U-15 Girls National Training Camp Kansas October 6-9

[End of the Line]

I have to disagree that US Soccer knows that it's doing when it selects youth players. There are thousands of girls playing soccer out there and there is no way those representing the YNT are the "best, most powerful athletes" of all players in the US (Haley Mace is a case in point, completely overlooked by US Soccer until she played for UCLA). They may be the "best, most powerful athletes" of a very very small sampling (i.e. mostly DA clubs), but they are not the best, most powerful athletes in the country. To get stronger YNT teams they need to cast a wider net. Of course, that takes an investment in time and money, as well as a deflation of egos (DA vs ECNL), so we know that won't happen.

You are wrong that US Soccer hasn't handled its youth system properly in the past. The reason I know you are wrong is that we have 8 years of results - 12 when you realize that the US loss to Japan in the finals back in the old days was a fluke. Sure, they didn't find Hailie Mace, but: (1) no one is perfect; (2) Hailie Mace still hasn't done s**t, which makes her a terrible example in support of your position; (3) I don't know the real reason Mace wasn't a youth regular, so we're just speculating.

Where you are right, however, is that USSF is certainly screwing up the WNT now and going forward because it is now favoring GDA players over other more qualified players, among the many other GDA problems that will cause the inevitable decline in the WNT. In my earlier post, I was only answering the question about why the WNT is currently so great but youth teams are not. USSF is still favoring better athletes over better technical players, and that's the right thing to do, but now it is doing so from a more limited pool, and that's the wrong thing to do.

 

[The Outlaw *BANNED*]

Aren't these players still being 'recommended' by coaches? Of the 3 players I mentioned earlier, only the DA (to ECNL) player would have ever been scouted and, frankly, stands out because of her size, speed and athleticism... not her technical ability. The other 2 don't even separate themselves on their own teams... let alone region. So until you remove club politics and forceful parents pushing their kid to be sent to id2, etc, how would it truly ever be the 'best players' open to everyone?

 

[Justus]

Aren't these players still being 'recommended' by coaches? Of the 3 players I mentioned earlier, only the DA (to ECNL) player would have ever been scouted and, frankly, stands out because of her size, speed and athleticism... not her technical ability. The other 2 don't even separate themselves on their own teams... let alone region. So until you remove club politics and forceful parents pushing their kid to be sent to id2, etc, how would it truly ever be the 'best players' open to everyone?

Back two years ago I believe Doc held the keys to the Kingdom

 

[The Outlaw *BANNED*]

Back two years ago I believe Doc held the keys to the Kingdom

I don't want to share anymore about my example because these girls deserve to be protected and they're (well, 2 of the 3) are good kids that work their fannies off. But if you've seen the list and watched an age group for awhile, I would imagine most of us know at least a handful of the kids on the invitation roster. Do YOU see those kids as being the standouts of the group? Or are they gifted by notable clubs or parents that demand attention because they pay DA or ECNL fees?

 

[Justus]

It was not stated anywhere that they could not post on social media. They were given the same social media guidelines that all National Team players are given, to represent the federation in a honorable way. As the story states these players are in the U15 player pool and they have earned it. Yes, my kid was there and she earned it like the other 59 players (there were 60 not 59).

I like the word "Honorable" and it's a badge of honor to be one of 60 players chosen to represent the USA in any sport at any age!!! The USSF and Doc that rolled out their TC Sham(e) two years ago in SD has some explaining to do.

 

[Kicker4Life]

Aren't these players still being 'recommended' by coaches? Of the 3 players I mentioned earlier, only the DA (to ECNL) player would have ever been scouted and, frankly, stands out because of her size, speed and athleticism... not her technical ability. The other 2 don't even separate themselves on their own teams... let alone region. So until you remove club politics and forceful parents pushing their kid to be sent to id2, etc, how would it truly ever be the 'best players' open to everyone?

Sorry Outlaw but it’ll disagree with your statement on that certain player. She has what it takes I all aspects. She only has one thing working against her but she’s seemingly able to manage it.

 

[kickingandscreaming]

Aren't these players still being 'recommended' by coaches? Of the 3 players I mentioned earlier, only the DA (to ECNL) player would have ever been scouted and, frankly, stands out because of her size, speed and athleticism... not her technical ability. The other 2 don't even separate themselves on their own teams... let alone region. So until you remove club politics and forceful parents pushing their kid to be sent to id2, etc, how would it truly ever be the 'best players' open to everyone?

I hear what you are saying. Due to the incentives built into the process, this is how I expect it to go between ECNL and DA Youth National Team representation. At the VERY top, meaning, girls who US Soccer believe CURRENTLY look like they will compete for a spot on THE WNT, US Soccer will take the girls without regard to where they play. They are trying to field the best team possible and they'd look silly not taking someone who is already showing the potential to play on the top team. At each age group, this is likely fewer than 10 players, maybe fewer than 5. I'd guess that about an average of 3-5 women per birth year eventually get WNT (not YNT) time at some point. After that top group, they realize there may be some late bloomers. Here's where they will "justify" (to themselves, not publicly) taking players who might not currently be in the top X players that they have spots for in a given camp. If a player committed to training 4 times a week and is willing to forego HS for "better" club training, they will argue that player is more likely to rise in standing among peers than one who is not training 4 times a week and is playing HS. Also, for the group of players below the very top group, there is a "marketing" incentive for US Soccer to invite DA players. There is also an incentive for selecting players that come from a coach that US Soccer believes is doing an exceptional job of training. If I am correct and there isn't another significant change in the soccer landscape (big assumption), we should see a higher percentage of ECNL players on YNT rosters than the percentage of ECNL players in camps such as the one with the 60 05's.

It's worth remembering that even in the "one top league" world before DA, there was plenty of room for argument about who should have been part of a YNT Camp. It's not hard understand where we are now that another "top league" was created whose leadership is responsible for inviting players to YNT Camp.

Finally, while there are arguments to be made regarding US Soccer criteria for invites, I believe it is important to acknowledge that every girl who gets invited to these camps is worthy. They should be congratulated. They earned it. I don't believe this is inconsistent with also believing that other girls who were not invited to the camp also could have been legitimately selected.

 

[The Outlaw *BANNED*]

Sorry Outlaw but it’ll disagree with your statement on that certain player. She has what it takes I all aspects. She only has one thing working against her but she’s seemingly able to manage it.

I didn't want to get any more specific but we may not be talking about the same player. Again, I'm not sure how to be more specific without risking someone's identity and feelings.

 

[The Outlaw *BANNED*]

Sorry Outlaw but it’ll disagree with your statement on that certain player. She has what it takes I all aspects. She only has one thing working against her but she’s seemingly able to manage it.

Okay, here we go. Someone PM'd me and asked if it was a kid involved between Slammers and Beach. That is not the kid or clubs I'm referring to.

 

[LoveMyCoffee]

You are wrong that US Soccer hasn't handled its youth system properly in the past. The reason I know you are wrong is that we have 8 years of results - 12 when you realize that the US loss to Japan in the finals back in the old days was a fluke. Sure, they didn't find Hailie Mace, but: (1) no one is perfect; (2) Hailie Mace still hasn't done s**t, which makes her a terrible example in support of your position; (3) I don't know the real reason Mace wasn't a youth regular, so we're just speculating.

Where you are right, however, is that USSF is certainly screwing up the WNT now and going forward because it is now favoring GDA players over other more qualified players, among the many other GDA problems that will cause the inevitable decline in the WNT. In my earlier post, I was only answering the question about why the WNT is currently so great but youth teams are not. USSF is still favoring better athletes over better technical players, and that's the right thing to do, but now it is doing so from a more limited pool, and that's the wrong thing to do.

I agree with your last point that USSF might be screwing up WNT going forward, at least if they only chose from GDA. But maybe it will just be that those GDA players fall off the roster later on and USSF continues to grab girls from college pool for the senior WNT. I guess we'll find out. The problem I see with USSF making the selection process more exclusive is they risk making soccer less popular. If the only kids who have a prayer of making it to the national team are those that can afford the cost of GDA and have a GDA club in close enough range to make it feasible, then you may see a drop-off in participation. Kids also need heroes they can relate to. If the sport becomes a "rich man's sport", then popularity may wane. All that remains to be seen, of course, but I really wish the GDA/ECNL p*ssing contest would end.

 

[Projustice]

I think its fine having two elite Leagues, U.S. Development Academy and ECNL, But if we are truly talking about developing the player and giving them the best opportunities to be scouted equally, let them play each other. Have a huge end of the year tournament and have the 6 best D.A. teams play the 6 best ECNL teams in the country. It would be an amazing opportunity for National team scouts and College coaches to come to one tournament and watch these elite players battle it out.

 

[Justus]

I think its fine having two elite Leagues, U.S. Development Academy and ECNL, But if we are truly talking about developing the player and giving them the best opportunities to be scouted equally, let them play each other. Have a huge end of the year tournament and have the 6 best D.A. teams play the 6 best ECNL teams in the country. It would be an amazing opportunity for National team scouts and College coaches to come to one tournament and watch these elite players battle it out.

I would take the finalist of DA and ECNL from Oceanside/Del Mar and then have a "Unity Cup Final Four" at The Great Park to settle things once and for all. Have #1 seed from DA play #2 seed in ECNL and vice versa. That stadium would be packed and livestream would be huge

 

[Justus]

I would take the finalist of DA and ECNL from Oceanside/Del Mar and then have a "Unity Cup Final Four" at The Great Park to settle things once and for all. Have #1 seed from DA play #2 seed in ECNL and vice versa. That stadium would be packed and livestream would be huge

After finals, take the "Sweet 16 GOATs" from each league and have a GOAT all start game a week after in Dallas. Now that would be a "Big Hat, Big Cattle Showcase" with a Big Horse, Big Saddle and let's not forget, Big Cowboy Boots as well YNT Scouts and College Coaches would have plenty to scout in the summer and all the parents and girls who don't get picked for Player Pools and actual Youth National Teams will have nothing to whine and fuss about anymore.

 

[Lambchop]

I agree with your last point that USSF might be screwing up WNT going forward, at least if they only chose from GDA. But maybe it will just be that those GDA players fall off the roster later on and USSF continues to grab girls from college pool for the senior WNT. I guess we'll find out. The problem I see with USSF making the selection process more exclusive is they risk making soccer less popular. If the only kids who have a prayer of making it to the national team are those that can afford the cost of GDA and have a GDA club in close enough range to make it feasible, then you may see a drop-off in participation. Kids also need heroes they can relate to. If the sport becomes a "rich man's sport", then popularity may wane. All that remains to be seen, of course, but I really wish the GDA/ECNL p*ssing contest would end.

There is always a drop off. It begins in high school and ends in college!

 

[Soccer43]

...... US Soccer will take the girls without regard to where they play. They are trying to field the best team possible and they'd look silly not taking someone who is already showing the potential to play on the top team. .... .

I think you are being very naive about this. It absolutely does matter where you play and who your coach is and what connections they have. There are some DA clubs that consistently lose and are in the bottom of the bracket but still have players getting call-ups . Often those players are one and done so it is hard to justify that those particular call ups were 100% worthy and their coaches are superior. I am not talking about all the girls (only a few) so all of you that get wound up about this and think I am insulting or discrediting those players that are called up you can relax about that. Most of the call ups are deserving. But there are several players that deserve a call up to prove themselves that never get the opportunity because of politics and favoritism and other reasons. It is interesting to see them go into their college level play and which top club players do continue to shine at that next level and who drops off.

 

[Soccer43]

By the way, if you think there isn’t a bias toward the DA on this, just note that this thread is even in the Girls Development Academy area on the Forum

 

[Justus]

I think you are being very naive about this. It absolutely does matter where you play and who your coach is and what connections they have. There are some DA clubs that consistently lose and are in the bottom of the bracket but still have players getting call-ups . Often those players are one and done so it is hard to justify that those particular call ups were 100% worthy and their coaches are superior. I am not talking about all the girls (only a few) so all of you that get wound up about this and think I am insulting or discrediting those players that are called up you can relax about that. Most of the call ups are deserving. But there are several players that deserve a call up to prove themselves that never get the opportunity because of politics and favoritism and other reasons. It is interesting to see them go into their college level play and which top club players do continue to shine at that next level and who drops off.

Great stuff 43. You know what you can't sell to parents of 15 and 16 year olds?

 

[MARsSPEED]

DA/ECNL varies throughout the country...the top club on the east coast is ECNL (PDA).

Although DA is only 3 years old, I suggest all of you look at the rosters of the top 15 D1 College teams. There is a very even mix. The most surprising element is how many D1 players on these top ranked teams played for their High School. Yes, this includes freshman.

Also, to add to the craziness, ODP is currently revamping its program nationwide. We personally work/train with a previous USWNT player who is part of this revamp. She seems very optimistic about the future. It’s interesting but I don’t know how that will work out.

@Justus I troll this place because the egos and arrogance in SoCal are truly some next level sh*t! As much as people give me the business here for my opinion, I am actually LMAO on the other end. That is until some people go really low and insult me on a very personal level.

Lastly, I have no idea who the other people you mentioned are but am happy some are in agreement with me here. Since I am in the minority here, it is humbling. I will say that many here need get out of the SoCal box and have some humbling experiences of their own. What I mean is, USWNT home is in SoCal but outside of that, colleges look at things much much differently...

Carry on!

 

[LASTMAN14]

DA/ECNL varies throughout the country...the top club on the east coast is ECNL (PDA).

Although DA is only 3 years old, I suggest all of you look at the rosters of the top 15 D1 College teams. There is a very even mix. The most surprising element is how many D1 players on these top ranked teams played for their High School. Yes, this includes freshman.

Also, to add to the craziness, ODP is currently revamping its program nationwide. We personally work/train with a previous USWNT player who is part of this revamp. She seems very optimistic about the future. It’s interesting but I don’t know how that will work out.

@Justus I troll this place because the egos and arrogance in SoCal are truly some next level sh*t! As much as people give me the business here for my opinion, I am actually LMAO on the other end. That is until some people go really low and insult me on a very personal level.

Lastly, I have no idea who the other people you mentioned are but am happy some are in agreement with me here. Since I am in the minority here, it is humbling. I will say that many here need get out of the SoCal box and have some humbling experiences of their own. What I mean is, USWNT home is in SoCal but outside of that, colleges look at things much much differently...

Carry on!

Based on your responses your not laughing. You become hostile and narrow. You delete posts because your ego cant handle it. And you have made insults. In fact this post is an insult. Please stop acting the victim. Your arrogance streams through in most of your posts.

 

[Fact]

DA/ECNL varies throughout the country...the top club on the east coast is ECNL (PDA).

Although DA is only 3 years old, I suggest all of you look at the rosters of the top 15 D1 College teams. There is a very even mix. The most surprising element is how many D1 players on these top ranked teams played for their High School. Yes, this includes freshman.

Also, to add to the craziness, ODP is currently revamping its program nationwide. We personally work/train with a previous USWNT player who is part of this revamp. She seems very optimistic about the future. It’s interesting but I don’t know how that will work out.

@Justus I troll this place because the egos and arrogance in SoCal are truly some next level sh*t! As much as people give me the business here for my opinion, I am actually LMAO on the other end. That is until some people go really low and insult me on a very personal level.

Lastly, I have no idea who the other people you mentioned are but am happy some are in agreement with me here. Since I am in the minority here, it is humbling. I will say that many here need get out of the SoCal box and have some humbling experiences of their own. What I mean is, USWNT home is in SoCal but outside of that, colleges look at things much much differently...

Carry on!

While I agree with you that D1 players are a mix and ECNL is top dog in other parts of the country, you have to remember that the collegiate players that were still in high school when DA rolled out had no reason to join a DA team. Most were probably already committed to a college and kept the status quo.

 

[Justus]

DA/ECNL varies throughout the country...the top club on the east coast is ECNL (PDA).

Although DA is only 3 years old, I suggest all of you look at the rosters of the top 15 D1 College teams. There is a very even mix. The most surprising element is how many D1 players on these top ranked teams played for their High School. Yes, this includes freshman.

Also, to add to the craziness, ODP is currently revamping its program nationwide. We personally work/train with a previous USWNT player who is part of this revamp. She seems very optimistic about the future. It’s interesting but I don’t know how that will work out.

@Justus I troll this place because the egos and arrogance in SoCal are truly some next level sh*t! As much as people give me the business here for my opinion, I am actually LMAO on the other end. That is until some people go really low and insult me on a very personal level.

Lastly, I have no idea who the other people you mentioned are but am happy some are in agreement with me here. Since I am in the minority here, it is humbling. I will say that many here need get out of the SoCal box and have some humbling experiences of their own. What I mean is, USWNT home is in SoCal but outside of that, colleges look at things much much differently...

Carry on!

@MARsSPEED The DA is only two years old. I agree with you about HS Soccer and the top D1 schools. My ego and arrogance all started from my days as a kiddo. You're not the first to say my competitiveness is "next level shit." For example, I shared about the Mater Dei Monarchs getting Tom Lewis to leave Capo as a HS Freshman back in 81,82. Anyway, Mated Dei is what it is today because of that move. It birthed the #1 HS Sports Program in the country right in the heart of OC. Hoops and Football no one can touch that school. Anyway, we would get unlucky in the Orange Holiday Classic and get stuck with either Mated Dei or Long Beach Poly Jack Rabbits. No mercy back in my day when I played ball Mars. Anyway, we would lose by 60. However, I would seek my competitive revenge at Main Beach outdoor courts in the summers in Laguna Beach. I would catch one of the Monarchs playing pick up alone and without his all star team. I would play extra hard and the MD guy would be "Bro, chill out, were just playing some hoops at the beach." I didn't care and he left because I slapped him so much. I'm sorry I said you and the family were lost in the Hills Have Eyes. It was a joke sir. Lastly, I came on here asking about one thing, "The List." Now I have 10 more questions. You came on here because of the GOATS FC getting into Blues Cup and you obviously had a lot of questions on why this was allowed.