Phantoms--Classics Merge

Is the first evidence of the merge showing on the GSYSL website? I saw a number of Classics girls teams registered for the fall but only one Phantoms team. Either someone at the Phantoms is late getting the registration logged or they have only one team for Fall '07 -- perhaps suggesting a reason for a combination.

[NH Expatriate]

Re: Phantoms--Classics Merge

Is the first evidence of the merge showing on the GSYSL website? I saw a number of Classics girls teams registered for the fall but only one Phantoms team. Either someone at the Phantoms is late getting the registration logged or they have only one team for Fall '07 -- perhaps suggesting a reason for a combination.

Looks like the state is now really down to just two powerful clubs. Although in most people's eyes 13 state champions in one year would mean that there is only one true club; Seacoast.

You may be right . . . We'll see. I'm not yet persuaded.

[NH Expatriate]

The one question I have is the Classics fields in Bedford. Who will control the fields and didn't the Classic parents of years gone by pay for that complex? Seems almost criminal that the Phantoms will get control.

Its 45 days later. Any news on the "merge" or the "affiliation" or whatever it is that is supposed to be happening? How are the two very distinct cultures going to mesh?

Yup, here it is straight from the horse's mouth --

Effective today, The NH Phantoms and NH Classics are pleased to announce an exciting and powerful alliance for the good of New Hampshire soccer where youth players will be able to develop from kindergarten through college, and on to the professional ranks. The NH Soccer Alliance provides a unique opportunity for players, combined with a professional coaching staff, to create a very powerful youth club in the region. Both organizations look forward to seeing the development and success of the players in a quality club environment.

To leverage the best assets of both organizations, the NH Classics and NH Phantoms have opted for a merger of ideas in the format of an alliance. Both organizations will remain intact, with separate boards, but the alliance will focus on collaboration and the good of the game for the players and families involved in New Hampshire soccer. The NH Classics will be the USYSA arm and the NH Phantoms will be the Super Y arm, thus cooperatively working together rather than competing for the same resources (players, coaches, facilities, etc.). The alliance creates an economy of scale so players have seamless access to premier level play in both USYSA and Super Y, as well as a path to a professional level team.

More detailed Alliance information is posted on the www.nhclassics.org web site. Please click on Handouts, then Alliance & Tryouts 10/07.

“We are most interested in the growth and improved quality of soccer in New Hampshire from the youngest youth level to the professional level,â€￾ said Jim Dedeus, General Manager and Head Coach for the NH Phantoms. “Together, we are looking to be the premier level opportunity for soccer players in New Hampshire. NH Classics, with its established program and reputation, is the perfect partner with which to establish the NH Soccer Alliance.â€￾

“We recognize the difficulty and effort involved in creating a club with premier level teams in all age groups. We also recognize the value of having a broad range of clubs in the area providing soccer for all levels of play,â€￾ explains Jay Joseph, Director of Soccer Operations with the NH Classics. “It is in the best interest of the top youth players for clubs to work collaboratively so the NH Classics and NH Phantoms are taking the first steps to establish the NH Soccer Alliance.â€￾

“The NH Soccer Alliance will help the entire statewide soccer community,â€￾ adds Bill Thornton, President of New Hampshire Soccer Association (NHSA). “The NH Phantoms and NH Classics are well-established organizations who are committed to working collaboratively for the good of the game.â€￾

Advantages for other clubs entering the NH Soccer Alliance are:

- Taking advantage of resources (coaches, camps, clinics, professional games, etc.) through economies of scale, while still remaining autonomous as a club and having their own identity in their local communities.
- Working together to manage teams and players as they are guided through the each age group, rather than facing chaos when players change clubs for different opportunities.
- Eliminating the need and significant effort to create a broad range of premier level teams.
- Creating a more festive environment at NH Phantoms professional games for the good of the game in New Hampshire.

One can only imagine all the other clubs in the state clamoring to get involved in the "alliance," particularly since Bill Thornton is apparently encouraging everyone to do so.

The Phantoms youth set up is a shell of its former self with only a few teams. In the youth soccer arena, this is more like a unilateral surrender than an "alliance" of equals. Since the Phantoms appear to have been just about out of the business of developing youth soccer players, why didn't they just throw in the towel? What do they get out of this? Perhaps the Classics have agreed to do all of their training and indoor play at the Phantoms indoor facility. That commitment alone would justify the "alliance" from the Phantom's perspective.

With the alliance now happening, what will the coaching assignments be for the soon to be formed senior teams?