Select AP to DA...?

[Unregistered]

They have a strong point. The clubs are giving parents and players options they never asked for by pushing DA or ECNL on them. Many were happy with more local or regional travel and the level of development they received before having a inter-regional or national platform pushed on them. Good for the club because it comes with higher fees, but not so much for the parents if their kids are told they can no longer play with teammates or be top team without following the club into these leagues. Truthfully the soccer and development are no better in DA or ECNL, but the costs in money and time are much greater.

And, yet, some like it. What's even better, there's plenty of options to utilize if you don't.

Life's about embracing the change, not complaining endlessly when you are thrown a curve. Too many of you are going to drive yourselves into an early grave fretting over inconsequential matters. It's youth freakin' soccer.

[Unregistered]

They have a strong point. The clubs are giving parents and players options they never asked for by pushing DA or ECNL on them. Many were happy with more local or regional travel and the level of development they received before having a inter-regional or national platform pushed on them. Good for the club because it comes with higher fees, but not so much for the parents if their kids are told they can no longer play with teammates or be top team without following the club into these leagues. Truthfully the soccer and development are no better in DA or ECNL, but the costs in money and time are much greater.

Maybe, just maybe some parents and players did ask for DA or ECNL.

[Unregistered]

Maybe, just maybe some parents and players did ask for DA or ECNL.

Yeah, we get it. Some asked for it, but likewise, some didn’t (and some cannot afford the travel and cost change) I was one like that who was unhappy that we got DA and forced to make a choice we weren’t looking for. I didn’t endlessly whine about it. We stayed NPL (along with many others), made the best of change, and my child is still being recruited D1. But to dismiss the issues that it can cause once happy and contented families/players when they keep pushing the top team league higher and more expensive without regard to those issues, is the height of arrogance. At least admit it and move on.

[Unregistered]

When you’ve been on top team, thoroughly happy with your experience, and teammates, and then the club up and takes that team to a league where you no longer can play with your HS teammates, it inevitably blows up the team and pisses people off. Now you are forced to make a choice you didn’t ever want to make... leave the club and find another that may not be logistically easy for you, drop to the second team (which will obviously be weaker than you are used to) or stay and sacrifice HS soccer (and travel and pay more for the same team). So yeah, it’s not always rainbows and kittens for every player/family when these clubs mess about and chase these country club patches. Good luck to all at SSS trying to pick the best option out of some stinky choices.

-NEFC parent

So, big clubs shouldn’t aspire progress to a higher level, because someone’s little Mia won’t Be happy?

[Unregistered]

and, still, it's youth soccer. With everything going on in the world, we are going to spend time fretting over something like this is disheartening.

5 billion people would lop their right arm off to have your problems.

Yet here you are commenting on something you claim doesn't matter. Shouldn't you be out helping Jared solve the crisis in the Middle East or something?

[Unregistered]

So, big clubs shouldn’t aspire progress to a higher level, because someone’s little Mia won’t Be happy?

NE GDA isn't higher.

[Unregistered]

Yeah, we get it. Some asked for it, but likewise, some didn’t (and some cannot afford the travel and cost change) I was one like that who was unhappy that we got DA and forced to make a choice we weren’t looking for. I didn’t endlessly whine about it. We stayed NPL (along with many others), made the best of change, and my child is still being recruited D1. But to dismiss the issues that it can cause once happy and contented families/players when they keep pushing the top team league higher and more expensive without regard to those issues, is the height of arrogance. At least admit it and move on.

Seems like you are the one dismissing other issues and other's opinions. I get you need to worry about your family first, but to be so vocal about it and diminishing other's opinions in the process is kinda' dooooshy.

[Unregistered]

NE GDA isn't higher.

Than where they were?

Absolutely zero doubt it's higher.

[Unregistered]

So, big clubs shouldn’t aspire progress to a higher level, because someone’s little Mia won’t Be happy?

Again, such arrogance. Glad the logistics of a country club patch work for you and your family. We on the other hand, are not so lucky. But good on you to sit high on your horse. No one is saying that it’s bad for the club, or even bad for all the players if it’s something they can afford. But the cavalier attitude about those who can’t make it work that easy and to dismiss the issues and conflicts that blowing up their team may have on some families is very “let them eat cake” if you ask me. Just sayin.

[Unregistered]

Seems like you are the one dismissing other issues and other's opinions. I get you need to worry about your family first, but to be so vocal about it and diminishing other's opinions in the process is kinda' dooooshy.

So vocal about? I made one post about how it stinks to be forced to make a change you weren’t looking for. It was all you “deal with it” people who claimed that I was whining and crying, after ONE post! Perhaps it is you who couldn’t deal with another opinion. I never once denigrated your choice to want ECNL or DA, but you sure seem to have issues with those of us who it doesn’t fit for.

[Unregistered]

Again, such arrogance. Glad the logistics of a country club patch work for you and your family. We on the other hand, are not so lucky. But good on you to sit high on your horse. No one is saying that it’s bad for the club, or even bad for all the players if it’s something they can afford. But the cavalier attitude about those who can’t make it work that easy and to dismiss the issues and conflicts that blowing up their team may have on some families is very “let them eat cake” if you ask me. Just sayin.

No, the real issue is that you were comfortable where you were and can't accept change. If the club wanted to move forward, and you didn't. You have two legitimate choices:

1) Follow along

2) Move to another

Either are fine. But, whining constantly about it won't change it. Companies make changes based on what they think will benefit their bottom line. Sometimes, those changes don't work (new Coke anyone?), sometimes, they do. You, as a consumer, are welcome to embrace the change or walk. That's your choice.

[Unregistered]

So vocal about? I made one post about how it stinks to be forced to make a change you weren’t looking for. It was all you “deal with it” people who claimed that I was whining and crying, after ONE post! Perhaps it is you who couldn’t deal with another opinion. I never once denigrated your choice to want ECNL or DA, but you sure seem to have issues with those of us who it doesn’t fit for.

Nope, you are welcome to go anywhere that follows your philosophy. If that's with your current club, great. If not, find another.

Life is uncomfortable at times. Better to learn that now than later when you are an adul...oh, wait, too late....

[Unregistered]

This is youth soccer. Take a deep breath.

That's why you're on this board ... You've found your purpose. You're clear vision and pure ideals are without parallel.

Praise to you Father Theresa.

[Unregistered]

That's why you're on this board ... You've found your purpose. You're clear vision and pure ideals are without parallel.

Praise to you Father Theresa.

You wake up every morning with two choices: Be happy, or miserable.

Up to you which one you choose.

[Unregistered]

Than where they were?

Absolutely zero doubt it's higher.

Marginally better as a league and not necessarily better for the club.