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Post by DunwoodySoccerDad on Apr 22, 2024 20:13:34 GMT -5
What happened to Alex Pineda? Don’t see him coaching any teams. Good question, I’m not sure.
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Post by suzyq on Apr 23, 2024 4:52:46 GMT -5
Does anyone have any insight into coaching projections for 2011 girls? I’m especially interested in SSA and tophat info. Any predictions on what will happen over at CF with the 2011 girls. Trying to make an informed decision for the 2024-25 season.
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Post by crazzzy4soccer on Apr 23, 2024 6:27:47 GMT -5
if you have a 2011 girl RUN to Concorde. You’d be getting one of the best in the biz in Alan Woods.
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Post by soccerdad30303 on Apr 23, 2024 6:53:08 GMT -5
if you have a 2011 girl RUN to Concorde. You’d be getting one of the best in the biz in Alan Woods. Stop it! That’s not true! What has he done to get that title?
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Post by crazzzy4soccer on Apr 23, 2024 7:11:43 GMT -5
Very much true. Amazing at developing players. Teaches them the game the right way from a young age. Is an amazing mentior even when he isnt your kids coach.
I know its not normal on here to speak positively of a coach, much more fun to bash them 🤮
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Post by natlfutbol on Apr 23, 2024 7:17:03 GMT -5
if you have a 2011 girl RUN to Concorde. You’d be getting one of the best in the biz in Alan Woods. Stop it! That’s not true! What has he done to get that title? I know of top player which have run away from this coach. Everyone's experience is different...
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Post by natlfutbol on Apr 23, 2024 7:19:36 GMT -5
What happened to Alex Pineda? Don’t see him coaching any teams. Rumor within his teams is that he is moving...
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Post by suzyq on Apr 23, 2024 9:48:41 GMT -5
Should I anticipate some of the 2011 cf girls leaving because of the coaching change? Where would they go? I’m considering a move for my player but, there are so many variables to consider. Does anyone have any info on the 2011 tophat coach for the 2024-2025 season? Both Gold and Navy?
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Post by soccerlegacy on Apr 23, 2024 10:35:20 GMT -5
Should I anticipate some of the 2011 cf girls leaving because of the coaching change? Where would they go? I’m considering a move for my player but, there are so many variables to consider. Does anyone have any info on the 2011 tophat coach for the 2024-2025 season? Both Gold and Navy? If Alan and Gil are able to bring over UFA players in their selected age groups, I would imagine some previous players will be displaced from the Platinum team. It's a good thing Concorde has two ECNL teams and most could probably find a home there. I don't get why some might find that as a demotion (I'm not saying you specifically) and look for another club. They play the same teams, in the same SE ECNL conference. If a player does move to another club, they will still be playing in the SE ECNL conference and against the two Concorde teams... and playing against the same competition. So why go hunt for another club/team? Honest question.
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Post by soccerdad30303 on Apr 23, 2024 10:54:05 GMT -5
And if they are going to Concorde, is it normal for one coach to be with same team so long? How long should one coach have a group? Seems like it could go either way, what is norm?
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Post by suzyq on Apr 23, 2024 11:03:48 GMT -5
Good insight. I agree that playing for Concordes second team is not a demotion both teams have tons of talent and play the same teams. Specifically my child does not currently play for Concorde. We are looking to move to Tophat and I guess I was asking if ECNL players would move to GAL. Would any of the displaced Concorde players consider SSA? What is the perception of SSA within the league? These questions may be common knowledge but it’s my first time navigating these waters and I’m not as knowledgeable as some in regards to pathways and clubs. Any insight would be helpful
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Post by 04gparent on Apr 23, 2024 11:20:49 GMT -5
Good insight. I agree that playing for Concordes second team is not a demotion both teams have tons of talent and play the same teams. Specifically my child does not currently play for Concorde. We are looking to move to Tophat and I guess I was asking if ECNL players would move to GAL. Would any of the displaced Concorde players consider SSA? What is the perception of SSA within the league? These questions may be common knowledge but it’s my first time navigating these waters and I’m not as knowledgeable as some in regards to pathways and clubs. Any insight would be helpful First off, good luck with your move. I hope your daughter finds the right fit for her and her development. While GA doesnt have the prestige of ECNL, TH is actually thriving in the league (based on college signings and championships). The 06s, 07s, and 08s will tell you the colleges coming to their games the last couple of years have been excellent. You can verify this by searching TH08 gold twitter account. Gold is thriving more than Navy as should be expected. When you tryout you will find the 2011s at TH to be pretty talented. I have found TH will give fair evaluations and will resign the best group to Gold, even if that means some players from previous Gold years move to Navy or leave the club. From my perspective SSA is mid tier in GA. They have enough talent to threaten any team on any given Saturday or Sunday. Unfortunately, keeping their best players (academy to select ages) has always been and will continue to be their biggest challenge. There are players at SSA that were once at TH. The 2011 SSA team lost many 1 score games and thus I think a couple of new players may help push them up the table. Let me know if you need any more insight.
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Post by oraclesfriend on Apr 23, 2024 11:36:47 GMT -5
Should I anticipate some of the 2011 cf girls leaving because of the coaching change? Where would they go? I’m considering a move for my player but, there are so many variables to consider. Does anyone have any info on the 2011 tophat coach for the 2024-2025 season? Both Gold and Navy? If Alan and Gil are able do bring over UFA players in their selected age groups, I would imagine some previous players will be displaced from the Platinum team. It's a good thing Concorde has two ECNL teams and most could probably find a home there. I don't get why some might find that as a demotion (I'm not saying you specifically) and look for another club. They play the same teams, in the same SE ECNL conference. If a player does move to another club, they will still be playing in the SE ECNL conference and against the two Concorde teams... and playing against the same competition. So why go hunt for another club/team? Honest question. Definitely a demotion as no club treats the second team like the first even when they are in the same league. It will still be a good experience for most players. The games are the same but the practices won’t be as challenging for those who were demoted. At the younger ages it doesn’t matter as they are not being recruited. If the coach is still a strong one then it probably could be a good thing as these demoted kids could end up being the leaders and get more playing time. It depends on the kid and the coach and the goals of the player.
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Post by oraclesfriend on Apr 23, 2024 11:41:49 GMT -5
And if they are going to Concorde, is it normal for one coach to be with same team so long? How long should one coach have a group? Seems like it could go either way, what is norm? Honestly Gil’s 09 girls need to have a new coach. They are doing amazing but he has had that group since they were U9 except for a brief stint with NK. If they continue with the same coach all of that time they can have no clue how to play a different way or how to deal with a new coach and understanding the expectations. I am very much against coaches having the same team beyond 3 years. Alan’s group has several players who were play ups when they were U9-10 so they have not been always with him. The remaining girls also had a different coach. Still though this would be year 4. Ditto as above with Gil.
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Post by southernsoccer on Apr 23, 2024 11:42:08 GMT -5
Good insight. I agree that playing for Concordes second team is not a demotion both teams have tons of talent and play the same teams. Specifically my child does not currently play for Concorde. We are looking to move to Tophat and I guess I was asking if ECNL players would move to GAL. Would any of the displaced Concorde players consider SSA? What is the perception of SSA within the league? These questions may be common knowledge but it’s my first time navigating these waters and I’m not as knowledgeable as some in regards to pathways and clubs. Any insight would be helpful First off, good luck with your move. I hope your daughter finds the right fit for her and her development. While GA doesnt have the prestige of ECNL, TH is actually thriving in the league (based on college signings and championships). The 06s, 07s, and 08s will tell you the colleges coming to their games the last couple of years have been excellent. You can verify this by searching TH08 gold twitter account. Gold is thriving more than Navy as should be expected. When you tryout you will find the 2011s at TH to be pretty talented. I have found TH will give fair evaluations and will resign the best group to Gold, even if that means some players from previous Gold years move to Navy or leave the club. From my perspective SSA is mid tier in GA. They have enough talent to threaten any team on any given Saturday or Sunday. Unfortunately, keeping their best players (academy to select ages) has always been and will continue to be their biggest challenge. There are players at SSA that were once at TH. The 2011 SSA team lost many 1 score games and thus I think a couple of new players may help push them up the table. Let me know if you need any more insight. Do you believe TH gives fair assessments at all age groups or do politics change that once players get older?
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Post by soccer1320 on Apr 23, 2024 11:50:14 GMT -5
Replying to: "... I don't get why some might find that as a demotion (I'm not saying you specifically) and look for another club. They play the same teams, in the same SE ECNL conference. If a player does move to another club, they will still be playing in the SE ECNL conference and against the two Concorde teams... and playing against the same competition. So why go hunt for another club/team? Honest question."
The reason a player may look for another team other than Concorde Premier depends on the age group. For example, if you have a talented ECNL Platinum player being dropped from the platinum team, the next best talented team in the area may not be the Concorde Premier team. For most top players, they are trying to maintain playing with kids who are MORE talented than them so that they grow. If they sinmply drop to Premier, they could easily be the best player on the team, depending on the age group. Could be more beneficial for their player to find another more competitive ECNL team that may be located at another club.
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Post by soccerlegacy on Apr 23, 2024 12:04:59 GMT -5
Good insight. I agree that playing for Concordes second team is not a demotion both teams have tons of talent and play the same teams. Specifically my child does not currently play for Concorde. We are looking to move to Tophat and I guess I was asking if ECNL players would move to GAL. Would any of the displaced Concorde players consider SSA? What is the perception of SSA within the league? These questions may be common knowledge but it’s my first time navigating these waters and I’m not as knowledgeable as some in regards to pathways and clubs. Any insight would be helpful I understand where you are coming from. Many on this site were once in your shoes and now come here with knowledge to share, so good on you for seeking this site out. I misunderstood, and thought you might be a Concorde parent that was concerned about their player being someone that might be displaced from Concorde. This is what many describe as the "crazy season" of youth soccer, and this year seems to be no different (or maybe even more chaotic) because of the news of Gil and Alan to Concorde. I would agree with 04gparent's assessment of TH and SSA. I would add that some (not all) view the SSA club as sort of a "cast-off" club where some players land when they have been kicked out of other clubs or couldn't find a home on the top team at other clubs. I'm not saying it is fair, but there are several girls from other clubs that DO wind up there. So "Yes" to answer your question, some Concorde players might eventually wind up there, but it will be a trickle down effect of not having other options to play top-level soccer at the powerhouses (Concorde, TH, UFA). Of course, the majority of players are there just because the came up in the SSA system, it's convenient and close to home, and they play at one for the two top leagues (GAL). Because SSA seems to only be mid-tier in the arguable less competitive GAL, some of their best players look to move on to the ECNL or TH because of the name recognition. Not saying it's right, but it does give an edge in college recruiting. This, in turn, makes it harder for SSA to bring up their status amongst the powerhouse clubs in Georgia. All that being said, if you feel your player is getting the coaching they need, is developing well, and you feel you and your player are enjoying your experience at SSA or the club you are at, then keep a mindset to always look for other opportunities as the powerhouses and then weigh whether switching would be the best for your particular player. There is always a potential for some teams in the SSA system to gel and become solid teams. Just set the expectations it will be very hard for them to be competing for top spot in the GAL.
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Post by 04gparent on Apr 23, 2024 12:06:26 GMT -5
First off, good luck with your move. I hope your daughter finds the right fit for her and her development. While GA doesnt have the prestige of ECNL, TH is actually thriving in the league (based on college signings and championships). The 06s, 07s, and 08s will tell you the colleges coming to their games the last couple of years have been excellent. You can verify this by searching TH08 gold twitter account. Gold is thriving more than Navy as should be expected. When you tryout you will find the 2011s at TH to be pretty talented. I have found TH will give fair evaluations and will resign the best group to Gold, even if that means some players from previous Gold years move to Navy or leave the club. From my perspective SSA is mid tier in GA. They have enough talent to threaten any team on any given Saturday or Sunday. Unfortunately, keeping their best players (academy to select ages) has always been and will continue to be their biggest challenge. There are players at SSA that were once at TH. The 2011 SSA team lost many 1 score games and thus I think a couple of new players may help push them up the table. Let me know if you need any more insight. Do you believe TH gives fair assessments at all age groups or do politics change that once players get older? I believe they are fair. I also understand this is my perspective. Others may feel differently. Keep in mind although the style of play at TH is pretty consistent u13 to u18, different head coaches value different skillsets on the field. Typically at TH players will have 2 or 3 different head coaches from u13 to u18. They have done that for the last 20 years. Hope this helps...
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maze
Jr. Academy
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Post by maze on Apr 23, 2024 12:13:16 GMT -5
Good insight. I agree that playing for Concordes second team is not a demotion both teams have tons of talent and play the same teams. Specifically my child does not currently play for Concorde. We are looking to move to Tophat and I guess I was asking if ECNL players would move to GAL. Would any of the displaced Concorde players consider SSA? What is the perception of SSA within the league? These questions may be common knowledge but it’s my first time navigating these waters and I’m not as knowledgeable as some in regards to pathways and clubs. Any insight would be helpful I understand where you are coming from. Many on this site were once in your shoes and now come here with knowledge to share, so good on you for seeking this site out. I misunderstood, and thought you might be a Concorde parent that was concerned about their player being someone that might be displaced from Concorde. This is what many describe as the "crazy season" of youth soccer, and this year seems to be no different (or maybe even more chaotic) because of the news of Gil and Alan to Concorde. I would agree with 04gparent's assessment of TH and SSA. I would add that some (not all) view the SSA club as sort of a "cast-off" club where some players land when they have been kicked out of other clubs or couldn't find a home on the top team at other clubs. I'm not saying it is fair, but there are several girls from other clubs that DO wind up there. So "Yes" to answer your question, some Concorde players might eventually wind up there, but it will be a trickle down effect of not having other options to play top-level soccer at the powerhouses (Concorde, TH, UFA). Of course, the majority of players are there just because the came up in the SSA system, it's convenient and close to home, and they play at one for the two top leagues (GAL). Because SSA seems to only be mid-tier in the arguable less competitive GAL, some of their best players look to move on to the ECNL or TH because of the name recognition. Not saying it's right, but it does give an edge in college recruiting. This, in turn, makes it harder for SSA to bring up their status amongst the powerhouse clubs in Georgia. All that being said, if you feel your player is getting the coaching they need, is developing well, and you feel you and your player are enjoying your experience at SSA or the club you are at, then keep a mindset to always look for other opportunities as the powerhouses and then weigh whether switching would be the best for your particular player. There is always a potential for some teams in the SSA system to gel and become solid teams. Just set the expectations it will be very hard for them to be competing for top spot in the GAL. Agreed! I think a good example of this is that the SSA 2010s, this weekend I think, clobbered Navy 5-1 or something like that. Don't know how they did against gold
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Post by 04gparent on Apr 23, 2024 12:20:57 GMT -5
I understand where you are coming from. Many on this site were once in your shoes and now come here with knowledge to share, so good on you for seeking this site out. I misunderstood, and thought you might be a Concorde parent that was concerned about their player being someone that might be displaced from Concorde. This is what many describe as the "crazy season" of youth soccer, and this year seems to be no different (or maybe even more chaotic) because of the news of Gil and Alan to Concorde. I would agree with 04gparent's assessment of TH and SSA. I would add that some (not all) view the SSA club as sort of a "cast-off" club where some players land when they have been kicked out of other clubs or couldn't find a home on the top team at other clubs. I'm not saying it is fair, but there are several girls from other clubs that DO wind up there. So "Yes" to answer your question, some Concorde players might eventually wind up there, but it will be a trickle down effect of not having other options to play top-level soccer at the powerhouses (Concorde, TH, UFA). Of course, the majority of players are there just because the came up in the SSA system, it's convenient and close to home, and they play at one for the two top leagues (GAL). Because SSA seems to only be mid-tier in the arguable less competitive GAL, some of their best players look to move on to the ECNL or TH because of the name recognition. Not saying it's right, but it does give an edge in college recruiting. This, in turn, makes it harder for SSA to bring up their status amongst the powerhouse clubs in Georgia. All that being said, if you feel your player is getting the coaching they need, is developing well, and you feel you and your player are enjoying your experience at SSA or the club you are at, then keep a mindset to always look for other opportunities as the powerhouses and then weigh whether switching would be the best for your particular player. There is always a potential for some teams in the SSA system to gel and become solid teams. Just set the expectations it will be very hard for them to be competing for top spot in the GAL. Agreed! I think a good example of this is that the SSA 2010s, this weekend I think, clobbered Navy 5-1 or something like that. Don't know how they did against gold I honestly think if SSA ever invested the same resources in the girls program as they boys they could be dangerous. There is alot of soccer talent in their footprint. Tons!!! Some of it is parent education as well. Helping parents to understand the soccer landscape and how SSA and GA fits into it. I hear they are attempting to invest more into the girls but time will tell. BTW the 2010s lost to Gold 4 to 1.
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maze
Jr. Academy
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Post by maze on Apr 23, 2024 12:26:02 GMT -5
Agreed! I think a good example of this is that the SSA 2010s, this weekend I think, clobbered Navy 5-1 or something like that. Don't know how they did against gold I honestly think if SSA ever invested the same resources in the girls program as they boys they could be dangerous. There is alot of soccer talent in their footprint. Tons!!! Some of it is parent education as well. Helping parents to understand the soccer landscape and how SSA and GA fits into it. I hear they are attempting to invest more into the girls but time will tell. BTW the 2010s lost to Gold 4 to 1. I agree with that too. I think the issue is that top hat pulls from their teams every year and so it's hard for SSA to keep an entire team full of top talent. And thanks for the gold score.
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Post by ball2futbol on Apr 23, 2024 12:40:13 GMT -5
Should I anticipate some of the 2011 cf girls leaving because of the coaching change? Where would they go? I’m considering a move for my player but, there are so many variables to consider. Does anyone have any info on the 2011 tophat coach for the 2024-2025 season? Both Gold and Navy? If Alan and Gil are able to bring over UFA players in their selected age groups, I would imagine some previous players will be displaced from the Platinum team. It's a good thing Concorde has two ECNL teams and most could probably find a home there. I don't get why some might find that as a demotion (I'm not saying you specifically) and look for another club. They play the same teams, in the same SE ECNL conference. If a player does move to another club, they will still be playing in the SE ECNL conference and against the two Concorde teams... and playing against the same competition. So why go hunt for another club/team? Honest question. The 2011 Premier team plays out of Columbus not dunwoody as the other age groups do. For 2011 Platinum players/parents a “demotion” to premier as described isn’t the full issue, but rather location of the age group moving forward.
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Post by soccerlegacy on Apr 23, 2024 14:55:51 GMT -5
If Alan and Gil are able do bring over UFA players in their selected age groups, I would imagine some previous players will be displaced from the Platinum team. It's a good thing Concorde has two ECNL teams and most could probably find a home there. I don't get why some might find that as a demotion (I'm not saying you specifically) and look for another club. They play the same teams, in the same SE ECNL conference. If a player does move to another club, they will still be playing in the SE ECNL conference and against the two Concorde teams... and playing against the same competition. So why go hunt for another club/team? Honest question. Definitely a demotion as no club treats the second team like the first even when they are in the same league. It will still be a good experience for most players. The games are the same but the practices won’t be as challenging for those who were demoted. At the younger ages it doesn’t matter as they are not being recruited. If the coach is still a strong one then it probably could be a good thing as these demoted kids could end up being the leaders and get more playing time. It depends on the kid and the coach and the goals of the player. I don't think the treatment is necessarily different, it's only the perception since it is considered the "2nd" team. Again, they still play the same competition, in the same league. Practices are partly challenging based on the who you are playing against. If you are being "demoted" it's because they simply deemed player "x" as a little further advanced than player "y". If player "y" is still good enough to play at that ECNL level, they will still be challenged by players on the Premier team that can also play at that level. Concorde has enough players that they both teams can play at the top level (ECNL), and as you mentioned, they might wind up with more playing time because player "y" isn't having to compete with player "x" anymore. And to soccer1320's point, if they are being "dropped" from Platinum, they are most likely not going to be the best player on the Premier team, as the top players from the Premier and the bottom players of the Platinum team are not that distinguishable. Switching for "trying to maintain playing with MORE talented kids" is not necessarily going to happen unless you make a team on par with Platinum... and those are usually filled with their own "more talented kids". Which again, puts the player in the same situation, just with a different club, while also creating the repetition of playing time argument. Second, not all coaches should be considered "strong" just because they coach the Platinum team, I'm not saying you are, but some people may get the perception about certain coaches because they win and that can be largely predicated on having some of best players in the state... like Concorde Platinum has. It doesn't mean Premier coaches can't provide the same experience in developing players. Finally, Players are also still recruited off the Premier team because they are able to play on an ECNL level team and have brand recognition of "Concorde" behind them. Will they be "top 20" colleges, probably not, but if you are struggling to stay on the Platinum team, those colleges are most likely not look at that player either.
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Post by oraclesfriend on Apr 23, 2024 16:55:51 GMT -5
Definitely a demotion as no club treats the second team like the first even when they are in the same league. It will still be a good experience for most players. The games are the same but the practices won’t be as challenging for those who were demoted. At the younger ages it doesn’t matter as they are not being recruited. If the coach is still a strong one then it probably could be a good thing as these demoted kids could end up being the leaders and get more playing time. It depends on the kid and the coach and the goals of the player. I don't think the treatment is necessarily different, it's only the perception since it is considered the "2nd" team. Again, they still play the same competition, in the same league. Practices are partly challenging based on the who you are playing against. If you are being "demoted" it's because they simply deemed player "x" as a little further advanced than player "y". If player "y" is still good enough to play at that ECNL level, they will still be challenged by players on the Premier team that can also play at that level. Concorde has enough players that they both teams can play at the top level (ECNL), and as you mentioned, they might wind up with more playing time because player "y" isn't having to compete with player "x" anymore. And to soccer1320's point, if they are being "dropped" from Platinum, they are most likely not going to be the best player on the Premier team, as the top players from the Premier and the bottom players of the Platinum team are not that distinguishable. Switching for "trying to maintain playing with MORE talented kids" is not necessarily going to happen unless you make a team on par with Platinum... and those are usually filled with their own "more talented kids". Which again, puts the player in the same situation, just with a different club, while also creating the repetition of playing time argument. Second, not all coaches should be considered "strong" just because they coach the Platinum team, I'm not saying you are, but some people may get the perception about certain coaches because they win and that can be largely predicated on having some of best players in the state... like Concorde Platinum has. It doesn't mean Premier coaches can't provide the same experience in developing players. Finally, Players are also still recruited off the Premier team because they are able to play on an ECNL level team and have brand recognition of "Concorde" behind them. Will they be "top 20" colleges, probably not, but if you are struggling to stay on the Platinum team, those colleges are most likely not look at that player either. Most of what you said here is true and I agree with it except the differential treatment of teams within the club. Having been there on the second team I can tell you it is different. Having played against the second team the level is different and the level of commitment is also different. I am not saying demotion is necessarily bad as it might be the best thing for that player. I am just saying it is a demotion. Agree on the coaching and the recruiting. Though recruiting is irrelevant at U14.
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Post by newguy on Apr 23, 2024 18:02:57 GMT -5
If Alan and Gil are able to bring over UFA players in their selected age groups, I would imagine some previous players will be displaced from the Platinum team. It's a good thing Concorde has two ECNL teams and most could probably find a home there. I don't get why some might find that as a demotion (I'm not saying you specifically) and look for another club. They play the same teams, in the same SE ECNL conference. If a player does move to another club, they will still be playing in the SE ECNL conference and against the two Concorde teams... and playing against the same competition. So why go hunt for another club/team? Honest question. The 2011 Premier team plays out of Columbus not dunwoody as the other age groups do. For 2011 Platinum players/parents a “demotion” to premier as described isn’t the full issue, but rather location of the age group moving forward. This would be the biggest difference maker for most I would imagine. Wonder if it will stay in Columbus any influx of kids follows the coaches?
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Post by soccerlegacy on Apr 23, 2024 20:46:07 GMT -5
I don't think the treatment is necessarily different, it's only the perception since it is considered the "2nd" team. Again, they still play the same competition, in the same league. Practices are partly challenging based on the who you are playing against. If you are being "demoted" it's because they simply deemed player "x" as a little further advanced than player "y". If player "y" is still good enough to play at that ECNL level, they will still be challenged by players on the Premier team that can also play at that level. Concorde has enough players that they both teams can play at the top level (ECNL), and as you mentioned, they might wind up with more playing time because player "y" isn't having to compete with player "x" anymore. And to soccer1320's point, if they are being "dropped" from Platinum, they are most likely not going to be the best player on the Premier team, as the top players from the Premier and the bottom players of the Platinum team are not that distinguishable. Switching for "trying to maintain playing with MORE talented kids" is not necessarily going to happen unless you make a team on par with Platinum... and those are usually filled with their own "more talented kids". Which again, puts the player in the same situation, just with a different club, while also creating the repetition of playing time argument. Second, not all coaches should be considered "strong" just because they coach the Platinum team, I'm not saying you are, but some people may get the perception about certain coaches because they win and that can be largely predicated on having some of best players in the state... like Concorde Platinum has. It doesn't mean Premier coaches can't provide the same experience in developing players. Finally, Players are also still recruited off the Premier team because they are able to play on an ECNL level team and have brand recognition of "Concorde" behind them. Will they be "top 20" colleges, probably not, but if you are struggling to stay on the Platinum team, those colleges are most likely not look at that player either. Most of what you said here is true and I agree with it except the differential treatment of teams within the club. Having been there on the second team I can tell you it is different. Having played against the second team the level is different and the level of commitment is also different. I am not saying demotion is necessarily bad as it might be the best thing for that player. I am just saying it is a demotion. Agree on the coaching and the recruiting. Though recruiting is irrelevant at U14. Yep. Agreed with you that recruiting at U14 is irrelevant at this point. I meant to include, 2nd team at most clubs (other than TH and Concorde) there is difference, as you suggested, with level and commitment. But that (I personally think) is because there is a difference between ECNL and ECRL, where as, Platinum and Premier are both same level (ECNL) and commitment.
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Post by oraclesfriend on Apr 24, 2024 8:40:22 GMT -5
Most of what you said here is true and I agree with it except the differential treatment of teams within the club. Having been there on the second team I can tell you it is different. Having played against the second team the level is different and the level of commitment is also different. I am not saying demotion is necessarily bad as it might be the best thing for that player. I am just saying it is a demotion. Agree on the coaching and the recruiting. Though recruiting is irrelevant at U14. Yep. Agreed with you that recruiting at U14 is irrelevant at this point. I meant to include, 2nd team at most clubs (other than TH and Concorde) there is difference, as you suggested, with level and commitment. But that (I personally think) is because there is a difference between ECNL and ECRL, where as, Platinum and Premier are both same level (ECNL) and commitment. I mean commitment of the players. It doesn’t matter if they are ECNL or GA. Second team will have more chances of having players that are there because they like to play and be challenged but are not planning to play in college. They also have a higher drop out rate to quitting completely as some decide the travel isn’t worth it. U16/U17 years we had trouble getting full teams to showcases. One year my child went to play in a showcase with the older team because they only could field 12 of their own players. We had 2 players miss a travel weekend because they wanted to go to homecoming. Another went to the dance but caught a flight Saturday morning with fingers crossed that it would not be delayed so she made it to the game on time. There is very slight chance that this would happen on the top team. It never happened on the top team in the two years we were there and in the two years after we left and graduated as we still know a lot of people on the top teams at and below our age group. Of course there were players on the second team that were as committed as the top team. I am aware of some that went to play at Power 5 D1 and even do very well there. I know several that went D3. But the numbers are skewed and with some there just for fun it leaves some that are not committed to the process.
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Post by soccerpop on Apr 25, 2024 13:24:48 GMT -5
Could anyone share experience with Garth Pollonais from AFU? Re-up. While I'll appreciate all the Concorde girls discussion... with all the experience on this forum, Does anyone have any experience they could share regarding Coach Garth Pollonais? Thank you.
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Post by soccerlegacy on Apr 25, 2024 13:51:07 GMT -5
Could anyone share experience with Garth Pollonais from AFU? Re-up. While I'll appreciate all the Concorde girls discussion... with all the experience on this forum, Does anyone have any experience they could share regarding Coach Garth Pollonais? Thank you. Well... Concorde and SSA, sorry no experience with AFU coaches. Also sorry, didn't mean to hijack the thread. All I could find was that apparently he was at Concorde back in the day (pre-2017), was offered a job in Houston, wound up at AFU as a manager???
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Post by mamasoccer on Apr 25, 2024 13:54:25 GMT -5
Coach Garth is decent coach, his older team last season did not do that well neither did his 07. Many new players hopped onto his team and sometimes there is no chemistry. He had players from various clubs hop on as new since AU let many fellas go the previous season. But sometimes we all know the best players have to have that connection to be successful!
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