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Post by justwatching on Apr 17, 2020 14:08:28 GMT -5
I find it interesting that people are so dismissive of Tophat's player development. They do a great job attracting the best players around but in my opinion that is due to two reasons
1. Top kids want to play with the other best players
2. The training (individual technical and style of play) is at a higher level than other clubs in Atlanta.
IMO the difference in players is very easy to spot watching the younger academy teams play. The tophat players are typically very good technically. There are very few if any "weak" players that cannot do the basics (passing,
receiving, dribbling, shooting) . They are comfortable on the ball and understand the clubs playing style and philosophy. However, usually at younger ages they lack the athletic ability and that's where the kids moving to the club from other parts of Atlanta helps Tophat's success. Those already good kids that have the athletic ability and technical ability seek a higher level of training. I am not trying to speak ill of other clubs but most that I have seen do not possess players with the same level of technical skill as tophat at the numbers tophat has on their teams.
Whatever arrogance or confidence tophat has that's fine but should it really be ignored that they constantly have the better technical kids and teams in the area? Also, whether you think the top club rankings are BS or not they are currently the #1 club in the country by certain outlets? If you are concerned about players and not clubs and parents, every person with a kid that plays ECNL on this forum should want them in ECNL. You want to play good competition. People complain about having to travel all the time to play when there are clubs in Atlanta that could be played. Why now is the tone different? Because it is Tophat?
If they end up having to form a new league that would be unfortunate but would they really have a choice? Assume they retained all their players (which is unlikely if they don't get ECNL), they are not all of a sudden not the #1 club in the area and country for girls.
It is just strange that people preach so much that clubs, federations, and associations should be for the kids but now there are some who say no let's stick it to Tophat and make them pay...
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Post by atlfutboldad on Apr 17, 2020 14:15:25 GMT -5
But if they didn't draw many of the best players from other clubs, would they REALLY appear that way (development)? Seems like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
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Post by gunner on Apr 17, 2020 14:34:07 GMT -5
Why is it that so many here hate Tophat? Can we move past that? I'm sure if you had a kid on that team you would want them to continue playing the highest level they can and if they are local would it not be that much more enjoyable? Shorter travel and more time for other family activities.
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Post by Soccerphreak on Apr 17, 2020 14:51:33 GMT -5
I know Tophat has a great reputation with some great players, but clubs like Concorde are no slouches either. It's not like their players are that much different from Tophat. Yes, the 3-4 tip top, nationally recognized girls would probably be shoe-ins, but it's not like half the team will walk over and grab spots either.
Contrary to what you think,there is a big difference between the two clubs. Tophat demands a certain level of skill, stamina and soccer smarts to be on their top teams and doesnt necessarily rely heavily on size and aggression which TH typically lacks. CF and GSA both have big and aggressive players but most lack the technical skills needed to dominate games against big teams like PDA and the big west coast clubs.
If tophat does not get ecnl I can guarantee you that MOST of their players will get a spot on other ECNL teams, even moreso at CF since that is the other destination club. CF has always had good talent but their rankings last year was all relative to the teams they played as most high level teams were at DA so it is a bit skewed. We will have to agree to disagree that the girls are not that different between the two clubs because they are. TH dominates with skill while the other clubs dominate with a boom ball style of play relying on their fast girls up top. Our top teams here in GA typically have a max of 5 great players and the rest are just decent supporting players which means there are over 8 more spots to be had on any given team. Many of them already have committments pending THs communication and each team will Max out their number of players on the rosters which means someone is not going to get any playing time.
I've spoken to my coach about the pending decision (because I'm also not naive) and I'm expecting an influx of new talent on our team and the other coaches at my club have had their conversations as well, so dont let anyone tell you otherwise.
I'm sure a lot of people will disagree with me but I'm honestly excited to gain some talent on our team because some of our girls have plateaued and have a false sense that we are better than we really are and Yes I said that because I'm an equal opportunity @$$h0l3.
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NTH
Apr 17, 2020 14:56:22 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by lsagoalie on Apr 17, 2020 14:56:22 GMT -5
Good question about LSA? Though they did not have a large roster last year anyhow. Oracle is correct, had to play the USYS NL Winter Showcase with only 12 players making the trip. Due to injury only had 14 active players by Labor Day, luckily still retained the NL spot with those slim numbers. Losing 1 to injury, 1 moving to ecnl and 1 done with soccer. Not all lost as one playing coming back from ecnl so looking to strengthen now that Roswell has moved out of NL |
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Post by crazzzy4soccer on Apr 17, 2020 15:01:03 GMT -5
The email everyone is posting about from TG is not as bad as some are making it to be. Basically it’s a “stronger together” be patient with us- we are who we are and didn’t get here by accident email. They just don’t have an answer yet- we all want an answer. I want ECNL for TH as much as the next TH parent but right now we have to be patient and wait it out. I still think we have a chance at ECNL- it’s hard to tout as “best platform for girls” and refuse arguably one of if not the best girls club in the nation.
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Post by justwatching on Apr 17, 2020 15:18:53 GMT -5
But if they didn't draw many of the best players from other clubs, would they REALLY appear that way (development)? Seems like a self-fulfilling prophecy. My posts talked about the technical differences in players starting at the youngest ages so yes the development is apparent. Even getting older already good players need development and Tophat is providing that whether those players originated at Tophat or from somewhere else. |
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Post by crazzzy4soccer on Apr 17, 2020 15:35:00 GMT -5
So in this theory if a talented player from another club comes over at U12 and ends their career at TH by committing to a top D1 school who gets the credit in these crazy scenarios?
The player- after all they put in the blood, sweat, tears
TH- They helped develop the player over the years
TH- for their connections only
Or in a crazy scenario the club who trained this elite player from rec-U11?
Same question if the player comes over at U13, U14...when does TH get at least partial credit for the next level of development of this talented player or is their such hate that we forget that?
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Post by gunner on Apr 17, 2020 15:36:05 GMT -5
Really the fact that every practice at Tophat you're going against someone that's going to push you one way or another and that alone will make you better. That's not even taking into consideration when they scrimmage against the other age groups.
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NTH
Apr 17, 2020 15:44:55 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by oraclesfriend on Apr 17, 2020 15:44:55 GMT -5
So in this theory if a talented player from another club comes over at U12 and ends their career at TH by committing to a top D1 school who gets the credit in these crazy scenarios? The player- after all they put in the blood, sweat, tears TH- They helped develop the player over the years TH- for their connections only Or in a crazy scenario the club who trained this elite player from rec-U11? Same question if the player comes over at U13, U14...when does TH get at least partial credit for the next level of development of this talented player or is their such hate that we forget that? Both clubs should have some credit for anyone after academy age for sure. It is super important for there to be good training at academy. If my older daughter had the coach and training at U9 and U10 that my younger one has she would be a beast! She had speed, decent size and athleticism, but she missed out on the quality of trainings at the younger ages. |
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gtc
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Post by gtc on Apr 17, 2020 16:00:33 GMT -5
“CF and GSA both have big and aggressive players but most lack the technical skills needed to dominate games against big teams like PDA and the big west coast clubs.” “CF has always had good talent but their rankings last year was all relative to the teams they played as most high level teams were at DA so it is a bit skewed”.
These are some pretty ignorant and insulting comments. “most high level teams were at DA”? Really? The top DA teams and the Top ECNL teams are very competitive, and both leagues have some bottom dwellers who can’t compete. But to say that Concorde’s rankings last year were because they played crap teams is not only insulting, it is plain wrong. And to say that most Concorde girls lack the technical talent to dominate games against west coast teams is a farce. This past fall the Concorde platinum ECNL 01’s beat the #1 ranked team in the nation (So Cal Blues) 3-2 in Phoenix. And their last couple of results against PDA were 2-1 win, 1-1 tie, and a 0-0 tie I believe. And the last time they played the mighty Tophat u18 DA team in 2018 they tied 3-3 in a tremendous game by both teams. And I also think they beat that same Tophat team 2-1 at the ECNL National final four a couple of years ago. Just because the girls come from TH does not guarantee them a spot at CF.
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Apr 17, 2020 16:16:12 GMT -5
“CF and GSA both have big and aggressive players but most lack the technical skills needed to dominate games against big teams like PDA and the big west coast clubs.” “CF has always had good talent but their rankings last year was all relative to the teams they played as most high level teams were at DA so it is a bit skewed”. These are some pretty ignorant and insulting comments. “most high level teams were at DA”? Really? The top DA teams and the Top ECNL teams are very competitive, and both leagues have some bottom dwellers who can’t compete. But to say that Concorde’s rankings last year were because they played crap teams is not only insulting, it is plain wrong. And to say that most Concorde girls lack the technical talent to dominate games against west coast teams is a farce. This past fall the Concorde platinum ECNL 01’s beat the #1 ranked team in the nation (So Cal Blues) 3-2 in Phoenix. And their last couple of results against PDA were 2-1 win, 1-1 tie, and a 0-0 tie I believe. And the last time they played the mighty Tophat u18 DA team in 2018 they tied 3-3 in a tremendous game by both teams. And I also think they beat that same Tophat team 2-1 at the ECNL National final four a couple of years ago. Just because the girls come from TH does not guarantee them a spot at CF. Are we really wading into yet another GDA vs ECNL battle royale again? Wait, isn't GDA dead and gone? Drops 🎤 and walks off the stage... Returning to the TH Decision 2020 Watch 👀👀 |
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Post by 04gparent on Apr 17, 2020 16:49:22 GMT -5
“CF and GSA both have big and aggressive players but most lack the technical skills needed to dominate games against big teams like PDA and the big west coast clubs.” “CF has always had good talent but their rankings last year was all relative to the teams they played as most high level teams were at DA so it is a bit skewed”. These are some pretty ignorant and insulting comments. “most high level teams were at DA”? Really? The top DA teams and the Top ECNL teams are very competitive, and both leagues have some bottom dwellers who can’t compete. But to say that Concorde’s rankings last year were because they played crap teams is not only insulting, it is plain wrong. And to say that most Concorde girls lack the technical talent to dominate games against west coast teams is a farce. This past fall the Concorde platinum ECNL 01’s beat the #1 ranked team in the nation (So Cal Blues) 3-2 in Phoenix. And their last couple of results against PDA were 2-1 win, 1-1 tie, and a 0-0 tie I believe. And the last time they played the mighty Tophat u18 DA team in 2018 they tied 3-3 in a tremendous game by both teams. And I also think they beat that same Tophat team 2-1 at the ECNL National final four a couple of years ago. Just because the girls come from TH does not guarantee them a spot at CF. Are we really wading into yet another GDA vs ECNL battle royale again? Wait, isn't GDA dead and gone? Drops 🎤 and walks off the stage... Returning to the TH Decision 2020 Watch 👀👀 No! No! God no! Once again if they are in the games will be worth attending just to see the drama on the sidelines 😀. |
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gtc
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Post by gtc on Apr 17, 2020 16:51:34 GMT -5
“CF and GSA both have big and aggressive players but most lack the technical skills needed to dominate games against big teams like PDA and the big west coast clubs.” “CF has always had good talent but their rankings last year was all relative to the teams they played as most high level teams were at DA so it is a bit skewed”. These are some pretty ignorant and insulting comments. “most high level teams were at DA”? Really? The top DA teams and the Top ECNL teams are very competitive, and both leagues have some bottom dwellers who can’t compete. But to say that Concorde’s rankings last year were because they played crap teams is not only insulting, it is plain wrong. And to say that most Concorde girls lack the technical talent to dominate games against west coast teams is a farce. This past fall the Concorde platinum ECNL 01’s beat the #1 ranked team in the nation (So Cal Blues) 3-2 in Phoenix. And their last couple of results against PDA were 2-1 win, 1-1 tie, and a 0-0 tie I believe. And the last time they played the mighty Tophat u18 DA team in 2018 they tied 3-3 in a tremendous game by both teams. And I also think they beat that same Tophat team 2-1 at the ECNL National final four a couple of years ago. Just because the girls come from TH does not guarantee them a spot at CF. Are we really wading into yet another GDA vs ECNL battle royale again? Wait, isn't GDA dead and gone? Drops 🎤 and walks off the stage... Returning to the TH Decision 2020 Watch 👀👀 Just sticking up for CF, as there seems to be a misguided assumption that TH DA Girls will have automatic spots at CF ECNL in the event TH doesn't get ECNL. The previous poster made some broad sweeping comments about CF (and GSA for that matter) that warranted a rebuttal. It wasn't about ECNL vs. DA....it was about CF vs. TH. TH has very talented teams. But to say that CF teams are less talented is not accurate. . |
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Post by honeybadger on Apr 17, 2020 20:00:03 GMT -5
Just my 2 cents and I admit I'm not an expert here. BUt I've known MANY kids in the U10-U14 group that leave the club who developed them to go to TH because it was the "cool club".
Point 1: Now, it's only my OPINION that while the girls at TH may seem more technical, I submit it's because they get the best players from other clubs who of course tend to be more technical.
Point 2: With so many coaches who go from club to club, (I know many coaches who have been at most or ALL of the BIG 5), I don't think its a TH coaching philosophy that makes the players all of a sudden more technical.
It's just my opinion but I think if you always get the best players, and then the coaches are in and out like a revolving door, then it's less the coaches and more the talent that makes it appear the TH is "the way".
I'm willing to post a hypothesis: My girls goes to UFA so I won't pick that club. But lets say that over a 3 years period, the top 3 players off every girls top team at all age groups at TH/CF/SSA/UFA decided to go to LSA for example. I submit that all of a sudden LSA would rule and LSA would be seen as the club that has the "most technically sound girls". So many coaches have gone through the TH door, the CF door, the GSA door the UFA door, they all do basically the same thing.
The talent on the fields USUALLY wins. There are exceptions but all things equal, the better team on the field wins, not the better coach.
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NTH
Apr 17, 2020 20:40:54 GMT -5
via mobile
shaka likes this
Post by coffee on Apr 17, 2020 20:40:54 GMT -5
Just my 2 cents and I admit I'm not an expert here. BUt.... Nailed it. |
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NTH
Apr 17, 2020 21:04:42 GMT -5
Post by Lady Soccer Whistledown on Apr 17, 2020 21:04:42 GMT -5
Are we really wading into yet another GDA vs ECNL battle royale again? Wait, isn't GDA dead and gone? Drops 🎤 and walks off the stage... Returning to the TH Decision 2020 Watch 👀👀 Just sticking up for CF, as there seems to be a misguided assumption that TH DA Girls will have automatic spots at CF ECNL in the event TH doesn't get ECNL. The previous poster made some broad sweeping comments about CF (and GSA for that matter) that warranted a rebuttal. It wasn't about ECNL vs. DA....it was about CF vs. TH. TH has very talented teams. But to say that CF teams are less talented is not accurate. |
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NTH
Apr 17, 2020 21:20:23 GMT -5
Post by Lady Soccer Whistledown on Apr 17, 2020 21:20:23 GMT -5
Thank you @futball Gawdess, you are spot on. Clearly, a TH parent that only sees 1 side of the coin. Since when does, CF have big players and that’s their forte? The average player there is not tall or stocky by any means. Majority of their ECNL Platinum teams play possession ball, NOT BOOM BALL, please get your facts straight. If I recall correctly, 🤔 every age group at CF ECNL Platinum in the 18-19 season every advanced to the national playoffs. And one team actually made it to the final 4. So what results are skewed? They played the full season of ECNL. And what did TH win? 🦗🦗CRICKETS....
We’ll wait to see what TH GDA does next year.....oh that’s right....you don’t have a league...i forgot...
As much as you want rag of CF, I’m sure you probably made your phone ☎️ call already to CF to try to get on already.
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hgth
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Post by hgth on Apr 17, 2020 21:34:55 GMT -5
Thank you @futball Gawdess, you are spot on. Clearly, a TH parent that only sees 1 side of the coin. Since when does, CF have big players and that’s their forte? The average player there is not tall or stocky by any means. Majority of their ECNL Platinum teams play possession ball, NOT BOOM BALL, please get your facts straight. If I recall correctly, 🤔 every age group at CF ECNL Platinum in the 18-19 season every advanced to the national playoffs. And one team actually made it to the final 4. So what results are skewed? They played the full season of ECNL. And what did TH win? 🦗🦗CRICKETS.... We’ll wait to see what TH GDA does next year.....oh that’s right....you don’t have a league...i forgot... As much as you want rag of CF, I’m sure you probably made your phone ☎️ call already to CF to try to get on already. YeS!!!! Thank you for speaking the truth. |
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Post by soccermaxx72 on Apr 18, 2020 8:44:31 GMT -5
Just my 2 cents and I admit I'm not an expert here. BUt I've known MANY kids in the U10-U14 group that leave the club who developed them to go to TH because it was the "cool club". Point 1: Now, it's only my OPINION that while the girls at TH may seem more technical, I submit it's because they get the best players from other clubs who of course tend to be more technical. Point 2: With so many coaches who go from club to club, (I know many coaches who have been at most or ALL of the BIG 5), I don't think its a TH coaching philosophy that makes the players all of a sudden more technical. It's just my opinion but I think if you always get the best players, and then the coaches are in and out like a revolving door, then it's less the coaches and more the talent that makes it appear the TH is "the way". I'm willing to post a hypothesis: My girls goes to UFA so I won't pick that club. But lets say that over a 3 years period, the top 3 players off every girls top team at all age groups at TH/CF/SSA/UFA decided to go to LSA for example. I submit that all of a sudden LSA would rule and LSA would be seen as the club that has the "most technically sound girls". So many coaches have gone through the TH door, the CF door, the GSA door the UFA door, they all do basically the same thing. The talent on the fields USUALLY wins. There are exceptions but all things equal, the better team on the field wins, not the better coach. Spot on |
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Post by footyfan on Apr 18, 2020 9:09:27 GMT -5
There is a huge problem in youth soccer in that parents mistake talent collection for talent development.
Similar argument can be made for the mistake of valuing coaches of younger teams for game management instead of player development.
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Post by 04gparent on Apr 18, 2020 9:52:15 GMT -5
There is a huge problem in youth soccer in that parents mistake talent collection for talent development. Similar argument can be made for the mistake of valuing coaches of younger teams for game management instead of player development. Can't we all just get along!  If we are honest and take step back from the club politics and hatred, we would take a broader view. The failure of USSF with DA is the enemy here, NOT the players and clubs that choose to play on that platform. We all agree that USSF SHOULD have worked with ECNL from the start to have one platform for elite girls competition. The arrogance of USSF is what got us here. Now there are thousands of quality players that dont have a place to play. These changes will make tryouts crazy for all players whenever we get back to soccer. In the Atlanta market there is now 5 ECNL teams. Is it the right 5? I dont know, but its not the point. Those are the 5 unless something new is announced. Not many people remember that when ECNL was the only top league they were very selective about who got ECNL. The creation of DA created an arms race that watered down both leagues. Well now that arms race is over. So ECNL will go back to being very selective. No one knows what the criteria is... |
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Post by justwatching on Apr 18, 2020 11:06:01 GMT -5
Just my 2 cents and I admit I'm not an expert here. BUt I've known MANY kids in the U10-U14 group that leave the club who developed them to go to TH because it was the "cool club". Point 1: Now, it's only my OPINION that while the girls at TH may seem more technical, I submit it's because they get the best players from other clubs who of course tend to be more technical. Point 2: With so many coaches who go from club to club, (I know many coaches who have been at most or ALL of the BIG 5), I don't think its a TH coaching philosophy that makes the players all of a sudden more technical. It's just my opinion but I think if you always get the best players, and then the coaches are in and out like a revolving door, then it's less the coaches and more the talent that makes it appear the TH is "the way". I'm willing to post a hypothesis: My girls goes to UFA so I won't pick that club. But lets say that over a 3 years period, the top 3 players off every girls top team at all age groups at TH/CF/SSA/UFA decided to go to LSA for example. I submit that all of a sudden LSA would rule and LSA would be seen as the club that has the "most technically sound girls". So many coaches have gone through the TH door, the CF door, the GSA door the UFA door, they all do basically the same thing. The talent on the fields USUALLY wins. There are exceptions but all things equal, the better team on the field wins, not the better coach. I honestly think those who believe this have not been exposed to Tophat and many other club's training sessions (winter, summer, and in-season). There is a difference. There is no misconception on my part that getting the best kids = development. You can put those "best" kids from around the city together all you want on another club and without an overarching playing vision, strategy, and curriculum you do not necessarily get continual development. You might get wins, but not necessarily development; very different things  . From what I have seen on the field the coaches at Tophat coach their teams but also execute the club's plan in order to stick with the developed philosophy of the club. So they might have rotated through other clubs but the laid out direction of all clubs are not equivalent from club to club. On this forum, for whatever reason, there is a lot of hatred for Tophat (that doesn't exclude some current Tophat player's parents) and for many it is just too strong to probably ever stop your bias against it so it is not much point in going back and forth. I hope everything works out well for Tophat and the kids who are there do not feel like they need to leave if they like the club and the development that comes with being a player there. I am not one who thinks every DA club should be allowed to join ECNL but I do think excluding a club like Tophat would be pretty astonishing. It would clearly not be a decision in the best interest of the players or even with the players in mind. |
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Post by greenmonkey on Apr 18, 2020 11:08:14 GMT -5
Similar argument can be made for the mistake of valuing coaches of younger teams for game management instead of player development. Can't we all just get along! If we are honest and take step back Now there are thousands of quality players that dont have a place to play. These changes will make tryouts crazy for all players whenever we get back to soccer. In the Atlanta market there is now 5 ECNL teams. Is it the right 5? I dont know, but its not the point. Those are the 5 unless something new is announced. Not many people remember that when ECNL was the only top league they were very selective about who got ECNL. The creation of DA created an arms race that watered down both leagues. Well now that arms race is over. So ECNL will go back to being very selective. No one knows what the criteria is... [ I am a huge fan of ECNL although my daughter doesn’t play in the league we have attended games and showcases over the years to support others who do ... Honestly does ATL need/deserve/warrant SIX teams at each age group? Or even FIVE? Regardless of which clubs field the teams it just seems that if ATL had THAT much talent regardless of which club or coach developed it we would see all that talent distribution equally over all clubs and age groups? Perfect Example if tophats girls flood the market and displace other girls on other teams? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again it does NOT matter which league or club or coach it is. It is the same 100 top playing girls and the same coaches and the same clubs. Everyone forgets no matter what uniform or league patch we didn’t get more or get rid of the players or coaches or parents Want to play with and against the best players in town and out of town - don’t worry they all know each other by name they will find each and a place to play - I’m not being sarcastic or cynical - I’m sincere and a proud friend and fan of some of these girls in many different age groups. There is a place for everyone to play at their interest and at their level. Want to travel and play college showcases there are teams and coaches and leagues for that Want to play competitive soccer closer to home there are teams and coaches and leagues for that |
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Post by coffee on Apr 18, 2020 13:34:21 GMT -5
Just my 2 cents and I admit I'm not an expert here. BUt I've known MANY kids in the U10-U14 group that leave the club who developed them to go to TH because it was the "cool club". Point 1: Now, it's only my OPINION that while the girls at TH may seem more technical, I submit it's because they get the best players from other clubs who of course tend to be more technical. Point 2: With so many coaches who go from club to club, (I know many coaches who have been at most or ALL of the BIG 5), I don't think its a TH coaching philosophy that makes the players all of a sudden more technical. It's just my opinion but I think if you always get the best players, and then the coaches are in and out like a revolving door, then it's less the coaches and more the talent that makes it appear the TH is "the way". I'm willing to post a hypothesis: My girls goes to UFA so I won't pick that club. But lets say that over a 3 years period, the top 3 players off every girls top team at all age groups at TH/CF/SSA/UFA decided to go to LSA for example. I submit that all of a sudden LSA would rule and LSA would be seen as the club that has the "most technically sound girls". So many coaches have gone through the TH door, the CF door, the GSA door the UFA door, they all do basically the same thing. The talent on the fields USUALLY wins. There are exceptions but all things equal, the better team on the field wins, not the better coach. I honestly think those who believe this have not been exposed to Tophat and many other club's training sessions (winter, summer, and in-season). There is a difference. There is no misconception on my part that getting the best kids = development. You can put those "best" kids from around the city together all you want on another club and without an overarching playing vision, strategy, and curriculum you do not necessarily get continual development. You might get wins, but not necessarily development; very different things . From what I have seen on the field the coaches at Tophat coach their teams but also execute the club's plan in order to stick with the developed philosophy of the club. So they might have rotated through other clubs but the laid out direction of all clubs are not equivalent from club to club. On this forum, for whatever reason, there is a lot of hatred for Tophat (that doesn't exclude some current Tophat player's parents) and for many it is just too strong to probably ever stop your bias against it so it is not much point in going back and forth. I hope everything works out well for Tophat and the kids who are there do not feel like they need to leave if they like the club and the development that comes with being a player there. I am not one who thinks every DA club should be allowed to join ECNL but I do think excluding a club like Tophat would be pretty astonishing. It would clearly not be a decision in the best interest of the players or even with the players in mind. , though I agree with much of what you said, I didn’t interpret honeybadger ‘s post as an attack on any club. It is true that TH is fantastic at talent collection. Yet, it’s also true that they (as w/other clubs) have collected great coaches. The numbers are high. ‘Most’ of those coaches are excellent, to outstanding, and they excel at developing that talent. Unfortunately, some of the things I’ve heard here looks pretty damning for some individuals within the NTH organization. To acknowledge that doesn’t make me a Tophat hater. Neither does saying, “I’ve been happy at Tophat,” make me a kool-aid drinker. So far Tophat has been great for my family and my daughter. I’ll keep her their as long as it’s in her best interest. Though, we both hate changing clubs once we’ve settled in with a team, I know I can find great coaches and programs at the clubs around us. If I feel my money is being wasted; I’m not being treated well; or most important of all, I feel that my daughter will be happier in the long run somewhere else; we will make the move and embrace another of Georgia’s fine clubs. |
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Post by justwatching on Apr 18, 2020 14:18:17 GMT -5
coffeeI didn't take honeybadger's post as an attack on any club either. I just took it mainly as saying any club can do what Tophat does given the same talent was present, and I disagree. The point I am making is that all clubs are not created equal no matter what talent goes there, what coach is there, or what league they are in. In my opinion Tophat does a much better job at focusing on a possession style of soccer where comfort on the ball is very important and movement off of the ball is also important. They do this more than other clubs I have seen in Atlanta. Tophat also is a club that has an overarching defined style of play from U8 through U19. They play this way from the top team to the 5th team and beyond. I cannot pick another club in the city that does this. As far as comments on individuals in leadership positions go maybe they are true and maybe they aren't but I can say that a lot of the comments in regards to those people in this particular situation do not seem warranted and sound like they are coming from someone who is already feeling salty about their current situation. My biggest point is that NTH does development and to say it doesn't and only acquires the best is wrong and silly to say. It would also be silly to say if it is not in ECNL that that development and the product it offers is now different.
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Post by soccermaxx72 on Apr 18, 2020 14:32:08 GMT -5
I think we can all agree though, that currently Tophat is definitely a top 10 girls club in the nation and IF Tophat’s leadership hadn’t burned so many bridges throughout the years they would have been one of the clubs to gain an ECNL spot for next season. So, NTH leadership need to look at themself in the mirror and blame no one but themself for the mess they are in.
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NTH
Apr 18, 2020 16:17:13 GMT -5
Post by atlfutboldad on Apr 18, 2020 16:17:13 GMT -5
I think we can all agree though, that currently Tophat is definitely a top 10 girls club in the nation and IF Tophat’s leadership hadn’t burned so many bridges throughout the years they would have been one of the clubs to gain an ECNL spot for next season. So, NTH leadership need to look at themself in the mirror and blame no one but themself for the mess they are in. Everyone else just jealous... |
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NTH
Apr 18, 2020 16:34:44 GMT -5
Post by Lady Soccer Whistledown on Apr 18, 2020 16:34:44 GMT -5
I think we can all agree though, that currently Tophat is definitely a top 10 girls club in the nation and IF Tophat’s leadership hadn’t burned so many bridges throughout the years they would have been one of the clubs to gain an ECNL spot for next season. So, NTH leadership need to look at themself in the mirror and blame no one but themself for the mess they are in. Everyone else just jealous... |
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Post by Lady Soccer Whistledown on Apr 18, 2020 16:38:13 GMT -5
What is there to be jealous of? I do not see any championships cups shining from there from the past few years. What do you have to tote so much about??? You have the #1 spot, this month, from soccer wire for being top club to develop girls, that's about it. Not hating just stating facts. Agree with @soccermaxx72, you leadership needs to take a step back and reevaluate.
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