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Post by Soccerhouse on Aug 24, 2020 7:04:00 GMT -5
Well it does inherently cause a problem when you have 3-4 different leagues all under different umbrella's - It could become the wild wild west and players departing mid season.
But there are many advantages as well - Atlanta united and other elite league teams can in theory use guest players from other clubs for competitions -- I'm assuming the elite league has very little roster rules and similar to the generation Adidas tournament any player can suit up for any-team (ignoring MLS territory rights).
Don't quite get the lanier talk for most -- I know some kids that were being recruited up there, its not exactly around the corner for many. come here and play for free etc.
I guess if you live North of the river or in Lawrenceville it might not be that bad a drive up there, but that's a haul to Allen creek.
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Post by mightydawg on Aug 24, 2020 7:21:53 GMT -5
I don’t understand any perceived advantage that the MLS league would have over ECNL. If the thought process is that it gives you exposure to Atlanta United, you get the same exposure in ECNL since Atlanta United plays it as well. What am I missing? Seems like just another alphabet league.
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Post by soccerdad76 on Aug 24, 2020 8:06:10 GMT -5
I don’t understand any perceived advantage that the MLS league would have over ECNL. If the thought process is that it gives you exposure to Atlanta United, you get the same exposure in ECNL since Atlanta United plays it as well. What am I missing? Seems like just another alphabet league. u13 / 2008s at AFU have not had exposure to AtlUtd. AFU is not in u12 SCCL so no exposure last year, and no AtlUtd in u13 ECNL now so no exposure this year. If that’s what motivates you, a move to MLS league solves that. |
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Post by Lower90 on Aug 24, 2020 8:22:06 GMT -5
I don’t understand any perceived advantage that the MLS league would have over ECNL. If the thought process is that it gives you exposure to Atlanta United, you get the same exposure in ECNL since Atlanta United plays it as well. What am I missing? Seems like just another alphabet league. u13 / 2008s at AFU have not had exposure to AtlUtd. AFU is not in u12 SCCL so no exposure last year, and no AtlUtd in u13 ECNL now so no exposure this year. If that’s what motivates you, a move to MLS league solves that. AFU has never had that connection with Atlanta United. You do not need to move to a MLS league, simply go to the other surrounding clubs such as Concorde, UFA, GSA etc. as those clubs constantly have players on AU rosters and have looks and evaluations. This is one of the reasons why players leave Atlanta Fire after the academy ages. |
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Post by oraclesfriend on Aug 24, 2020 8:50:53 GMT -5
u13 / 2008s at AFU have not had exposure to AtlUtd. AFU is not in u12 SCCL so no exposure last year, and no AtlUtd in u13 ECNL now so no exposure this year. If that’s what motivates you, a move to MLS league solves that. AFU has never had that connection with Atlanta United. You do not need to move to a MLS league, simply go to the other surrounding clubs such as Concorde, UFA, GSA etc. as those clubs constantly have players on AU rosters and have looks and evaluations. This is one of the reasons why players leave Atlanta Fire after the academy ages. You can also pay to go to one of AU's RDS programs. I have heard of them finding kids in that. You have to be less than 15 years old though |
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Post by guerillaman on Aug 24, 2020 8:58:57 GMT -5
In my humbled opinion AU recruited more younger kids from outside the state than inside the state. Maybe I'm wrong, but NASA, UFA, Concorde all have players better than some of the kids they have brought in.
Bottom line, if you don't make the AU rosters at u12, its extremely difficult to get over there. Takes a support team, a strong player that shines when being scouted, athletic, and a current coach that also supports that player. Current coach also has to be an ambassador for the player.
It's time for mls academies to drop anything less than <15, scout actuall ecnl, sccl, US youth soccer games - develop a true partnership with clubs. Charlotte is trying this now, not sure if it is going to work. But an Atlanta United badge on your clubs website is not what a youth partnership is about:
its about coaching education
honest evaluation and assessments of players.
players being invited to training sessions during on and off season.
AU coming out to clubs training sessions, run sessions together.
constant evaluation of local talent and engagement with local coaching staff
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Post by soccerdad76 on Aug 24, 2020 9:01:13 GMT -5
u13 / 2008s at AFU have not had exposure to AtlUtd. AFU is not in u12 SCCL so no exposure last year, and no AtlUtd in u13 ECNL now so no exposure this year. If that’s what motivates you, a move to MLS league solves that. AFU has never had that connection with Atlanta United. You do not need to move to a MLS league, simply go to the other surrounding clubs such as Concorde, UFA, GSA etc. as those clubs constantly have players on AU rosters and have looks and evaluations. This is one of the reasons why players leave Atlanta Fire after the academy ages. I agree... I never said I thought doing so was a good idea (it’s not). As soccernotfootball stated, could be running away from something more than towards something else. The general lack of tryouts could have prevented moving to the clubs you mentioned, and maybe this is an easy out. Or perhaps we’re only talking about 1 or 2 players so not a big deal... if even true. |
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Post by soccerspin on Aug 24, 2020 10:22:06 GMT -5
Meanwhile no one seems to even know or care that SSA has MLS at all ages U13 - U19. It seems most of their existing players don't even want it. I beg to differ. I know plenty of kids on the U15 and U16 Boys upper teams that want it. U15 MLS is essentially the former DA team and the U16's are essentially their NPL team. I have heard no rumblings of mass exodus or any issues at SSA. Probably shouldn't spread rumors. So then it is confirmed that non-MLS clubs will have more than just u13 and u14 MLS teams? So if you’re at SSA and you signed up for the u15 SCCL team, you are now the u15 NPL team since the u15 NPL team just moved to become the u15 MLS team? |
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Post by atlfutboldad on Aug 24, 2020 11:12:14 GMT -5
Wait, pull back, WTF is this "exposure" to AU, and what is it really worth anyways? 8 homegrowns in 4 years? They sign on average 2 a year, and what kind of contract is that financially? How long is it guaranteed? I would guess that former college players drafted in round 1 play significantly more minutes. I'm surprised that as many parents are willing to hand their children over to the combine that is professional sports at such a young age. As many with experience have stated on here, AU is looking for 1-2 stars per age group, the rest are simply fodder for the system. If your kid doesn't step onto any field and simply "shine" as easily the best player, they're not really what AU is looking for. Otherwise more meat for the grinder. I'm sure there's far more than 8 stories of crushed spirits and confidence, wanting to quit the game, etc...and in between, the ones who last in the system who are usually fortunate enough to get a college scholarship.
I accept that college may not be for everyone, but it does separate the wheat from the chaff far better than getting a contract at 18. Additionally, a couple years into college, they're men compared to 18-year-old boys. The difference mentally, emotionally and physically between a college freshman and senior is undeniable.
And as far as LSA offering "free to play" in their U13-U14 MLS league for U13 boys whose families have already paid to play in ECNL, sounds like KSA-type tactics. Will be interesting to see what AFU does with this, but in the end, it just doesn't matter.
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Post by wolves97 on Aug 24, 2020 12:26:08 GMT -5
Wait, pull back, WTF is this "exposure" to AU, and what is it really worth anyways? 8 homegrowns in 4 years? They sign on average 2 a year, and what kind of contract is that financially? How long is it guaranteed? I would guess that former college players drafted in round 1 play significantly more minutes. I'm surprised that as many parents are willing to hand their children over to the combine that is professional sports at such a young age. As many with experience have stated on here, AU is looking for 1-2 stars per age group, the rest are simply fodder for the system. If your kid doesn't step onto any field and simply "shine" as easily the best player, they're not really what AU is looking for. Otherwise more meat for the grinder. I'm sure there's far more than 8 stories of crushed spirits and confidence, wanting to quit the game, etc...and in between, the ones who last in the system who are usually fortunate enough to get a college scholarship. I accept that college may not be for everyone, but it does separate the wheat from the chaff far better than getting a contract at 18. Additionally, a couple years into college, they're men compared to 18-year-old boys. The difference mentally, emotionally and physically between a college freshman and senior is undeniable. And as far as LSA offering "free to play" in their U13-U14 MLS league for U13 boys whose families have already paid to play in ECNL, sounds like KSA-type tactics. Will be interesting to see what AFU does with this, but in the end, it just doesn't matter. I know of one personally (and I’m not his family member, Coach, teammate or even friend. I just happened to meet him and got to talking to him outside of soccer related events) who quit the game altogether because he got crushed at 17. He thought his soccer career was over because he got released from an MLS program—-which couldn’t have been farther from the truth in my opinion. This is what drives people insane. |
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Post by soccergurl on Aug 24, 2020 14:58:27 GMT -5
Well didn’t take long, not even a month into the season. Players from AFU’s ECNL have left to go join Lanier and their MLS league teams. Yes players who played in the Concorde tournament and ECNL friendlies literally left their teams mid week for new ones. All without AFU approval because they can with both leagues operating separately. Get your popcorn ready, it’s going to get interesting! is this on the afu team that got into a fight saturday |
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Post by hateallthesechanges on Aug 24, 2020 15:36:50 GMT -5
I beg to differ. I know plenty of kids on the U15 and U16 Boys upper teams that want it. U15 MLS is essentially the former DA team and the U16's are essentially their NPL team. I have heard no rumblings of mass exodus or any issues at SSA. Probably shouldn't spread rumors. So then it is confirmed that non-MLS clubs will have more than just u13 and u14 MLS teams? So if you’re at SSA and you signed up for the u15 SCCL team, you are now the u15 NPL team since the u15 NPL team just moved to become the u15 MLS team? Correct. So far I have only heard of AU and SSA in Georgia that have U15-U19 though. Not much information available. |
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Post by Keeper on Aug 24, 2020 19:20:50 GMT -5
I don’t understand any perceived advantage that the MLS league would have over ECNL. If the thought process is that it gives you exposure to Atlanta United, you get the same exposure in ECNL since Atlanta United plays it as well. What am I missing? Seems like just another alphabet league. u13 / 2008s at AFU have not had exposure to AtlUtd. AFU is not in u12 SCCL so no exposure last year, and no AtlUtd in u13 ECNL now so no exposure this year. If that’s what motivates you, a move to MLS league solves that. Wrong. The 08s played Atl United twice last fall as they AU played U12s in Ga Soccer too. |
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Post by Keeper on Aug 24, 2020 19:23:06 GMT -5
Well didn’t take long, not even a month into the season. Players from AFU’s ECNL have left to go join Lanier and their MLS league teams. Yes players who played in the Concorde tournament and ECNL friendlies literally left their teams mid week for new ones. All without AFU approval because they can with both leagues operating separately. Get your popcorn ready, it’s going to get interesting! is this on the afu team that got into a fight saturday Nope. They were off this weekend. Who got into a fight? |
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Post by soccerdad76 on Aug 24, 2020 21:59:35 GMT -5
u13 / 2008s at AFU have not had exposure to AtlUtd. AFU is not in u12 SCCL so no exposure last year, and no AtlUtd in u13 ECNL now so no exposure this year. If that’s what motivates you, a move to MLS league solves that. Wrong. The 08s played Atl United twice last fall as they AU played U12s in Ga Soccer too. Fair enough, forgot about the 08/09 GA soccer team. |
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Post by soccergurl on Aug 28, 2020 9:01:30 GMT -5
is this on the afu team that got into a fight saturday Nope. They were off this weekend. Who got into a fight? heard it was at scrimmage or practice not sure which teams |
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Post by onekickpop on Aug 28, 2020 17:46:54 GMT -5
Great post. There are many youngsters as good as/better than equivalent age AU players. I’ve often wondered how to equate having AU on your resume to playing for a local club. Example: 2 boys get picked to play for a top 10 soccer school playing the same position.one from AU, another from one of the top area clubs. Does the AU alum slot higher than the local club alum? I’ve been fortunate to watch many scrimmages and preseason matches and I can tell you we have a host of talent throughout Atlanta at multiple age groups. Hopefully we will get past this virus so some of these boys can take their chance overseas and bypass this MLS nonsense (or get into a good school)! 😊 Wait, pull back, WTF is this "exposure" to AU, and what is it really worth anyways? 8 homegrowns in 4 years? They sign on average 2 a year, and what kind of contract is that financially? How long is it guaranteed? I would guess that former college players drafted in round 1 play significantly more minutes. I'm surprised that as many parents are willing to hand their children over to the combine that is professional sports at such a young age. As many with experience have stated on here, AU is looking for 1-2 stars per age group, the rest are simply fodder for the system. If your kid doesn't step onto any field and simply "shine" as easily the best player, they're not really what AU is looking for. Otherwise more meat for the grinder. I'm sure there's far more than 8 stories of crushed spirits and confidence, wanting to quit the game, etc...and in between, the ones who last in the system who are usually fortunate enough to get a college scholarship. I accept that college may not be for everyone, but it does separate the wheat from the chaff far better than getting a contract at 18. Additionally, a couple years into college, they're men compared to 18-year-old boys. The difference mentally, emotionally and physically between a college freshman and senior is undeniable. And as far as LSA offering "free to play" in their U13-U14 MLS league for U13 boys whose families have already paid to play in ECNL, sounds like KSA-type tactics. Will be interesting to see what AFU does with this, but in the end, it just doesn't matter. |
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Post by cleansheet on Aug 29, 2020 14:52:55 GMT -5
Well didn’t take long, not even a month into the season. Players from AFU’s ECNL have left to go join Lanier and their MLS league teams. Yes players who played in the Concorde tournament and ECNL friendlies literally left their teams mid week for new ones. All without AFU approval because they can with both leagues operating separately. Get your popcorn ready, it’s going to get interesting! Maybe we now know why some kids are leaving AFU. U13s: UFA 8- AFU 0. 😬 GSA 7- AFU 0 😱 |
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Post by Keeper on Aug 29, 2020 17:30:05 GMT -5
Well didn’t take long, not even a month into the season. Players from AFU’s ECNL have left to go join Lanier and their MLS league teams. Yes players who played in the Concorde tournament and ECNL friendlies literally left their teams mid week for new ones. All without AFU approval because they can with both leagues operating separately. Get your popcorn ready, it’s going to get interesting! Maybe we now know why some kids are leaving AFU. U13s: UFA 8- AFU 0. 😬 Yeah except the wrong kids are leaving. Half that team are “legacy” younger siblings who should have been cut in the last two years. Plus a new coach who was not worth what that paid to get him to leave NC fusion. Just another example of Afu playing politics over good soccer. |
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Post by atlfutboldad on Aug 29, 2020 18:46:22 GMT -5
Its rare they play politics with the first team. Often they put legacies/siblings on the 2nd teams and dual-roster them onto the 1st team.
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Post by Keeper on Aug 29, 2020 22:40:07 GMT -5
Its rare they play politics with the first team. Often they put legacies/siblings on the 2nd teams and dual-roster them onto the 1st team. Sadly not with that 08 Boys group. Hell they took a kid who’s father threatened to sue the club because they weren’t going to let his older kid go to nationals with his AFU team after the kid left for Ufa at tryouts. |
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Post by soccerparent02 on Aug 30, 2020 16:28:08 GMT -5
CDC now reports only 6% of all Covid cases caused by just covid. While its unfortunate when anyone loses a family member, it's not appropriate to use their deaths politically. Btw that's 9000 deaths since January total. The 94% had an average of 2.6 other comorbidities.
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Post by footyfan on Aug 30, 2020 18:39:49 GMT -5
CDC now reports only 6% of all Covid cases caused by just covid. While its unfortunate when anyone loses a family member, it's not appropriate to use their deaths politically. Btw that's 9000 deaths since January total. The 94% had an average of 2.6 other comorbidities. *edited*that an adult would write this post makes me sad. |
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Post by georgiatechalum on Aug 30, 2020 20:09:25 GMT -5
There was a little chatter about this on the AFU sidelines this weekend, A few of the parents know the boy who left . (and it was just 1) They spoke very highly of his play. More importantly though, Jumpjump must be related to one of the boys on the current AFU team since he seems to have a lot of details ( i,e legacy players, coaching situation, schedules , even lawsuits, etc). He/she may not be calling out the boys by name but those on the team must know who he is referring to. So that is just as bad. I played a lot of sports growing up, even a little in college and we had a rule that you kept it in the locker room. If my son was on the team, I’d want to know why and who was talking so negatively about his own team on an open forum. (It’s not just this thread but also the one providing weekend scores) I understand there can be frustration at times and losing doesn’t help but lets not forget this is 12 year old soccer.
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Post by georgiatechalum on Aug 30, 2020 20:15:48 GMT -5
* meant to say “chatter on the UFA sidelines”
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Post by atlfutboldad on Aug 30, 2020 20:25:09 GMT -5
Its rare they play politics with the first team. Often they put legacies/siblings on the 2nd teams and dual-roster them onto the 1st team. Sadly not with that 08 Boys group. Hell they took a kid who’s father threatened to sue the club because they weren’t going to let his older kid go to nationals with his AFU team after the kid left for Ufa at tryouts. Sue? Seriously? First off, they should have let him play regardless, it's a continuation of the previous year. Further justification for putting tryouts in July and finishing the prior year in June. Second, IMO MM needs to stop this practice. Form the teams based on the best players available, not extortion. Luckily for AFU, they still have access to the top league...those problems should solve themselves. Just tell those families to walk if that's their game. |
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Post by Keeper on Aug 30, 2020 20:57:09 GMT -5
Sadly not with that 08 Boys group. Hell they took a kid who’s father threatened to sue the club because they weren’t going to let his older kid go to nationals with his AFU team after the kid left for Ufa at tryouts. Sue? Seriously? First off, they should have let him play regardless, it's a continuation of the previous year. Further justification for putting tryouts in July and finishing the prior year in June. Second, IMO MM needs to stop this practice. Form the teams based on the best players available, not extortion. Luckily for AFU, they still have access to the top league...those problems should solve themselves. Just tell those families to walk if that's their game. Seriously? The kid left at tryouts to join a new team. One, why would you want to play with a team that you said wasn’t good enough when you left at tryouts? Two, even as a coach i wouldn’t take a kid back like that unless there was a conversation had beforehand. But yes tryouts need to be after all this. Still think tryouts need to be in December or January and follow the calendar year just like the age groups. Not sure what Mirza and Garth are doing anymore but i thought by getting rid of Hoover things would get better and the BS would end. |
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Post by forumguy on Aug 31, 2020 6:08:52 GMT -5
AFU, MM and GP are getting found out now that they're playing with the big boys. In the past they avoided playing the DA teams but now that everyone is back on the same level they are getting exposed.
Expect AFU teams to get worse as the season progresses. Happens every year. Not trying to be harsh...just calling it as I see it.
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Post by cleansheet on Aug 31, 2020 6:46:47 GMT -5
AFU, MM and GP are getting found out now that they're playing with the big boys. In the past they avoided playing the DA teams but now that everyone is back on the same level they are getting exposed. Expect AFU teams to get worse as the season progresses. Happens every year. Not trying to be harsh...just calling it as I see it. What’s the end game here if AFU doesn’t get better results? Could ECNL drop them? Has that ever happened? Is there another local club that deserves ECNL over AFU? |
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Post by flix on Aug 31, 2020 7:20:53 GMT -5
@soccerdad76
Please help me clear up a misunderstanding I have. Is the u13 AFU ECNL boys squad that lost 8-0 and 7-0 respectively over the past weekend the same squad you have been talking about? Is this the same squad you said were having their ECNL experience undervalued because AU is not in your age group and that’s two less matches for you? Is this the same squad you said wouldn’t be able to get any exposure to AU because they weren’t in the age group( I believe you gave it a thumbs down)? I’m just asking because I know this can’t be the same squad🤔
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