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Post by hammertime on Oct 9, 2019 13:35:03 GMT -5
Lot of talk about Florida’s poor teams in ECNL. But if we’re fair, two of the four Atlanta teams in ECNL are pretty bad in most age groups. I’d argue even some of the “good” teams don’t actually play soccer very well, but that’s another thread. On the boys side 4 of the 7 FL clubs Tampa Bay, Miramar, Palm Beach and Armada are REALLY, REALLY bad. FKK and, in some age groups, Orlando City are mid table and FL Elite is pretty good but will look better on paper than they really are because they will get to play Tampa Bay, Miramar, Palm Beach and Armada twice. |
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Post by straightred on Oct 9, 2019 14:58:55 GMT -5
Probably more of a statement that its an obstacle to having a simplified system. The states would need to understand its an obstacle to the betterment of American soccer also. While true, what would be the motivation for the high school associations to change things specifically to assist one sport? I think it would be wonderful, however I highly doubt this will ever be the case. Great question, and I'm not sure what the answer is... but perhaps the opportunity for the most powerful 'soccer' schools to play more 'national' competitions could move the most influential hs ADs to push the agenda? It would be pretty cool to see MonteVerde (FL) take on J Serra(CA) or Novi (MI) or St Pius... but it can't happen since they play in different seasons. We've started to see a lot of headline football teams travel hundreds of miles to play other headline teams. The same has been going on a little longer in basketball, and there are now several amazing (interstate) high school tournaments that happen between Thanksgiving and New Years that bring strong programs together. ESPN and other operators have been promoting more and more of this kind of content. I do think state level traditions and field availability issues might make it impossible to see changes happen, but if high school soccer could coordinate its schedules across the country it would be a great thing. High school basketball and AAU, hs football and 7v7, hs baseball and club,... they all seem to stay clear of each other and that serves to benefit high schools, clubs, and (get this) aspiring ATHLETES. I think it also helps the country's ability to access, engage, and become fans of these 'youth' sports. |
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Oct 13, 2019 6:18:44 GMT -5
Until a league actually pays attention and cares about cost to play, we are doomed as a male soccer nation. As we all can see, we are being caught in the women's game also. Teams traveling 7+ hours to play a single game by trains, planes, or automobiles is ridiculous on so many levels. It's a horrible use of clubs and parents resources. I agree with everything you said, but for the last statement about "clubs" resources. I think it should read only "Parents Resources" since they foot the entirety of the bill  |
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