McLean families have a strong pathway through McLean Youth Soccer for rec and travel, with nearby elite options across NOVA. Most sessions use Lewinsville Park, Spring Hill Rec Center, and Langley Fork Park.
Large community rec program with balanced teams, age‑group divisions, and trained volunteers.
Ages: U5–U19
Seasons: Fall & Spring
Beginner‑friendly weekly game model at local fields and schools.
Ages: 3-14
Seasons: Seasonal
Travel and academy pathway with college‑prep focus and regional showcases.
Ages: U7–U19
Leagues: ECNL / ECNL RL (by team), USYS/US Club (by team)
Fields: Lewinsville Park, Spring Hill Rec Center, Langley Fork Park, Regional sites
Large NOVA club with travel and rec programs; short drive from McLean.
Ages: U5–U19
Leagues: USYS/US Club (by team)
Fields: Nottoway Park, Regional sites
Travel and academy options serving Great Falls/Reston; accessible to McLean families.
Ages: U7–U19
Leagues: ECNL / ECNL RL (by team), USYS/US Club (by team)
Fields: Regional sites
| Name | Address | Amenities | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lewinsville Park | 1659 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101 | multi‑use fields, lights, parking, restrooms | Central McLean venue for practices and weekend matches. |
| Spring Hill Recreation Center Fields | 1239 Spring Hill Rd, McLean, VA 22102 | turf/grass fields, lights, parking, restrooms | Heavily used for weeknight practices and rec games. |
| Langley Fork Park | 6250 Georgetown Pike, McLean, VA 22101 | multi‑purpose fields, parking, restrooms | Community fields used for training and small‑sided play. |
| Linway Terrace Park | 6246 Linway Ter, McLean, VA 22101 | open field, parking | Neighborhood space suitable for small‑group sessions. |
| 4-6 | Introductory programs and AYSO. Keep it playful and short; celebrate effort. |
|---|---|
| 6-8 | Focus on foundational skills and enjoying the game. Build confidence through fun drills. |
| 8-10 | Transitioning to more structured play. Build turns and first-touch patterns. AYSO or introduction to club. |
| 10-12 | Add speed bursts and combo moves. Start to specialize in positions. Club tryouts and travel become more common. |
| 13-18 | Advanced tactical understanding and physical training. High school soccer and college recruiting become key considerations. Competitive club is the main option. |
| Rec | Typically $150-$300 per season, including uniform and team picture. Financial aid is often available. |
|---|---|
| Club | Ranges from $1,400 to over $4,500 per year, not including travel, tournament, and uniform costs. Many clubs offer payment plans and some financial assistance. |
| Program | Details |
|---|---|
| All Kids Play | Provides grants to help families with the cost of youth sports registration fees. |
| Every Kid Sports | National fee‑assistance program for rec sports. |
| Provider | Details |
|---|---|
| MYS Camps & Clinics | Seasonal skill clinics and summer programs in McLean. |
| D.C. United Youth Programs (NOVA) | Pro‑run clinics and ID sessions at Northern Virginia sites. |
| Challenger Sports Camps — Northern Virginia | International‑coach summer camps at area parks. |
| McLean Premier Cup | Well‑known showcase event hosted by MYS across NOVA fields. |
|---|
| Flat shoes on dry surfaces |
| Clear 6–8 feet of space |
| Hydrate before and after |
| Shin guards under long socks |
| Warm up and cool down |
A simple weekly rhythm you can actually stick to
touches — toe-taps, foundation taps
agility — ladder steps (imaginary), side shuffles
first touch — sole stop, inside-out touches
turns — drag back, cruyff turn
combos — 3-move combo, speed dribble
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Toe Taps
Tap top of ball with alternating feet • Keep knees soft and chest up
Foundation Taps
Tap ball between feet with inside surfaces • Keep the ball under you
Drag Back
Pull ball under foot • Turn hips and push out with other foot
How many minutes should kids practice at home? 10 minutes, 3–5 days a week builds confidence without burnout. |
Do we need cones? No—use shoes or tape as markers; drills fit small spaces. |
Rec vs club soccer? Rec emphasizes fun and balanced teams; club adds higher commitment, travel, and licensed coaching. |
How do we choose the right club? Compare coaching credentials, cost, travel, practice locations, and team culture; attend tryouts and talk with parents. |
What equipment is required? Ball sized by age, shin guards with long socks, proper‑fit cleats, and a water bottle; most leagues provide uniforms. |
How are age groups determined? By birth year using national standards; most leagues use the player’s age on Dec 31 of the season year. |
Build confidence in 10 minutes a day with KiddiFitTM. No equipment needed.
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