Strikers ECNL rumors

[crush]

This is what I don't understand. One of the top female soccer players in the nation + only gets 50% scholarship?

You'd do better saving up the $$$ and stapling it to your kids application. (aka providing a donation to the school)

What I also don't understand is that some of the top soccer colleges have all kinds of issues with coaches treating players like crap + most of the top teams play kickball.

Bro, I was sold Pro for that GDA league back in 2017 I kid you not. No one was talking college to me or my little one, trust me. 7th grader. They saw something in my kid at that time, a hunger, a thirst to battle and a thirst to win medals and play all out and go for the gold medal....lol! When my kid was 13, it was all about GDA, U14 Youth National Team List, Pro and no one pays a dime. How on earth would I even entertain my kid leaving Tad? Come on man, something had to be offered, right? I was told to look around because Tad took the olders and my kid was 4 10' at best and was confused. Should I play up and get smashed playing up or play possession and go Pro? They got the age changed in 2017 and caused so much chaos and confusion most of our heads were spinning with one sales pitch after another, from one Doc to another. Fully funded Free Rides for all the girls brother. What is not to like about that? Plus they have The List that everyone wanted their kid to be on. After your kid doesn;t make the U14 YNT List for whatever the reason, the bait on the hook is switched to college scholarship opportunities. This was 7th grade by the way and they told me to get my kid over to college night so she can learn how to send emails so she can say hi to coach and then wait by the phone for a quick hi and then offer. I had old friends whose kids were depressed and or quit the college game because of the demand. The girls were quitting the sport 8 out of 10 in college before their Sr year. That's why they change the recruiting rule. I also thought at this time everyone was getting a full ride in girls soccer. I know, silly me. I know this 2021 player that also made YNT a few times and is really smart. Parents make good money so no fin aid for being poor. She got 60% deal and came off the bench this year. Great kid. The fact is, at Big U this kid and her parents will have to pay $85,000 after four years. Pops has money from being smart with it and not that big of a deal money wise for this family. I was shocked not a full full ride. She loves her school, her coach and all is good and no depression. Another player I know is also 2021 and is in the transfer portal because her coach was a big fat liar and got fired as well for being a liar. This city is not what she thought it would be and crime is through the roof. The program is a mess and she hates the school. Super great kid and was depressed all year. Finally found a great school and the soccer coach saw her play one of her best collegiate games this past season and has spot open for her. Yes, a 2022 could have maybe got it but her parents are rich and will pay for the spot, meaning the parents will pay the tuition. No big deal and makes sense for the coach. Not sure of the deal but might just be books and admin, early class sign up and a few other perks. This girl will find minutes because she gets straight A's, does not party and will be a great addition. I know other stories. I do my research and I get to the truth of how great or not so great college soccer is and do you get full rides. I say about 20% seem to be having fun and the only full rides I know about are girls with super smart brains and really good soccer player. The best of the best soccer player and ok grades is only getting 50% from the soccer program. If your parents are poor, then it could be free, depending on the school and the State you live in. This is a cut throat sport in college at the highest level. I mean that with respect and its the truth. We need a pro path for the next group of girls, moo

 

[GT45]

My Niece got 50% scholarship at top D1 school after years of playing GA/ECNL/USYNT (U16). We are talking about a top 50 player in the country and only got 50% scholarship. Parents still have to pay $25k a year (that's $100k in 4 years to play college soccer)!

My other niece played at Discovery level and went to a smaller school in Canada with 60% scholarship. Parents had to pay $6k a year ($24k for 4 years).

Niece at D1 got 15 minutes of playing time last year (15 minutes for the entire season). She had depression and grades were not great.

This pipe dream that ECNL is selling is a scam!! Yes they can get your kids to college but its going to cost you a boat load of money for 5 years of ECNL and then more money for a top D1 program.

Parents will get smarter about this ECNL/DA process.

Top D1 schools don't have to offer full rides because the demand for their offers is there. Parents are willing to chip in for their daughter to go there. If your niece is a top 50 player, she could have gotten more money elsewhere. This was her choice to accept that offer. She is also not paying $100,000 to play college soccer. She is also getting a education and degree out of this. That is where the money is going. The higher the program you aspire to, the less the scholarship offer will likely be. Only the true GOATS will get a full ride to a top D1 program out of high school.

 

[crush]

Top D1 schools don't have to offer full rides because the demand for their offers is there. Parents are willing to chip in for their daughter to go there. If your niece is a top 50 player, she could have gotten more money elsewhere. This was her choice to accept that offer. She is also not paying $100,000 to play college soccer. She is also getting a education and degree out of this. That is where the money is going. The higher the program you aspire to, the less the scholarship offer will likely be. Only the true GOATS will get a full ride to a top D1 program out of high school.

Pay to play soccer and pay to get a degree is for 99% of our kids. I like what you said about this is her choice. It's so true.

 

[Goforgoal]

Top D1 schools don't have to offer full rides because the demand for their offers is there. Parents are willing to chip in for their daughter to go there. If your niece is a top 50 player, she could have gotten more money elsewhere. This was her choice to accept that offer. She is also not paying $100,000 to play college soccer. She is also getting a education and degree out of this. That is where the money is going. The higher the program you aspire to, the less the scholarship offer will likely be. Only the true GOATS will get a full ride to a top D1 program out of high school.

Well said. It's probably worth adding that soccer can also open doors that might have otherwise been closed. It's not just about the money, but admission and acceptance to schools in today's highly competitive college environment. My old college buddies and I often joke that we would have never gotten into the school we went to with today's requirements. If soccer gets a kid into their dream school they may not have otherwise been accepted to then all those ECNL fees and travel costs could end up being money well spent.

 

[GT45]

Well said. It's probably worth adding that soccer can also open doors that might have otherwise been closed. It's not just about the money, but admission and acceptance to schools in today's highly competitive college environment. My old college buddies and I often joke that we would have never gotten into the school we went to with today's requirements. If soccer gets a kid into their dream school they may not have otherwise been accepted to then all those ECNL fees and travel costs could end up being money well spent.

YES!!!! Even an offer of a books scholarship, which is very little money, is enough to get a player admitted to the school as a recruit. The player gets into a school they may not have otherwise been admitted to without soccer.

 

[whatithink]

Also depends on the Club.. you think ECNL would kick the girls teams of LAFC, Galaxy or RSL because they have MLS? That would be ridiculous. ECNL will bully the small clubs but would never mess with Blues, or Surf or any of the top teams. They go to GA or somewhere and quality of ECNL comes into question.

ECNL kicked Surf previously, so there are no sacred cows. Surf felt that boys DA was more important than girls ECNL when given an ultimation of all in ECNL. ECNL also let them back in straight away when DA folded, but I expect Surf very much want MLS Next, but they made their bed. Blues (all girls so no conflict) kept ECNL & GDA as they had the national ECNL title, but a decision point was coming (unless Blues won another ECNL national title) as I understand it.

In AZ, neither Phoenix Rising or RSL-AZ will give up the MLS Next, so if it is put to them, then I can see them both going GA. Alternatively, they might suddenly spin off a girls club only and a boys club only ... and then it would get really silly.

If ECNL need to threaten clubs to get their boys sides into ECNL, then their league mustn't be all that, and they must know it.

 

[tjinaz]

YES!!!! Even an offer of a books scholarship, which is very little money, is enough to get a player admitted to the school as a recruit. The player gets into a school they may not have otherwise been admitted to without soccer.

It seems like every ECNL player thinks they are getting a D1 soccer scholarship but when I look at the list of commits in previous years (clubs love to post that stuff) I see way more D2 or 3 than D1. You do realize there are over 2000 ECNL girls graduating every year. Plus your "Dream School" is likely everyone else's as well and will only take 5 or 6 players in a given year. The scenario you are presenting is lottery like it its probability of happening. The ROI on all forms of youth soccer is negative from a money standpoint. Except for maybe those few boys that may make it to the pro ranks. If you honestly think it will "save" you money you are a unicorn. I still do it but realize its more about the experience and the memories than any sort of financial return. I tried for years to make the math work in my head and eventually just gave up and am enjoying the ride.

 

[crush]

It seems like every ECNL player thinks they are getting a D1 soccer scholarship but when I look at the list of commits in previous years (clubs love to post that stuff) I see way more D2 or 3 than D1. You do realize there are over 2000 ECNL girls graduating every year. Plus your "Dream School" is likely everyone else's as well and will only take 5 or 6 players in a given year. The scenario you are presenting is lottery like it its probability of happening. The ROI on all forms of youth soccer is negative from a money standpoint. Except for maybe those few boys that may make it to the pro ranks. If you honestly think it will "save" you money you are a unicorn. I still do it but realize its more about the experience and the memories than any sort of financial return. I tried for years to make the math work in my head and eventually just gave up and am enjoying the ride.

This season, the deals were dropped big time too. One school already have 5 commitments from 8th grade and were not looking to add. Based on my research, it's still holds true. My dd loved the program and the coached loved her but it was too late because of you know what, The girls who waited to do official visit like they were asked to do got no chance because of you know what. I just got off the phone with a dad with a 2022. Solid player and has good grades. Dad has been doing travel ball soccer in all the leagues since his child was 12. He knows where every dollar is spent and he spent $61,235.67 in 6 years. Travel's to all the games during GDA and never missed a showcase or a game. My other rich friend did the same 6 years and his family spent over $90,000 traveling first class and eating at super nice places and playing golf and drinking every night. Anyway man, the cost to play soccer is super expensive. If your kid is going to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher or something that really needs a degree and your dd is smart and can play soccer, she is set.

 

[SoccerFan4Life]

Top D1 schools don't have to offer full rides because the demand for their offers is there. Parents are willing to chip in for their daughter to go there. If your niece is a top 50 player, she could have gotten more money elsewhere. This was her choice to accept that offer. She is also not paying $100,000 to play college soccer. She is also getting a education and degree out of this. That is where the money is going. The higher the program you aspire to, the less the scholarship offer will likely be. Only the true GOATS will get a full ride to a top D1 program out of high school.

She is moving on to West Virginia for a better scholarship and more playing time.

ECNL players also now compete with the better players from Mexico, Japan, Europe, South America. Women’s recruiting in top D1schools is now a global market.

 

[crush]

ECNL kicked Surf previously, so there are no sacred cows. Surf felt that boys DA was more important than girls ECNL when given an ultimation of all in ECNL. ECNL also let them back in straight away when DA folded, but I expect Surf very much want MLS Next, but they made their bed. Blues (all girls so no conflict) kept ECNL & GDA as they had the national ECNL title, but a decision point was coming (unless Blues won another ECNL national title) as I understand it.

In AZ, neither Phoenix Rising or RSL-AZ will give up the MLS Next, so if it is put to them, then I can see them both going GA. Alternatively, they might suddenly spin off a girls club only and a boys club only ... and then it would get really silly.

If ECNL need to threaten clubs to get their boys sides into ECNL, then their league mustn't be all that, and they must know it.

I think Surf kicked ECNL out. If Surf chooses ECNL, the Blues would have bailed on GDA and now you got three of the best clubs in the country staying with ECNL, Slammers, Blues and Surf. The power clubs in the Mecca of soccer. Surf had the control and Surf Cup. They got 5 year contract and ECNL was out in the cold. DPL ring a bell? Surf said bye bye and now they and ECNL are best pals.

 

[LASTMAN14]

Top D1 schools don't have to offer full rides because the demand for their offers is there. Parents are willing to chip in for their daughter to go there. If your niece is a top 50 player, she could have gotten more money elsewhere. This was her choice to accept that offer. She is also not paying $100,000 to play college soccer. She is also getting a education and degree out of this. That is where the money is going. The higher the program you aspire to, the less the scholarship offer will likely be. Only the true GOATS will get a full ride to a top D1 program out of high school.

Academic money is huge on the girls side.

 

[dad4]

Academic money is huge on the girls side.

You mean the 50% scholarship worth $20K, but which requires about a thousand hours of work to keep your spot on the team?

That's called a part time job. Soccer is more fun than Starbucks, but it's not exactly huge money either.

 

[Letsplaysoccer]

Rumor going around Stirkers boys are out the ECNL? Any truth?

Not just strikers boys but girls too. Strikers as a whole got ECNL taken. They will need to move what players they have to another league, if they have any left! As I would assume many of their current ECNL players will leave and look for other ECNL opportunities at other clubs.

 

[RedCard]

I heard rumors that Sharks was presented with an ultimatum to start putting resources and effort into the teams to make them more competitive, thus the hiring of MW as girls director. They likely received some time to let this play out. I will say that MW has not been sitting idle. The coaching staff has been gutted, and some team rosters have seen almost 100% player turnover. There are kids and families getting displaced, kids quitting the game entirely and some painful feelings going on, but I guess that's the cost of being in an elite sports league. Perform or GTFO.

Sharks had a pretty good weekend going 4-1-1, so maybe things are turning around. But it was against the L.A. Breakers which most of their teams are in 8th or 9th place in their division, so take it for it's worth. Only the U16 have a winning record, and that's the Breakers team that had the only win this past weekend.

 

[JuliVeee]

Not just strikers boys but girls too. Strikers as a whole got ECNL taken. They will need to move what players they have to another league, if they have any left! As I would assume many of their current ECNL players will leave and look for other ECNL opportunities at other clubs.

Strikers do not have Boys ECNL. Only Girls. Been that way since they went MLS Next.

 

[JuliVeee]

Rumor going around Stirkers boys are out the ECNL? Any truth?

Strikers do not have Boys ECNL.

 

[soccermail2020]

That's what I've heard. But don't be surprised if she coaches the 07's either. Half of the 06 team is 07's and she coached them at West Coast.

Do they not have enough talent to field a solid 07 and a solid 06 team? Do their 06’s play up in 05? I dislike “playing up” except for the one or two phenom’s who just can’t play with their age group. HS season is interesting enough with the different age groups, imo club should be their age appropriate peers.

 

[Carlsbad7]

I'm starting to sense a tipping point with ECNL.

Booting Clubs because they're all in on MLS Next wont work in the long run.

As more and more clubs go all in on MLS Next ECNL wont be able to keep the girls under thumb. Eventually theres going to be hurt feelings + clubs will be looking for league alternatives.

Also, MLS Next and GA seem to be loosely affiliated (might be wrong) if this is the case MLS Next could also play the exclusion game not allowing big clubs in unless they drop Girls ECNL and go GA.

Didnt this exact playbook happen with DA + ECNL 10+ years ago?

 

[LetsGooooo]

Which school has 5 girls in the 8th grade committed already? I just don’t believe that. They haven’t even played high school level yet and have 5 more years to grow and they already have scholarships to play soccer at college? No way….

This season, the deals were dropped big time too. One school already have 5 commitments from 8th grade and were not looking to add. Based on my research, it's still holds true.

 

[crush]

Which school has 5 girls in the 8th grade committed already? I just don’t believe that. They haven’t even played high school level yet and have 5 more years to grow and they already have scholarships to play soccer at college? No way….

2022's were able to commit early in 8th grade. Lot;s of the top schools signed ((verbal)) players early. I was told to send them emails but I told my little baby girl to wait and visit, just like the football and basketball players do. No lie at all. Trust me, I know many kids that did the verbal in 8th grade four years ago. It;s worked out for them and it was the right decision looking back for so many. One girl told my kid no way she gets the deal she got in 8th grade in todays market. Strike while the iron is hot.

 

[JuliVeee]

Which school has 5 girls in the 8th grade committed already? I just don’t believe that. They haven’t even played high school level yet and have 5 more years to grow and they already have scholarships to play soccer at college? No way….

I don't buy this either. We are in OC and know/have played with almost all of the top of the recruitment class for our area and haven't seen/heard this anywhere...