The Girls Academy League is adding clubs

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They could then re-align the regions to take advantage. For example, right now PDA White is in NE while PDA Blue is in North Atlantic.

One team is not enough to "re-align" divisions either. One team or one weekend is not enough to significantly alter travel in any meaningful way. You would need to let in a bunch of teams to have enough to really heavily reduce/impact travel or keep it all inside of MA. In which case you no longer have ECNL...you have NEP. And if the desire is to play in NEP, then that's already an option. Go for it.

Also my point is that the excessive travel narrative is overstated. As it is now the MA teams have a whopping grand total of 2 weekends outside of New England per year (one for EM/SUSA and one for PDAW/WCFC)...excluding showcases which are a whole different conversation.

But regular season travel is not as bad as you all make it out to be: 12 of the 16 regular season games are played in MA or CT.

And BTW, the only reason the narrative exists is because NEFC parents are bitter that they aren't in ECNL.

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I am sure the ecnl clubs are making a big mistake. I am sure they will look back and say, damn, if we just would have let nefc into the league we would have done much better. Maybe if you dominate the GAL I am sure they will be begging to get NEFC back into ecnl.

Lol, no. They know who there competition is, NEFC was not sneaking up on anyone. They won’t let them in ECNL and I can’t blame them. I actually think the weekend proved the league is somewhat irrelevant, at least for now

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One team is not enough to "re-align" divisions either. One team or one weekend is not enough to significantly alter travel in any meaningful way. You would need to let in a bunch of teams to have enough to really heavily reduce/impact travel or keep it all inside of MA. In which case you no longer have ECNL...you have NEP. And if the desire is to play in NEP, then that's already an option. Go for it.

Also my point is that the excessive travel narrative is overstated. As it is now the MA teams have a whopping grand total of 2 weekends outside of New England per year (one for EM/SUSA and one for PDAW/WCFC)...excluding showcases which are a whole different conversation.

But regular season travel is not as bad as you all make it out to be: 12 of the 16 regular season games are played in MA or CT.

And BTW, the only reason the narrative exists is because NEFC parents are bitter that they aren't in ECNL.

I've never understood the point of complaining about leagues or clubs or which clubs are in which leagues. The landscape is the landscape. Figure out what club/league works best for your family/kid and go play there. If the one you are in doesn't work then move to one that fits better. Pretty easy fix.

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One team is not enough to "re-align" divisions either. One team or one weekend is not enough to significantly alter travel in any meaningful way. You would need to let in a bunch of teams to have enough to really heavily reduce/impact travel or keep it all inside of MA. In which case you no longer have ECNL...you have NEP. And if the desire is to play in NEP, then that's already an option. Go for it.

Not at all. They already realigned/split the Northeast this past year. The dividing line is somewhere in NJ. They could easily move things around. Nobody is saying they only want to play MA, but driving past other good teams in MA to play teams in NJ (and, earlier, further south) is obviously maddening.

Also my point is that the excessive travel narrative is overstated. As it is now the MA teams have a whopping grand total of 2 weekends outside of New England per year (one for EM/SUSA and one for PDAW/WCFC)...excluding showcases which are a whole different conversation.

But regular season travel is not as bad as you all make it out to be: 12 of the 16 regular season games are played in MA or CT.

I'm not saying it's all that bad. As it turns out, Orangeburg is a nice place in the fall. That said, more league games closer is convenient, and it doesn't preclude tournament travel.

And BTW, the only reason the narrative exists is because NEFC parents are bitter that they aren't in ECNL.

The narrative existed well before that. How much travel is "worth it"? Kids don't get better sitting in the car and all that. The DA/ECNL thing is just one example.

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OK, in order:



Answered: Decreasing travel and expense opens up the opportunities to players who cannot make that happen.



You do realize there are other teams in New England other than NEFC, correct?



I get that. I also understand those who lock out other businesses are worried about the competition eating away, not being pushed to become better. It's the exact same thing people say that "ECNL players push each other to become better". This is no different. Clubs could, and should, be pushing each other to improve their product. Embrace the competition, it's what we tell our players on these teams...yet we as clubs don't do it ourselves




As mentioned...why the obsession with NEFC?

Your answers are weak, at best.

1) Adding NEFC as an ECNL club doesn't ease travel expenses for those not willing to pay for the travel as it currently stands. There would still be trips to NY and NJ, Showcases, National tournaments, etc. Anyone that can travel to Mendon can also travel to either Lancaster or Taunton, so there's no one presently "locked out" of ECNL due to training commutes.
2) Yes, there are other clubs besides NEFC in the region, but only NEFC has the consistent quality at all the age groups to compete in ECNL. None of the others are in the same stratosphere. There is no value to Stars/Scorpions in adding a 3rd rate club that's local if half the age groups are going to be the competitive equivalent of Empire United.
3) If you as a competitor have a legal means of keeping a competitor from taking market share - you are an idealistic fool if you do not employ it. If you have a board of directors and embrace a competitor that will devalue your business, you would be fired rather quickly.

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[Looks at map, sees the New England teams (eliminating Stars x2) and then looks at New York and New Jersey. Takes out his scale, measures the distances, shakes his head and thinks "can't fix stupid"]

How many teams are you advocating adding to create ECNL New England? How many of those clubs will field competitive teams every year in all age groups? How many 5-0 games are you willing to watch before it's obvious that you just watered everything down to NPL levels?

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3) If you as a competitor have a legal means of keeping a competitor from taking market share - you are an idealistic fool if you do not employ it. If you have a board of directors and embrace a competitor that will devalue your business, you would be fired rather quickly.

Another tack is to build a product so clearly better that it attracts market share from the competitor every time you're shown next to each other. Then you try to be shown next to the competitor as often as possible.

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Another tack is to build a product so clearly better that it attracts market share from the competitor every time you're shown next to each other. Then you try to be shown next to the competitor as often as possible.

Unfortunately, NEFC historically had good leagues and competitors to promote their product. It no longer does and as such is very vulnerable. NEFC is exposed, which is why whoever this is happens to be pushing so hard. They are desperate to join a league with good competition because if they do not they know the to flight players will flee. I know it seems terrible and unfair, but it is just life. You choose Nokia or the iphone. You choose VHS or Betamax. You choose facebook or myspace. One wins, one loses. adjust your expectations accordingly. Or you lead the fight and try to build something else that will overtake the competitor. Maybe go non-profit, reduce fees and stay local.

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Your answers are weak, at best.

1) Adding NEFC as an ECNL club doesn't ease travel expenses for those not willing to pay for the travel as it currently stands. There would still be trips to NY and NJ, Showcases, National tournaments, etc. Anyone that can travel to Mendon can also travel to either Lancaster or Taunton, so there's no one presently "locked out" of ECNL due to training commutes.
2) Yes, there are other clubs besides NEFC in the region, but only NEFC has the consistent quality at all the age groups to compete in ECNL. None of the others are in the same stratosphere. There is no value to Stars/Scorpions in adding a 3rd rate club that's local if half the age groups are going to be the competitive equivalent of Empire United.
3) If you as a competitor have a legal means of keeping a competitor from taking market share - you are an idealistic fool if you do not employ it. If you have a board of directors and embrace a competitor that will devalue your business, you would be fired rather quickly.

Considering Nefc is not getting into ECNL as they were in and bailed. Plus too close proximity to Scorp and FC. Who is next best? Which club in New England regionally has the facilities, training and stability? Who is geographically at an advantage (not to close)? Who has boys ECNL?
Surely players regionally closer to Mendon would travel to a team 1/2 hour away with ECNL rather than....is it "gag" soccer?

Who has the credentials? Assuming extra player movement to play ECNL. Who has the field facilities with indoor futsal facilities all on campus?
Name the options.....starting......now!!!....start typing!!

[Unregistered]

Your answers are weak, at best.

1) Adding NEFC as an ECNL club doesn't ease travel expenses for those not willing to pay for the travel as it currently stands. There would still be trips to NY and NJ, Showcases, National tournaments, etc. Anyone that can travel to Mendon can also travel to either Lancaster or Taunton, so there's no one presently "locked out" of ECNL due to training commutes.
2) Yes, there are other clubs besides NEFC in the region, but only NEFC has the consistent quality at all the age groups to compete in ECNL. None of the others are in the same stratosphere. There is no value to Stars/Scorpions in adding a 3rd rate club that's local if half the age groups are going to be the competitive equivalent of Empire United.
3) If you as a competitor have a legal means of keeping a competitor from taking market share - you are an idealistic fool if you do not employ it. If you have a board of directors and embrace a competitor that will devalue your business, you would be fired rather quickly.

Considering Nefc is not getting into ECNL as they were in and bailed. Plus too close proximity to Scorp and FC. Who is next best? Which club in New England regionally has the facilities, training and stability? Who is geographically at an advantage (not to close)? Who has boys ECNL?
Surely players regionally closer to Mendon would travel to a team 1/2 hour away with ECNL rather than....is it "gag" soccer?

Who has the credentials? Assuming extra player movement to play ECNL. Who has the field facilities with indoor futsal facilities all on campus?
Name the options.....starting......now!!!....start typing!!

[Unregistered]

USSF should not sponsor any leagues owned by club owners and create an independent platform that offers equal opportunity to every club organization to compete. No more exclusions and barriers to entry. Teams/players should have a chance to compete at the highest level. Skilled coaches should have a chance to advance in the system to make it better. Other things to focus on would be college showcasing, cost, travel, and competition to better the overall product. USSF would be able to remain independent and provide assistance, oversight and accountability to promote soccer in the U.S.

Unfortunately, NEFC historically had good leagues and competitors to promote their product. It no longer does and as such is very vulnerable. NEFC is exposed, which is why whoever this is happens to be pushing so hard. They are desperate to join a league with good competition because if they do not they know the to flight players will flee. I know it seems terrible and unfair, but it is just life. You choose Nokia or the iphone. You choose VHS or Betamax. You choose facebook or myspace. One wins, one loses. adjust your expectations accordingly. Or you lead the fight and try to build something else that will overtake the competitor. Maybe go non-profit, reduce fees and stay local.

[Unregistered]

One team is not enough to "re-align" divisions either. One team or one weekend is not enough to significantly alter travel in any meaningful way. You would need to let in a bunch of teams to have enough to really heavily reduce/impact travel or keep it all inside of MA. In which case you no longer have ECNL...you have NEP. And if the desire is to play in NEP, then that's already an option. Go for it.

Also my point is that the excessive travel narrative is overstated. As it is now the MA teams have a whopping grand total of 2 weekends outside of New England per year (one for EM/SUSA and one for PDAW/WCFC)...excluding showcases which are a whole different conversation.

But regular season travel is not as bad as you all make it out to be: 12 of the 16 regular season games are played in MA or CT.

And BTW, the only reason the narrative exists is because NEFC parents are bitter that they aren't in ECNL.

I talked to a mid level AD this weekend. He lamented about 5th year, Reduced scholarships snd international uncertainty. Made for hard decisions. He did say he was happy with the ECNL regional showcase structure He was not sold on the new GA league competition level wise. especially considering the teams NE seperation. He said it was hard to evaluate.

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Stabilized? It's more of a mess than it's ever been! There are still dozens of players not able to participate for various reasons.

Take of your ECNL-colored glasses and look around. US Club Soccer has ruined this game in the US.

Right, I'd much prefer the unqualified coaches and teenage refs of town soccer.

[Unregistered]

USSF should not sponsor any leagues owned by club owners and create an independent platform that offers equal opportunity to every club organization to compete. No more exclusions and barriers to entry. Teams/players should have a chance to compete at the highest level. Skilled coaches should have a chance to advance in the system to make it better. Other things to focus on would be college showcasing, cost, travel, and competition to better the overall product. USSF would be able to remain independent and provide assistance, oversight and accountability to promote soccer in the U.S.

Agreed - USSF had the chance to be an independent supervisor to our US Soccer structure and govern without partiality.

Then they hired a board member from an ECNL club to be the new president and her first move was to announce the shutting of the DA's.

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Agreed - USSF had the chance to be an independent supervisor to our US Soccer structure and govern without partiality.

Then they hired a board member from an ECNL club to be the new president and her first move was to announce the shutting of the DA's.

No, the first mistake they made years ago was forming there own league GA and then they doubled down with girls GA. They wanted to control everything, but not pay the bills. It was a house of cards doomed to failure. It is not that difficult of a concept, the one paying the bills (be it MLS teams, clubs or parents) want control. If USSF wanted the control, they have to pay the bills.

If USSF thinks they are so smart and have such a great eye for talent, recruiting and coaching, tell them to try this. Fund a couple of regional teams, offer kids full scholarships. I am sure ECNL would let them enter a couple of ENCL conferences. Maybe at ECRL level first to see if they really can recruit top notch talent. Let them compete