CSA, SJEB, STA flocking to ECNL in full Flight

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The problem is we’ve been lied to so many times it’s hard to put any further trust in GAL league messaging. At first the club did not know about DA dissolving, then they admitted they knew for months. HS soccer was awful and should not be played, then story changed to it’s a great experience everyone should do it. The DA rules were great as players had to learn on the fly from their mistakes, now those rules were awful. You see, the message will be adjusted to whatever the best narrative is to benefit them not you. If you haven’t figured that out by now I feel sorry for you. Even if players left or are leaving do you honestly think they would tell you that??? No, because that would immediately destroy the business model. These clubs are not about development, otherwise they would pull players from their B teams and get them better. Do they ever do that? Nope virtually never.

It’s a shame because DA was a better platform then ECNL. Now that ECNL is back on top I feel like these GAL clubs are just in survival mode saying whatever they can and losing morals to keep kids. In reality they have no clue how the other clubs will do and are just hoping all the GAL clubs don’t lose kids and hoping colleges still show up. They are also worried about which GAL club breaks ranks next round ECNL let’s more in.

[Unregistered]

It’s a shame because DA was a better platform then ECNL. Now that ECNL is back on top I feel like these GAL clubs are just in survival mode saying whatever they can and losing morals to keep kids. In reality they have no clue how the other clubs will do and are just hoping all the GAL clubs don’t lose kids and hoping colleges still show up. They are also worried about which GAL club breaks ranks next round ECNL let’s more in.

Why was DA a better platform than ECNL?

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Why was DA a better platform than ECNL?

No HS play, 4 practices a week, no bull**** substitutions.

[Unregistered]

No HS play, 4 practices a week, no bull**** substitutions.

Coming from a club that was in ECNL then DA and now back to ECNL I can tell you ECNL has learned from its flaws from DA. ECNL before DA was nit even close to where it is going now. Some good has come from DA for ECNL. Hoping they take more of the better items going forward.

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No HS play, 4 practices a week, no bull**** substitutions.

I understand the benefit of no HS play and 4 practices a week. But not sure how the DA substitution rules are beneficial to player development. Also not allowing end-of-the-bench players to get playing time on B-teams didn't seem like a good idea.

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The two philosophies merging to take the best from each and drop the mistakes is the best way forward. I am not sure GA got this right but we have to at least see how they manage things in the fall. I would have been happier with just straight up mirroring the ECNL/NPL seasons with a break for HS and clubs providing real options for the players who choose to forego HS.

As it is, we're probably stuck for a year because we werent out in front of moving before corona and switching up as an unknown, without any way to get evaluated isnt possible. Whatever - we will see how it goes. My understanding is that essentially our entire team is back but that doesnt seem to be the case across many age groups at our club.

[Unregistered]

Just got a weird email from PDA:

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PDA is one of only a few clubs to have two teams in the National league
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I always knew National League was the best!

[Unregistered]

Just got a weird email from PDA:

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PDA is one of only a few clubs to have two teams in the National league
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I always knew National League was the best!

That’s pretty funny got the same....very poorly written I’m sure that’s not what they meant!

[Unregistered]

Legit question.

How can a parent find out more information about girls leaving other GAL rosters in the Northeast League? When do rosters get posted or how do I look?

I'm worried about the competition for all the travel coming up in fall. Keep hearing from sources that kids on these teams are leaving. It's legit to be concerned. Also hearing that GAL teams are going to have trouble rostering with talent because their players are picking High School for Fall.

One I'm concerned I made the wrong choice staying and two not playing HS fall if it will be that bad. Would really like to look into if possible. ETA on any info? Time is limited with summer creeping up fast.

Thanks for the help. No trolls please.

All you can do is go to the tryouts when they open and see who else is their and maybe talk to other parents to see what their plans are. I really don't see HS players not playing GA a big concern. So what is you lose a few more games then usual. You kid should get more playing time or even get moved up a year to fill holes so how is that a negative? My biggest concern about GA is exposure level. WILL college coaches look at it higher or on par with EDP/USYS? WILL they even show up to GA events or just try to catch players in none GA tournaments they are already planning on going to? Thankfully my daughter is young enough that a year in GA won't limit her chances and has the ability to make an ECNL squad if she wants to. All these changes and COVID shutdown really screwed thing up for a lot of people who are trying to plot the best path.

[Unregistered]

All you can do is go to the tryouts when they open and see who else is their and maybe talk to other parents to see what their plans are. I really don't see HS players not playing GA a big concern. So what is you lose a few more games then usual. You kid should get more playing time or even get moved up a year to fill holes so how is that a negative? My biggest concern about GA is exposure level. WILL college coaches look at it higher or on par with EDP/USYS? WILL they even show up to GA events or just try to catch players in none GA tournaments they are already planning on going to? Thankfully my daughter is young enough that a year in GA won't limit her chances and has the ability to make an ECNL squad if she wants to. All these changes and COVID shutdown really screwed thing up for a lot of people who are trying to plot the best path.

100% same feeling. We are mostly all in the same boat. Hopeful bu trealistic and ready to adapt if need be.

[Unregistered]

All you can do is go to the tryouts when they open and see who else is their and maybe talk to other parents to see what their plans are. I really don't see HS players not playing GA a big concern. So what is you lose a few more games then usual. You kid should get more playing time or even get moved up a year to fill holes so how is that a negative? My biggest concern about GA is exposure level. WILL college coaches look at it higher or on par with EDP/USYS? WILL they even show up to GA events or just try to catch players in none GA tournaments they are already planning on going to? Thankfully my daughter is young enough that a year in GA won't limit her chances and has the ability to make an ECNL squad if she wants to. All these changes and COVID shutdown really screwed thing up for a lot of people who are trying to plot the best path.

You caught my attention when you said that you are “plotting the best path” for your young daughter. The truth is that your daughters talent will plot the right course for her playing soccer down the road. Too many parents aim high and there daughters are not athletic enough, fast, quick or lack the technical skills to play at the level you want them to play. At an early age you want them to have fun and see where there development takes them. Making an ECNL squad is not planned. Either they develop the talent and mental toughness or not.

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100% same feeling. We are mostly all in the same boat. Hopeful bu trealistic and ready to adapt if need be.

This is what we are doing as well . which tells that a lot of parents are in a wait and see mode.

i am encouraged that the league will be just fine.

[Unregistered]

You caught my attention when you said that you are “plotting the best path” for your young daughter. The truth is that your daughters talent will plot the right course for her playing soccer down the road. Too many parents aim high and there daughters are not athletic enough, fast, quick or lack the technical skills to play at the level you want them to play. At an early age you want them to have fun and see where there development takes them. Making an ECNL squad is not planned. Either they develop the talent and mental toughness or not.

So, do you tell your kid not to dream of playing for a big school because they currently lack ability? Or do you help work out a plan of attack to achieve the goal? Talent alone does not bring success. Talent and ability are not the same thing. You can be the most talented player but not have the ability to actually play in a game. I've seen many talented players that drop off because they don't have the ability or desire to become better. Also plotting the best path doesn't mean top D1 school or playing ECNL. Not everyone has the same dream and aspirations. Successful people develop plans of action and execute them making adjustments along the way as things change. The rest look at what the successful have achieved and wonder why they can't do the same.

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So, do you tell your kid not to dream of playing for a big school because they currently lack ability? Or do you help work out a plan of attack to achieve the goal? Talent alone does not bring success. Talent and ability are not the same thing. You can be the most talented player but not have the ability to actually play in a game. I've seen many talented players that drop off because they don't have the ability or desire to become better. Also plotting the best path doesn't mean top D1 school or playing ECNL. Not everyone has the same dream and aspirations. Successful people develop plans of action and execute them making adjustments along the way as things change. The rest look at what the successful have achieved and wonder why they can't do the same.

^Like^

[Unregistered]

You caught my attention when you said that you are “plotting the best path” for your young daughter. The truth is that your daughters talent will plot the right course for her playing soccer down the road. Too many parents aim high and there daughters are not athletic enough, fast, quick or lack the technical skills to play at the level you want them to play. At an early age you want them to have fun and see where there development takes them. Making an ECNL squad is not planned. Either they develop the talent and mental toughness or not.

That is some very very good advise...As my D has already gone thru the process from rec to EDP to NPL to ECNL I can tell you each step up had her with less and less "friends" and looking back she was losing the joy of playing...my advise would be to not make the jump to ECNL at a young age unless your D is a truly gifted player/athlete who is on the bigger side of her age group....if she is good ECNL will always be there as they recruit 365/24/7....

I see way too many parents with too high an expectation ..watching and filming every practice and game, private training, extra strength and conditioning , girls running with parachutes ..etc and unfortunately non of that can change what nature has created ...either someone is born with natural speed, hand eye coord etc and for soccer touch.

Like in golf some people can practice everyday and never break 100...while others can pick up a club evert so often and break 80....its not fair but that's life...