GA departures

[Desert Hound]

Arsenal is in the worst position. They've lost a top player here and there.

I think Arsenal is in a spot to be in a good position in the next 10 yrs. Why? The Valley is pushing further and further east. They will benefit from it.

That said out of the 3 clubs in ECNL, they are in the weakest position due to their location now.z

By the way, there are a lot of people that don't like del Sol for whatever reason. I am not one of those people.

 

[what-happened]

I think Arsenal is in a spot to be in a good position in the next 10 yrs. Why? The Valley is pushing further and further east. They will benefit from it.

That said out of the 3 clubs in ECNL, they are in the weakest position due to their location now.z

By the way, there are a lot of people that don't like del Sol for whatever reason. I am not one of those people.

Sounds like good logic. Expansion is occurring across the Valley but the east side seems to be a few a few steps ahead. The northwest valley will expand quickly once the Semi Conductor plant comes to fruition (and all of its supporting entities).

Del Sol isn't liked by many. A few things come to mind - 1. attitude of their way is THE way 2. They stick to their style of play. It's hard to be consistent in their style at the younger age groups which means they lose more than they win. 3. They are not afraid of having the tough conversation in regards to the development/talent of your player. This turns sensitive parents away, attracts others. They've never changed and I don't think they will. I can appreciate their approach - don't mind it at all. Good thing we have choices I suppose.

They have a knack for finding players in corners of the valley that others haven't and then develop them. Their 05/06 teams are full of those types of players. I think you stated that other clubs are starting to do the same. Of note, the size of clubs like RSL and Rising also means that talent on 2nd teams get lost in the salad. As you well know, not much connection between ECRL/DPL teams and top teams. Del Sol has had success this year tapping into that. Plenty of talent in RSL, they are enormous. One or two tryouts for a top team isn't usually enough. Extended invites to practices seems to be the key to ID talent.

 

[Desert Hound]

As you well know, not much connection between ECRL/DPL teams and top teams.

The clubs rarely pull up from the ECRL/DPL teams. It does happen...but not to the extent the clubs advertise it.

What seems to happen is the other clubs look and pull from those teams. So it is beneficial in the sense that playing on those teams can mean an offer from another club.

 

[GT45]

I have enjoyed reading your discussion on the AZ club soccer landscape. I am curious where the better Tucson players play? They do not have GA or ECNL, correct?

 

[SoccerLocker]

They can play with a local team that plays in state league or drive to Phoenix. Same with Flagstaff/Prescott players.

 

[what-happened]

I have enjoyed reading your discussion on the AZ club soccer landscape. I am curious where the better Tucson players play? They do not have GA or ECNL, correct?

Great question. I know families that commute 3 times a week to practice in phoenix from Tucson and Flagstaff. Don't know any prescott players.

FC Tucson is a great club, well staffed and run. Some age groups do very well in State League (the 06s come to mind). I wonder if getting DPL and likely elevation to GA will keep some talent home.

On a more extreme scale, both Del Sol and RSL routinely had part time players coming in from out of state (NV/NM). Talented players that were happy to get the opportunity to play at a higher level, gain exposure, etc.. With the GA expanding to ABQ and in Vegas, that pipeline will close - which is great for those communities.

 

[what-happened]

The clubs rarely pull up from the ECRL/DPL teams. It does happen...but not to the extent the clubs advertise it.

What seems to happen is the other clubs look and pull from those teams. So it is beneficial in the sense that playing on those teams can mean an offer from another club.

No doubt.

Scouting/recruiting the ECRL/DPL teams is definitely happening. ECRL expansion out west by Rising has identified plenty of talent. Del Sol has been first to the watering hole this time around. Maybe Rising figures it out and doesn't let that happen next go around. It's interesting to say the least. More girls getting opportunities where there wasn't in the past. I suppose in a sense, the DPL/ECRL theory can work, just not in house.

 

[TucsonKeeperDad]

Great question. I know families that commute 3 times a week to practice in phoenix from Tucson and Flagstaff. Don't know any prescott players.

FC Tucson is a great club, well staffed and run. Some age groups do very well in State League (the 06s come to mind). I wonder if getting DPL and likely elevation to GA will keep some talent home.

On a more extreme scale, both Del Sol and RSL routinely had part time players coming in from out of state (NV/NM). Talented players that were happy to get the opportunity to play at a higher level, gain exposure, etc.. With the GA expanding to ABQ and in Vegas, that pipeline will close - which is great for those communities.

My dd plays for RSL Southern Arizona (Tucson) and the 06 and 08 teams are doing very well. Both won state cup. Like FC Tucson ( who the 06’s beat in the final 3-0) Rsl Tucson is also joining DPL next season. For smaller clubs that don’t have GA or ECNL, DPL should be an excellent opportunity To showcase their teams. And for Tucson players , maybe they don’t have to hike to the Phoenix area to play on the other letter teams.