D1 college soccer under threat

[vegasguy]

It’s all about our complicated history. It is what it is. My life is great. I’m trying to find solutions to help kids. I’m not an expert.
But I think there’s problems with access in soccer and I don’t like the system.

Here is the Truth @MacDre . You do not like soccer in America and you daughter is on a pro path in Mexico. What if she doesn't cut it. Would you want her to play the highest level she could or are you willing to tell her to quit after her senior year of private school.
What about my son who loves the sport? Has a good grade point average, we have some money saved and if he gets part of the small amount of a soccer scholarship it could help. It may also help with one of his top fives schools. Are you saying you are the one willing to say sucks to be you?

 

[SoccerFan4Life]

To be fair, club soccer as a college fund is a sucker’s bet.

If you don’t believe me, add up total soccer scholarship money per year for all schools. Then add up total club fees per year for all clubs. It’s not even close.

As for admissions, if your goal is getting into college and doing well there, hitting the books seems a lot more direct.

Bingo! You are exactly right. The ROI makes no sense in terms of dollars when spending 5 years of ECNL/DA to get a scholarship. There are exceptions for the very elite but that’s a small group


Do it for love of the sport but not for the scholarships because moving forward it’s going to be tougher to chase those scholarships.

I have two recent examples of nephews/ friends that spent so much on DA/ECNL to find challenges in college soccer. My niece was getting offered a scholarship at San Marcos (CSU ) but she was told to change her major because Nursing was going to interfere with soccer practices. She just focused on nursing.


My neighbor had few scholarships coming out as a starting goalie for Seattle Sounders academy. The parents focused on academics so he went to Harvard. He played in his freshman year but when he asked to miss 2 practices a month to attend a business club meeting at school, they said no. No exceptions because soccer was very important. He quit soccer and focused on academics.

 

[vegasguy]

Couple things.... WCC is a conference without football so mens soccer should remain strong in that conference. Olympic Sports often raise money through foundations to offset costs so if there were funds left over do you funnel that into the general athletic fund (seems fair).

College sports provide opportunities for all. I have examples young men and women of all racial backgrounds who would not attend college if it wasn't for sport. Once they get to college, it is their job to take advantage of their education. Many find that a college degree is importand and go back to finish their degree after they go pro before they graduate. Some with pro aspirations stay in school and become successful because they found out the importance of education. But again MacDre doesn't believe in the late bloomer theory.

 

[The Outlaw *BANNED*]

I have family that are cops and they’ll tell you that there are serious problems. If you would’ve watched the Netflix documentary recommended you’d know that the prison system is modern day slavery. I also am well aware that defendant’s from my hood don’t get the same type of defense as the defendants in the Wellcare fraud case that I worked on for years.

1. Prison is not slavery. 99% of people in prison earned the right to be there. Right and wrong is not determined by skin color.
2. Why should you get the same defense? If you want a good lawyer, earn the money to pay one or stay the fuck out of jail. Pretty simple.

 

[The Outlaw *BANNED*]

I think we should get rid of Pocahontas Warren because she wants to eliminate student debt after being paid $400k to teach a single class for 4 semesters.

 

[MacDre]

I am NOT good with leaving any kid behind.
I am however calling on the soccer community to think critically about how they are going to incorporate soccer players from the same communities as the basketball and football who apparently make college sports possible.

I also think when this disenfranchised community is incorporated into the game, soccer will be just as entertaining as basketball and football-then scholarships will be available to all.

 

[MacDre]

Here is the Truth @MacDre . You do not like soccer in America and you daughter is on a pro path in Mexico. What if she doesn't cut it. Would you want her to play the highest level she could or are you willing to tell her to quit after her senior year of private school.
What about my son who loves the sport? Has a good grade point average, we have some money saved and if he gets part of the small amount of a soccer scholarship it could help. It may also help with one of his top fives schools. Are you saying you are the one willing to say sucks to be you?

I don’t want to limit opportunities. I want to include more people.
I also would like your kids to have access to a professional environment too. I don’t dislike soccer here, I want a better environment for all kids.

 

[Simisoccerfan]

Bingo! You are exactly right. The ROI makes no sense in terms of dollars when spending 5 years of ECNL/DA to get a scholarship. There are exceptions for the very elite but that’s a small group


Do it for love of the sport but not for the scholarships because moving forward it’s going to be tougher to chase those scholarships.

I have two recent examples of nephews/ friends that spent so much on DA/ECNL to find challenges in college soccer. My niece was getting offered a scholarship at San Marcos (CSU ) but she was told to change her major because Nursing was going to interfere with soccer practices. She just focused on nursing.


My neighbor had few scholarships coming out as a starting goalie for Seattle Sounders academy. The parents focused on academics so he went to Harvard. He played in his freshman year but when he asked to miss 2 practices a month to attend a business club meeting at school, they said no. No exceptions because soccer was very important. He quit soccer and focused on academics.

ROI worked for us and then some.

 

[MacDre]

1. Prison is not slavery. 99% of people in prison earned the right to be there. Right and wrong is not determined by skin color.
2. Why should you get the same defense? If you want a good lawyer, earn the money to pay one or stay the fuck out of jail. Pretty simple.

You haven’t watched the documentary.

Insurance company paid millions for their defense; defendants paid nothing.

 

[dad4]

ROI worked for us and then some.

Good. Glad it worked out well, and I do. ot want to take anything away from your kid’s accomplishment.

However, I’d still advise families of younger kids to put money in the college fund before paying the club fees. For the vast, vast majority of families, club soccer is an entertainment expense.

 

[vegasguy]

I am NOT good with leaving any kid behind.
I am however calling on the soccer community to think critically about how they are going to incorporate soccer players from the same communities as the basketball and football who apparently make college sports possible.

I also think when this disenfranchised community is incorporated into the game, soccer will be just as entertaining as basketball and football-then scholarships will be available to all.

What do you find dull about college soccer.. you also said it should be eliminated as a college sport and played only as a club sport. That is such bs.

Did you see Virginia play this year? Did you watch the college cup? Why does a player from the east bay make the game better and more entertaining? And what is your proof that you so covet. You have a bias and do not admit it.

You can not force players to play if they would rather play football or basketball. Is it not on Moms and Dads to bring them to a sport. AAU is not cheap.. Football is going the club route with 7v7 and that will not be inexpensive.

 

[Simisoccerfan]

Good. Glad it worked out well, and I do. ot want to take anything away from your kid’s accomplishment.

However, I’d still advise families of younger kids to put money in the college fund before paying the club fees. For the vast, vast majority of families, club soccer is an entertainment expense.

Agree. I had the college funded for all 3 of my kids.

 

[MacDre]

What do you find dull about college soccer.. you also said it should be eliminated as a college sport and played only as a club sport. That is such bs.

Did you see Virginia play this year? Did you watch the college cup? Why does a player from the east bay make the game better and more entertaining? And what is your proof that you so covet. You have a bias and do not admit it.

You can not force players to play if they would rather play football or basketball. Is it not on Moms and Dads to bring them to a sport. AAU is not cheap.. Football is going the club route with 7v7 and that will not be inexpensive.

I find the lack of skill in college soccer dull. MAP says only 4 or 5 college teams plays good soccer. I also prefer football rules of the game. I think college soccer is unnecessarily dangerous.

What’s wrong with club sports for a person that does not want to go pro and school is their priority? Why do you feel college sports are better than club sports for a kid that doesn’t want to turn pro? Wouldn’t club sports allow a kid more time to focus on their studies while playing the game they love-isn’t excelling academically the priority for this group?

I did not see Virginia play or most of the college cup-what exactly was it that you liked about those games? In football, basketball, and international soccer/football the vast majority of the “stars” come from lower socioeconomic levels. Currently, soccer in the USA lacks participation of people from lower socioeconomic levels and lacks the entertainment factor that the Brazilians and Argentinians bring to European football. I guess you can also include the entertainment factor that Latino’s like Vela bring to MLS. Watch Fuerte Apache the Carlos Tevez story on Netflix for a clear example of what I’m talking about.

Many kids in my community haven’t been exposed to soccer. Many in my community don’t have parents that can support them in their athletic pursuits. AAU & 7v7 are FREE for folks from my hood-may even get under the table money, house, car etc. Soccer ain’t even in the hood homie!

 

[messy]

I find the lack of skill in college soccer dull. MAP says only 4 or 5 college teams plays good soccer. I also prefer football rules of the game. I think college soccer is unnecessarily dangerous.

What’s wrong with club sports for a person that does not want to go pro and school is their priority? Why do you feel college sports are better than club sports for a kid that doesn’t want to turn pro? Wouldn’t club sports allow a kid more time to focus on their studies while playing the game they love-isn’t excelling academically the priority for this group?

I did not see Virginia play or most of the college cup-what exactly was it that you liked about those games? In football, basketball, and international soccer/football the vast majority of the “stars” come from lower socioeconomic levels. Currently, soccer in the USA lacks participation of people from lower socioeconomic levels and lacks the entertainment factor that the Brazilians and Argentinians bring to European football. I guess you can also include the entertainment factor that Latino’s like Vela bring to MLS. Watch Fuerte Apache the Carlos Tevez story on Netflix for a clear example of what I’m talking about.

Many kids in my community haven’t been exposed to soccer. Many in my community don’t have parents that can support them in their athletic pursuits. AAU & 7v7 are FREE for folks from my hood-may even get under the table money, house, car etc. Soccer ain’t even in the hood homie!

The college game is terrible. It barely resembles soccer as played in the rest of the world. It's sheer speed and physicality. Such a shame that the ncaa plays football and basketball so well, but can't play soccer.

 

[Ellejustus]

What do you find dull about college soccer.. you also said it should be eliminated as a college sport and played only as a club sport. That is such bs.

Did you see Virginia play this year? Did you watch the college cup? Why does a player from the east bay make the game better and more entertaining? And what is your proof that you so covet. You have a bias and do not admit it.

You can not force players to play if they would rather play football or basketball. Is it not on Moms and Dads to bring them to a sport. AAU is not cheap.. Football is going the club route with 7v7 and that will not be inexpensive.

I have to say I was shocked to see how physical and intense the college games I've watched with my own eyes have been. My dd played for _________________ for two years and their TC was physical and prepped you for the college game. Injury after injuries, one physical game after another. I used to not like that at all because my little dd was the smallest. However, _______________________________________________________________________always told me to go watch a D1 game. So I did, with my goat and we both saw how hard and intense it is and it's 100% not for the weak at heart. One girl tore something and left the game. Cal State Fullerton had someone get hurt too and they played very very hard. Like a chip on their shoulders and actually beat SC. I loved the fans I saw at SC ((need better fields)) and the passion with all the students. It was fun and my dd would have a blast in a game like that. Its just not what I thought it would be. Call me naive if you want. When I watched Stanford play NC this year, I saw some cool soccer on both sides. Two completely different styles but very fun to watch for me.

 

[vegasguy]

I find the lack of skill in college soccer dull. MAP says only 4 or 5 college teams plays good soccer. I also prefer football rules of the game. I think college soccer is unnecessarily dangerous.

What’s wrong with club sports for a person that does not want to go pro and school is their priority? Why do you feel college sports are better than club sports for a kid that doesn’t want to turn pro? Wouldn’t club sports allow a kid more time to focus on their studies while playing the game they love-isn’t excelling academically the priority for this group?

I did not see Virginia play or most of the college cup-what exactly was it that you liked about those games? In football, basketball, and international soccer/football the vast majority of the “stars” come from lower socioeconomic levels. Currently, soccer in the USA lacks participation of people from lower socioeconomic levels and lacks the entertainment factor that the Brazilians and Argentinians bring to European football. I guess you can also include the entertainment factor that Latino’s like Vela bring to MLS. Watch Fuerte Apache the Carlos Tevez story on Netflix for a clear example of what I’m talking about.

Many kids in my community haven’t been exposed to soccer. Many in my community don’t have parents that can support them in their athletic pursuits. AAU & 7v7 are FREE for folks from my hood-may even get under the table money, house, car etc. Soccer ain’t even in the hood homie!

Please do not talk down to me like I do not know soccer. I know it is your style of trying to make yourself look like the smartest man in the room but it isn't necessary.

Playing a varsity sport for your school is completely different than club.

Emotionally for the players but you would say that is on them. Watch the College Cup or The Blue/Green Game and watch the fans, watch the players and see the emotion they bring to the game. You won't know the power of Daryl Dike because you choose not to watch. You need to depend on MAP's opinion of 4 or 5 teams are good and the rest stink because you do not watch. You miss Zak Stefen dominating games from the box, Tryston Blackmon being quietly the best player on the field,Julie Johnson Ertz killing at Santa Clara, and Rose LaVelle changing games at Wisconsin because you don't like it.

I agree it isn't a beautiful style and it is different but the passion does not change. What is the difference between how how a team from the second division in Brazil celebrate as opposed to Tufts Men winning the championship. The answer is their is not a difference. Trust me Tufts athletes are students first as are Stanford Men and Women. The pride does not change.

It is something you do not get from a college club sport with a volunteer coach, having to pay for your own travel and no backing from your school. I have personally felt the difference between college varsity and a college club sport albeit a long time ago.

You also do not get the Blue / Green game when those two universities play each other at the club level. I have seen it. Those kids play with pride and passion but the feel is different. The experience is different for the players

 

[kickingandscreaming]

I find the lack of skill in college soccer dull. MAP says only 4 or 5 college teams plays good soccer. I also prefer football rules of the game. I think college soccer is unnecessarily dangerous.

I did not see Virginia play or most of the college cup-what exactly was it that you liked about those games? In football, basketball, and international soccer/football the vast majority of the “stars” come from lower socioeconomic levels. Currently, soccer in the USA lacks participation of people from lower socioeconomic levels and lacks the entertainment factor that the Brazilians and Argentinians bring to European football. I guess you can also include the entertainment factor that Latino’s like Vela bring to MLS. Watch Fuerte Apache the Carlos Tevez story on Netflix for a clear example of what I’m talking about.

Many kids in my community haven’t been exposed to soccer. Many in my community don’t have parents that can support them in their athletic pursuits. AAU & 7v7 are FREE for folks from my hood-may even get under the table money, house, car etc. Soccer ain’t even in the hood homie!

I'd say college soccer is a direct reflection of US club soccer and, in general, soccer in the US. While access to club soccer can be improved, the reason you enjoy watching the "stars" you mention isn't due to their club soccer access. It is due to the soccer culture. They played all the time, in their neighborhood streets, playgrounds and parks with no coaches near them. Even in the US, if a youngster is "star" level and plays in public at all, a club coach will find her and she won't have to worry about club tuition.

I am also more entertained by skill than physical play and I would like to see the game called more closely to facilitate a game where skill has the opportunity to overcome physical play. Hockey (non-fighting) skill and entertainment has improved immensely from my youth as has basketball from the days of the Bad Boys in Detroit. However, that is just part of the equation. This hit home for me a few years ago when watching a U14 game among two top level clubs at an ECNL showcase. The team that started the game with the kick off immediately lofted the ball deep to the opponents defensive corner. As long as top teams can thrive with this as a viable strategy, soccer skill entertainment value will be limited. I like to see teams and players that prefer the ball at their feet instead of at their opponents' feet. Part of getting to this point is "better" training, but the few hours a week of club training isn't enough without a significant does of "soccer culture" outside the club confines.

You'd enjoy watching Catarina Macario.

 

[vegasguy]

I find the lack of skill in college soccer dull. MAP says only 4 or 5 college teams plays good soccer. I also prefer football rules of the game. I think college soccer is unnecessarily dangerous.

What’s wrong with club sports for a person that does not want to go pro and school is their priority? Why do you feel college sports are better than club sports for a kid that doesn’t want to turn pro? Wouldn’t club sports allow a kid more time to focus on their studies while playing the game they love-isn’t excelling academically the priority for this group?

I did not see Virginia play or most of the college cup-what exactly was it that you liked about those games? In football, basketball, and international soccer/football the vast majority of the “stars” come from lower socioeconomic levels. Currently, soccer in the USA lacks participation of people from lower socioeconomic levels and lacks the entertainment factor that the Brazilians and Argentinians bring to European football. I guess you can also include the entertainment factor that Latino’s like Vela bring to MLS. Watch Fuerte Apache the Carlos Tevez story on Netflix for a clear example of what I’m talking about.

Many kids in my community haven’t been exposed to soccer. Many in my community don’t have parents that can support them in their athletic pursuits. AAU & 7v7 are FREE for folks from my hood-may even get under the table money, house, car etc. Soccer ain’t even in the hood homie!

To continue, AAU and 7v7 is not free for everyone in the neighborhood in your area. It is free for those only deemed good enough to be on that team so that team can show how good a team from that area can be. Little Johnny, who is a little slower, little shorter and can not hit a 3 is not getting any car or any free money under the table. The "hood" seems who is left behind. Also it is the Neighborhood that deems what sports are worth for their neighborhood. Is little Suzy going to get money under the table because she is a phenom on the soccer field? Bet? Soccer is accessible, their are less expensive leagues. Why not start an AYSO or NYS league in your neighborhood. How many parents in Richmond are going to put their kid in that league. It is where most kids start.

Also, do not act like every basketball player is great and has flair or style because they are poor and from the "hood". That is not reality anymore. It is still there but not the full truth today. Just like it is not the full truth in baseball, football or soccer. There are great success stories but there are great success stories in middle class too. Kobe.. Stef.. SI did an article a few years ago stating that the majority of football players drafted where from middle or lower middle class families.

I watched the Tevez presser when he left Red Devils to Citizen Blue. Funny you did not mention players like Drogba, Boateng or Dempsey. Great players from lower income worlds.

 

[vegasguy]

I'd say college soccer is a direct reflection of US club soccer and, in general, soccer in the US. While access to club soccer can be improved, the reason you enjoy watching the "stars" you mention isn't due to their club soccer access. It is due to the soccer culture. They played all the time, in their neighborhood streets, playgrounds and parks with no coaches near them. Even in the US, if a youngster is "star" level and plays in public at all, a club coach will find her and she won't have to worry about club tuition.

I am also more entertained by skill than physical play and I would like to see the game called more closely to facilitate a game where skill has the opportunity to overcome physical play. Hockey (non-fighting) skill and entertainment has improved immensely from my youth as has basketball from the days of the Bad Boys in Detroit. However, that is just part of the equation. This hit home for me a few years ago when watching a U14 game among two top level clubs at an ECNL showcase. The team that started the game with the kick off immediately lofted the ball deep to the opponents defensive corner. As long as top teams can thrive with this as a viable strategy, soccer skill entertainment value will be limited. I like to see teams and players that prefer the ball at their feet instead of at their opponents' feet. Part of getting to this point is "better" training, but the few hours a week of club training isn't enough without a significant does of "soccer culture" outside the club confines.

You'd enjoy watching Catarina Macario.

It is ok to play the game that reflects your countries personality. Brazilian greats play with flair and dancelike.. like Carnival.. Argentinians play with a like more couple glasses of wine dancing in the town square to samba feel. Germans can be very structured, strong engineered feel, Spain is more like a bullfight flair beautiful and dangerous, Italy has more of a Sunday feel to their game dinner with our family style arguing with each other constantly but they love and have each others back, Netherlands defined, technical, artistic.. Ivory Coast, fast hunter like.. lionlinke... America.. we grind it out work hard not the best but driven for success even when people want to hold us back. Our best successes did not come from the prettiest games. We are strong, fast and direct.. defend when our backs are against the wall. I am good with it and I am good not winning the World Cup but I want us too.
The point is there are so many styles and it is great. It makes the game wonderful. When you try to force it to be something it is not you may not qualify for the World Cup and that is worse than not winning it.

 

[Ellejustus]

To continue, AAU and 7v7 is not free for everyone in the neighborhood in your area. It is free for those only deemed good enough to be on that team so that team can show how good a team from that area can be. Little Johnny, who is a little slower, little shorter and can not hit a 3 is not getting any car or any free money under the table. The "hood" seems who is left behind. Also it is the Neighborhood that deems what sports are worth for their neighborhood. Is little Suzy going to get money under the table because she is a phenom on the soccer field? Bet? Soccer is accessible, their are less expensive leagues. Why not start an AYSO or NYS league in your neighborhood. How many parents in Richmond are going to put their kid in that league. It is where most kids start.

Also, do not act like every basketball player is great and has flair or style because they are poor and from the "hood". That is not reality anymore. It is still there but not the full truth today. Just like it is not the full truth in baseball, football or soccer. There are great success stories but there are great success stories in middle class too. Kobe.. Stef.. SI did an article a few years ago stating that the majority of football players drafted where from middle or lower middle class families.

I watched the Tevez presser when he left Red Devils to Citizen Blue. Funny you did not mention players like Drogba, Boateng or Dempsey. Great players from lower income worlds.

Here's my issue if you have a goat at 7-9 years old in the hood or not. I lived__________________________________________________________________________________ and we had I think 7 soccer clubs and only two were home grown, plus local AYSO. The other 5 were affiliates from bigger clubs looking to take market share from the mom & pop clubs like the Hawks. One girl lived far, far away between Temecula and Indio. She was fast as hell and just so happened to be black too. Anyway, dad had two jobs and mom had one. Little girl was playing AYSO and all the parents got pissed off because she was twice as fast as the other girls and scored and scored some more. They told her to go play club. She comes to play club and she's the fastest, but not twice as fast. These parents make dumb comments like, "no skills, just fast." How about teach the fast ones to have more skill? Dam if you do and dam if you don;t. People told me to stop complaining that my baby girl was blocked from the GDA because of HS and they told me to go play local DPL or SCDSL. We took a guest game in and she scored at will and those parents got all mad and said things like, "I can;t believe a player like her would come down to our level and score on us like. What a show off" You really can;t win with some you.