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Post by neymarscleats on Dec 13, 2016 15:03:18 GMT -5
Tis the Season. I heard from a friend of the famous 'unnamed source' that a GSA merger is happening next year with a 'Big Club'. Anybody know of this gossip? She would not give me any other information...some friend
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Post by Soccerhouse on Dec 13, 2016 15:16:33 GMT -5
Hum, interesting......
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Post by Kick Goals 10 on Dec 13, 2016 16:15:17 GMT -5
I heard Dacula...
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Post by spectator on Dec 13, 2016 16:26:57 GMT -5
Is Dacula considered a 'Big Club'? That merger would make sense geographically but if the rumor was "Big Club" - my mind first goes to someone like UFA (not likely); Concorde (not geographically desirable and an ECNL competitor) or AFU (geographically desirable but also an ECNL competitor). Maybe 'NASA-TH East' (KIDDING)! So my questions are: 1 - what's the criteria for being considered a 'Big Club' and 2 - what 'Big Clubs' are even left to merge with? But yeah - tis the season for wild rumors! Pop some popcorn and watch the drama play out.
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Post by guest on Dec 13, 2016 17:16:12 GMT -5
Is Dacula considered a 'Big Club'? That merger would make sense geographically but if the rumor was "Big Club" - my mind first goes to someone like UFA (not likely); Concorde (not geographically desirable and an ECNL competitor) or AFU (geographically desirable but also an ECNL competitor). Maybe 'NASA-TH East' (KIDDING)! So my questions are: 1 - what's the criteria for being considered a 'Big Club' and 2 - what 'Big Clubs' are even left to merge with? But yeah - tis the season for wild rumors! Pop some popcorn and watch the drama play out. Dacula = 2000+ kids playing out of RHP (plus some at RJP). Does that qualify for big? I don't know; don't have a frame of reference.
But I have heard this from too many people I respect for there to be nothing to it. Can see no benefit though. It's not to gain more field space. Both clubs are maxed out. It's not to offer GSA more options; they already have good programs. It's not to offer Dacula players more options. Those who want higher level play (read: ECNL) can and do leave for other clubs.
Things are going well for Dacula. Just this past season for the club: most teams in Select, most teams in R3PL (including a 1st place finish in 1st division), ODP placements, college signees, etc. So what's the benefit?
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Post by spectator on Dec 13, 2016 23:24:01 GMT -5
Dacula = 2000+ kids playing out of RHP (plus some at RJP). Does that qualify for big? I don't know; don't have a frame of reference.
But I have heard this from too many people I respect for there to be nothing to it. Can see no benefit though. It's not to gain more field space. Both clubs are maxed out. It's not to offer GSA more options; they already have good programs. It's not to offer Dacula players more options. Those who want higher level play (read: ECNL) can and do leave for other clubs.
Things are going well for Dacula. Just this past season for the club: most teams in Select, most teams in R3PL (including a 1st place finish in 1st division), ODP placements, college signees, etc. So what's the benefit?
I don't have that point of reference either which is why I asked what is considered 'big' these days. Agree with you though - Dacula seems to have things running fine - I think the only advantage a merger between the two would bring either club is depth. I know at my daughter's age group, Dacula is not even in the picture whereas GSA has the ECNL team and a couple of Athena options so that would bring a more robust option for players on that side of town. Then again - if it ain't broke . . . .
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Post by SoccerMom on Dec 14, 2016 8:06:31 GMT -5
The merger with GSA and Dacula I thought already happened??
I heard it from a source within GSA months ago but I thought I had already seen some news about it
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Post by neymarscleats on Dec 14, 2016 13:08:50 GMT -5
If I was to handicap it, the fit would look best for UFA and GSA to have a marriage. UFA gets and ECNL presence and GSA gets a DA presence. Too simplistic?
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Dec 14, 2016 14:56:54 GMT -5
Nope, not simplistic. I think that would be the smart play. That way they control most of Gwinnett, maybe parts of Dekalb and Forsyth. They can then compete with CF on an equal playing field having both ECNL & DA.
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Post by soccerfutbolfam on Dec 14, 2016 15:08:57 GMT -5
I've not heard it is a 'done deal' but close... However, it's more complicated than just merging two clubs and things remaining as they are. Talks are about how the clubs work between Academy/Select. Some families are ok with it. Others, with kids in both areas are not and will be looking for an exit plan because logistically it won't work... if the rumors are true.
BUT, only a few people really know. The DOC of one of the clubs is top knotch and very involved in Gwinnett County - leadership, etc. Definitely has best interest at heart for the kids, the county and soccer as a whole. (I don't know the other DOC so don't read into this...or think I'm saying anything negative)
We are members of one club. We won't be able to stay if it goes through as we have heard. Sad because we do like it, but you have to consider what your family is capable of doing.
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Post by Keeper on Dec 16, 2016 13:16:06 GMT -5
Never going to happen. Gwinnett County Parks and Rec own Rabbit Hill and Dacula Soccer and won't allow it unless the club is willing to give up the park and go private like GSA.
GSA has been looking for a merger partner for years but since they aren't willing to give up control it'll never happen. The only chance they have is to merge with someone that doesn't have Gwinnett county run and owned fields. But the only reason they're looking to merge is they need field space.
Maybe it's time to fire Nuno or Campbell and spend one of their $100K a year salaries on buying more land.
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Post by guest on Dec 17, 2016 10:13:57 GMT -5
But the only reason they're looking to merge is they need field space. What field space is GSA looking to get? Already packed at Rabbit Hill with 2500 kids playing there.
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Post by Keeper on Dec 17, 2016 11:36:27 GMT -5
But the only reason they're looking to merge is they need field space. What field space is GSA looking to get? Already packed at Rabbit Hill with 2500 kids playing there. One, 2500 is in inflated number. Two, that Complex can hold a lot more kids. Three, Rabbit Hill is on the short list next November for a Splost extension adding 4 more fields.
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Dec 19, 2016 4:24:31 GMT -5
Never going to happen. Gwinnett County Parks and Rec own Rabbit Hill and Dacula Soccer and won't allow it unless the club is willing to give up the park and go private like GSA. GSA has been looking for a merger partner for years but since they aren't willing to give up control it'll never happen. The only chance they have is to merge with someone that doesn't have Gwinnett county run and owned fields. But the only reason they're looking to merge is they need field space. Maybe it's time to fire Nuno or Campbell and spend one of their $100K a year salaries on buying more land. Nuno and Campbell make way more than $100k
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Post by guest on Dec 19, 2016 10:12:33 GMT -5
What field space is GSA looking to get? Already packed at Rabbit Hill with 2500 kids playing there. One, 2500 is in inflated number. Two, that Complex can hold a lot more kids. Three, Rabbit Hill is on the short list next November for a Splost extension adding 4 more fields. 1) OK, maybe 2100 kids then. 1500 Rec, 250 Academy and 420 Select. Still a lot of kids at one park. 2) 'Some more' - maybe. 'A lot more' - debatable. Certainly not during Fall Rec season. 3 full size fields, each split into fourths for practice. 5 fields split up into 20 small sided fields and then each of those split into halves for practice. 3) That would be great, but it's news to me. It's not in the park master plan (www.gwinnettcounty.com/static/departments/parks_rec/pdf/Rabbit%20Hill%20Park.pdf). I think the soccer field expansion is going in at Rock Springs Park (www.gwinnettcounty.com/static/departments/parks_rec/pdf/Rock_Springs_Park_Master_Plan_Graphic.pdf). Slated for use by the Collins Hill Athletic Assn, who as of now does not have a soccer organization.
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Post by SoccerMom on Feb 27, 2017 9:51:54 GMT -5
I am hearing that a merge did/will happen and that Dacula will be called GSA North?
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Post by Soccerhouse on Feb 27, 2017 10:03:28 GMT -5
Maybe it brings peace to the mega club galaxy.
Its interesting now in Atlanta, From east to west you have the following outside the perimeter.
GSA/Dacula UFA NASA/tophat SSA
Then the venn diagram has overlapping circles with Concorde and the entire diagram is in a box that is Atlanta United (and thats a big box, that covers everything)
Its interesting because geographically the clubs all have their areas, obviously kids cross boarders, but you can see the national progression of the need for their clubs/areas.
Concorde north really throws in the interesting wrinkle since they also take kids from a huge catchment area.
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Post by Kick Goals 10 on Feb 27, 2017 10:04:10 GMT -5
Correct, It will be announced Wednesday. Dacula will be North, Lilburn will be South. The club will be called "Gwinnett Soccer Academy"
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Post by Soccerhouse on Feb 27, 2017 10:14:07 GMT -5
I'm still surprised InterAtlanta hasn't merged with a super club yet.
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Post by soccerfan30 on Feb 27, 2017 20:18:29 GMT -5
I'm still surprised InterAtlanta hasn't merged with a super club yet. Will never happen, the parents on the board at IAFC don't want to lose their power. DDY and IA were in talks to merge years ago but some of the parents on the IA board didn't want it to happen.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Feb 28, 2017 8:22:34 GMT -5
I give that Interboard props then! Offering a service to the community without playing the mega game. Something to be said about the smaller-family style club that operates out of just one or 2 parks.
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Post by soccernotfootball on Feb 28, 2017 9:00:38 GMT -5
I give that Interboard props then! Offering a service to the community without playing the mega game. Something to be said about the smaller-family style club that operates out of just one or 2 parks. Inter seem to have a really clear-cut idea on who they are and what they want to do going forward. They'll only keep growing.
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Post by soccerfan30 on Feb 28, 2017 14:24:49 GMT -5
I give that Interboard props then! Offering a service to the community without playing the mega game. Something to be said about the smaller-family style club that operates out of just one or 2 parks. I think at some point it would be best for DDY and IAFC to merger. They are both in close proximity to each other. It would allow them to have more competitive teams and keep their better players from leaving to go to Concorde, GSA, etc. It wouldn't be a mega club but both of the clubs struggle with their high school aged teams as their better players may leave for a more intensive soccer experience. I think you could stay as a local club and be able to provide a total experience to all groups and levels, I don't think that's a bad thing.
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Post by Kick Goals 10 on Mar 1, 2017 9:04:30 GMT -5
The two leading youth soccer organizations in Gwinnett County are uniting under a shared vision!
Gwinnett Co, GA, March 1st - We are pleased to announce that the two leading youth soccer organizations in Gwinnett County will become one club starting with the Fall 2017 season. Gwinnett Soccer Association (GSA) and Dacula Soccer Club (DSC) share the vision to serve the soccer families of Northeast Metro Atlanta and the Gwinnett County communities to the highest possible standard. By bringing together these two top programs, thousands of players, elite staff, top notch facilities, and an unmatched customer service experience, Gwinnett County and the surrounding communities will have a home for all their soccer experiences. Our club will allow all youth to have expanded opportunities to play the sport at the level that meets their specific individual needs.
The strategic merger of these two clubs will be an unprecedented move to unite Gwinnett County under one banner. For the convenience of both club’s current families and the community at large, we have put together a FAQ guide (available on both websites), which will answer many of our soccer community’s questions. We hope you join in our excitement in leading Gwinnett to a new age of youth soccer!
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Post by TheMadOx on Mar 1, 2017 9:28:51 GMT -5
Of the mergers that have occurred over the years...this one makes sense...It's time to make Gwinnett County the soccer destination of GA!
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Post by Kick Goals 10 on Mar 1, 2017 9:56:23 GMT -5
FAQ's CLICK HERE FOR A .PDF VERSION OF THESE FAQs Why are we merging? This is a long-winded answer, but here goes: We feel there needs to be a greater collaborative presence in the heart of Gwinnett County; soccer and business professionals should be working TOGETHER instead of against one another to offer the best experiences for our youth! It’s very easy to want to offer elite programming; it is, however, very difficult to actually offer it and even more difficult to sustain it. By working together, we can field teams annually that compete for national titles. Gwinnett County is the best county in the southeast; it’s youth soccer programs should reflect that excellence Some players, in the past, have had to leave Gwinnett County to find appropriate programming; this is poor for quality of life in general in Gwinnett – we ALL have to evolve together. Improves experience for mid-low level programs with healthier roster sizes and better balance of abilities due to increased player pool. We also gain more flexibility of “club-passing” players by registering under one club. Ever had a goalkeeper break his/her arm the first week of practice? That’s a difficult situation for any club; with a larger pool of players we have more opportunities to assist in circumstances such as this (that’s just one example). Evolution of the soccer climate: What’s next?! Strength in numbers to overcome unforeseen future obstacles, and still retain a culture of excellence within youth soccer. Any business or industry that does not look to evolve with the climate and culture will eventually become obsolete. This strategic merger will guarantee a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for generations to come. Think about the evolution of many of the businesses outside the “soccer world”. How many of those have resisted change and still exist today? “It's all about the group: Cooperation and mutual aid work better than competition and rugged individualism” Why GSA? Why Dacula? Why not another/other clubs? Geographically the two organizations make the most sense in terms of being able to share resources: field space, players, coaches, administrators, leadership, etc. We are only about 25 minutes away from each other (park to park). With a couple fields “in the middle” at Rhodes Jordan Park in Lawrenceville this makes it even more realistic. Both clubs are progressive thinking clubs that share a similar mission and values, and both clubs complement each other in a variety of ways.
Why now? This seems to be a quick decision? Actually, this is has been an ongoing discussion for several years now. Much like any other relationship, a certain amount of time must elapse, experiences must be shared, and trust must be built before you take “that next step” (similar to a marriage or any other meaningful relationship). We recognize the magnitude of this decision, and felt it our responsibility, as leaders of the clubs, to take our time throughout this process. Literally, hundreds of hours have been invested in this process. How will the recreation programs be impacted? Families can choose which location they prefer to play at: South (Lilburn) or North (Dacula). We hope to add a Lawrenceville option soon. Registration, team formation, etc. will be similar to what you’ve always experienced at each park. As time marches on, we will blend best practices from both parks to improve our already outstanding recreation programs. Will fees be increased? Although fees are always subject to change each season, fee structures will remain relatively consistent at each location. Fees for all programs will be announced prior to registration opening as usual. What will we be called? Keeping with the identity of “who we are”, we felt it was important to focus our club’s name around our “Gwinnettian” identity. Gwinnett Soccer Academy will be the name of our NEW GSA. Specific team names/hierarchies will be announced closer to tryouts (for Academy/Select programs). For park based programs such as recreation programs, academy programs, and most Select teams, we will use GSA South and GSA North to distinguish between the two main locations, Lilburn and Dacula. What about uniforms? All players regardless of current affiliation will need to purchase a new uniform. The new uniform will be good through Spring of 2019. We realize some players recently purchased new uniforms, but there is no way to avoid this part of the transition. Both organizations will be offering fundraising opportunities to help alleviate those costs. Soccer is one of the most affordable team sports in the world, and we strive to keep it that way! Does this mean our existing Select team is getting split up? We will not dictate to any teams or coaches in the Select program that they HAVE to split up. There will be opportunities for many players in the Select program to be placed on a team that might make more sense for their development and goals in soccer, but those decisions will be left to individual players/families. If you are happy playing where you are, then you are welcome to continue. It’s important to note that there is always some movement each year at tryouts. We anticipate that most teams will see little change initially. What about the Academy programs? How will we handle tryouts and team placements? Both locations will offer stand-alone Academy programs that will be park based much as they are now. We will be able to allow more players to guest play with other teams, but players will try out at the park they wish to play at for the year. Both clubs use an age group “pool” methodology, so the fluidity of rosters will be similar to what you’ve experienced in the past. Will there be opportunities to get to know some of the staff and players that may be blended before we head into tryouts? Absolutely! We are going to hold a series of Combine Camps on the dates (tentative) below. This series of combine camps will be free to existing DSC/GSA Academy and Select players in the noted age groups, and will be open to teams we believe could be more impacted by the change. Please look for more information coming soon to your inbox and social media feeds! Please remember that the purpose of these camps is to gain further insight into which teams may be blended/impacted. This is not an elite training program, rather it is a fact finding mission to produce answers to certain questions BEFORE tryouts. Girls Combines Camp (2005s thru 1999s): April 24: 05s April 25: 04s April 26: 03s May *7: 02s, 01s, and 00s May *14: 02s, 01s, and 00s Boys Combine Camp (2005s thru 1999s): March 19: 05s, 04, 03s, and 02s April *30: 05s, 04s, 03s, and 02s May *14: 02s, 01s, and 00s *Denotes dates that the camps are open to players not currently a member of DSC or GSA. Must pay a fee. You mention that the lower level teams will likely not feel much of an impact initially, should my son or daughter still attend the Combine Camp? The combine camp will primarily be by invitation only because we don’t anticipate there being much movement (beyond what is normal) below the 1st team level at each club. The coaches at each location would be the best point of contact to see if this is something you should plan on attending. How can we learn more about ECNL? We will be holding combines and informational presentations regarding the Elite Clubs National League throughout the Spring season. Check our social media feeds and website for more information. Information regarding the ECNL will also be relayed directly to the players and teams it will impact. You can also check the ECNL Website (CLICK HERE) to learn more. Will there be directors at each park? Yes, most of the faces you are used to seeing at your specific park will be the same points of contact after the merger. Over time directors and staff will transcend all locations, but for the time being, you’ll still hear from the usual suspects. Who will my Academy/Select coach be next year? Staff assignments will be announced prior to tryouts as always. The directors are working diligently to ensure as much consistency in staff as possible. Legally, how will the club be structured? The NEW GSA will still be a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization with a board of directors and an executive team to oversee all day to day operations of the soccer club that will be a blend from both current organizations. We will still rely heavily on volunteers both in leadership positions and in all programs. We will form advisory boards/panels for interested parties who wish to invest more time, energy, and skills into the club. More information on this will be provided at a later date. What brand of uniforms will we have? Although both clubs have had a past relationship with adidas, we have decided to move forward with the Puma brand. We are excited about this extension of our programming. As a Puma Elite club we receive certain benefits that only a few clubs in the world have. From unparalleled uniform support to player exposure and coaching education/club development opportunities with academies overseas (at no cost to the players or the club), we are blessed to benefit from Puma’s commitment to grass roots soccer! More information on uniforms will be provided closer to Fall registration and tryout dates. Will the websites be different? The website will be re-branded and tweaked to reflect our new club. More information on setting up a new account will be sent once everything is fully operational. How can I help? Just keep doing what you’re doing! Enjoy your family’s soccer experience, and join us in a new chapter of soccer in Gwinnett! We are aggressively seeking community partners and sponsors for a variety of projects, so if you are connected with anyone that may want to be a part of the beautiful game at the grass roots level, we’d love to hear from them. For more info contact Drew Prentice at drew@dscrevolution.com for more details! Have other questions? Did we miss something important? Fill out this brief online form, and we’ll get back to you! Remember, we are working very hard to make sure there is no breakdown in your current service while we transition into Fall of 2017! We are very busy, so expect a slight delay from what you are used to as we work through responding to your questions.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Mar 1, 2017 10:08:25 GMT -5
Anyone have a sense at the size of their player pools at each club (recent estimates?) and Does D'r'acula use Rhodes Jordan Park right now? I saw it on UFA Lawrenceville's website also. Merger makes perfect sense to me
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Post by TheMadOx on Mar 1, 2017 10:52:48 GMT -5
Dacula has used Rhodes Jordan as far as I know....
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Post by guest on Mar 1, 2017 13:05:37 GMT -5
Just. Wow.
Can't believe it's finally here. Time to turn in the Dacula Green for Gwinnett Red.
Will it be a positive move? Only time will tell. But on the face of it, it looks like more of a merge than a not-so-friendly acquisition. I think if one looks past the intra-county rivalry, you can see some positive things. Teams can now have a more compact range of player abilities. You will have less issues like a standout playing on an Athena B team. Or a really good starting XI, but it drops off substantially after that. The injured goalkeeper was a good example. I've seen that happen before.
I checked each website to see if the release was the same. The PR was essentially the same, just different paragraph order. But I did notice that the FAQ on both websites listed this:
For more info contact Drew Prentice at drew@dscrevolution.com for more details!
So if you are a GSA member and you have more questions, you are directed to contact the Dacula DOC. OK, good to know.
Anyway, good luck to both clubs!
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Post by rifle on Mar 1, 2017 18:27:41 GMT -5
Wonder if they'll have redundant "management". Seems that mergers never seem to make a club leaner and improve value (IE cost)
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