Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Baltimore Celtic is one of the best clubs in the entire country

I wasn't impressed with Baltimore Celtic South 06s. Is that the same club?
Their method was long ball and run. Weak sauce.

It is, but it would be one of their lower teams. Hard to discern a playing style at that level.

16-18 is when everything starts coming together as far as a player's development. You need the physical aspect, as a top player should be fit to perform at their best level for the duration of the game. You need the psychological aspect, as a top player should be mentally tough to withstand the rigors of top level games, as well as to have the determination to put in the work. You need the technical aspect, which should have been developed for the most part before U12-13. Usually a player either has a good touch or they don't and it's hard to teach when not in the formative years. And finally there's the tactical aspect, which should have been introduced and worked into a cohesive system at around U13-14. Frankly, looking at those 06s will tell you very little about how well-rounded those players will be when they are 16. A lot can change between now and then. The best thing you can do for your 06 player right now is to have them get as many touches on the ball as possible, start working and emphasizing the concepts of possession soccer into your sessions, and observe them carefully as they develop so you can pinpoint 1 or 2 positions/roles which best fit that player's skillset.

Anonymous wrote:Look into them, but I know in the older age groups they field some quality teams, play proactive soccer and they tend to be ranked very high at the national level. I think they were originally part of the Bays, but they split off when the DA prohibited their players from doing HS soccer.

Yes, lots of drama on this. The leadership behind the split with the Bays built up Celtic, and then ditched Celtic to help run the Baltimore Armour DA, bringing lots of their players to Armour. It wasn't clear to me that Celtic could survive, but they've done well with the private school player demographic. They also seem to care more about the girls' side of the program than the Bays ever did, though I believe Pipeline is good on that front as well.

Anonymous wrote:Anyone have recommendations on winter training? Our club has once a week practice and we are looking for something else. I see Arlington has outdoor winter sessions that anyone can sign up for. Also got something from Spirit. Do other clubs allow players to do winter training like Arlington. I thought it could be a good way to get exposed to different training or coaches. I’m looking for Male and females at u12/u13 age group.

McLean has ballmasters which is open to any travel player. The nice thing is that they are held indoors so you are guaranteed not to have weather cancellations like Arlington's outdoor ones. Cost is comparable for what you get, and training is pretty standard that you would expect. Standard issue stuff.

Anonymous wrote:Baltimore Celtic is one of the best clubs in the entire country

I wasn't impressed with Baltimore Celtic South 06s. Is that the same club?
Their method was long ball and run. Weak sauce.

Look them up on YouTube, they've got some games up.

Look into them, but I know in the older age groups they field some quality teams, play proactive soccer and they tend to be ranked very high at the national level. I think they were originally part of the Bays, but they split off when the DA prohibited their players from doing HS soccer.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone have recommendations on winter training? Our club has once a week practice and we are looking for something else. I see Arlington has outdoor winter sessions that anyone can sign up for. Also got something from Spirit. Do other clubs allow players to do winter training like Arlington. I thought it could be a good way to get exposed to different training or coaches. I’m looking for Male and females at u12/u13 age group.

Our Club has winter training for the teams. Not additional fee. Not Arlington.

If you can make it, Manassas Soccer Club

Anonymous wrote:Anyone have recommendations on winter training? Our club has once a week practice and we are looking for something else. I see Arlington has outdoor winter sessions that anyone can sign up for. Also got something from Spirit. Do other clubs allow players to do winter training like Arlington. I thought it could be a good way to get exposed to different training or coaches. I’m looking for Male and females at u12/u13 age group.

Our Club has winter training for the teams. Not additional fee. Not Arlington.

Anyone have recommendations on winter training? Our club has once a week practice and we are looking for something else. I see Arlington has outdoor winter sessions that anyone can sign up for. Also got something from Spirit. Do other clubs allow players to do winter training like Arlington. I thought it could be a good way to get exposed to different training or coaches. I’m looking for Male and females at u12/u13 age group.

Anonymous wrote:Baltimore Celtic is one of the best clubs in the entire country

What makes them one of the best clubs in the country in your opinion?

Baltimore Celtic is one of the best clubs in the entire country

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Anyone playing in the Bethesda Premier Cup this weekend? Any insight or good teams / competition to watch?

http://events.gotsport.com/events/Default.aspx?eventid=61132

I was a field marshal last year at the tournament and saw two really good games in the older age groups. The winners of those games are playing each other in the U18 group this year: Baltimore Celtic 00 and SOCA 00. Should be a good game. The McLean green team in that age group is always a contender as well.

I've seen this club at younger ages but really, really like what I see. The training and development appears to be top notch. I looked up the club recently to see if there was a way to make the logistics work.

Coach has not changed anything with his approach/tactics

Unfortunately, you are stuck with the coach for the remainder of the year. Coaches are at times full of themselves in this area. My daughter once had a coach who had a side gig, and would of course favor certain players instead of others..why, because parents where lining his pocket with extra change by offering side 'elite' training to them. I must admit this coach could probably sell you sand at the beach.

Anonymous wrote:Anyone playing in the Bethesda Premier Cup this weekend? Any insight or good teams / competition to watch?

http://events.gotsport.com/events/Default.aspx?eventid=61132

I was a field marshal last year at the tournament and saw two really good games in the older age groups. The winners of those games are playing each other in the U18 group this year: Baltimore Celtic 00 and SOCA 00. Should be a good game. The McLean green team in that age group is always a contender as well.