ODP/RTC a complete waste of time & money?

[Unregistered]

In Texas, it's not uncommon for the clubs to have their own fields. You fees go to upkeep of the practice fields and facility. And there, you don't really have to travel for great competition. In Dallas alone there are five ECNL clubs.

And both FC Dallas and Dallas Texans put their “A” teams in DA.

[Unregistered]

In Texas, it's not uncommon for the clubs to have their own fields. You fees go to upkeep of the practice fields and facility. And there, you don't really have to travel for great competition. In Dallas alone there are five ECNL clubs.

Texas has a much bigger and better soccer scene. I understand our much smaller population, but we are a soccer crazy state so you'd think we'd do better...

[Unregistered]

Texas has a much bigger and better soccer scene. I understand our much smaller population, but we are a soccer crazy state so you'd think we'd do better...

I mean better than we do now, not better than Texas does.

[Unregistered]

And both FC Dallas and Dallas Texans put their “A” teams in DA.

This year. Now they've learned that was a huge mistake. Won't happen again.

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;2173404]

"In a nutshell US soccer is a watered down mess."

Got to say, the comment above is dead-on. Anyone arguing that ECNL is better than DA, or vice-versa lacks the intelligence to know that both programs are low-grade in the PDX metro area. The lack of consolidated talent and the vast majority of inexperienced and ineffective coaching are the major reasons PDX can't hang on the expanded regional or national level.

Even if you consolidated all the talent at one club, the teams still wouldn't be good enough. Truth is, there isn't much talent in Oregon.

[Unregistered]

And both FC Dallas and Dallas Texans put their “A” teams in DA.

That's not really the point. The point is that there are so many soccer players there that a league like ECNL would award them with five clubs. Plus the clubs have had the vision to invest money into facilities so that they have fields of their own, although many teams in the club still use schools and parks for practices. Plus, the fees their are over $3K per year.

[Unregistered]

That's not really the point. The point is that there are so many soccer players there that a league like ECNL would award them with five clubs. Plus the clubs have had the vision to invest money into facilities so that they have fields of their own, although many teams in the club still use schools and parks for practices. Plus, the fees their are over $3K per year.

Vision?? Uh... it’s Texas. Doesn’t take much vision or investment to buy a flat piece of dirt there, throw out some grass seed and a little water. Okay, maybe a lot of water, but still its cheap. Unfortunately then you’d have to live there.

[Unregistered]

Vision?? Uh... it’s Texas. Doesn’t take much vision or investment to buy a flat piece of dirt there, throw out some grass seed and a little water. Okay, maybe a lot of water, but still its cheap. Unfortunately then you’d have to live there.

and charge 2x what Oregon clubs charge.

[Unregistered]

Everyone who tried out made it. That's the problem.

Money maker. Why would you cut anyone?

[Unregistered]

That's not really the point. The point is that there are so many soccer players there that a league like ECNL would award them with five clubs. Plus the clubs have had the vision to invest money into facilities so that they have fields of their own, although many teams in the club still use schools and parks for practices. Plus, the fees their are over $3K per year.

Isn't Texas one of the soccer powerhouse states?

[Unregistered]

Last year was awful. Complete waste of time. Is there any value anymore?

Not that I know. I think it's just a fundraiser like the summer soccer camps.

[Unregistered]

Dear OP,

Was last year a complete waste of time if you break it down? How many connections did you make? You paid for an experience you didn't like, so why would you even question if it was worth it.

Only you can tell if it has value for your DD. Do a little research. Learn a little more about the coaches abilities and accomplishments (note: I didn't say license level). You don't like your local coach go to one of the other locations. Remember there are several locations not just your local one. You may be able to make your local training, but the State team will have more competition. There is no guarantee your location will have even one make the state team.

Risk #1 $50 tryout fee - Do you like what you see or not? Can your DD gain anything from this? At least you know and you are not relying on Talking Soccer warped opinions. You have no obligations. Don't like it and you wasted $50. If you like it accept training offer (if you even get an offer)

Risk #2 $443 Training & full uniform package assuming you are a first timer at 04, 05, 06. Full uniform package is jersey, shorts, socks, warm ups, rain jacket, and backpack. You should agree that should be at lease $200 even though they say it is only $50 for the package. Two of these NIKE brand items are worth more than that. That leaves $243 for 16-20 training sessions which breaks down to $12-$15 per session to cover cost for coach, fields, lights, liability insurance, & tournament/scrimmages with more rounded players. If you don't like it and quite you are out some of the $243, but you still have Nike clothing.

OP, since you did it last year and if you are 04/05 your cost is $19- $23 per session. If if you didn't like it then why would you waste your time and money? The only reason to do it again is to keep your foot in the door incase this becomes the path to the top competition in the area if GDA steps on top. ECNL stays on top then hopefully you gained something from your experiences.


Risk 3 is if you decide to even try out for the state or regional teams. That's totally up to you when the time comes.

Big problem is people take advice from idiots on Talking Soccer that
1.) don't even know who you are and what your kid has to offer.
2.) these people have hidden agendas and must protect their own interests. hence: the term "OLD CAR SALESMAN" & "POLITICIANS" They will tell you anything.

This is a great post. It's true, all the way

[Unregistered]

Money maker. Why would you cut anyone?

That's like turning a paying customer away. Come one, come all.

[Unregistered]

0-4 with a -22 GD. Super impressive!

That is harsh.

[Unregistered]

Last year was awful. Complete waste of time. Is there any value anymore?

Getting extra touches on the ball is a good thing. ODP gets the younger kids noticed by the Timbers DA coaches. At the older age, it's useless because DA has replaced it and regional teams select players from DA programs. The ODP coaches are mostly clowns and can be political or lazy when choosing players, so it shouldn't be taken very seriously by a player if he/she does not get picked. There are other pathways, many which are better, towards college level play.