I would say you are pretty accurate, although this transition took place long ago. I also think there is a misconception as to what development is. Surf develops players. Advance players develop by playing and being coached at the elite level. It just looks different from what is needed to develop the less advanced player. A club has to determine where in that spectrum they fit in. If you were to ask Catarina Macario if she developed at Surf, she would absolutely say yes. It would just look different compared to a kid that lacks fundamental athleticism or skills. Development is needed for both types of players, and rarely do clubs have the ability to serve both equally well. Clubs that tend to compete at national levels obviously have to put winning into the equation. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be a national competitive club.
The entire club Didn’t have tryouts, just the younger ages, and it was spread out over the weekend and I assume you are familiar with the facility, it is huge and there was lots and lots of separation. Parents aren’t allowed on the fields, asked to stay in their cars and if outside, social distance and masks. It was safe
At Surf, it has been Standard Operation for quite some time. There is a time for parents involvement. Tryouts are so full of emotions, the farther away, the better. They can watch, but from a distance.
I support this rule!!!
Just to be accurate, most of Surf's best players in recent years--boys and girls-- now playing top college etc.--went there at U13 or older for more exposure. Now, with plenty MLS and ECNL pathways available, the move is nowhere near as necessary. Same can be said for girls w Blues.
www.ecnlboys.com
Not everyone have 50K to send their kid to Barca academy, or even more for Schalke academy.Very True. Mathew Hoppe out of Schalke (4 goals in 6 games) started with Strikers FC and then 2 years with Barca Academy and on to the Bundesliga. The kid scored 3 goals a few games back. He scored another one this weekend.
MATTHEW HOPPE CONTINUES STRIKERS FC PIPELINE TO EUROPE
Richmond, VA (January 14, 2021) - When Matthew Hoppe became the first American-born player ever to record a hat-trick in the German Bundesliga play this past weekend, many around the soccer world were surprised. In just his fifth game with Schalke 04’s first team, Hoppe exploded for three goals...
That will change Eagle. Like I said before, soon you too can go to Spain and train
If I can still do that, this will definitely changeThat will change Eagle. Like I said before, soon you too can go to Spain and train
I'm not questioning kids ability, but if the kid stayed at Strikers, he would be playing at OCSC at best right now.
Miracles are happening as I speak. I can touch my toes standing without bending a knee. I have not been able to do that in years. Plus, no back pain. Something is happening to my body and it feels real good. DNA? Stay positive everyoneIf I can still do that, this will definitely change
Maybe, but there is a difference between necessary and desirable, and there are still major gaps between ECNL and MLS clubs. Only time will tell if parity comes between clubs. As it is now, Surf and Blues still attract the best girls locally and the same is true on the boys side, at least in San Diego county.
I think two reasons: 1) Surf would play 2nd fiddle to the MLS Academy teams in MLS Next whereas they have much more influence with the ECNL 2) ECNL is clearly the best for girls and Surf, while it has an excellent boys program, Girls are on a whole other level, so Girls drove the decision and having both in the same program makes the most sense.
