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Post by soccermaxx72 on Mar 3, 2020 15:08:13 GMT -5
Interesting DPL website announces on site today 4 teams joining DPL for the 2020/21 season:
CSA (Charlotte) and 3 more Florida clubs: IMG, West Florida Flames and Pinecrest.
Tophat DPL parents better add more $$ to their travel budget. Also interesting to not see UFA on today’s announcement, why the delay in their addition?
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Post by atlfutboldad on Mar 3, 2020 15:49:28 GMT -5
Interesting, Mount Pleasant is now going to be South Carolina Surf...but do they have anywhere to practice? 8 teams currently in the SE, and 6 of them in South Florida, so 3 trips. Have fun!
Are West Florida Flames moving their first team from DA to DPL? Cause I cannot imagine how bad their 2nd teams would be if the first teams are 1-44-1...
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Post by oraclesfriend on Mar 3, 2020 16:29:09 GMT -5
Interesting DPL website announces on site today 4 teams joining DPL for the 2020/21 season: CSA (Charlotte) and 3 more Florida clubs: IMG, West Florida Flames and Pinecrest. Tophat DPL parents better add more $$ to their travel budget. Also interesting to not see UFA on today’s announcement, why the delay in their addition? The only confirmation of UFA DPL that I have heard was FG. There are rumors and I have even asked coaches that I have known for years. No one is confirming...just that it has been discussed. |
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Post by oraclesfriend on Mar 3, 2020 16:30:28 GMT -5
Interesting, Mount Pleasant is now going to be South Carolina Surf...but do they have anywhere to practice? 8 teams currently in the SE, and 6 of them in South Florida, so 3 trips. Have fun!
Are West Florida Flames moving their first team from DA to DPL? Cause I cannot imagine how bad their 2nd teams would be if the first teams are 1-44-1...
According to West Florida Flames website their girls teams will be DPL and boys keep DA. |
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Post by 04gparent on Mar 3, 2020 17:01:56 GMT -5
Interesting, Mount Pleasant is now going to be South Carolina Surf...but do they have anywhere to practice? 8 teams currently in the SE, and 6 of them in South Florida, so 3 trips. Have fun!
Are West Florida Flames moving their first team from DA to DPL? Cause I cannot imagine how bad their 2nd teams would be if the first teams are 1-44-1...
According to West Florida Flames website their girls teams will be DPL and boys keep DA. I find it interesting how much WE think the travel will be for a league BEFORE a schedule is released. I know no one is fond of all the new leagues, but to say a league is good or bad or how much travel there will be before all the team list are even finalized is premature... Who knows they may even more teams and divide into divisions. Anyway... One thing I agree with is this. None of the leagues or clubs truly care about the player or the amount of money the parents have to spend... None of them. Not DA, not ECNL, not MPL (my premiere league)... |
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Post by atlfutboldad on Mar 3, 2020 17:13:53 GMT -5
What about MEL (my elite league), which is better than MPL.
CSA website spells it out ($5K for their players...which isn't bad), plus if the parents want to travel to watch the games. Doesn't include Charleston and Atlanta trip prices though.
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Post by footyfan on Mar 3, 2020 18:21:27 GMT -5
Interesting, Mount Pleasant is now going to be South Carolina Surf...but do they have anywhere to practice?
What does that mean? |
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Post by Soccerhouse on Mar 3, 2020 18:24:47 GMT -5
EXCITING NEWS!! USA Mount Pleasant, NASA and Southside Soccer Club (formerly Coastal Academy) are joining together under the Surf brand to build a regional powerhouse that will create improved experiences and opportunities for all kids in the area. … We are thrilled to welcome three prominent Lowcountry based clubs, USA Mount Pleasant, NASA and Southside Soccer Club (formerly Coastal Academy) as they join together under the Surf brand to build a regional powerhouse that will create improved experiences and opportunities for all kids in the area! ... South Carolina Surf Soccer is devoted to solidifying the best in player development and creating a strong player pathway in the Lowcountry and joining Surf provides them a clear opportunity to fulfill that mission. ... Read more: www.southcarolinasurfsoccer.com/press-release |
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Post by footyfan on Mar 3, 2020 18:48:48 GMT -5
EXCITING NEWS!! USA Mount Pleasant, NASA and Southside Soccer Club (formerly Coastal Academy) are joining together under the Surf brand to build a regional powerhouse that will create improved experiences and opportunities for all kids in the area. … We are thrilled to welcome three prominent Lowcountry based clubs, USA Mount Pleasant, NASA and Southside Soccer Club (formerly Coastal Academy) as they join together under the Surf brand to build a regional powerhouse that will create improved experiences and opportunities for all kids in the area! ... South Carolina Surf Soccer is devoted to solidifying the best in player development and creating a strong player pathway in the Lowcountry and joining Surf provides them a clear opportunity to fulfill that mission. ... Read more: www.southcarolinasurfsoccer.com/press-releaseI meant the part about having a place to practice. |
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Post by oraclesfriend on Mar 3, 2020 20:23:25 GMT -5
According to West Florida Flames website their girls teams will be DPL and boys keep DA. I find it interesting how much WE think the travel will be for a league BEFORE a schedule is released. I know no one is fond of all the new leagues, but to say a league is good or bad or how much travel there will be before all the team list are even finalized is premature... Who knows they may even more teams and divide into divisions. Anyway... One thing I agree with is this. None of the leagues or clubs truly care about the player or the amount of money the parents have to spend... None of them. Not DA, not ECNL, not MPL (my premiere league)... I agree with you that the speculation is just that...speculation. I think a lot of us just want to hear the whole story instead of 4 teams here and two teams there or whatever they decide to disclose. I also agree that all decisions made by the club for which league they want to be in are about their money not ours. They are trying to do what they think will bring in the most people. |
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Post by sendit101 on Mar 3, 2020 22:07:16 GMT -5
Southeast DPL division:
UFA( I heard they paid their fee to join the league)
Tophat
South Carolina Surf ( Mt Pleasant)
CSA
West Florida Flames
IMG
Pinecrest SC
Weston FC
Palm Beach ( In consideration for next year. They are not yet confirmed for next year)
Florida Rush ( In consideration for next year)
ECNL southeast Division:
Concorde Fire Platinum
Concorde Fire Premiere
GSA
AFU
Orlando City
Florida Elite
Florida Krush
Jacksonville Armada
Tampa Bay United
Alabama FC
Sunrise Prime FC
Travel costs look the same in my opinion even with the showcases.
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Post by soccermaxx72 on Mar 4, 2020 8:48:42 GMT -5
Southeast DPL division: UFA( I heard they paid their fee to join the league) Tophat South Carolina Surf ( Mt Pleasant) CSA West Florida Flames IMG Pinecrest SC Weston FC Palm Beach ( In consideration for next year. They are not yet confirmed for next year) Florida Rush ( In consideration for next year) ECNL southeast Division: Concorde Fire Platinum Concorde Fire Premiere GSA AFU Orlando City Florida Elite Florida Krush Jacksonville Armada Tampa Bay United Alabama FC Sunrise Prime FC Travel costs look the same in my opinion even with the showcases. Travel costs may be the same but if you are making that level of investment of time and money than ECNL is the much better investment if you are trying to play college. DPL will be fine in 5 years but if you are a high school player you are taking a risk. |
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Post by atlfutboldad on Mar 4, 2020 10:47:08 GMT -5
Also, Jacksonville is not Miami, it is drive-able. Not all Florida travel is equal.
edit: Also...whats with these leagues and away morning games? The Saturday games should be late afternoon (3 PM) allowing for morning flights. Yes a good night's sleep is good, but some people don't sleep well in hotels anyways. And Sunday games need to be morning, allowing for flights out at a decent time also.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Mar 4, 2020 11:15:12 GMT -5
I said this before and will say again, if kids on these dpl teams aren't getting game minutes with DA teams as transitional players or moving to DA teams the following season -- this league ain't what it is advertised to be.
To me given the title of the league that is the entire intent.
New leagues upon leagues isn't the answer to our problems - we are just feeding the beast and parents will just line up to pay the fees. Problem is a kid would have to turn down a spot on higher team to play on a lower team, many don't do that.
I also find it interesting that UFA as a club is saying we don't think SCCL or NPL or what ever the current 2nd leagues are is adequate for our girls 2nd teams......But it's perfectly fine for the boys........
Girls DA only has one combined age group left, so it's not like before, where every age group was combined, and half the kids were being dropped etc.
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Post by oraclesfriend on Mar 4, 2020 12:12:31 GMT -5
I said this before and will say again, if kids on these dpl teams aren't getting game minutes with DA teams as transitional players or moving to DA teams the following season -- this league ain't what it is advertised to be. To me given the title of the league that is the entire intent. New leagues upon leagues isn't the answer to our problems - we are just feeding the beast and parents will just line up to pay the fees. Problem is a kid would have to turn down a spot on higher team to play on a lower team, many don't do that. I also find it interesting that UFA as a club is saying we don't think SCCL or NPL or what ever the current 2nd leagues are is adequate for our girls 2nd teams......But it's perfectly fine for the boys........ Girls DA only has one combined age group left, so it's not like before, where every age group was combined, and half the kids were being dropped etc. Your point about UFA and 2nd teams for girls needs to be put in some context. First, Tophat did not think SCCL was good enough for 2nd teams either and like it or not there is competition between clubs for 2nd team players. Second, NPL is shrinking on the girls side because of DPL (lost USA Mt Pleasant last year) and ECRL (losing both Charlotte Indepence teams this year) and lost CSA last year which was also 2 teams. So that is 5 teams lost in 2 years. Who knows who they will add but last year they lost 3 and added 1. Chattanooga Red Wolves was the addition and they were not as good as CSA south and USA Mt Pleasant. I am sure they will be hard pressed to replace the two Charlotte Independence teams. The boys side is larger. Third, the boys side is not affected by ECRL and DPL which are designed for 2nd teams of ECNL and DA clubs because they don't exist (yet). Fourth, NPL had a reputation on the boys side that was stronger than the reputation on the girls side. There is even a finals tournament that has ECNL teams and NPL teams (gasp) compete against each other put on by US Club. NPL is different for boys and girls. I also believe that UFA really wants to use SCCL to stabilize and improve Norcross on the girls side, but also needs Fowler to be deep at the older ages. My 2 cents. Your point about DPL getting these girls minutes on DA is a valid one. I agree. Or at least training with DA with a chance to earn minutes. |
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Post by Soccerhouse on Mar 4, 2020 13:22:02 GMT -5
Yea -- sometimes this forum is like therapy for me -- I type to remove statements from my brain....
Agree -- DPL players should constantly be moving around and training with DA team, sitting on the bench sometimes, mixing up with them, getting minutes etc. Rotate players that come to DA sessions - giving kids opportunities.
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Post by atlfutboldad on Mar 4, 2020 13:44:02 GMT -5
Personally (not virtue signaling here, just our plans), we're not trying out for ECNL for 2020-21 (or 21-22) even though our club's ECNL is struggling at our age group. We will be okay if dual-rostered again if the ECNL coach wants (home games with no conflict only, no nonsense travel/showcases),
For the next 2 years until shes a sophomore, SCCL is where she needs to be (time, money, needs to GROW and improve). We would strongly consider ECRL in 2021-22 should it come into the mix (and not include Florida).
From the start I wanted my kid to progress through what I consider the levels of youth soccer (Athena C/A (now SCCL-P/SCCL), Super-Y/Finals, ODP (will do one more year), regional league (NL/NPL), and finally ECNL...possibly DA as a junior/senior), so playing ECNL much of last year was ahead of schedule. Knowing about the looming NTH/ECNL loss and cascading movements I figured she would be one of the ones cut by the current ECNL coach if they got an influx of new/shiny players (which they did).
Going into 2019-20 year we knew SCCL-P would be a step down but we like the club and teammates and wanted to stay at the club. Had AFU not gotten SCCL for next year we would have had to make a change...likely to Norcross.
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Post by oraclesfriend on Mar 4, 2020 14:29:03 GMT -5
Personally (not virtue signaling here, just our plans), we're not trying out for ECNL for 2020-21 (or 21-22) even though our club's ECNL is struggling at our age group. We will be okay if dual-rostered again if the ECNL coach wants (home games with no conflict only, no nonsense travel/showcases), For the next 2 years until shes a sophomore, SCCL is where she needs to be (time, money, needs to GROW and improve). We would strongly consider ECRL in 2021-22 should it come into the mix (and not include Florida). From the start I wanted my kid to progress through what I consider the levels of youth soccer (Athena C/A (now SCCL-P/SCCL), Super-Y/Finals, ODP (will do one more year), regional league (NL/NPL), and finally ECNL...possibly DA as a junior/senior), so playing ECNL much of last year was ahead of schedule. Knowing about the looming NTH/ECNL loss and cascading movements I figured she would be one of the ones cut by the current ECNL coach if they got an influx of new/shiny players (which they did). Going into 2019-20 year we knew SCCL-P would be a step down but we like the club and teammates and wanted to stay at the club. Had AFU not gotten SCCL for next year we would have had to make a change...likely to Norcross. You are patient and smart. It is hard to be that way. Congratulations on keeping things in perspective. I think that depending on the kid's goals your method might work well (hoping for good coaches for you and good teammates). I spend a lot of time talking my husband off the ledge with regards to the amount of time it sometimes takes for a kid to mature into the best version of themselves. We both stress, but he does it more. He only wants them to achieve their dreams (if they put in the work), but their dreams are high! At least the new recruiting rules allow for some maturing time. |
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Post by soccermaxx72 on Mar 4, 2020 14:39:20 GMT -5
Personally (not virtue signaling here, just our plans), we're not trying out for ECNL for 2020-21 (or 21-22) even though our club's ECNL is struggling at our age group. We will be okay if dual-rostered again if the ECNL coach wants (home games with no conflict only, no nonsense travel/showcases), For the next 2 years until shes a sophomore, SCCL is where she needs to be (time, money, needs to GROW and improve). We would strongly consider ECRL in 2021-22 should it come into the mix (and not include Florida). From the start I wanted my kid to progress through what I consider the levels of youth soccer (Athena C/A (now SCCL-P/SCCL), Super-Y/Finals, ODP (will do one more year), regional league (NL/NPL), and finally ECNL...possibly DA as a junior/senior), so playing ECNL much of last year was ahead of schedule. Knowing about the looming NTH/ECNL loss and cascading movements I figured she would be one of the ones cut by the current ECNL coach if they got an influx of new/shiny players (which they did). Going into 2019-20 year we knew SCCL-P would be a step down but we like the club and teammates and wanted to stay at the club. Had AFU not gotten SCCL for next year we would have had to make a change...likely to Norcross. Very logical plan as the sweet spot is to be your best as a player and on the team with most visibility for sophomore and junior season. |
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Post by atlfutboldad on Mar 4, 2020 15:10:14 GMT -5
Yeah, our definitive slowdown on travel soccer was largely determined by the recruiting rules change, but it also just makes sense to me. My daughter is a scant 5'0"/110 and will likely top off at 5'3"-5'4", so I think her recruiting ceiling isn't likely all that high. She can hold her own against bigger players, but it's striking how many 2006 ECNL players we've played against that look like fully grown high school seniors. By that, I mean 5'6"-5'8", 140-160 lbs of muscle.
The age mandate change...no comment this time. |
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Post by soccerlegacy on Mar 4, 2020 18:45:16 GMT -5
Yeah, our definitive slowdown on travel soccer was largely determined by the recruiting rules change, but it also just makes sense to me. My daughter is a scant 5'0"/110 and will likely top off at 5'3"-5'4", so I think her recruiting ceiling isn't likely all that high. She can hold her own against bigger players, but it's striking how many 2006 ECNL players we've played against that look like fully grown high school seniors. By that, I mean 5'6"-5'8", 140-160 lbs of muscle.
The age mandate change...no comment this time. It truly is shocking how old some of them look... I know the struggle of having your kid discounted (or even already not considered) before even stepping on the field, simply due to size. It's lazy and incompetent, but happens all the time. Good luck to you and your daughter reaching her dreams! It's hard to be that patient, but it sounds like you have a solid plan and sound reasoning. I hope SCCL starts to get the recognition it deserves so that families don't continue to promote ECNL as the "end-all, be-all" of how to gain a scholarship. Maybe by the time your daughter hits the recruiting years it will be more established and known. As an aside, I agree an ECRL would bring more validation even if the same teams were to,more than likely, swap over to it from SCCL (if ECRL were to even come about) |
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Post by chssoccerdad on Mar 5, 2020 13:17:21 GMT -5
EXCITING NEWS!! USA Mount Pleasant, NASA and Southside Soccer Club (formerly Coastal Academy) are joining together under the Surf brand to build a regional powerhouse that will create improved experiences and opportunities for all kids in the area. … We are thrilled to welcome three prominent Lowcountry based clubs, USA Mount Pleasant, NASA and Southside Soccer Club (formerly Coastal Academy) as they join together under the Surf brand to build a regional powerhouse that will create improved experiences and opportunities for all kids in the area! ... South Carolina Surf Soccer is devoted to solidifying the best in player development and creating a strong player pathway in the Lowcountry and joining Surf provides them a clear opportunity to fulfill that mission. ... Read more: www.southcarolinasurfsoccer.com/press-releaseI meant the part about having a place to practice. They don't have their own fields and rely on leases. They once had a hold on a couple strong leases, but that broke up this year and the same fields are now used by a few different clubs/sports. Too many clubs in a small area fighting for field time. |
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Post by oraclesfriend on Mar 5, 2020 14:03:08 GMT -5
I meant the part about having a place to practice. They don't have their own fields and rely on leases. They once had a hold on a couple strong leases, but that broke up this year and the same fields are now used by a few different clubs/sports. Too many clubs in a small area fighting for field time. Thanks for inside knowledge. Maybe you can answer something for me...in the press release they mention "Coastal Academy" which had been renamed as one of the clubs becoming part of South Carolina Surf. Is that GPS Coastal Academy or something else? |
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Post by soccerlegacy on Mar 5, 2020 14:11:31 GMT -5
I said this before and will say again, if kids on these dpl teams aren't getting game minutes with DA teams as transitional players or moving to DA teams the following season -- this league ain't what it is advertised to be. To me given the title of the league that is the entire intent. New leagues upon leagues isn't the answer to our problems - we are just feeding the beast and parents will just line up to pay the fees. Problem is a kid would have to turn down a spot on higher team to play on a lower team, many don't do that. I also find it interesting that UFA as a club is saying we don't think SCCL or NPL or what ever the current 2nd leagues are is adequate for our girls 2nd teams......But it's perfectly fine for the boys........ Girls DA only has one combined age group left, so it's not like before, where every age group was combined, and half the kids were being dropped etc. Your point about UFA and 2nd teams for girls needs to be put in some context. First, Tophat did not think SCCL was good enough for 2nd teams either and like it or not there is competition between clubs for 2nd team players. Second, NPL is shrinking on the girls side because of DPL (lost USA Mt Pleasant last year) and ECRL (losing both Charlotte Indepence teams this year) and lost CSA last year which was also 2 teams. So that is 5 teams lost in 2 years. Who knows who they will add but last year they lost 3 and added 1. Chattanooga Red Wolves was the addition and they were not as good as CSA south and USA Mt Pleasant. I am sure they will be hard pressed to replace the two Charlotte Independence teams. The boys side is larger. Third, the boys side is not affected by ECRL and DPL which are designed for 2nd teams of ECNL and DA clubs because they don't exist (yet). Fourth, NPL had a reputation on the boys side that was stronger than the reputation on the girls side. There is even a finals tournament that has ECNL teams and NPL teams (gasp) compete against each other put on by US Club. NPL is different for boys and girls. I also believe that UFA really wants to use SCCL to stabilize and improve Norcross on the girls side, but also needs Fowler to be deep at the older ages. My 2 cents. Your point about DPL getting these girls minutes on DA is a valid one. I agree. Or at least training with DA with a chance to earn minutes. I can see where SCCL might not be good enough competition for Tophat's 2nd teams, but for UFA? They didn't exactly destroy everyone in the SCCL and NPL leagues they were already in... They were middle to bottom of the pack in both of them. If they are trying to get to a more competitive level, based on their past results, I dont see the need for it. ...as an aside, I have also seen where UFA will rather look to outside players to guest play on their DA teams rather than pull players up, so other than training with DA players occassionally, I dont think it would help them that much... which is unfortunate. |
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Post by Soccerhouse on Mar 5, 2020 14:27:12 GMT -5
Honestly what is even more common is not pulling from the 2nd team, but rather play a kid up an age group -- making DPL even more of a _____...... Given the paperwork and clearance is required, its just easier to use a kid that is already cleared
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Post by chssoccerdad on Mar 5, 2020 14:49:20 GMT -5
They don't have their own fields and rely on leases. They once had a hold on a couple strong leases, but that broke up this year and the same fields are now used by a few different clubs/sports. Too many clubs in a small area fighting for field time. Thanks for inside knowledge. Maybe you can answer something for me...in the press release they mention "Coastal Academy" which had been renamed as one of the clubs becoming part of South Carolina Surf. Is that GPS Coastal Academy or something else? From what I'm reading, yes it's GPS Coastal Academy. Word is that GPS will continue to keep a club in the NASA area even though the original club is going with Surf, but haven't read anything that they will do the same at Coastal. |
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Post by dadofthree on Mar 5, 2020 14:53:51 GMT -5
It happened both ways UFA in their older age groups for the last couple of years brought ECNL girls over for the second half of the season when they have had Seniors quit to play High School and Tophat looks to just bring up from the other ages. When you look on the DA website you can see who is a PT (part time), FT (full time) and DP (designated player)and then the number of games they have played in and get a good idea of what they are doing.
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Post by atlfutboldad on Mar 5, 2020 15:35:56 GMT -5
Fascinating. And unfortunate for the 2nd teamers. First over heard of this practice.
DA is going to have to do something about the HS restriction soon. Sounds like some of the kids are having their cake and eating it too...and I dont blame them. I would recommend the same to my child.
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Post by 04gparent on Mar 5, 2020 16:39:34 GMT -5
Fascinating. And unfortunate for the 2nd teamers. First over heard of this practice. DA is going to have to do something about the HS restriction soon. Sounds like some of the kids are having their cake and eating it too...and I dont blame them. I would recommend the same to my child. (remember girls focused) I will wade into this discussion... I dont fault any parents plan of action for their child. Having a plan is good. The part that I would caution is you have to do the research. While the board is good, sometimes current information doesnt make it back to the board or there are people purposely giving invalid info. Finding a good place for a 1st team level player is hard. Finding a good place for a 2nd team level player is even harder. Why? because the landscape is changing so fast. Lets discuss exposure or better yet recruiting. It is an inexact science. I know from personal experience that exposure for the players on the team is not just based on league, but also the reputation of the club and performance of that team. At a showcase, I have seen two teams from atlanta play near each other. One team had 10 - 15 coaches and the other 60+. That was an eye opener for me. ECNL is a social media beast. DA not so much. ECNL are very creative and active socially, but does it mean the ECRL immediately has clout? Probably not IMO. For my daughters (I have 2), goal #1 is making the top team at your club. We've been at big clubs so making the top team is not guarranteed. Next goal is can you make ODP (back when everyone tried out for it) up until u13 or 14. If we miss on those then what type of plan can we put together to help the player improve... |
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Post by atlfutboldad on Mar 5, 2020 16:59:54 GMT -5
Agreed, ECRL will not have much clout at all, and it shouldn't (DPL either). Both SHOULD be a mid-tier leagues with less travel than the 1st team, for 2nd team players and the purpose should be the go-to developmental team for the 1st team. If a club is going to a younger team or outside the club to replace players during a season, they're failing to develop the 2nd team players. The focus should be development, not winning.
The ONLY advantage that ECRL (other than a patch maybe?) would have is that teams that WIN their ECRL league get to compete with ECNL teams (or so they say) in finals/maybe showcases? So in some ways it could be like a 2nd ECNL team for really big clubs with strong 2nd teams. For NTH, other than the fact the club bought into the DA/USNT Kool Aid, this league would have been very good situation for them, as their 2nd team can beat most everyone else's 2nd teams and they would have regularly been in the mix. Does DPL => DA have any similar tie-ins?
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