Girls DA

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Well, it will impact the path, if there are other choices that might make them better soccer players and better prepared for higher levels of competition.

That's the problem -- there is no perfect path right now. The leagues and most of the local club choices are all flawed in some way or another.

That is the situation. You have to make a list with pros and cons with your player an pick something. Only way to move forward is to adjust you expectations to match reality.

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It's been said many times - find the best coaching and fit for your player within a reasonable distance from your house, that fits your time and $ budget. Don't get caught up on what patch is on the uniform. Being in the "best" league won't matter one bit if the coaching is cra*.

[Unregistered]

It's been said many times - find the best coaching and fit for your player within a reasonable distance from your house, that fits your time and $ budget. Don't get caught up on what patch is on the uniform. Being in the "best" league won't matter one bit if the coaching is cra*.

Correct. parents just cannot get away from overvaluing what is easily measurable - the score in a game. Its ironic because many of these kids will be going to programs that are not big winners. Most will never sniff an NCAA tourney appearance.

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Correct. parents just cannot get away from overvaluing what is easily measurable - the score in a game. Its ironic because many of these kids will be going to programs that are not big winners. Most will never sniff an NCAA tourney appearance.

Easy wins are not valued. Tough competition is valued.

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Easy wins are not valued. Tough competition is valued.

not true. why do parents rush to teams that already win? If you valued tough competition you would seek out the teams that dont win and work hard to change that. Instead kids bypass good clubs to go play at the destinations ones.

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not true. why do parents rush to teams that already win? If you valued tough competition you would seek out the teams that dont win and work hard to change that. Instead kids bypass good clubs to go play at the destinations ones.

That's not really a fair comparison -- I think the rest of the team is a factor as well. One player can only work so hard to "change that". If your teammates are not at the same level, then it is a frustrating training environment. This is the GDA thread, so your statement also seems a bit general when applying it to that -- there are only so many choices.

[Unregistered]

Correct. parents just cannot get away from overvaluing what is easily measurable - the score in a game. Its ironic because many of these kids will be going to programs that are not big winners. Most will never sniff an NCAA tourney appearance.

The quality of college soccer is almost irrelevant to many families. It's all about the quality of the school; a decent package is 2nd on the list. Playing decent soccer is a huge bonus.

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The quality of college soccer is almost irrelevant to many families. It's all about the quality of the school; a decent package is 2nd on the list. Playing decent soccer is a huge bonus.

Almost no one is going to a lower quality academic institution to access better soccer.

You use your soccer ability to try to access better academics.

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Almost no one is going to a lower quality academic institution to access better soccer.

You use your soccer ability to try to access better academics.

For sure. Academic fit and aspirations should always be the number one priority. No one is going pro, the likelihood of playing four years isn't good, but your degree lasts a lifetime.

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That's not really a fair comparison -- I think the rest of the team is a factor as well. One player can only work so hard to "change that". If your teammates are not at the same level, then it is a frustrating training environment. This is the GDA thread, so your statement also seems a bit general when applying it to that -- there are only so many choices.

Its very fair. One player can totally raise the level and improve. If the player finds it "frustrating" them thats on them. This is a GDA thread, so the levels you speak of will vary, but not by enough to make my point invalid. I have seen many kids bypass local Clubs to go to PDA.

[Unregistered]

For sure. Academic fit and aspirations should always be the number one priority. No one is going pro, the likelihood of playing four years isn't good, but your degree lasts a lifetime.

People twist this point ALL the time. If you are a top level player there is no need to compromise. Some of the best academic institutions have great womens soccer.

If you are going in thinking 4 yrs unlikely etc then soccer really is not driving your process. Fo the top players, it is.

[Unregistered]

The quality of college soccer is almost irrelevant to many families. It's all about the quality of the school; a decent package is 2nd on the list. Playing decent soccer is a huge bonus.

those families should take teh $$ money and invest in tutors.greater likliehood of better package and greater security and school choice. If the quality is irrelevant, then why spend tens of thousands of dollars on GDA type places over the years? Save the money, 529 and play CLub soccer in College.

I think this Pov is among the most disingenuous out there. Ill spend thousands of dollars improving my kids soccer game for no reason. because the quality of soccer she plays in College is irrelevant. Yeah ok. Not buying that.

[Unregistered]

those families should take teh $$ money and invest in tutors.greater likliehood of better package and greater security and school choice. If the quality is irrelevant, then why spend tens of thousands of dollars on GDA type places over the years? Save the money, 529 and play CLub soccer in College.

I think this Pov is among the most disingenuous out there. Ill spend thousands of dollars improving my kids soccer game for no reason. because the quality of soccer she plays in College is irrelevant. Yeah ok. Not buying that.

It may not make sense but it is true. The quality of the soccer played at the college is not of primary importance

[Unregistered]

It may not make sense but it is true. The quality of the soccer played at the college is not of primary importance

It absolutely IS for elite players.

[Unregistered]

It absolutely IS for elite players.

Suit yourself player but college is for getting aligned with a smart career path and prepare for admission to grad school if that will be required. A career path is soccer is possible but will it generate enough income?