Bruddah IZ
DA
Watch your language sir and stay informed.
2 new girls DA clubs announced
- Thread starter Desert Hound
- Start date
SOCCERMINION
SILVER ELITE
To help you stay informed, http://affiliates.surfsoccer.com/
San Diego Surf Soccer Club
San Clemente Surf Soccer Club
Ladera Ranch Surf Soccer CLub
Orange County Surf Soccer Club
Anahiem Surf Soccer Club
Murrieta Surf Soccer Club
Inland Empire Surf Soccer Club
San Gabriel Valley Surf Soccer Club
San Jose Surf Soccer Club
Greater Seattle Surf Soccer Club
Washington Surf Soccer Club
Eastern Washington Surf Club
PSPL Surf Soccer Club
Utah Surf Soccer Club
Hawaii Surf Soccer Club
New York Surf Soccer Club
SOCCERMINION
SILVER ELITE
I heard Rumors that Florida Clubs were Dumping DA. I did not find anything to confirm this other than other people saying they herd the same rumor, There seems to be alot of bitterness on the Florida boards, nothing unusual but a lot more complaining than we see here..
It would be interesting for a parent of a player on one of the affiliate clubs to post what they found the advantage of affiliation to be.
Desert Hound
DA
The advantage? Clearly it is the fact that their uniforms now say SURF.
ChargerPride
SILVER
Putting my two cents here, my DD plays for Rebels Elite 2001 Marquez, she's an '02 and played against the Wave, Lightening, who merged to United and then became LAGSD. Definitely a strong team deserving of the DA. However it never fails to surprise me how other teams are bypassed who can compete against team like LAGSD and the other top DA teams. A strong example of this is that the Rebels team actually beat LAGSD and went on to win National Cup. Basically not taking anything away from the Finalist, Slammers South, but the reality was that the real Finals was played in that Semi-Final game. Had LAGSD won. I am sure that had they prevailed in that game , they would have won National Cup. With that said , I thought it there was a legit chance that Rebels team proved that they are a top team. I believe they should have been awarded a DA spot, a chance to play against elite teams. However they were denied DA this year. Yet when you look back at the standings teams like Albion continue to get the honor of competing in a league that they are ill prepared to play. In the end, DA is much like most leagues. I do not personally know all the whys that allow other clubs and teams to be chosen, but like all leagues. You have the top half that are dominated by the top teams, the above average teams, that would dominate lower leagues, and the bottom of the list. These teams are not totally outclassed, but need more time and a different league, these teams need more development. It would be nice to see these teams removed and put quality teams, kind of like you see on European soccer.
The Development Academy, especially on the girls side, is focused on the entire program, not just 1 or 2 teams. While the Rebels have certainly done very well and are a good program, individual team success is only a minor consideration. The DA wants clubs that are financially capable of taking on the burden of the DA and can support a path towards fully funded "residential" programs. To this end, it is a mistake to put much weight on a "team's" success as a major factor in a club being awarded the girls DA program. The DA doesn't care about teams, it cares about player development. A team that has won national cup is OK, but a program that has sent 5 girls to the youth National team is great.
The application is online and you can read the FAQ, here are the basics:
Application Process:
The Development Academy Membership Application is broken into seven sections:
The DA model is one of a pyramid. Lots of U12 to few U18/19. On the boys side, you can get in with a U12 to U14 team with fewer resources, less facilities, etc. On the girls side, the DA wants to award fully programs U12-U18/U19, and is as much concerned about resources, facilities, staffing/leadership, etc. The DOC should have an A License and the staff should have C licenses. The Development Academy Membership Application is broken into seven sections:
- Section I: Application Procedure
- Section II: Club Information
- Section III: Resources
- Section IV: Facilities
- Section V: Staffing and Leadership
- Section VI: Player Development History
- Section VII: Academy Requirements
- Club Philosophy (mission, vision, identity, style, etc.)
- Annual Training Plan (this includes a detailed plan for activity, training and games)
- Club Budget for the Academy programs (this includes all revenue and expenses to operate Academy age groups)
- Additional Player Production (YNT/MNT/WNT players, foreign and/or domestic professional players) *if applicable
- Additional Staff Listing *if applicable
The public record demonstrates the Rebels have a few challenges, which are not insurmountable, but challenges nonetheless. Here is what I can tell you:
Financial Resources (2016 990 XML): Rebels had Revenues of $927,856 and expenses of $917,199. Total assets at EOY were $215,357. At an average cost of about $4,000 per player (4k x 25 Players x 4 Teams) to train DA players, travel, fields, referees, etc., the Rebels would have incurred another $400k in expenses (which is about double its cash reserves). Compare that to Albion SC (2016 990 XML) - Revenues of $2,287,632, Expenses of $2,243,740, with assets of $661,335 or San Diego Surf (2015 990) - Revenues of $3,327,957, Expenses of $3,419,295 and assets of $858,180. In sum, the Rebels are a much riskier club from a pure financial perspective. The DA wants financially healthy clubs that can take on the burden of the DA, the Rebels would have challenges subsidizing the DA given its current size.
Facilities: All I can tell you is the current fields for the Rebels (a few parks and a college) are not impressive.
Coaching licenses: I have no idea what the license level of the coaches are because Rebels does not publish this information. This is often a major factor as to why programs are not accepted.
ChargerPride
SILVER
Nice, very informative, definitely different from the boys as Rebels has a DA team U12. Although I still hate to say it, just because a club is financially able. Doesn't that mean that they are not really looking to put the best teams up against each other. I mean isn't DA suppose to spring forth and get the USA a farm system, although new, like those we see worldwide. I didn't know when it came down to picking the best, we seem to focus on the financials. Don't get me wrong , I understand the dynamics.
So then in your opinion, given the broad range between the top DA and the last place DA team. Why pay the expense to play on a team that just doesn't belong in that same league. I mean I don't mean to put Albion in a bad light, just using the facts as an example.
Rank Southwest - U-16/17 West Division GP W L T Pts GF GA GD Pts/GP
1 LAFC Slammers U-16/17 [PLAYOFFS 1] 25 21 2 2 65 89 19 70 2.6
14Albion SC U-16/17 25 5 20 0 15 22 87 -65 0.6
Total opposites. I mean for the individual girl who is on the Albion team. Is it really worth playing in the DA team. Is it about the exposure.
I would imagine with ECNL, Coast Premier, SCDSL, SDDA, National League, CRL, plus and others that I have missed...etc. That each leagues top teams would have players that are USA training worthy.
As a team, my DD will never really know how they stack up and I don't really see me driving 45 plus minutes to either Surf, Albion even further LAGSD.
May have to get her dual citizenship, just kidding, it's all about the red, white and blue when it comes to woman's soccer.
Simisoccerfan
PREMIER
I think you can’t judge whether they belong by the failure of one team in any year to have on field success. If a club has the fininacial resources, coaches and fields the model is built on the idea that the talent will eventually come to the club that will allow it to have some success though someone will always be in last place.
You have to look into perspective too, that is not just plain financials, but historical results as well. Carlsbad, Albion and Surf have produce results in the pre ECNL times. Look at Rebels results before teams in that 01 group left to ECNL, they weren't up there as they are right now. Look at the other age group performances vs. Rebels teams and specially look at the youngers under 12, and you will see that there no results to state a case for Rebels to be in DA as strongly as you state it.
The 01/02 Albion GDA team results are more so a result of the fiasco caused by Tony Sheri and his perv actions, plus they couldn't get some of the top talent available from teams from the East County after those teams in the age group fell apart.
Be grateful that you found a good environment for your DD and that the team has perform well within its current parameters given.
Why pay expense to be on outmatched team? Is it worth it? Is it about exposure? No dispute that this particular Albion GDA team was out classed this year. As this is the first year, clubs are still in a building stage. There is no dispute that the older Albion teams struggled against the level of competition, but their U15 team did OK (middle of pack).
U15 = 8/14, 10-9-7, GD= 0;
U16/U17 = 14/14, 5-20-0, GD:-65
U18/U19 = 14/14, 4-15-1, GD:-39
In looking at the U16/U17 team, it appears that 13 of the 29 rostered players where on the previous years 2002 and 2001 Albion CSL Premiere teams. This infers there was some sort of upheaval in the program and a mass exodus last year, so there is likely a deeper reason that has little to do with the Albion DA program, but a coach impacted building/continuing the team. (Edit: @coachsamy addressed above)
As this is the first year, we know its going to take at least 4-5 years for the DA to establish itself as the premiere league for girls. We also know that the elite talent at the U17+ teams have likely already received scholarship offers, so the motivation to leave their CSL Premiere, SCDSL Champions, CRL, ECNL, etc., team is low.
As this is the first year, in my mind the only reason that 99.5% of the girls have to move to a DA team would be college exposure and the pedigree on the Resume. The rest (.5%) may have true national team aspirations. If you are already on an ECNL team, I can't see making a move as benefiting an older too much. The restrictive HS Play rules are also much more impactful for the girls who tend to really value the social aspect of team sports and the HS experience. So yes, its worth it if you value exposure.
Other Leagues Have Great Players. Very true, there is some incredible talent, especially in SoCal, with players that can play DI and possibly go beyond to the National Team that will never sniff the DA (boys and girls) or the ECNL. We know we can't aggregate all the talent into one league, but that doesn't mean we can't try.
Dual Citizenship / Driving Distance. I really think you are looking at this the wrong way. This is girls, amateur soccer in SoCal. There is no prize money for winning league or XYZ tournament, or beating teams. The only financial benefit that 99.99% of girls will receive playing soccer is a scholarship, which can be substantial. Scholarships are awarded to individual players and not teams. The goal should be to play on a team that gets the girl in front of college coaches to increase the scholarship opportunities. If she is on a good Rebels team that plays in the NPL, CRL, etc., then great. While the opportunities would increase if she was on an ECNL team, she isn't because Rebels are not in the league (maybe they should be).
Elite girls and boys should have the singular goal to go to college. If soccer can get them some college money, then great. It should be about exposure, exposure, exposure, exposure. The DA and ECNL will give them a resume that will get the attention of college coaches. Everything else will be a struggle, but decent exposure is still possible if the team is CRL, National League, NPL, etc., or the player has ODP.
Playing soccer at a professional level for boys is a horrible decision from a cost/benefit ratio, unless that player is truly one of the best in the world. For girls its even worse. There is no legitimate path to make soccer a career if the objective is to make a living wage. Women's team sports in the US are nothing more than money losing charities. WNBA (yet to turn a profit), WPSL (yet to turn a profit) - maximum NWSL salary is reportedly $37,800, NWHL (yet to turn a profit), etc., etc.
Multivitamin
BRONZE
The list is growing on the Best Teams Leaving for ECNL!
These are Multi-National Championship teams with a multitude of National players.
Hawks
PDA
FC Stars
Eclipse
FC Premier
And more big ones dropping GDA soon!
These are Multi-National Championship teams with a multitude of National players.
Hawks
PDA
FC Stars
Eclipse
FC Premier
And more big ones dropping GDA soon!
Money Talk$!
Slammerdad
SILVER
I would like to hear more on this.....a couple of teams are moving out of ECNL to DPL at '03. Will the same rules hold fast for DPL that no high school play will be allowed? Did DPL girls play high school last year (or were they allowed)? That would change the landscape a little bit in High School soccer and dumb it down more than it is already.
Yes DPL played HS. The new program would be under the DA as an 03 pilot and not DPL from what I have been told which means US Soccer registered vs Cal South.
SOCCERMINION
SILVER ELITE
This is not a good thing, Just as California is polarized and NorthCal top teams being ECNL clubs and SouthCal top teams being DA Clubs. We do not need to have West coast top teams DA and East Coast top teams ECNL. None of this movement helps our girls. Makes you just wish they would drop all the acronyms and special leagues and titles and just go back to the old days where there was Flight 1, Flight 2 and flight 3 and all the tournaments offered all flights competitive brackets. Now it seams what ever league you are in your going to have 3 strong teams and many weeks teams , and we are all going to have to pay and travel long distances to play in unbalanced tournaments with stronger teams and very weak teams, just so these Leagues can maintain their, "This is an Elite Special National League" Illusions going. Well, strap in people and get out your check book, these next few years are going to be interesting...
Multivitamin
BRONZE
WHY THE FC STARS LEFT!!!
https://www.socceramerica.com/publicati ... ector.html
BRUTALLY HONEST - A REAL CLUB UNDERSTANDS DEVELOPMENT BEFORE RESULTS!!!!
JASON DEWHURST: For us, with the no-entry it became tough, especially with the one-game weekends. Kids just weren’t seeing as much playing time. On the other side of that, the no outside competition. That really kind of went away from our philosophy.
An example:
If a kid was only seeing 15 to 20 minutes on a Saturday in a DA game, then we would like to say to that kid, “Guess what, you're going to play a full game tomorrow with our NPL team.”
But because of the rule of the no outside competition, we weren’t able to do that.
So that was one of the big things for us and we didn’t see that changing. That was something we constantly heard about from our members, parents.
SA: What was another important issue?
JASON DEWHURST: The second one I would say is the double age group, specifically next year at the 2002, 2003 age group. For example, we have a current U-15 team, 2003s, and these players have given up high school soccer, they’ve committed to the DA, they’ve committed to our program. And then within a year, more than likely, more than half those kids will probably be cut from the program, because it goes to a double age group -- to 02/03 [in 2018-19, U-16/17].
For us, we thought that was unacceptable for those players. To come in and give up high school soccer is a huge deal in our area. That caused a lot of anxiety from the parents as the season is coming to an end. What are we going to do next year?
That was something we brought up whenever we spoke to the Federation. We said we would like to see the single age group, and obviously that hasn’t happened.
SA: Kids having to sacrifice playing high school soccer to commit to the DA ... was that one of the main issues?
JASON DEWHURST: Yes, but more so in our area, the private school issue. We have a lot of private school players within our system and they have to play high school sports. And we as a club from Day 1 decided that we were not going to [ask for] waivers. And the reason for that is because I don’t think you can look one kid in the eye and say, “Listen, because you’re a private school kid we’re going to give you a waiver and you can play high school,” and look another kid in the eye and say, “Guess what, because you don’t go to private school, we’re going to make you give up high school soccer.”
[Editor’s note: According to the DA regulations: “Players who receive consideration or financial aid to attend a private high school based on their participation with the soccer team are eligible” for waivers to allow them “to remain on their clubs Academy roster during the high school soccer season.”]
For us, we made that decision from Day 1. We stood by it. But the reality is that prohibited a lot of our top players from playing in the DA. And that would have continued. Other clubs have done waivers.
SA: These issues -- the sub rules, ban on outside competition and high school play -- are ones the Federation doesn’t plan on altering?
JASON DEWHURST: They were three things we shared with the Federation. We’ve been very upfront about it. We’ve had very civil conversations with the Federation about what we’ve done, and the reasons we’ve done it and the process, so now we’ll move on.
SA: When U.S. Soccer launched the DA, there were some who predicted that top clubs and players would eventually migrate to the DA. How do you things will look five years from now?
JASON DEWHURST: I really don’t know. At the end of the day, we looked at it from our club’s standpoint. We did it because throughout the year the feedback we got from our families and that’s how we made the decision, because we thought it was the best for our club [to leave the DA].
Other clubs, the DA works for them, in different markets. I’m not going to say one’s better than the other.
SA: When I interviewed Anson Dorrance in February, he suggested U.S. Soccer “marry together” the Girls DA and the ECNL. Can you imagine a future in which the DA and the ECNL work together?
JASON DEWHURST: I don’t think I can even comment on that because I don’t know. People have said it would be great if they could work together. Right now, they’re two separate entities.
https://www.socceramerica.com/publicati ... ector.html
Despite my annoyance that every one of your posts is in some way anti DA, I completely agree with the fact that there is not a need for 2 separate leagues. One Elite league with proper geographic representation.
Just please stop regurgitating the same story on various threads.
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Translation: We are at risk of losing significant amount of $$$ from parents of players that are not elite enough to earn playing time in a highly competitive environment.
If any of these DoC's are really concerned about playing time, they will stop carrying football teams sized rosters.