It's never about the kids, at least not the ones who aren't doing online school via a MLS Academy. Asking high school juniors and seniors to miss a week of school the week before finals is a joke. They also scheduled FLEX right in the middle of AP tests this year.
Tip for parents with freshman and sophomore boys. This event is great in that you get to play clubs from across the country, but you won't have college scouts at your games. Tips for parents of juniors and seniors. Most college coaches will be at the first two games and take off after that to get back to campus or go to the College Cup.
It's really BS though because these boys need to be seen by coaches, but have to risk their academics to do so. No reason the older boys can't play Dec 3, 4, 6 or even 7, 8, 10. Enough fields in PHX to host everyone playing at the same time.
Final rant, not sure why this event never made it to Great Park. Reach 11 is great, but is a short drive for four clubs whereas Great Park would be a short drive for 15 clubs.