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Post by mightydawg on Aug 3, 2021 10:44:51 GMT -5
South Carolina has now been added to the boys ECNL Southeast Division. That is an interesting development that expands the conference to 13 teams. Is this new information or did I just miss it when it was originally announced? CESA played in the ECNL finals in 2 age groups so it will definitely make the SE conference better.
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Post by atv on Aug 3, 2021 11:11:16 GMT -5
Nope. I saw SC teams added to schedules and was wondering myself
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Post by hammertime on Aug 3, 2021 14:47:13 GMT -5
There was a discussion about this on the forum a while back whenever SC Surf was announced as a new ECNL member club. Their press release mentioned playing in the SE Conference with other teams from SC against teams from GA, TN and AL.
But you are right. The addition of those three makes the conference even tougher. SC United was mid to low table but SC Surf sent teams in two age groups (07s and 04s) to the NPL Finals with the 07s winning the national championship.
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Post by Keeper on Aug 3, 2021 14:50:30 GMT -5
Old news….
Was announced Id say back when ECRL was announced.
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Post by Soccerhouse on Aug 3, 2021 15:38:31 GMT -5
Old news…. Was announced Id say back when ECRL was announced. yes, when surf and sc united got added, the release stated they were added to the southeast conference. then it was assumed cesa would jump over also. seems odd, but the midatlantic now is up to I think 18 teams |
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Post by Brinker on Aug 3, 2021 19:58:55 GMT -5
It was known when SC Surf joined a few months back.
I am glad about it. More competition and new teams to play.
Hopefully an extra playoff spot too.
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Post by 0507coop23dad on Aug 3, 2021 21:40:41 GMT -5
On the boys side of ECNL this year, a 13 team Southeast conference equals a 24 game season, plus Friendlies, Showcases, and Playoffs, and mix in ODP and High School and you’re looking at 65 games to which you can also add refereed intra-club scrimmages and college ID sessions. All coming with pretty much zero break from last year’s grind that went late into July and featured almost as many games as the upcoming year holds in store. That’s quite a bit even if you’re not a CB that never comes out of a game. No Covid-19 impact on development around these parts!
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Post by atv on Aug 3, 2021 21:45:18 GMT -5
On the boys side of ECNL this year, a 13 team Southeast conference equals a 24 game season, plus Friendlies, Showcases, and Playoffs, and mix in ODP and High School and you’re looking at 65 games to which you can also add refereed intra-club scrimmages and college ID sessions. All coming with pretty much zero break from last year’s grind that went late into July and featured almost as many games as the upcoming year holds in store. That’s quite a bit even if you’re not a CB that never comes out of a game. No Covid-19 impact on development around these parts! So just drop ODP |
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Post by 0507coop23dad on Aug 3, 2021 22:14:22 GMT -5
On the boys side of ECNL this year, a 13 team Southeast conference equals a 24 game season, plus Friendlies, Showcases, and Playoffs, and mix in ODP and High School and you’re looking at 65 games to which you can also add refereed intra-club scrimmages and college ID sessions. All coming with pretty much zero break from last year’s grind that went late into July and featured almost as many games as the upcoming year holds in store. That’s quite a bit even if you’re not a CB that never comes out of a game. No Covid-19 impact on development around these parts! So just drop ODP Not complaining - just a comment on how a lot of soccer was and is being played in this part of the country through these difficult few years. ODP doesn’t make that much of a difference by itself - only about 12 games spread throughout the entire year and it’s no problem to miss an event if needed. |
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Post by Keeper on Aug 3, 2021 22:18:27 GMT -5
Not complaining - just a comment on how a lot of soccer was and is being played in this part of the country through these difficult few years. ODP doesn’t make that much of a difference by itself - only about 12 games spread throughout the entire year and it’s no problem to miss an event if needed. Ecnl and odp? Why lower your standards and level of coaching with odp especially in GA? I mean maybe for U12 and U13 but after that I don’t know. |
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Post by Brinker on Aug 3, 2021 22:28:16 GMT -5
Not complaining - just a comment on how a lot of soccer was and is being played in this part of the country through these difficult few years. ODP doesn’t make that much of a difference by itself - only about 12 games spread throughout the entire year and it’s no problem to miss an event if needed. Ecnl and odp? Why lower your standards and level of coaching with odp especially in GA? I mean maybe for U12 and U13 but after that I don’t know. I have to agree. If you are playing top level boys ECNL, then I don’t see a need to play ODP. ODP is not what it used to be. |
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Post by 0507coop23dad on Aug 3, 2021 22:44:19 GMT -5
Not complaining - just a comment on how a lot of soccer was and is being played in this part of the country through these difficult few years. ODP doesn’t make that much of a difference by itself - only about 12 games spread throughout the entire year and it’s no problem to miss an event if needed. Ecnl and odp? Why lower your standards and level of coaching with odp especially in GA? I mean maybe for U12 and U13 but after that I don’t know. Several reasons: It’s good supplemental training especially when some of your teammates are doing it too. It can be good to have another set of coaching eyes on you - even if you just pick up a thing or two. The soccer quality is much better than in the recent past, and in some age groups the top team is actually very good. In some other states ODP is more of a focus than in Georgia so sub-regional games can be competitive, but that’s still hit or miss. Making one of the four region team rosters and playing in inter-regional games is a resume builder. College coaches have three concurrent coaches (when you include your high school coach) to talk to. Players get to know other players they’ve only played against previously. If you’ve been on the same club team a while it’s good for your game to play with other players and different styles. And it’s flexible - they know club team comes first and nobody gets bent out of shape if you miss a practice or event. It’s been a better experience than I thought it would be. |
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Post by 0507coop23dad on Aug 3, 2021 22:47:13 GMT -5
Ecnl and odp? Why lower your standards and level of coaching with odp especially in GA? I mean maybe for U12 and U13 but after that I don’t know. I have to agree. If you are playing top level boys ECNL, then I don’t see a need to play ODP. ODP is not what it used to be. I couldn’t disagree more. Since DA died the quality has improved. These are all ECNL players now on the first team. Not a true ECNL all star team but better than any ECNL team in Atlanta in the two age groups I follow. |
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Post by Keeper on Aug 4, 2021 10:11:23 GMT -5
I have to agree. If you are playing top level boys ECNL, then I don’t see a need to play ODP. ODP is not what it used to be. I couldn’t disagree more. Since DA died the quality has improved. These are all ECNL players now on the first team. Not a true ECNL all star team but better than any ECNL team in Atlanta in the two age groups I follow. I mean yes in certain states, Florida specifically, ODP is true top players and teams. But in GA it’s about Classic 1 / Premier 1 level, and the training and coaching is about as equal as they spend most of their time just scrimmaging. Last year on the Girls side - rarely saw ECNL players. Boys side - rarely saw any ECNL players that didn’t play for Concorde. Add in ECNL is planning a lot of events and games to conflict with ODP this year that will drop too. |
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Post by 0507coop23dad on Aug 4, 2021 12:43:02 GMT -5
I couldn’t disagree more. Since DA died the quality has improved. These are all ECNL players now on the first team. Not a true ECNL all star team but better than any ECNL team in Atlanta in the two age groups I follow. I mean yes in certain states, Florida specifically, ODP is true top players and teams. But in GA it’s about Classic 1 / Premier 1 level, and the training and coaching is about as equal as they spend most of their time just scrimmaging. Last year on the Girls side - rarely saw ECNL players. Boys side - rarely saw any ECNL players that didn’t play for Concorde. Add in ECNL is planning a lot of events and games to conflict with ODP this year that will drop too. Yes, sometimes the ECNL conflicts pull players from ODP events for sure. Also, last year they kept all the players from the previous cycle that wanted to stay because the season was cut short and that made for large players pools in some age groups, but the 07 boys were loaded with new top ECNL players and to a slightly lesser extent so were the 05 boys. I look for the quality to improve again this year as it will be harder to make the pools with no open tryouts but you never know who will end up playing. It’s not that hard in Atlanta to find 16-18 quality players that want extra touches, especially since the word is out among the players who’s playing now. It certainly has a ways to go, but it won’t change if you just bizatch about it and don’t participate. The inter-regional games in FL this November should be packed with good players - the best 18 players from each of the 4 four National ODP regions who have already gone through 3 levels of cuts to get there, and then roughly half of those guys will be selected for national camp at no cost. Ultimately my point is that it can be worthwhile and it’s a better experience than people remember it being through the Boys DA years. |
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Post by Keeper on Aug 4, 2021 13:18:12 GMT -5
I mean yes in certain states, Florida specifically, ODP is true top players and teams. But in GA it’s about Classic 1 / Premier 1 level, and the training and coaching is about as equal as they spend most of their time just scrimmaging. Last year on the Girls side - rarely saw ECNL players. Boys side - rarely saw any ECNL players that didn’t play for Concorde. Add in ECNL is planning a lot of events and games to conflict with ODP this year that will drop too. Yes, sometimes the ECNL conflicts pull players from ODP events for sure. Also, last year they kept all the players from the previous cycle that wanted to stay because the season was cut short and that made for large players pools in some age groups, but the 07 boys were loaded with new top ECNL players and to a slightly lesser extent so were the 05 boys. I look for the quality to improve again this year as it will be harder to make the pools with no open tryouts but you never know who will end up playing. It’s not that hard in Atlanta to find 16-18 quality players that want extra touches, especially since the word is out among the players who’s playing now. It certainly has a ways to go, but it won’t change if you just bizatch about it and don’t participate. The inter-regional games in FL this November should be packed with good players - the best 18 players from each of the 4 four National ODP regions who have already gone through 3 levels of cuts to get there, and then roughly half of those guys will be selected for national camp at no cost. Ultimately my point is that it can be worthwhile and it’s a better experience than people remember it being through the Boys DA years. Done ODP the last three years and two years with one of my oldest years ago…waste of money and time. And ECNL is planning games that weekend in Nov so we’ll see if those ECNL players actually attend or if Georgia has to send a bunch of SCCL/GPL players again. |
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Post by 0507coop23dad on Aug 4, 2021 14:08:37 GMT -5
Yes, sometimes the ECNL conflicts pull players from ODP events for sure. Also, last year they kept all the players from the previous cycle that wanted to stay because the season was cut short and that made for large players pools in some age groups, but the 07 boys were loaded with new top ECNL players and to a slightly lesser extent so were the 05 boys. I look for the quality to improve again this year as it will be harder to make the pools with no open tryouts but you never know who will end up playing. It’s not that hard in Atlanta to find 16-18 quality players that want extra touches, especially since the word is out among the players who’s playing now. It certainly has a ways to go, but it won’t change if you just bizatch about it and don’t participate. The inter-regional games in FL this November should be packed with good players - the best 18 players from each of the 4 four National ODP regions who have already gone through 3 levels of cuts to get there, and then roughly half of those guys will be selected for national camp at no cost. Ultimately my point is that it can be worthwhile and it’s a better experience than people remember it being through the Boys DA years. Done ODP the last three years and two years with one of my oldest years ago…waste of money and time. And ECNL is planning games that weekend in Nov so we’ll see if those ECNL players actually attend or if Georgia has to send a bunch of SCCL/GPL players again. I know other people from last year with the same view you have. Like I said, it can be worthwhile for some, not so for others. |
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Post by justhavefun on Aug 4, 2021 14:33:48 GMT -5
Keep311, I believe you have an 08 boy playing ODP.
I have some friends who play in that group. They tell me the problem is there are too many boys (@60) (and many are still developing ) but if your kid can crack the top 14 or so it’s all or mostly ECNL level boys. Has your boy been able to crack the top 14? Just trying to put some context around your dissatisfaction and why you are saying it’s not (ECNL) top level boys like others are telling me.
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Post by flix on Aug 4, 2021 14:40:56 GMT -5
I mean yes in certain states, Florida specifically, ODP is true top players and teams. But in GA it’s about Classic 1 / Premier 1 level, and the training and coaching is about as equal as they spend most of their time just scrimmaging. Last year on the Girls side - rarely saw ECNL players. Boys side - rarely saw any ECNL players that didn’t play for Concorde. Add in ECNL is planning a lot of events and games to conflict with ODP this year that will drop too. Yes, sometimes the ECNL conflicts pull players from ODP events for sure. Also, last year they kept all the players from the previous cycle that wanted to stay because the season was cut short and that made for large players pools in some age groups, but the 07 boys were loaded with new top ECNL players and to a slightly lesser extent so were the 05 boys. I look for the quality to improve again this year as it will be harder to make the pools with no open tryouts but you never know who will end up playing. It’s not that hard in Atlanta to find 16-18 quality players that want extra touches, especially since the word is out among the players who’s playing now. It certainly has a ways to go, but it won’t change if you just bizatch about it and don’t participate. The inter-regional games in FL this November should be packed with good players - the best 18 players from each of the 4 four National ODP regions who have already gone through 3 levels of cuts to get there, and then roughly half of those guys will be selected for national camp at no cost. Ultimately my point is that it can be worthwhile and it’s a better experience than people remember it being through the Boys DA years. I saw the 07 boys group and I thought it was a really good group of players, I believe a couple that were on that team are at AU now. The 08 group was definitely not as good as the 07 group but perhaps I did not see all of the players. I would have to believe that ODP is better now than it was when boys DA was still around. |
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Post by Keeper on Aug 5, 2021 0:22:57 GMT -5
Keep311, I believe you have an 08 boy playing ODP. I have some friends who play in that group. They tell me the problem is there are too many boys (@60) (and many are still developing ) but if your kid can crack the top 14 or so it’s all or mostly ECNL level boys. Has your boy been able to crack the top 14? Just trying to put some context around your dissatisfaction and why you are saying it’s not (ECNL) top level boys like others are telling me. Correct. This past year they kept adding more and more even though certain players would never come to practice. When rosters came out it was nearly all Concorde ECNL players who rarely came to practice and then a bunch of the inter Atlanta kids who’s coaches were on the staff. Kid starts on his ECNL team, was recruited by Nuno to play at gsa but yet couldn’t get off the third odp team. He had enough after being overlooked for two years and just said he’s done. Practices were also a joke. 45-50 kids on a full size field with plenty of U12 and full size goals to make multiple games and keep players moving. But nope, they’d spend the entire 2nd hour playing 11v11 with 2 plus teams siting out. That’s not coaching, that’s pretty much stealing money and complete laziness as coaches would congregate together and rarely coach. |
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Post by justhavefun on Aug 5, 2021 2:19:59 GMT -5
Gotcha - thanks, that definitely seems like a lot of boys. Sounds like they should have made some cuts early on and not continued to add to the roster. I am guessing Covid played a part. Also very much surprises me that your son starts for GSA but yet couldn’t make it above the 3rd team.
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Post by georgiatechalum on Aug 6, 2021 9:54:41 GMT -5
I have to admit, I am a little confused. My son (09) is contemplating ODP- I think tryouts start soon. On one hand I hear ODP is not great, but then I hear a boy who starts for GSA (08) is unable to make one of the top two teams, which would lead me to believe the talent level is very strong. What am I missing?
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Post by bogan on Aug 6, 2021 9:58:46 GMT -5
I have to admit, I am a little confused. My son (09) is contemplating ODP- I think tryouts start soon. On one hand I hear ODP is not great, but then I hear a boy who starts for GSA (08) is unable to make one of the top two teams, which would lead me to believe the talent level is very strong. What am I missing? …that it’s hit or miss. Some love it, some don’t. If your son wants to participate, especially at his age, I’d say go for it-but temper your expectations. My two cents. |
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thip
Jr. Academy
Posts: 33
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Post by thip on Aug 6, 2021 10:04:54 GMT -5
As for ODP, it’s just another option. No correct answer on if you have to do it. It can provide additional training. My daughter went DI, played four years of college soccer and we never once considered it or needed it.
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Post by soccernotfootball on Aug 6, 2021 10:21:02 GMT -5
I have to admit, I am a little confused. My son (09) is contemplating ODP- I think tryouts start soon. On one hand I hear ODP is not great, but then I hear a boy who starts for GSA (08) is unable to make one of the top two teams, which would lead me to believe the talent level is very strong. What am I missing? At that age, go for it- extra touches, meeting players from other clubs, new perspectives, etc. But also realize that there is a ton of politics involved and players selected for "top" teams and events aren't necessarily the best out there (or in a lot of cases, not even the best in the ODP pool). |
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Post by Keeper on Aug 6, 2021 13:44:42 GMT -5
I have to admit, I am a little confused. My son (09) is contemplating ODP- I think tryouts start soon. On one hand I hear ODP is not great, but then I hear a boy who starts for GSA (08) is unable to make one of the top two teams, which would lead me to believe the talent level is very strong. What am I missing? Just FYI they’ve already held the 09 tryouts, as well as a majority of the age group tryouts, so if you want to look into it you’re already behind. |
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Post by georgiatechalum on Aug 6, 2021 14:30:43 GMT -5
You sure… What age groups have gone? The ODP website says the tryouts start at the end of August and the 2009 age group is specifically September 10th. BTW - it also lists the boys/ girls who made the South Regional Pool. (best of the ‘South’ which if I read correctly consists of 14 states; including Florida & Texas). I assume there were additional “ eyes” doing the evaluations outside of Georgia coaches so hopefully the politics / biases were removed.
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