I wanted to add some thoughts to this thread regarding some questions/comments mentioned in the "Slammers FC Tournament" thread regarding teams/rosters/playing time...since it seams like this may be the more relative thread to post this information.
Regarding play-time...it absolutely makes no sense to me to have your dd placed onto a "top team" if she isn't seeing the field during a game.
We made a commitment to play ECNL this season...but trust me, if she doesn't make it onto the field for quantity and quality play-time, we will look to make a move to another option that puts her out onto the field more frequently.
However...if she is getting the play-time she needs...she loves the challenge of playing in a top-level circuit in order to challenge herself in her sport.
It helps (as mentioned by others in the other thread) that she likes her coach and teammates - since it is a social event too for many of these girls.
Which leads us the DA next year - not sure how/where we stand with that decision...for me, I plan to "cross that bridge" if/when we have to make a decision...until then, just taking one season at a time.
I personally do not DA for my player (for various reasons)...but if she wants it, I will support that decision after we discuss the "pros and cons" to the program.