Olders

From what I've seen there are still a lot, some would argue too many, teams out there amongst the older age groups. As is with many things in life the kids no longer show interest and play through the high school ages, if it's no longer their thing.

There's always a larger amount of teams at the younger age groups because of the demand for it, but I haven't seen anything that indicates the older age groups don't have options or opportunities to find a team. Perhaps area might have something to do with it. My familiarity with the Inland Empire / Orange County regions lead me to believe those areas are substantially served with those teams, in terms of quantity.
 
There are older kids that want to play - but they aren't necessarily interested in playing once they finish high school. These players are maxing out at 2 practices per week (they'll skip a session because of a big test the next day, friends bday, etc). They took a part time job and struggle with scheduling (especially if they need to drive to Oceanside/Del Mar/Norco if living in OC).
Those that are looking to play after HS are in ECNl/RL/GA/ leagues.
So you have "non"-ecnl/local clubs with older teams that have solid players and enjoy the game - but they have thin rosters. They compete against clubs that have "sister" teams in the ecnl-etc leagues. These teams bring in players with patches on their jerseys and they are levels above the competition they are playing against. Makes the game not much fun when the competition isn't equal.
Combine that with ecnl/rl/etc having rosters at 20+ and you pull the talent pool away from a traditional "local" club team.
 
Technician72 said:
From what I've seen there are still a lot, some would argue too many, teams out there amongst the older age groups. As is with many things in life the kids no longer show interest and play through the high school ages, if it's no longer their thing.

There's always a larger amount of teams at the younger age groups because of the demand for it, but I haven't seen anything that indicates the older age groups don't have options or opportunities to find a team. Perhaps area might have something to do with it. My familiarity with the Inland Empire / Orange County regions lead me to believe those areas are substantially served with those teams, in terms of quantity.
Click to expand...
you are correct! most clubs we have looked at this year in the OC have 2-3 (06) girl teams along with (05)
 
timbuck said:
There are older kids that want to play - but they aren't necessarily interested in playing once they finish high school. These players are maxing out at 2 practices per week (they'll skip a session because of a big test the next day, friends bday, etc). They took a part time job and struggle with scheduling (especially if they need to drive to Oceanside/Del Mar/Norco if living in OC).
Those that are looking to play after HS are in ECNl/RL/GA/ leagues.
So you have "non"-ecnl/local clubs with older teams that have solid players and enjoy the game - but they have thin rosters. They compete against clubs that have "sister" teams in the ecnl-etc leagues. These teams bring in players with patches on their jerseys and they are levels above the competition they are playing against. Makes the game not much fun when the competition isn't equal.
Combine that with ecnl/rl/etc having rosters at 20+ and you pull the talent pool away from a traditional "local" club team.
Click to expand...
Great explanation. Very educated and clear. It’s sad because losing the passion for the game doesn’t have to happen at that age if coaches can keep the game fun and not all about business. Not everyone wants to play in college but they should still have a place.
 
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