Oakwood

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Also, don't forget the impact on the players.....do they now find ECNL (FSA/CFC) a better option versus playing in the DA "B" league?

FSA is a better option, not so much CFC. But, if you have any interest in HS ball you have to wonder if DA is worth it without the pro club component. It's definitely a better learning experience losing to NYCFC than beating up on Empire or Seacoast.

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Also, don't forget the impact on the players.....do they now find ECNL (FSA/CFC) a better option versus playing in the DA "B" league?

Some have already left Oakwood and headed to ECNL.

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Some have already left Oakwood and headed to ECNL.

Ow boys have been leaving for FSA for years now. Usually 2-3 per age group. Now I’m sure that number can easily double especially if their HS team is decent

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Ow boys have been leaving for FSA for years now. Usually 2-3 per age group. Now I’m sure that number can easily double especially if their HS team is decent

For now it's just the oldest team but if this 2 tier thing goes to other age groups or MLS leaves DA altogether no doubt more will leave the non MLS clubs.

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For now it's just the oldest team but if this 2 tier thing goes to other age groups or MLS leaves DA altogether no doubt more will leave the non MLS clubs.

Of course it will go to other age groups. This move is just the lubricant before the full butt slamming occurs

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Of course it will go to other age groups. This move is just the lubricant before the full butt slamming occurs

Or MLS just leaves. Either way the Tier 2/non MLS clubs are screwed.

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Nefc will run circles around OW in every age bracket including the Pre age game
Get ready for a long season

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Nefc will run circles around OW in every age bracket including the Pre age game
Get ready for a long season

Classic

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The most overrated and overhyped club in all of CT

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The most overrated and overhyped club in all of CT

Nah, the C teams from CFC and FSA take that award. But, it's obvious that the soccer landscape has changed since OW started. And they haven't adapted. People (kids and parents) realize that the Academy isn't necessarily the only option to play at a higher level. In the end, the way to make your kid the best player is to find the best club that matches them. It may not be the best club around when rating against other clubs, but it may be the best club for your child. OW has an indoor facility that they can use during bad weather where other have to cancel practices. That being said, it's so outdated that it's a turnoff for any OW player and parent. The leagues are awful. FSA and Star Hill are sold out weeks and sometimes months before the leagues start. OW has to rearrange all their teams to play up because they need to fill their leagues. I'm not sure if that's the boards, the facility or just the legacy of OW that causes that. "Daddy coaches" are at all clubs. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but I'm not a fan of any child being coached by their parent. Facilities? FSA hands down. Haven't been to Bethany. OW outdoor is what their indoor was 30 years ago. If they run it like they run their indoor facility it'll end up the same way. Outdated. As for the Academy itself, the MLS split for BDA will significantly hurt them. No way around that. GDA needs time to develop to see where it goes. Too early to tell in my opinion. Of course CFC and FSA have better college commitments for the past couple of years. The ECNL badge was everything and where colleges were looking for girl players. No girl already in High School was gonna jump ship to GDA. They're too established socially and soccerwise in their existing club. I think it'll take about 5 years to see if it will really work. I'm not convinced it is, but if US Soccer were to start selecting only from GDA then you'll see a massive switch.

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Nah, the C teams from CFC and FSA take that award. But, it's obvious that the soccer landscape has changed since OW started. And they haven't adapted. People (kids and parents) realize that the Academy isn't necessarily the only option to play at a higher level. In the end, the way to make your kid the best player is to find the best club that matches them. It may not be the best club around when rating against other clubs, but it may be the best club for your child. OW has an indoor facility that they can use during bad weather where other have to cancel practices. That being said, it's so outdated that it's a turnoff for any OW player and parent. The leagues are awful. FSA and Star Hill are sold out weeks and sometimes months before the leagues start. OW has to rearrange all their teams to play up because they need to fill their leagues. I'm not sure if that's the boards, the facility or just the legacy of OW that causes that. "Daddy coaches" are at all clubs. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but I'm not a fan of any child being coached by their parent. Facilities? FSA hands down. Haven't been to Bethany. OW outdoor is what their indoor was 30 years ago. If they run it like they run their indoor facility it'll end up the same way. Outdated. As for the Academy itself, the MLS split for BDA will significantly hurt them. No way around that. GDA needs time to develop to see where it goes. Too early to tell in my opinion. Of course CFC and FSA have better college commitments for the past couple of years. The ECNL badge was everything and where colleges were looking for girl players. No girl already in High School was gonna jump ship to GDA. They're too established socially and soccerwise in their existing club. I think it'll take about 5 years to see if it will really work. I'm not convinced it is, but if US Soccer were to start selecting only from GDA then you'll see a massive switch.

Actually decent post. Although many play at IW for many reasons besides DA like location, style of play, etc. Many just assume it’s bwcause it’s DA and more likely it isn’t.

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For now it's just the oldest team but if this 2 tier thing goes to other age groups or MLS leaves DA altogether no doubt more will leave the non MLS clubs.

Yes just oldest 18/19 this year. However, look at actual schedule for other 2 teams (15, & 16/17). They have 3 MLS DA games (Impact, Revolution,nycfc)for the entire year while playing Seacoast. Beachside, & Bolts 4 times. Last season OW had more MLS games & clubs. Like playing home and away with above 3 plus Red Bull’s, Union, & DC United. Last year 9 mls games this year 3.
Not to mention that MLS teams rarely sent their best players to these away games. Often you would have players playing up one or two years to see how they would do against bigger players not necessarily better players. OW coaches would then tell their players “see how good you are against MLS teams” This is also how OW staff “encourages” players to stay and not leave for MLS clubs. The MLS clubs were sick of non MLS DA’s not passing along top prospects.

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Nah, the C teams from CFC and FSA take that award. But, it's obvious that the soccer landscape has changed since OW started. And they haven't adapted. People (kids and parents) realize that the Academy isn't necessarily the only option to play at a higher level. In the end, the way to make your kid the best player is to find the best club that matches them. It may not be the best club around when rating against other clubs, but it may be the best club for your child. OW has an indoor facility that they can use during bad weather where other have to cancel practices. That being said, it's so outdated that it's a turnoff for any OW player and parent. The leagues are awful. FSA and Star Hill are sold out weeks and sometimes months before the leagues start. OW has to rearrange all their teams to play up because they need to fill their leagues. I'm not sure if that's the boards, the facility or just the legacy of OW that causes that. "Daddy coaches" are at all clubs. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but I'm not a fan of any child being coached by their parent. Facilities? FSA hands down. Haven't been to Bethany. OW outdoor is what their indoor was 30 years ago. If they run it like they run their indoor facility it'll end up the same way. Outdated. As for the Academy itself, the MLS split for BDA will significantly hurt them. No way around that. GDA needs time to develop to see where it goes. Too early to tell in my opinion. Of course CFC and FSA have better college commitments for the past couple of years. The ECNL badge was everything and where colleges were looking for girl players. No girl already in High School was gonna jump ship to GDA. They're too established socially and soccerwise in their existing club. I think it'll take about 5 years to see if it will really work. I'm not convinced it is, but if US Soccer were to start selecting only from GDA then you'll see a massive switch.

How are C teams overrated and overhyped compared to OW? Everyone knows they are trash. Stopped reading after that ridiculous statement.

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How are C teams overrated and overhyped compared to OW? Everyone knows they are trash. Stopped reading after that ridiculous statement.

Hey short attention steve. Keep reading you dolt. Good stuff in there

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How are C teams overrated and overhyped compared to OW? Everyone knows they are trash. Stopped reading after that ridiculous statement.

you stopped bc you can't read dufus.