Anonymous wrote:The trouble is selecting a club for a U8 player doesn't guarantee anything by U18. First of all, most clubs don't do a great job across the board, they all have pockets where they are good, or great, and they have others where they are ass. Secondly, so much changes in youth soccer every year, that in the span of 10 years, a club can easily go from juggernaut to obselete, and vice versa. If you are really going to do this right, you need to evaluate the situation every single year and make an explicit decision.

Anonymous wrote:How old is OP’s kid?

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Anonymous wrote:We already have enough parents - way more than enough - in soccer who don’t know squat about soccer and are just here for the water cooler/cocktail dinner bragging and college scholarships. If your DD isn’t a futbolista, sign her up for Lax. If she is, you all will know a good program when you see one and can stop asking ridiculous questions about college.

That's all there is to it, folks. Everything wrong with American youth soccer is summed up in this brilliant mindset. Stop talking because you sound simple.

Simple is worrying about college scholarships when your kid probably isn’t going to even make the academy for either VDA or FCV.

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Anonymous wrote:tons of variables including commute distance, but here are a few thoughts

Loudoun - huge club so very political, underperforms at ECNL level which would make me evaluate coaching carefully. It really comes down to the coach
FCV - good track record at producing competitive teams and college placement, questionable culture, questionable ability to draw elite talent in future with GA only, practice locations uncertain
McLean - good track record at college placement, declining ability to attract and develop talent due to dilution, moderately competitive on average. A lock to stay in ECNL
VDA - up and comers of the bunch, middling placement history. remote location, polarizing ECNL coaching
BRYC - hit hard by coaching defections (and players), least competitive ECNL program currently, faithful following. Significant potential for a merger in the future

for us, it would boil down to who would the coach be, because that will determine a players progress more than the club. There are coaches we would avoid like the plague but you should develop your own opinions. Highly recommend going to see how they operate at practice and at games.

This is fantastic information! Thank you very much. This has piqued my interest (VDA - up-and-comers with a mediocre placement history). Please elaborate, polarizing ECNL coaching.

VDA has only recently started placing players in D1 colleges in high numbers, depending on the age groups you could get a very good coach or a bad coach.

What characterizes a lousy coach? What has changed in the program to make them the number one destination if they are now placing all of their players in D1 institutions and training is good?

Go to training and watch.

I feel I am capable of doing that; however, whose age groups should I target and where should I go for the schedule?

I
Game schedules are online for the most part. I would try to see a cross section of ages if I could so that I could see more than one coach. Getting training times is harder, but if you're after the clandestine approach, you could just go to the field on a weds or thurs at 7 pm and almost be guaranteed there will be an ecnl team training. You may have to do some sleuthing to figure out which age group and coach you're watching.

Alternatively, you can contact the coaches directly and ask to come see a session. Now is a great time to do this, outside of the tryout period. This may all sound like a PITA, but if you're serious about finding the best environment for your player, it will pay off. It is best to avoid lost years if you can avoid it with a few hours of research.

I'd like to observe the U8, U6, and U19 teams because I'm curious to see if the coaching staffs follow a curriculum and how they progress together.

Sorry, but this is a bit absurd.

1. VDA starts at u13. Their feeder clubs are PWSI and VSA. They each have rec programs, which is what U8 and U6 essentially are.
2. FCV has a practically non-existent rec program. You should have gathered that when it was stated earlier that they have almost no youth player pool.
3. What is taught at U6 is not even close to U19 and to want to see both as a basis of curriculum follow through is borderline ridiculous.

Sorry for being harsh but this needs to be nipped in the bud.

So you think it's absurd because you don't understand my methods? I'd like to know how old your child is. My child will soon be entering one of these programs, and we will choose a club based on the curriculum and recruiting commitments. I used to be a student athlete (in a different sport), but I know I won't waste my time looking for victories like many families do. That, once again, is not my ultimate goal. And what do you mean by "nip it in the bud"? Any parent who has a child who participates in sports must be concerned about all age groups and how the curriculum translates at each level. That is how you can determine whether a program is worthwhile.

You’re choosing a club based on recruiting commitments? You’re already lost.

Reading is essential for comprehension. As stated numerous times, this is not the only reason, but it demonstrates commitment to the players and developmental successes, which is what I want for my child. I can't decide whether you're dense or young. Regardless, I'm sorry for your child, and if you're a coach, I'm sorry for your players.

or it demonstrates a talent for recruiting better players from other clubs

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We already have enough parents - way more than enough - in soccer who don’t know squat about soccer and are just here for the water cooler/cocktail dinner bragging and college scholarships. If your DD isn’t a futbolista, sign her up for Lax. If she is, you all will know a good program when you see one and can stop asking ridiculous questions about college.

That's all there is to it, folks. Everything wrong with American youth soccer is summed up in this brilliant mindset. Stop talking because you sound simple.

Anonymous wrote:We already have enough parents - way more than enough - in soccer who don’t know squat about soccer and are just here for the water cooler/cocktail dinner bragging and college scholarships. If your DD isn’t a futbolista, sign her up for Lax. If she is, you all will know a good program when you see one and can stop asking ridiculous questions about college.

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:tons of variables including commute distance, but here are a few thoughts

Loudoun - huge club so very political, underperforms at ECNL level which would make me evaluate coaching carefully. It really comes down to the coach
FCV - good track record at producing competitive teams and college placement, questionable culture, questionable ability to draw elite talent in future with GA only, practice locations uncertain
McLean - good track record at college placement, declining ability to attract and develop talent due to dilution, moderately competitive on average. A lock to stay in ECNL
VDA - up and comers of the bunch, middling placement history. remote location, polarizing ECNL coaching
BRYC - hit hard by coaching defections (and players), least competitive ECNL program currently, faithful following. Significant potential for a merger in the future

for us, it would boil down to who would the coach be, because that will determine a players progress more than the club. There are coaches we would avoid like the plague but you should develop your own opinions. Highly recommend going to see how they operate at practice and at games.

This is fantastic information! Thank you very much. This has piqued my interest (VDA - up-and-comers with a mediocre placement history). Please elaborate, polarizing ECNL coaching.

VDA has only recently started placing players in D1 colleges in high numbers, depending on the age groups you could get a very good coach or a bad coach.

What characterizes a lousy coach? What has changed in the program to make them the number one destination if they are now placing all of their players in D1 institutions and training is good?

Go to training and watch.

I feel I am capable of doing that; however, whose age groups should I target and where should I go for the schedule?

Game schedules are online for the most part. I would try to see a cross section of ages if I could so that I could see more than one coach. Getting training times is harder, but if you're after the clandestine approach, you could just go to the field on a weds or thurs at 7 pm and almost be guaranteed there will be an ecnl team training. You may have to do some sleuthing to figure out which age group and coach you're watching.

Alternatively, you can contact the coaches directly and ask to come see a session. Now is a great time to do this, outside of the tryout period. This may all sound like a PITA, but if you're serious about finding the best environment for your player, it will pay off. It is best to avoid lost years if you can avoid it with a few hours of research.

I'd like to observe the U8, U6, and U19 teams because I'm curious to see if the coaching staffs follow a curriculum and how they progress together.

Sorry, but this is a bit absurd.

1. VDA starts at u13. Their feeder clubs are PWSI and VSA. They each have rec programs, which is what U8 and U6 essentially are.
2. FCV has a practically non-existent rec program. You should have gathered that when it was stated earlier that they have almost no youth player pool.
3. What is taught at U6 is not even close to U19 and to want to see both as a basis of curriculum follow through is borderline ridiculous.

Sorry for being harsh but this needs to be nipped in the bud.

So you think it's absurd because you don't understand my methods? I'd like to know how old your child is. My child will soon be entering one of these programs, and we will choose a club based on the curriculum and recruiting commitments. I used to be a student athlete (in a different sport), but I know I won't waste my time looking for victories like many families do. That, once again, is not my ultimate goal. And what do you mean by "nip it in the bud"? Any parent who has a child who participates in sports must be concerned about all age groups and how the curriculum translates at each level. That is how you can determine whether a program is worthwhile.

You’re choosing a club based on recruiting commitments? You’re already lost.

Have to agree. Eyeing scholarships and college when your kid is 11. That’s a problem

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:tons of variables including commute distance, but here are a few thoughts

Loudoun - huge club so very political, underperforms at ECNL level which would make me evaluate coaching carefully. It really comes down to the coach
FCV - good track record at producing competitive teams and college placement, questionable culture, questionable ability to draw elite talent in future with GA only, practice locations uncertain
McLean - good track record at college placement, declining ability to attract and develop talent due to dilution, moderately competitive on average. A lock to stay in ECNL
VDA - up and comers of the bunch, middling placement history. remote location, polarizing ECNL coaching
BRYC - hit hard by coaching defections (and players), least competitive ECNL program currently, faithful following. Significant potential for a merger in the future

for us, it would boil down to who would the coach be, because that will determine a players progress more than the club. There are coaches we would avoid like the plague but you should develop your own opinions. Highly recommend going to see how they operate at practice and at games.

This is fantastic information! Thank you very much. This has piqued my interest (VDA - up-and-comers with a mediocre placement history). Please elaborate, polarizing ECNL coaching.

VDA has only recently started placing players in D1 colleges in high numbers, depending on the age groups you could get a very good coach or a bad coach.

What characterizes a lousy coach? What has changed in the program to make them the number one destination if they are now placing all of their players in D1 institutions and training is good?

Go to training and watch.

I feel I am capable of doing that; however, whose age groups should I target and where should I go for the schedule?

I
Game schedules are online for the most part. I would try to see a cross section of ages if I could so that I could see more than one coach. Getting training times is harder, but if you're after the clandestine approach, you could just go to the field on a weds or thurs at 7 pm and almost be guaranteed there will be an ecnl team training. You may have to do some sleuthing to figure out which age group and coach you're watching.

Alternatively, you can contact the coaches directly and ask to come see a session. Now is a great time to do this, outside of the tryout period. This may all sound like a PITA, but if you're serious about finding the best environment for your player, it will pay off. It is best to avoid lost years if you can avoid it with a few hours of research.

I'd like to observe the U8, U6, and U19 teams because I'm curious to see if the coaching staffs follow a curriculum and how they progress together.

Sorry, but this is a bit absurd.

1. VDA starts at u13. Their feeder clubs are PWSI and VSA. They each have rec programs, which is what U8 and U6 essentially are.
2. FCV has a practically non-existent rec program. You should have gathered that when it was stated earlier that they have almost no youth player pool.
3. What is taught at U6 is not even close to U19 and to want to see both as a basis of curriculum follow through is borderline ridiculous.

Sorry for being harsh but this needs to be nipped in the bud.

So you think it's absurd because you don't understand my methods? I'd like to know how old your child is. My child will soon be entering one of these programs, and we will choose a club based on the curriculum and recruiting commitments. I used to be a student athlete (in a different sport), but I know I won't waste my time looking for victories like many families do. That, once again, is not my ultimate goal. And what do you mean by "nip it in the bud"? Any parent who has a child who participates in sports must be concerned about all age groups and how the curriculum translates at each level. That is how you can determine whether a program is worthwhile.

You’re choosing a club based on recruiting commitments? You’re already lost.

Reading is essential for comprehension. As stated numerous times, this is not the only reason, but it demonstrates commitment to the players and developmental successes, which is what I want for my child. I can't decide whether you're dense or young. Regardless, I'm sorry for your child, and if you're a coach, I'm sorry for your players.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:tons of variables including commute distance, but here are a few thoughts

Loudoun - huge club so very political, underperforms at ECNL level which would make me evaluate coaching carefully. It really comes down to the coach
FCV - good track record at producing competitive teams and college placement, questionable culture, questionable ability to draw elite talent in future with GA only, practice locations uncertain
McLean - good track record at college placement, declining ability to attract and develop talent due to dilution, moderately competitive on average. A lock to stay in ECNL
VDA - up and comers of the bunch, middling placement history. remote location, polarizing ECNL coaching
BRYC - hit hard by coaching defections (and players), least competitive ECNL program currently, faithful following. Significant potential for a merger in the future

for us, it would boil down to who would the coach be, because that will determine a players progress more than the club. There are coaches we would avoid like the plague but you should develop your own opinions. Highly recommend going to see how they operate at practice and at games.

This is fantastic information! Thank you very much. This has piqued my interest (VDA - up-and-comers with a mediocre placement history). Please elaborate, polarizing ECNL coaching.

VDA has only recently started placing players in D1 colleges in high numbers, depending on the age groups you could get a very good coach or a bad coach.

What characterizes a lousy coach? What has changed in the program to make them the number one destination if they are now placing all of their players in D1 institutions and training is good?

Go to training and watch.

I feel I am capable of doing that; however, whose age groups should I target and where should I go for the schedule?

I
Game schedules are online for the most part. I would try to see a cross section of ages if I could so that I could see more than one coach. Getting training times is harder, but if you're after the clandestine approach, you could just go to the field on a weds or thurs at 7 pm and almost be guaranteed there will be an ecnl team training. You may have to do some sleuthing to figure out which age group and coach you're watching.

Alternatively, you can contact the coaches directly and ask to come see a session. Now is a great time to do this, outside of the tryout period. This may all sound like a PITA, but if you're serious about finding the best environment for your player, it will pay off. It is best to avoid lost years if you can avoid it with a few hours of research.

I'd like to observe the U8, U6, and U19 teams because I'm curious to see if the coaching staffs follow a curriculum and how they progress together.

Sorry, but this is a bit absurd.

1. VDA starts at u13. Their feeder clubs are PWSI and VSA. They each have rec programs, which is what U8 and U6 essentially are.
2. FCV has a practically non-existent rec program. You should have gathered that when it was stated earlier that they have almost no youth player pool.
3. What is taught at U6 is not even close to U19 and to want to see both as a basis of curriculum follow through is borderline ridiculous.

Sorry for being harsh but this needs to be nipped in the bud.

So you think it's absurd because you don't understand my methods? I'd like to know how old your child is. My child will soon be entering one of these programs, and we will choose a club based on the curriculum and recruiting commitments. I used to be a student athlete (in a different sport), but I know I won't waste my time looking for victories like many families do. That, once again, is not my ultimate goal. And what do you mean by "nip it in the bud"? Any parent who has a child who participates in sports must be concerned about all age groups and how the curriculum translates at each level. That is how you can determine whether a program is worthwhile.

You’re choosing a club based on recruiting commitments? You’re already lost.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:tons of variables including commute distance, but here are a few thoughts

Loudoun - huge club so very political, underperforms at ECNL level which would make me evaluate coaching carefully. It really comes down to the coach
FCV - good track record at producing competitive teams and college placement, questionable culture, questionable ability to draw elite talent in future with GA only, practice locations uncertain
McLean - good track record at college placement, declining ability to attract and develop talent due to dilution, moderately competitive on average. A lock to stay in ECNL
VDA - up and comers of the bunch, middling placement history. remote location, polarizing ECNL coaching
BRYC - hit hard by coaching defections (and players), least competitive ECNL program currently, faithful following. Significant potential for a merger in the future

for us, it would boil down to who would the coach be, because that will determine a players progress more than the club. There are coaches we would avoid like the plague but you should develop your own opinions. Highly recommend going to see how they operate at practice and at games.

This is fantastic information! Thank you very much. This has piqued my interest (VDA - up-and-comers with a mediocre placement history). Please elaborate, polarizing ECNL coaching.

VDA has only recently started placing players in D1 colleges in high numbers, depending on the age groups you could get a very good coach or a bad coach.

What characterizes a lousy coach? What has changed in the program to make them the number one destination if they are now placing all of their players in D1 institutions and training is good?

Go to training and watch.

I feel I am capable of doing that; however, whose age groups should I target and where should I go for the schedule?

Game schedules are online for the most part. I would try to see a cross section of ages if I could so that I could see more than one coach. Getting training times is harder, but if you're after the clandestine approach, you could just go to the field on a weds or thurs at 7 pm and almost be guaranteed there will be an ecnl team training. You may have to do some sleuthing to figure out which age group and coach you're watching.

Alternatively, you can contact the coaches directly and ask to come see a session. Now is a great time to do this, outside of the tryout period. This may all sound like a PITA, but if you're serious about finding the best environment for your player, it will pay off. It is best to avoid lost years if you can avoid it with a few hours of research.

I'd like to observe the U8, U6, and U19 teams because I'm curious to see if the coaching staffs follow a curriculum and how they progress together.

Sorry, but this is a bit absurd.

1. VDA starts at u13. Their feeder clubs are PWSI and VSA. They each have rec programs, which is what U8 and U6 essentially are.
2. FCV has a practically non-existent rec program. You should have gathered that when it was stated earlier that they have almost no youth player pool.
3. What is taught at U6 is not even close to U19 and to want to see both as a basis of curriculum follow through is borderline ridiculous.

Sorry for being harsh but this needs to be nipped in the bud.

So you think it's absurd because you don't understand my methods? I'd like to know how old your child is. My child will soon be entering one of these programs, and we will choose a club based on the curriculum and recruiting commitments. I used to be a student athlete (in a different sport), but I know I won't waste my time looking for victories like many families do. That, once again, is not my ultimate goal. And what do you mean by "nip it in the bud"? Any parent who has a child who participates in sports must be concerned about all age groups and how the curriculum translates at each level. That is how you can determine whether a program is worthwhile.

You’re choosing a club based on recruiting commitments? You’re already lost.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:tons of variables including commute distance, but here are a few thoughts

Loudoun - huge club so very political, underperforms at ECNL level which would make me evaluate coaching carefully. It really comes down to the coach
FCV - good track record at producing competitive teams and college placement, questionable culture, questionable ability to draw elite talent in future with GA only, practice locations uncertain
McLean - good track record at college placement, declining ability to attract and develop talent due to dilution, moderately competitive on average. A lock to stay in ECNL
VDA - up and comers of the bunch, middling placement history. remote location, polarizing ECNL coaching
BRYC - hit hard by coaching defections (and players), least competitive ECNL program currently, faithful following. Significant potential for a merger in the future

for us, it would boil down to who would the coach be, because that will determine a players progress more than the club. There are coaches we would avoid like the plague but you should develop your own opinions. Highly recommend going to see how they operate at practice and at games.

This is fantastic information! Thank you very much. This has piqued my interest (VDA - up-and-comers with a mediocre placement history). Please elaborate, polarizing ECNL coaching.

VDA has only recently started placing players in D1 colleges in high numbers, depending on the age groups you could get a very good coach or a bad coach.

What characterizes a lousy coach? What has changed in the program to make them the number one destination if they are now placing all of their players in D1 institutions and training is good?

Go to training and watch.

I feel I am capable of doing that; however, whose age groups should I target and where should I go for the schedule?

Game schedules are online for the most part. I would try to see a cross section of ages if I could so that I could see more than one coach. Getting training times is harder, but if you're after the clandestine approach, you could just go to the field on a weds or thurs at 7 pm and almost be guaranteed there will be an ecnl team training. You may have to do some sleuthing to figure out which age group and coach you're watching.

Alternatively, you can contact the coaches directly and ask to come see a session. Now is a great time to do this, outside of the tryout period. This may all sound like a PITA, but if you're serious about finding the best environment for your player, it will pay off. It is best to avoid lost years if you can avoid it with a few hours of research.

I'd like to observe the U8, U6, and U19 teams because I'm curious to see if the coaching staffs follow a curriculum and how they progress together.

Sorry, but this is a bit absurd.

1. VDA starts at u13. Their feeder clubs are PWSI and VSA. They each have rec programs, which is what U8 and U6 essentially are.
2. FCV has a practically non-existent rec program. You should have gathered that when it was stated earlier that they have almost no youth player pool.
3. What is taught at U6 is not even close to U19 and to want to see both as a basis of curriculum follow through is borderline ridiculous.

Sorry for being harsh but this needs to be nipped in the bud.

So you think it's absurd because you don't understand my methods? I'd like to know how old your child is. My child will soon be entering one of these programs, and we will choose a club based on the curriculum and recruiting commitments. I used to be a student athlete (in a different sport), but I know I won't waste my time looking for victories like many families do. That, once again, is not my ultimate goal. And what do you mean by "nip it in the bud"? Any parent who has a child who participates in sports must be concerned about all age groups and how the curriculum translates at each level. That is how you can determine whether a program is worthwhile.