DCU is the worst?

Just seeking some logical clarification, not an argument

If someone says you can't cross the Bay Bridge in a Honda, then I see a Honda Accord driving over and make it to the other side, I'd ask for an explanation.

Oh god...here we go again with you. How many times do you have to hear the same thing???

His family had connections and had an agent and was trying desperately to get him out of DCU before DCU squandered all of his precious time as a young player. Not a transfer DCU produced for him. He was sitting on the bench not playing in the MLS...He went to Bournemouths SECOND team which is part of their academy so don't try and paint a picture of something that isnt the case. This is not someone playing in the premier league. So essentially went from being on the first team at DCU to an academy team. He went because he has physical traits that are attractive to a club and he had a good agent. Did he come.from.DCU, yes but I would gamble large sums that if you asked him or anyone close to him who developed him it wouldn't be DCU. And in fact, I would also gamble that they would say DCU was a hindrance to his development

But hold on to that one example, because there aren't many others. And there won't be many others any time soon.

Facts: He is a DC United Academy Product who is currently on the AFC Bournemouth FIRST TEAM

https://www.afcb.co.uk/teams

Many players parents know people. That may open doors easier, but only talent and potential keeps you there.

Your biased madness is perfect in our current political climate.

-"DCU cannot produce Professional Players to top European teams so don't go there"

But DCU academy has a player currently at a Premier League Club

-"DCU didn't get him there, Santa Clause did"

But if he went from Philly Union academy to Bournemouth, you'd say Philly did it 😆😄
You need a big red nose and bunch of balloons

Maybe click through to see how many appearances he's had with the first team. Then go check the line-ups for their development squad and tell me facts about how he's on the FIRST TEAM.

I just clicked on the link for the club website and it clearly shows him under the first team

I'm not very experienced with stuff at this level so I may sound stupid asking if there are multiple first teams? why is someone insisting he's not when the club says he is

I don't want this to be taken as anything against the player. But click on his photo to see how many appearances he's made with the first team. It's none. He's in a great spot for future opportunities, but he's playing with the developmental team. Again, nothing against the player, just against the unhinged person above calling people Haters.

I still don't understand what the number of appearances has to do with whether he's listed by the club on their website as on the first team or not?

Seems you have an extreme agenda and your character may not be far off from what the other PP is saying

Let no one be this way towards you and your children
Give unto others as you'd like to receive

what are you talking about? Calm down. And just be accurate. What good does it do anyone to misrepresent his team placement? He's not in the lineup for first team matches. That's all. And since you're not good at it, let me help you make your point. Maybe mention that after his success, his parents have chosen to keep his younger brother, a highly touted prospect, with DCUA academy. They must see something positive in the environment.

You're such a hateful envious jealous Hater you can't let it go

Not a single person, except you, mentioned appearances

They said he's listed on the club's website under First Team
Where is the lie?

You're sad a pitiful with zero redeeming qualities
Your kid definitely killed your dreams so you're trying to dump on this kid

You have no shame

For the last time. Not dumping on the kid. Dumping on you for not telling the truth, or understanding the reality. I'm at least happy for you that you were able to find the Bournemouth website. That's something. Right?