Just curious as to thoughts on ECNL vs NPL. We have been told we have a bubble player. Have you found your player advancing after NPL to an ECNL team? Thanks we are new to this and trying to make informative decisions.
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By definition if you have a bubble player your kid would likely be on the lower end of the roster on the ECNL team if they were placed there. If you are on a competitive team I'd choose the NPL team with more playing time over riding the bench for ECNL.Originally posted by Unregistered View Post -
For clubs with ECNL and NPL teams, ECNL is by definition higher. If you are at one of those clubs, the question is how much your D dominates in NPL? If only slightly, then ECNL will offer a developmental stretch, but may also limit playing time. Consider the balance.
If you are looking at moving from one club whose top-team is NPL to another club's ECNL team, be sure to review your personal "greener grass" assumptionsComment
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I agree with the previous poster and just to add with the birth year changes this year it complicates the placement of bubble players even more. It would not surprise me if kids move from NPL to ECNL the following year especially in the younger age groups where kids are still developing so a decision made on size and speed now might look differently a year from now. As some of these kids have not hit their growth spurts. NPL is the second team "this year" as DAP has not started so it is a good placement. That said, it is just my opinion but I would be looking at the coach assignments first, if you think your child has a chance to move up then a large part of that will depend upon the quality of coaching they receive on their NPL team.Comment
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OP. Thanks for all the input. She has been making great gains and NPL is likely where she will get the most time in the game this upcoming year. Just needed to read someone else thoughts. Thanks.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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If she's making strides and improving then I'd recommend staying another year. Playing time is important, leadership opportunities, etc. Sitting on the bench watching "better" competition isn't better than actually playing still good competitionOriginally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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Run. Run as fast as you can. Bubble Player means they have no interest in your player or their development. They will keep the player only for the money . If they can figure out a way to get someone new to show up at tryouts they will sign her. Run you will never be happy there.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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if bubble player, leave the club immediately - no interest in you, only parents moneyOriginally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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And.. Only ever heard of a player moving down from ECNL to NPL. Never NPL to ECNL.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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Ok different scenario. Friends kid in mid Atlantic ECNL club. Kid offered spot on ECNL squad for next season. They are taking 24. 18 attend each match. Roster changes weekly based on performance in training etc. he's told his kid is right around 18 to 21 heading in. It's also 75 minute commute from their home. Club also gave the option of being on the NPL and training with ECNL one day per week. Was told she's easily top 5 on the NPL.
Current club is strong regionally NPL type team like an Aztec. Would be starter on that team and its close to home.
I say given the dynamics that it's not worth chasing the ECNL.
Thoughts? Pros and Cons?Comment
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Such a myth... my D's age group has 5 players who have moved from NPL to ECNL. Can't imagine this age group is the only one. But don't let the truth get in the way of more Stars/FC Boston bashing.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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I'm with you - not worth it. First - stay away from any club that takes more than 18 or even 20. You're just a check to them. Beyond that, top ECNL players will land top college spots. Your friend's D is not a top ECNL player. Bench warming/non traveling ECNL players will get exposure at showcases but little weekly PT. Those players are interchangeable with top NPL players, like your friend's D. As long as that NPL club is attending good showcases and she puts in a little more effort she will be just fine. There are literally thousands of roster spots out there and ECNL can't fill them all. Then there's the time commitment, expense, etc. No brainer.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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It does happen but usually not quite as many as what you've seen. On average probably more like two players per team.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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The families and kids on the bottom half of ECNL teams ask themselves the same question every year, is it worth it? Of course there is going to be turnover.
The answer primarily depends on your daughter and you have to figure out why your daughter is a bubble player. What she wants out of this is also important. If she is fully mature and also highly motivated and the problem is athleticism, then she has probably hit her ceiling. If the problem has to do with motivation and drive and her work effort and competitiveness is poor, then remember that she is a teenager and this can change..
It is a lot easier to give up an ECNL spot than to earn it back.Comment
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OP. It sounds like NPL would give her more playing time and the chance to continue to improve. Thanks for all the thoughtful responses. It is very helpful to get other's views on this.Comment
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