Seacoast United to join GDA

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Anyone attend tonight's info session? Wondering what was said about the future of NPL and if the crowd was enthusiastic.

Of course they will be enthusiastic. The crowd is being told how food their kids are and how now they will all get college scholarships. The parents are thrilled. Let’s see how they feel next June after spending every other weekend on overnights to NY and thousands on showcases.

Oh and I wonder how they are spinning it that the boys play for nothing and the girls will have to pay?

[Unregistered]

Of course they will be enthusiastic. The crowd is being told how food their kids are and how now they will all get college scholarships. The parents are thrilled. Let’s see how they feel next June after spending every other weekend on overnights to NY and thousands on showcases.

Oh and I wonder how they are spinning it that the boys play for nothing and the girls will have to pay?

Won't comment on the costs for boys vs. girls programs.

My quick study find the costs this year vs. the NPL year won't be much different. Basic tuition and uniforms are within $100 of the NPL season. Tournaments vs. Showcases are a wash. Yes, there will be more travel out of state. By reviewing FC Stars in a comparable age bracket, less than a dozen games which require travel with an overnight stay. All within driving distance (albeit long ones). Those costs will be the separator.

I tried to ignore the noise about the college carrot. However, the reality is to play at a top level in this Region, this has become the norm. Whether it be ECNL or DA, it's the same in the end.

[Unregistered]

Won't comment on the costs for boys vs. girls programs.

My quick study find the costs this year vs. the NPL year won't be much different. Basic tuition and uniforms are within $100 of the NPL season. Tournaments vs. Showcases are a wash. Yes, there will be more travel out of state. By reviewing FC Stars in a comparable age bracket, less than a dozen games which require travel with an overnight stay. All within driving distance (albeit long ones). Those costs will be the separator.

I tried to ignore the noise about the college carrot. However, the reality is to play at a top level in this Region, this has become the norm. Whether it be ECNL or DA, it's the same in the end.

Did they answer these two questions:

1. How are they going to take teams that have been only moderately successful in NPL and make them competitive in a much more challenging league?
2. Are NPL girls teams going away?

Also, even "only" 12 games that require an overnight stay, at a conservative $120 per night hotel is an extra $1400 a year. Did NPL teams fly to tournaments this year? Thought they were in like MD and NJ? Get ready to pay for flights next year. Probably going to add another $1500+. Flights and hotels for the season already put this up closer to $3k more than NPL cost families this year. Fine if you want to watch your D's mediocre team get killed in new destinations but realize what you're signing up for. And trading the HS experience for. Don't buy the rah rah this is awesome line they're selling without putting some thought into this.

Bottom line remains that these teams weren't powerhouses to begin with and will struggle in GDA. The parents who think their kid is a superstar should have moved a long time ago to a club that offered an appropriate team instead of pushing Seacoast to offer this to girls who have no business in GDA. My opinion is that the girls who do belong there DID move long ago and the families so exited about this are the ones kidding themselves about their D's skill level.

[Unregistered]

Did they answer these two questions:

1. How are they going to take teams that have been only moderately successful in NPL and make them competitive in a much more challenging league?
2. Are NPL girls teams going away?

Also, even "only" 12 games that require an overnight stay, at a conservative $120 per night hotel is an extra $1400 a year. Did NPL teams fly to tournaments this year? Thought they were in like MD and NJ? Get ready to pay for flights next year. Probably going to add another $1500+. Flights and hotels for the season already put this up closer to $3k more than NPL cost families this year. Fine if you want to watch your D's mediocre team get killed in new destinations but realize what you're signing up for. And trading the HS experience for. Don't buy the rah rah this is awesome line they're selling without putting some thought into this.

Bottom line remains that these teams weren't powerhouses to begin with and will struggle in GDA. The parents who think their kid is a superstar should have moved a long time ago to a club that offered an appropriate team instead of pushing Seacoast to offer this to girls who have no business in GDA. My opinion is that the girls who do belong there DID move long ago and the families so exited about this are the ones kidding themselves about their D's skill level.

I felt they danced around the competitiveness a bit. I do not believe the teams out of the gate will be strong-looking in the leagues. But, that's secondary IMO. Not looking to get killed, but also the training program and tracking of individual development was encouraging (and, honestly, should be the main concern for anyone anyway).

All in costs right now, before the extra travel, we actually come in $2k under last year. Yes, that travel will eat into, and probably overtake, those costs. I can only vouch for known costs from last year vs. unknown this year so far.

You don't know me, so not sure how you can preach how much "thought" I've put into this. The reality is this level has been a consideration for a few years now. Other opportunities we didn't pursue for a variety of reasons. We MAY pursue this now, but am still considering options.

You do what is best for your family, and I'll do the same for mine. I can guarantee you there are no unrealistic expectations or unfounded beliefs about scouts and all that.


Yes, there will be NPL teams next year.

[Unregistered]

Won't comment on the costs for boys vs. girls programs.

My quick study find the costs this year vs. the NPL year won't be much different. Basic tuition and uniforms are within $100 of the NPL season. Tournaments vs. Showcases are a wash. Yes, there will be more travel out of state. By reviewing FC Stars in a comparable age bracket, less than a dozen games which require travel with an overnight stay. All within driving distance (albeit long ones). Those costs will be the separator.

I tried to ignore the noise about the college carrot. However, the reality is to play at a top level in this Region, this has become the norm. Whether it be ECNL or DA, it's the same in the end.

Wow. They did it. They successfully fooled at least one parent into believing their 13 year old "needs"to travel to NY every other weekend so they can face some quality competition. By the way? The Seacoast U13 NPL team went 3 and 3 this spring in the NE NPL. They are being challenged just fine here!

My goodness. I should be shocked by the naive parents but I guess it was to be expected.

[Unregistered]

I felt they danced around the competitiveness a bit. I do not believe the teams out of the gate will be strong-looking in the leagues. But, that's secondary IMO. Not looking to get killed, but also the training program and tracking of individual development was encouraging (and, honestly, should be the main concern for anyone anyway).

All in costs right now, before the extra travel, we actually come in $2k under last year. Yes, that travel will eat into, and probably overtake, those costs. I can only vouch for known costs from last year vs. unknown this year so far.

You don't know me, so not sure how you can preach how much "thought" I've put into this. The reality is this level has been a consideration for a few years now. Other opportunities we didn't pursue for a variety of reasons. We MAY pursue this now, but am still considering options.

You do what is best for your family, and I'll do the same for mine. I can guarantee you there are no unrealistic expectations or unfounded beliefs about scouts and all that.


Yes, there will be NPL teams next year.

If you honestly believe that playing in the DA will come in $2k less than playing in New England NPL, or will even end up being CLOSE to comparable, then you've just proven you really haven't done your research. By the way, I also have some beautiful oceanfront property in Arizona for sale if you're interested in buying. Hear the soccer is great too!

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If you honestly believe that playing in the DA will come in $2k less than playing in New England NPL, or will even end up being CLOSE to comparable, then you've just proven you really haven't done your research. By the way, I also have some beautiful oceanfront property in Arizona for sale if you're interested in buying. Hear the soccer is great too!

I did not say that. I said right now, comparing what we have spent this year (that includes travel costs) vs. next year (which do NOT include travel costs) that there is a $2k delta.

I fully expect that to be closed by the time all travel takes hold.

I know where the teams play, I know the areas well, I know the costs involved, and have a base knowledge to compare.

Folks, you all can disagree with their plan. I get it. I'm hesitant as well.

[Unregistered]

I did not say that. I said right now, comparing what we have spent this year (that includes travel costs) vs. next year (which do NOT include travel costs) that there is a $2k delta.

I fully expect that to be closed by the time all travel takes hold.

I know where the teams play, I know the areas well, I know the costs involved, and have a base knowledge to compare.

Folks, you all can disagree with their plan. I get it. I'm hesitant as well.

Did many people have concerns with the no HS rules? We weren't there last night as my D has no plan to give up HS soccer. She loves the game and hopes to play in college (targeting an academic D3) but she loves HS soccer and the memories with her best friends. She made it clear to us that she isn't doing this so we didn't attend. Just curious if anyone else expressed a similar concern or if most folks at the meeting were already believers in this model.

[Unregistered]

Did many people have concerns with the no HS rules? We weren't there last night as my D has no plan to give up HS soccer. She loves the game and hopes to play in college (targeting an academic D3) but she loves HS soccer and the memories with her best friends. She made it clear to us that she isn't doing this so we didn't attend. Just curious if anyone else expressed a similar concern or if most folks at the meeting were already believers in this model.

They hammered the point home enough so if there were concerns, they weren't voiced.

I would say we are in the same camp on that.

[Unregistered]

By the way? The Seacoast U13 NPL team went 3 and 3 this spring in the NE NPL. They are being challenged just fine here!

My goodness. I should be shocked by the naive parents but I guess it was to be expected.

You do have to realize that, especially at the U13/U14 age group, before high school soccer becomes an issue, there is a possibility that many of the DA roster spots will be filled by players not currently on the U13 NPL team. We weren't at the club when the boys DA started, but did see the addition of the younger age groups on the boys side a couple years ago. I was surprised at how many new faces joined those teams, not only players from outside the club, but also from Seacoast satellite clubs, who decided it was worth the travel to Epping in order to be in the program. I'm not sure if it will be the same for the girls (maybe not for those already playing high school), but I wouldn't be surprised if half the roster of that youngest team is filled with quality players coming out of the woodwork. If that is the case, they may well be competitive within the league.

[Unregistered]

You do have to realize that, especially at the U13/U14 age group, before high school soccer becomes an issue, there is a possibility that many of the DA roster spots will be filled by players not currently on the U13 NPL team. We weren't at the club when the boys DA started, but did see the addition of the younger age groups on the boys side a couple years ago. I was surprised at how many new faces joined those teams, not only players from outside the club, but also from Seacoast satellite clubs, who decided it was worth the travel to Epping in order to be in the program. I'm not sure if it will be the same for the girls (maybe not for those already playing high school), but I wouldn't be surprised if half the roster of that youngest team is filled with quality players coming out of the woodwork. If that is the case, they may well be competitive within the league.

I guess we will see. We came from a satellite. I didn't see a lot of amazing talent there either but time will tell. The boys program doesn't impress either, but they do get the numbers. I guess people will pay when you tell them what they want to hear.

[Unregistered]

Who is coaching these teams?

[Unregistered]

You do have to realize that, especially at the U13/U14 age group, before high school soccer becomes an issue, there is a possibility that many of the DA roster spots will be filled by players not currently on the U13 NPL team. We weren't at the club when the boys DA started, but did see the addition of the younger age groups on the boys side a couple years ago. I was surprised at how many new faces joined those teams, not only players from outside the club, but also from Seacoast satellite clubs, who decided it was worth the travel to Epping in order to be in the program. I'm not sure if it will be the same for the girls (maybe not for those already playing high school), but I wouldn't be surprised if half the roster of that youngest team is filled with quality players coming out of the woodwork. If that is the case, they may well be competitive within the league.

west coast parent wandering in to see what seacoast is all about. sorry if i don't
know the particulars, but i can add my experience dealing with girl's soccer.
i didn't know what npl was about, but now it appears to be the b/c league or
maybe different on the east coast. disclaimer: my dd is on a top team and club
starter, but no way an elite player. see below.

did seacoast play against stars, pda, hawks, tophat, surf, blues, beach, slammers etc?
how many players got in the regional odp pool or state odp pool? how many traveled?
any ntc or nt camp girls? boys side? i wonder if people think b/c stars dropped
da and went all in with ecnl there are talented girls who leave just b/c of da.
i thought the stars can have two ecnl teams, now. good luck trying to lure girls
into the woods up north.

i really have to disagree with the idea of hidden talented gems who were somehow denied
playing ecnl or da coming out to play b/c of proximity. wishful thinking at best.

4x times a week is brutal. some clubs demand no outside sports besides da soccer.
no in ms or hs. most girls do 5 times with privates or saq training. since you guys
are in the woods, probably used to lots of travel.

this is da in a nutshell: ussoccer is looking for the true elite. 1-2 in your entire area
that can make it in the nt camps and nt travel. the rest are cones to support these
elite girls. oh btw, your non-elite girl can probably make it to a d1 school, if you
follow our coattails. no promises. if you and your girl can handle this truth, then
da might be good for you. good luck.

[Unregistered]

Who is coaching these teams?

That's one of the first questions parents should be asking!

[Unregistered]

Did many people have concerns with the no HS rules? We weren't there last night as my D has no plan to give up HS soccer. She loves the game and hopes to play in college (targeting an academic D3) but she loves HS soccer and the memories with her best friends. She made it clear to us that she isn't doing this so we didn't attend. Just curious if anyone else expressed a similar concern or if most folks at the meeting were already believers in this model.

Most should know there is no HS. If they don't then shame on them for not doing any research. It's a well known fact. If it is a non starter for players they probably won't even show up (like your player). Those that show up (coach invite? curiosity?) already come in with a huge hurdle to overcome. If they then don't see quality players and coaches, it's a done deal. They'll pass on DA