Reading the comments - it's all about high school. That's why both systems need to exists or DPL better turn into a better ECNL fast. A lot parents want their kids to play high school and a lot of kids want to play. Personal choice. Not caring about high school one bit.
DA and ECNL
- Thread starter Desert Hound
- Start date
Reading the comments - it's all about high school. That's why both systems need to exists or DPL better turn into a better ECNL fast. A lot parents want their kids to play high school and a lot of kids want to play. Personal choice. Not caring about high school one bit.
If that that source in the article is correct and Crossfire Premier leaves GDA, Seattle Reign will be the only DA club left in the state of Washington next year. I’d hate to have their travel schedule.
Desert Hound
DA
If that happens...that travel schedule as you say is brutal. Brutal enough to consider saying hello to ECNL. And of course it is not only them having to travel...but the other DA teams in their division that have to go play them.
Anthony DiCicco@DiCiccoMethod
https://twitter.com/DiCiccoMethod/status/986599783296053248
USSF declined to start the GDA 10 years ago. The ECNL stepped in. Built something great. Instead of investing in the ECNL, they wanted control over the pathway & decided to compete with it. But they haven’t built a better mousetrap, just one with more restrictions & constraints.
GoWest
GOLD
I see Slammers FC ECNL teams played "first game ever" on new LAFC pitch. I agree about the semantics. Must've been a cool experience for the girls.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh0LsIvA038/?taken-by=slammersfc
Ask someone from Real Socal or Eagles......
Simisoccerfan
PREMIER
Both clubs are 100% DA.
GoWest
GOLD
I have heard that there is no mandate (at least for the upcoming season) to choose. Blues, Surf and Slammers are planning next season around both ECNL and DA.
Yes, I know! Both where also ECNL Clubd too until ECNL dropped them for going DA.
Does anyone know exactly what happened here? Did DA or ECNL push them? And was it under the disguise that the area did not have enough top players to support viable teams in both leagues? I happen to agree that 2 teams in the area are enough if the true purpose is to develop top talent by having them compete against other teams with only top talent. However, with too many DA teams across Socal, maybe half the players on any given team truly belong in the DA league.
Dos Equis
GOLD
For RSC and Eagles, ECNL's point of view was that the clubs did not have the track record of success to suggest they could support two top/elite teams, so they gave them an ultimatum. I do not think it was geography, more club specific. Since the DA application required all clubs commit to put their top players into DA, it seemed reasonable for the ECNL to protect the level of competition in this way. Some say different, this is my understanding.
It is also my understanding the ECNL has asked clubs going forward to commit that the ECNL teams not be structured as "B" teams -- in other words, a level playing field where kids/families are free to choose the program/team that was right for them (something the DA application did not allow). Having a separate club structure/brand for DA and ECNL might provide that (i.e. Slammers), as would allowing teams and players who want to be ECNL stay (Blues).
It is all evolving, and will continue to do so as US Soccer/DA makes changes to its programs, ECNL drops clubs and adds others, the NCAA changes its rules, etc.
Simisoccerfan
PREMIER
My understanding is close to yours. Real was denied by ECNL but that Eagles did not apply. My opinion is that with Real, Eagles and LA Premier DA our area could probably support one ECNL team in addition but not more.
So ECNL teams have to reapply for status each year?
MakeAPlay
DA
Didn’t Think so......Simi’s response didn’t make sense.
outside!
DA
I found it confusing as well. Eagles used to be ECNL.
Both clubs were up until July of last year
Dos Equis
GOLD
Perhaps they decided to drop their ECNL program once they were admitted to DA. Both RSC and Eagles posters have been engaged in a "it's not you, it's me" exercise regarding who broke up with whom for around a year, but the end result is the same. However, no re-application is necessary between seasons, MAP is correct.
I expect to hear soon how WCFC decided to "drop" ECNL, or not re-apply, for next season.