ECNL expansion 2021-2022

Glad to see the additions and well-deserved entry of Beach and Legends back in the fold. Congrats @Kicker4Life and to all. Slight criticism can't see having three Oklahoma teams in the Texas division. Not a lot of talent at most age levels in either current club. Not sure how much further dissolution the clubs can take up there.
 
This will be the first time in a long time that the playing field is "level" in the Inland Empire footprint for SoCal.

Having watched my DDs and others go through it, the "perception" plays a big part in drawing in primarily the youngers and those olders who aren't as well versed in the recruiting process. I can tell you that there has been so many jumping from one ship to another and back again in our area that it's laughable.

"Arsenal has ECNL and we compete for the true National Championship, Legends is the USYS National Championship, and they don't play teams in our league..."

"Legends has DA and that's the one pathway to the USYNT and ultimately the "list'..."

"Legends lost DA, and now ECNL is back at the top so you better come back over to Arsenal..."

For those who can't see the writing on the wall, these sales people never once mention coaching, development, and what they'll invest in your kid. If you don't "know" already, there is so much a player can do and must do on their own to work the process and own their recruiting and work towards their goals. Directors / Coaches / Platform make it super convenient but it isn't the be all end all. Bottom line focus on the little things that you and your player can control and above all else be an advocate for your kid, not only athletically but on a personal level as well. As my oldest ages out after the next 2021-22 season, I can honestly say that I'm looking forward to this being over and her playing at the next level (knock on wood). We learned lessons along the way and would have done a lot differently over the years but were fortunate to keep it fun and competitive and have memories that no one can ever take away. On the flip side my youngest was a casualty of the bad side of this club soccer machine, and owning my part aside, I'm glad she was able to pivot to something else less toxic for her where she can carry the good skills / qualities / memories and apply those to another arena.

Best of luck to everyone along the way, learn from the ones that have gone through the process and ease up on the kids. Trust me, if they love sports they put enough pressure on themselves and don't need you in their ear half the time. Love them, support them, and take them out for ice cream and talk about anything else but the soccer.

If you want to hear some war stories send me a DM and we can get real ugly.
 
Technician72 said:
This will be the first time in a long time that the playing field is "level" in the Inland Empire footprint for SoCal.

Having watched my DDs and others go through it, the "perception" plays a big part in drawing in primarily the youngers and those olders who aren't as well versed in the recruiting process. I can tell you that there has been so many jumping from one ship to another and back again in our area that it's laughable.

"Arsenal has ECNL and we compete for the true National Championship, Legends is the USYS National Championship, and they don't play teams in our league..."

"Legends has DA and that's the one pathway to the USYNT and ultimately the "list'..."

"Legends lost DA, and now ECNL is back at the top so you better come back over to Arsenal..."

For those who can't see the writing on the wall, these sales people never once mention coaching, development, and what they'll invest in your kid. If you don't "know" already, there is so much a player can do and must do on their own to work the process and own their recruiting and work towards their goals. Directors / Coaches / Platform make it super convenient but it isn't the be all end all. Bottom line focus on the little things that you and your player can control and above all else be an advocate for your kid, not only athletically but on a personal level as well. As my oldest ages out after the next 2021-22 season, I can honestly say that I'm looking forward to this being over and her playing at the next level (knock on wood). We learned lessons along the way and would have done a lot differently over the years but were fortunate to keep it fun and competitive and have memories that no one can ever take away. On the flip side my youngest was a casualty of the bad side of this club soccer machine, and owning my part aside, I'm glad she was able to pivot to something else less toxic for her where she can carry the good skills / qualities / memories and apply those to another arena.

Best of luck to everyone along the way, learn from the ones that have gone through the process and ease up on the kids. Trust me, if they love sports they put enough pressure on themselves and don't need you in their ear half the time. Love them, support them, and take them out for ice cream and talk about anything else but the soccer.

If you want to hear some war stories send me a DM and we can get real ugly.
Click to expand...

This is a very good and insightful post. Player platforms are a necessary evil. If you are lucky, you find a coach/club/environment that rises above the drama that ECNL/DA/GA/MLS, blah blah is and gets your kid ready for the next level (if there is a next level). Player platforms also become overcrowded but that is to be expected and the way they are designed --$$$$.

Now on to the business of getting CA back into the youth soccer scene...
 
Technician72 said:
This will be the first time in a long time that the playing field is "level" in the Inland Empire footprint for SoCal.

Having watched my DDs and others go through it, the "perception" plays a big part in drawing in primarily the youngers and those olders who aren't as well versed in the recruiting process. I can tell you that there has been so many jumping from one ship to another and back again in our area that it's laughable.

"Arsenal has ECNL and we compete for the true National Championship, Legends is the USYS National Championship, and they don't play teams in our league..."

"Legends has DA and that's the one pathway to the USYNT and ultimately the "list'..."

"Legends lost DA, and now ECNL is back at the top so you better come back over to Arsenal..."

For those who can't see the writing on the wall, these sales people never once mention coaching, development, and what they'll invest in your kid. If you don't "know" already, there is so much a player can do and must do on their own to work the process and own their recruiting and work towards their goals. Directors / Coaches / Platform make it super convenient but it isn't the be all end all. Bottom line focus on the little things that you and your player can control and above all else be an advocate for your kid, not only athletically but on a personal level as well. As my oldest ages out after the next 2021-22 season, I can honestly say that I'm looking forward to this being over and her playing at the next level (knock on wood). We learned lessons along the way and would have done a lot differently over the years but were fortunate to keep it fun and competitive and have memories that no one can ever take away. On the flip side my youngest was a casualty of the bad side of this club soccer machine, and owning my part aside, I'm glad she was able to pivot to something else less toxic for her where she can carry the good skills / qualities / memories and apply those to another arena.

Best of luck to everyone along the way, learn from the ones that have gone through the process and ease up on the kids. Trust me, if they love sports they put enough pressure on themselves and don't need you in their ear half the time. Love them, support them, and take them out for ice cream and talk about anything else but the soccer.

If you want to hear some war stories send me a DM and we can get real ugly.
Click to expand...
Time for some specs tech for next season?
 
crush said:
Time for some specs tech for next season?
Click to expand...
I'm going to sync up the roll calls one last time across the age groups to keep them alive for the next generation. Let me look at what the kid does going into next season and it's a possibility for the 04s. I'll have to solicit some notes from the posters, but I can whip it to together and build some narrative and craft the stories from the details.
 
Technician72 said:
I'm going to sync up the roll calls one last time across the age groups to keep them alive for the next generation. Let me look at what the kid does going into next season and it's a possibility for the 04s. I'll have to solicit some notes from the posters, but I can whip it to together and build some narrative and craft the stories from the details.
Click to expand...
03/04 next year Tech. Just like the old days. I would be honored to help you with any info I might have. Injuries have taken a few out. I have no idea what team is #1, but I bet Beach and Legends will have a say. This is going to be one insane league bro. I will not be chirping out any predictions. Show your skills to the young bucks Tech. It's giving back to the game.
 
happy9 said:
Even talking to College coaches, they are split on coaching VS platform.
Click to expand...
That assumes the platforms are equal. The look very closely at the level of play. I would say this yr GA in the SW has been less than ECNL in the SW. With Royals, Beach and Legends gone next yr, the quality suffers.

Royals were winning a lot of games by big margins this yr. They won't be next yr. Likely they drop back to middle of the pack.

Quality of competition is an important factor coaches look at as it relates to who they recruit.
 
GeekKid said:
Glad to see the additions and well-deserved entry of Beach and Legends back in the fold. Congrats @Kicker4Life and to all. Slight criticism can't see having three Oklahoma teams in the Texas division. Not a lot of talent at most age levels in either current club. Not sure how much further dissolution the clubs can take up there.
Click to expand...
Thank you! Looking forward to more Beach v Solar match ups!
 
Desert Hound said:
That assumes the platforms are equal. The look very closely at the level of play. I would say this yr GA in the SW has been less than ECNL in the SW. With Royals, Beach and Legends gone next yr, the quality suffers.

Royals were winning a lot of games by big margins this yr. They won't be next yr. Likely they drop back to middle of the pack.

Quality of competition is an important factor coaches look at as it relates to who they recruit.
Click to expand...
I would like to hear some perspectives from parents that have gone through the recruiting process. If your kid is a true 1% goat, this conversation is not for you. :) Let's say the choices for my kid are:
1) Bench player on a solid ECNL SW team
2) Starter on a bottom 3 ECNL SW team
3) Starter on a solid ECRL team that does Surf Cup and other tourneys

#1 is a usually a no go as my kid (and most kids) prefers playing over sitting. But from the recruiting perspective, how important is it to be on one of the better teams? Would #3 be better than #2 if team#2 is not very competitive? TIA.
 
2 Qs to ask: A. Is your DD having fun? B. Is she improving? If the answer is yes to both: She is in the right spot.

Majority of movement is #1 ---> #2. I have seen many a coach watch other teams games to ID bench players and "recruit" them.

Preference depends on your coach and kid. Most choose #2 b/c they want to play, but if the coaching fit is good and they are committed to developing your player #1 is better - IMO.
 
Messi>CR7 said:
I would like to hear some perspectives from parents that have gone through the recruiting process. If your kid is a true 1% goat, this conversation is not for you. :) Let's say the choices for my kid are:
1) Bench player on a solid ECNL SW team
2) Starter on a bottom 3 ECNL SW team
3) Starter on a solid ECRL team that does Surf Cup and other tourneys

#1 is a usually a no go as my kid (and most kids) prefers playing over sitting. But from the recruiting perspective, how important is it to be on one of the better teams? Would #3 be better than #2 if team#2 is not very competitive? TIA.
Click to expand...
#2, hands down.
 
SoccerLocker said:
2 Qs to ask: A. Is your DD having fun? B. Is she improving? If the answer is yes to both: She is in the right spot.

Majority of movement is #1 ---> #2. I have seen many a coach watch games to try and poach bench players from other teams.

Preference depends on your coach and kid. Most choose #2 b/c they want to play, but if the coaching fit is good and they are committed to developing your player #1 is better - IMO.
Click to expand...
Life is to be lived. We aren't talking about multi million dollar pro deals on the line. You really want to spend all of HS on the bench?

If you love to play soccer, find a team where you can do that.
 
dad4 said:
Life is to be lived. We aren't talking about multi million dollar pro deals on the line. You really want to spend all of HS on the bench?

If you love to play soccer, find a team where you can do that.
Click to expand...
Never ever. My Sr year I had to move to Troy. Baseball country. Anyway, returning all league second baseman who could hit for average and power, was not going to lose his spot to some cocky surfer from Laguna. I had him on speed, throwing and hustle defense. He had me on offense and that wins. I was brought in to run for him or play defense in the last inning. Dad, I quit before league because of my pride. I thought I was better and if given a chance, I would have helped the team make CIF.
 
Desert Hound said:
That assumes the platforms are equal. The look very closely at the level of play. I would say this yr GA in the SW has been less than ECNL in the SW. With Royals, Beach and Legends gone next yr, the quality suffers.

Royals were winning a lot of games by big margins this yr. They won't be next yr. Likely they drop back to middle of the pack.

Quality of competition is an important factor coaches look at as it relates to who they recruit.
Click to expand...

You are falling into what the platforms want you to believe. I know enough power 5 coaches and others conferences who don't put as much weight on the platform. The platform matters sure, but it's not they only thing they look at and it's not weighted as much as you think. Find a coach and an environment that provides development as a player, a person, and student. The club and coaches need to have connections and relationships. It's a balance. Parents will chase platforms because that's what the platforms want you to do.

Coaches scout large tournament across the country across multiple player platforms. And yes, CA is the nexus of girls soccer and ECNL will be considered the top league by everyone and parents will pay (for ECNL and GA).

I think Royals will be slotted back to where they were when they were in the DA, lower third for most age groups. Their 04s were their best team in the DA, placing 8th overall and didn't play the back end of the season against the strongest competition. They likely would have been at the bottom of the pack. I don't see how they'll be better than that, maybe a bit worse. Their 07s could cause a rucus.

Del Sol would have been the better talent pick. Their 05s and 02/03s were in the top half of the DA SW conference. Their 07s are just as good on any given day against the Royals 07s, and the 06s are the best 06 team in the state. Del Sols weakness is their numbers.

We will see if Del Sol parents start to panic or if they trust the direction of the club.
 
Messi>CR7 said:
I would like to hear some perspectives from parents that have gone through the recruiting process. If your kid is a true 1% goat, this conversation is not for you. :) Let's say the choices for my kid are:
1) Bench player on a solid ECNL SW team
2) Starter on a bottom 3 ECNL SW team
3) Starter on a solid ECRL team that does Surf Cup and other tourneys

#1 is a usually a no go as my kid (and most kids) prefers playing over sitting. But from the recruiting perspective, how important is it to be on one of the better teams? Would #3 be better than #2 if team#2 is not very competitive? TIA.
Click to expand...
2) Starter on bottom 3 ECNL SW team. Benefit from more playing time and playing tougher competition at same time.
 
happy9 said:
You are falling into what the platforms want you to believe. I know enough power 5 coaches and others conferences who don't put as much weight on the platform. The platform matters sure, but it's not they only thing they look at and it's not weighted as much as you think. Find a coach and an environment that provides development as a player, a person, and student. The club and coaches need to have connections and relationships. It's a balance. Parents will chase platforms because that's what the platforms want you to do.

Coaches scout large tournament across the country across multiple player platforms. And yes, CA is the nexus of girls soccer and ECNL will be considered the top league by everyone and parents will pay (for ECNL and GA).

I think Royals will be slotted back to where they were when they were in the DA, lower third for most age groups. Their 04s were their best team in the DA, placing 8th overall and didn't play the back end of the season against the strongest competition. They likely would have been at the bottom of the pack. I don't see how they'll be better than that, maybe a bit worse. Their 07s could cause a rucus.

Del Sol would have been the better talent pick. Their 05s and 02/03s were in the top half of the DA SW conference. Their 07s are just as good on any given day against the Royals 07s, and the 06s are the best 06 team in the state. Del Sols weakness is their numbers.

We will see if Del Sol parents start to panic or if they trust the direction of the club.
Click to expand...
Platform matters because of the competition. You get better by playing competitive games, not by walking over lesser opponents in 7-0 games. So if a kid is in the upper tier they should be competing with and against similarly skilled players.
 
happy9 said:
We will see if Del Sol parents start to panic or if they trust the direction of the club
Click to expand...
I don't think there will be a mass exodus. What I am pretty sure of is with GA in the SW being 2nd tier, over time the ECNL clubs will capture most of the talent in Phx as they age into ECNL or GA. Next yr or the yr after if your DD is good, your first choice won't be del Sol. And long term that will be a problem for the club.

Like I said I don't see current players all leaving or even most. Their issue going forward will be getting new kids into the club when most parents perceive ecnl is the top option.
 
Desert Hound said:
I don't think there will be a mass exodus. What I am pretty sure of is with GA in the SW being 2nd tier, over time the ECNL clubs will capture most of the talent in Phx as they age into ECNL or GA. Next yr or the yr after if your DD is good, your first choice won't be del Sol. And long term that will be a problem for the club.

Like I said I don't see current players all leaving or even most. Their issue going forward will be getting new kids into the club when most parents perceive ecnl is the top option.
Click to expand...
It's so confusing for us in socal. The perceived landing spot 6 years ago was ECNL. Then the perceived top option was GDA 4 years ago. Plus we all know The List was put in the hands of the Docs of the clubs and perception became a reality. Today, ECNL is top choice.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top