What would it take for the OPL to work together to form one team per age group for the best players from each team? These teams could attempt to compete in the ENCL or a league of similar quality and it would provide opportunities for the better players to compete at a higher level while also providing a kudos to the clubs that are able to attract and develop players to that level.
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It would take buy in
It would take several things: first, the kids would have to want to do it. Lot's of them like the team they're on. They are with their friends, they like their coaches, they win etc; second, there would have to be real upside. The "for the good of Oregon soccer etc." just doesn't cut it; third, all the clubs would have to buy into it. This was the opportunity that presented itself with the DA for FCP. It didn't work out. Primarily for the above reasons. Nobody was pushing it. Nobody from the other clubs pushed their best players to go the DA route and none of the other clubs perceived it as a loss to Oregon soccer when FCP lost their DA spot. What's different now? Not much. If the soccer community wasn't going to support a DA entry, which is as good as it gets in US youth soccer, it seems unlikely a push toward something less will get much momentum. -
I dont think that the clubs would have any thing to do about it if a group of players/parents all got together and formed a team on their own. OYSA allows teams to form and register directly.
With all the BS that has gone on lately, were not far from that happening soon.Comment
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Unfortunately, I think you are correct that it is unlikely because of the "control" issue. In FC's case it would have taken players moving to FC but if the OPL clubs could agree to share then they could certainly field a team without players actually leaving their respective clubs.Originally posted by Unregistered View Post
How do you get the majority of the top talent to collude?Comment
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Someone (a players parent) contacting those that exhibit qualities of elitism at their age. Forming the group and allow the group to make decisions based upon majority rule.Originally posted by ESUFC Fan View Post
You know as well as I do, that parents of players that are at or near the top, all have opinions as to how it could be better. Most know if their player exhibits those traits and skills to compete at that level. Some wish, but results on the field will determine it quickly.
Compiling these folks and agreeing on a plan for a specific period (summer tourneys, elite league, etc.) or targeted goal. Eliminate the fat (club overhead and administration) and pour the balance of funding into training, development, showcase events, travel, tourneys, etc.) where the players will get the most from it and exposure.Comment
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Excellent point !! I think it is easy to a point and then it becomes so subjective that everyone would never agree.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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This would be a great idea. I can't see it happening but it would be nice.Originally posted by ESUFC Fan View PostComment
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There are already parents/players with this very idea, who are truely wanting to do this and it is something that could be successful and beneficial to those players who want to just play good soccer without having to belong to a big club with big price and the politics to go along with it. But, the hard part is would the parents/players be willing to walk away from their club and take the chance on something new and unkown.Originally posted by Unregistered View Post
I for one would be more than willing to support and do anything I could to give me daughter an opportunity to play with players who are driven, have a good attitude and love soccer (just have to screen for those crazy parents! ;) ). An opportunity to go out and train, develop and do some good tournaments with other strong players.
I do agree with the other poster that everyone has the own version how things should work-so it would really take a great group of parents and players for this to work.Comment
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Sounds Like Parent Run ODP to Me
Wow. That would go over well. A parent will chose who s/he thinks the best players are and invite them for elite events. Unless the parents kids is by so far and away the best player in the age group I'd hate to be that kid. How many teams do you think that will blow up? Who is going to organize, register and coach them? It's not as easy as signing up a team and rolling out a couple of balls.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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I don't know if parents could pull it off since there has to be someone in charge and there are expenses and there need to be really good coaches and training and all that good stuff.
Honestly, some clubs are closer to running programs like this than others. IMO, the OPL isn't well positioned for it since there are so many clubs and they are all in direct competition for players and parent dollars already. It is sort of a money problem. Don't get me wrong, I am not siding with OYSA or OPL. However, it would almost seem like OYSA could do this if they offered it as a "ODP like" team and kept players together all year. It wouldn't be ODP it would likely evolve from the ODP selection process. I know there are some flaws but the ECNL is a high school age only league and frankly the ODP rosters don't change all that much from year to year at the older ages.
As a parent I would be all over this. All my daughter wants to do is to play good soccer and other than that she could care less. When she was younger her friends had a lot of influence over her desire to play for our club. At the high school level the type of play is so different between say ODP and club that she almost finds club demotivating.
We have just come to a place of frustration where we finally realize that club soccer in Oregon (since Oregon is so small) is designed for the mainstream player and not the high end player. Occasionally a club team forms where a consolidation of talent happens naturally; however the way the OPL formed it may even cut down on this natural occurence. Most of the movement of these players happened as a result of relationships that were formed in ODP. Now the OPL isn't particularly supportive of ODP so it is likely to cut down on recruiting of ODP players. Right now it would appear that the best we can expect is playing in the NWCL with a diluted talent pool.
It is a relief that other parents are feeling similiarly.Comment
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You seem like quite the visionary (and Im sure quite fond of following the rest of the sheep in the herd). If these players/parents have the wherewithal to do all of the first part, I'm sure they've thought of the last part.Originally posted by Unregistered View Post
Maybe a lil shake up is what is needed in our "state of disrepair" that has been created. Remember, these would be parents only concerned about the benefit of their child playing at the highest level possible, not that of other players, teams or clubs that might be effected. It might just start a trend that a club would follow (seeking ONLY the best players and playing only at the HIGHEST level available), not just what everyone else is doing.
If a group like this was created, Im sure it would not interfere with ODP since many would be on those same ODP teams (Top Oregon Players) already and they would be playing summer tourneys and in leagues that are parallel to other league times and dates.
Why is that you weren't asking your last part above to all of the OPL clubs when they decided to vacate OYSA ? Look what they did and how it effected the whole state, not just a couple of teams.Comment
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Great Idea - Here is the work needed.
Great idea. I don't want to kill this as a good discussion, but look over the follow.
Here is the ECNL Website with the information for doing this.
http://www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com
Look over the application.
Key points to work with:
Application Review Process - All applications will be reviewed by a committee selected by the ECNL Board of Directors based on the following criteria:
1. Club’s Player Development Guidelines
2. Club’s History of Youth Player Development
3. Club’s History of Success in Elite Competitions, Tournaments and Leagues
4. Club’s Technical Staff
2011-2012 Member Club Requirements
Teams
In 2011-2012, each ECNL Member Club will be required to enter the club’s top level team at the U14, U15, U16, U17 and U18 age groups.
Competitions
In 2011-2012, each U15, U16 and U17 ECNL team must participate in three national ECNL events (from a selection of 5), the ECNL National Championship, and an extensive ECNL regional game schedule. U14 and U18 teams will play an smaller schedule that will include an extensive ECNL regional game schedule and select national ECNL events to be determined.
Standards and Guidelines
Each ECNL team will be expected to follow the Member Club Standards and Guidelines set forth by the ECNL.
One-Time Acceptance Fee
If accepted, each new ECNL Member Club is required to provide a $1000 one-time initial acceptance fee (the application fee will be credited towards this amount).
Annual League Fee
The ECNL Board of Directors establishes an annual fee for membership in the ECNL. The annual league fee covers cost of administering the league, costs of the ECNL National Championship, and costs of the ECNL Player Identification Program
Completion of ECNL Season
All ECNL teams are required to participate in the entire ECNL Season. Should a team fail to complete their schedule, they will lose their membership in the ECNL.Comment
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Who Is Elite or Best and Who Decides
I hate to break it to all you parents of "elite" player or "stars,: or those who you think can play at the HIGHEST level -- they can't. You don't and won't have enough players to field a team if that's your standard. There aren't that many good players. They aren't elite. They just aren't, no matter how much you want them to be.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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I'm sure that a group of interested parents could identify 14-16 top players in the state from the ODP rosters alone.Originally posted by Unregistered View PostComment
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