There are going to be alot of p!ssed off parents here soon!

[Unregistered]

From what I've heard ODP as we know it will be revamped. They will pplay for ODP. The girls will have elite level training opportunities at the three affiliated Timbers clubs (ESUFC / WSM / Vanc.) aka: The Timbers' RTC's (Regional Training Centers) much like the boys had this fall. This pool of selected girls will train with high level coaches and the majority of the ODP traveling squads will be pulled from this group. There will be open tryouts for those players not involved in the Timbers RTC. Players from outside the metro area will have to travel to one of the three RTC's. Note: this is modeled after the MLS / Sounders FC program. The RTC's will be player centric and qualified players from all clubs will be invited. DOCs will recommend and there will be player cuts/dismissals to maintain quality.
So why did the Timbers affiliate with certain clubs? I'm guessing that the Timbers want to implement a training methodology and these three clubs agreed to the requirements etc. (not to mention that adidas probably has more to do with this then meets the eyes). I've also heard that those clubs that don't support the unification of OYSA & OPL were not considered.

worth repeating: think Oregon & Timbers

FROM WYS:
In the past, ODP (Olympic Development Program) was the main piece of our elite player development system. With the new EPD program, ODP will be a part of the overarching, umbrella system of EPD. EPD players will participate in ODP events based on their age group, abilities, but will also have the opportunity to participate in additional programming such as International events, local and Regional Elite Tournaments and college showcases, and Residential Training Programs.

The programs that make up the EPD include:

US Soccer National Player Identification program
• ODP Selected Events
ODP Annual Programming
• Washington Youth Soccer / Sounders FC Player Development Training Program
• Annual State Pool Training Program
State pool training schedule for event preparation & development
• Local & Regional Elite Tournaments / College Showcases
Strategically selected events
Programming that exposes our elite players to the international training methodologies

[Unregistered]

I've also heard that those clubs that don't support the unification of OYSA & OPL were not considered.

This is a good point. Im glad to see that a driving force in our community has the where with all to stand up and say "Enough is Enough".

Those with their head in the sand or still shaking their fists will be left behind. It's gone on way too long already and the OPL have made their point. The parents (ultimate customer) have spoken as well and will show those hold out clubs with their check book since now there will be other options.

OYSA has offered the OPL all of competitive soccer in the state, matched the same price as US Club as far as player card fees so there is nothing keeping them from rejoining -----> except those that are still with hurt feelings or are so greedy that they want even more.

Just as the OPL did to OYSA, the Timbers might just do to those clubs not joining the band. The Timbers are thinking of a BIG picture. Making Oregon youth soccer as strong as it can be. Under one roof.

[Vancouver Soccer Dad]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;691020I'm scratching my head regarding the Vancouver club though. They don't seem to offer much. In talking with an ex-VUSA parent they're not the largest club in Clark County and they have big holes in their boys side. Disclaimer: that's an "n" of 1 and and from a person who left the club.[/QUOTE]

At least one of the advantages of including VUSA is that it will help secure Clark County players as "Timbers Home Growns". Otherwise, there is always the argument that they should be "Sounders Home Growns".

As for VUSA itself, it has by far the most "advanced competition" teams in Clark County, and those teams typically play in higher divisions than the WSA teams. WSA has a larger rec base though. VUSA has about twice as many "advanced" teams as either WSA or Pacific FC, with Salmon Creek trailing the back considerably. And, of course, if VUSA-WSA merge then we end up with a 4000 player "big club"

[Unregistered]

From what I've heard ODP as we know it will be revamped. They will pplay for ODP. The girls will have elite level training opportunities at the three affiliated Timbers clubs (ESUFC / WSM / Vanc.) aka: The Timbers' RTC's (Regional Training Centers) much like the boys had this fall.

And who would these "elite level training" sessions be held by? The current WSM and ESUFC coaches who run a horrible girls program?

It will be run much like WA I would guess. In WA the top level girls players play ECNL and do the Sounders ODP on the side. If Oregon gets ECNL that is where the top players will go. Some will choose to do ODP through the Timbers while others will not. ECNL will be the place for the girls, not WSM and ESUFC. Look for the girls to flock to THUSC and FC.

[Unregistered]

The reasons why I "think" MLS will eventually run a womens league:

1. Their facilities that are not used all of the time.

2. They have the management and marketing structure already in place.

3. They have TV contracts that they can leverage into higher fees for BOTH sexes when negotiating with the networks

4. They need the "good will" of the LARGER number of soccer families with DD's.


I only hope they take the next year to take over womens pro soccer so that all of the time effort and money invested in our DD's soccer doesn't end in adult rec leagues!

You would think a WMLS with a concerted sales / marketing / advertising / player development / player pathway effort targeted at the female viewership could be successful?
Determine the female demographics of the most successful MLS teams and the top 8 are candidates for WMLS. Hire some hotshot from the WNBA to start/run/consult.
Give the MLS teams that have an affiliated WMLS team some perks (ex. increased MLS salary cap)

said b4 ... it all comes down to $$$ / ROI.

[Unregistered]

Everyone is getting way ahead of themselves. Nothing is going to change all that much. WSM will still be WSM with the same coaches and the same fees. Same with ESUFC. Fees will not go down and training will not go up. It will not be the only way to get into the RTC or the DA programs. WSM and ESUFC will try to sell you that point but it's not true. Look at ODP. Other than fancy uniforms it's the same ODP as previous.

WSM and ESUFC will continue to be top clubs for the boys just as they were before. THUSC will survive just fine with their girls program and FC will be fine as well as they have a strong boys and girls program.

The Timbers are investing their money in the DA programs not the clubs and surely not the girls. Without a doubt boys will flock to WSM and ESUFC but they did that in the past anyway. If THUSC gets ECNL then girls will flock there. FC and OSSA will still have plenty of talent and top teams.

[Unregistered]

Calling the OSSA people. I've been reading about this club and that club. My daughter plays OSSA 2nd team. If girls are going to be flocking to other clubs, what will OSSA do to keep their players? Maybe we should consider a move too.

[Unregistered]

Calling the OSSA people. I've been reading about this club and that club. My daughter plays OSSA 2nd team. If girls are going to be flocking to other clubs, what will OSSA do to keep their players? Maybe we should consider a move tothiso.

I think there is something missing here. The top players will flock is the idea. It is unlikely that a player from a B team or team 2 will make the ENCL team, so there would be no benefit to any players that is not a top 4 player on a current top team. (There may be some stragglers in small towns for sure.) ENCL will be expensive and my guess is this team will be kind of picked long before try outs... I know I know no recruiting allowed. Whatever

[Unregistered]

As for VUSA itself, it has by far the most "advanced competition" teams in Clark County, and those teams typically play in higher divisions than the WSA teams. WSA has a larger rec base though. VUSA has about twice as many "advanced" teams as either WSA or Pacific FC, with Salmon Creek trailing the back considerably. And, of course, if VUSA-WSA merge then we end up with a 4000 player "big club"

Your comments are misleading.
VUSA's Premier Boys side is a shambles with gaping holes (i.e. no teams) in specific age groups. Their better teams are or have graduated from the club.
The landscape for boys soccer in SW washington has changed and the powerbase is most certainly not VUSA anymore.

Kinda strange that the PDX Timbers aligned with a club that has these issues on the boys side as well as a realtively smallish Rec base (to feed the machine) in comparison to other Clark County clubs? Almost as if they didn't do there due diligence on the soccer landscape in SW WA.
If their motivation is to develop and find those home grown players the Timbers need to re-think their partnership or at least broaden their scope in Clark County.
And please ... I'm not a VUSA hater. Just tell'in like it is.

[Unregistered]

Everyone is getting way ahead of themselves. Nothing is going to change all that much. WSM will still be WSM with the same coaches and the same fees. Same with ESUFC. Fees will not go down and training will not go up. It will not be the only way to get into the RTC or the DA programs. WSM and ESUFC will try to sell you that point but it's not true. Look at ODP. Other than fancy uniforms it's the same ODP as previous.

WSM and ESUFC will continue to be top clubs for the boys just as they were before. THUSC will survive just fine with their girls program and FC will be fine as well as they have a strong boys and girls program.

The Timbers are investing their money in the DA programs not the clubs and surely not the girls. Without a doubt boys will flock to WSM and ESUFC but they did that in the past anyway. If THUSC gets ECNL then girls will flock there. FC and OSSA will still have plenty of talent and top teams.

AMEN ... you are wise

[Unregistered]

I think there is something missing here. The top players will flock is the idea. It is unlikely that a player from a B team or team 2 will make the ENCL team, so there would be no benefit to any players that is not a top 4 player on a current top team. (There may be some stragglers in small towns for sure.) ENCL will be expensive and my guess is this team will be kind of picked long before try outs... I know I know no recruiting allowed. Whatever

Yes, the idea is that they'll flock, but if they don't because it's THUSC then what? My daughter has every right to try to make the team and she's the kind to work her tail off to do it. Isnt that what kids are told to do? If you want something you should work hardtabs give it a shot. I will never tell her not to go for it because she is on a very good 2nd team, but not the 1st team.

Why do you mention the expense? If I didn't have the funds I obviously wouldn't be looking into it.

[Unregistered]

Yes, the idea is that they'll flock, but if they don't because it's THUSC then what? My daughter has every right to try to make the team and she's the kind to work her tail off to do it. Isnt that what kids are told to do? If you want something you should work hardtabs give it a shot. I will never tell her not to go for it because she is on a very good 2nd team, but not the 1st team.

Why do you mention the expense? If I didn't have the funds I obviously wouldn't be looking into it.

WOW a little sensitive. Geez. I have no idea what you financial situation is. I was only pointing out the obvious. It is a board, so generally the posts are for everyone. I never said she shouldn't try-out or that she doesnt work hard.I DO NOT KNOW HER. That is a strange response to my post. My point is players can flock all they want, and THUSC may put together several teams, but only one will play ECNL.

[Unregistered]

The Reasons why I think MLS will Not evenentually run a Women's MLS team

1) the cost to open a facility (Stadium) to host a very underfilled event is not worth them opening up that space. Remember, they have to pay vendors, employees, security, electricity, maintenance, etc. If the stands are not full, they make no money! Also, keep in mind that all sports franchises are continuing to add ticketsales and more seating to their venues. The reason is a constant elevation in cost to open the stadium.

2) The Management and marketing structure that is currently in place at these teams is adequate enough for the current team to stay above water. It would take many more resources to forge into something new and generate the buzz that is currently felt in the MLS. Remember, Portland just got a team last year and its successfull, but they were an expansion team from a league that has been in existance (and at times a pitiful existance). Too much would be needed to start another full fledged program. A great example is the lack of acceptance of the WNBA.

3) The TV contracts are negotiated at different levels. Also, TV contracts are 100% driven by the advertising world. You have to prove that there would be a return on the advertisers investment to get them to pony up the cost of advertising time. Remember, TV station (with the exception of OPB) are not publicly funded. Their survival is advertising dollars. They also only have a set amount of time to work with that brings in the high dollars. Currently (and sadly) womens sports don't generate enough dollars to get the networks to change broadcasting away from the nationally syndicated shows. Proof in point, has anyone ever watched a full WNBA game? Most people cant even tell you when the season is. Oh Yeah, didnt the league go bankrupt last year?

4) The "Goodwill" of the families isn't needed if there continues to be sellouts for all the mens games. Our DD's soccer is important to us and we do have options, but really, not that many people place an importance on the girls/womens sides, with the great exception of our US National Team.

5)Historically, take a look at the places where soccer is more than a pastime and it's been that way for decades. Places like Europe, Spain, Central/South America. There is no current professional league for the female sides in those places. Some may have semi-pro league (like the league that Portland Rain played in until it went bankrupt this year!), but nothing on the grand scale that would warrant TV time. Aside from a handful of women on the US National team, most cannot name any other impact players from around the world!

Unfortunately, all your time and dollars that you have invested in your DD will land them in an adult rec league. Most of them wont even play that after High School/College. Instead of looking at it like that, think of the great things they have learned: facing/overcoming diversity; having to work as a team (like the rest of life); the importance of proper nutrition; instilling unbeleivable work ethic; Sportsmanship; make decisions quickly and the importance of physical activity in their life!

4)

[Unregistered]

WOW a little sensitive. Geez. I have no idea what you financial situation is. I was only pointing out the obvious. It is a board, so generally the posts are for everyone. I never said she shouldn't try-out or that she doesnt work hard.I DO NOT KNOW HER. That is a strange response to my post. My point is players can flock all they want, and THUSC may put together several teams, but only one will play ECNL.

A disgruntled 2nd team parent I am I suppose. I've heard people say once a B team player, always a B team player and I don't buy it. My frustration comes from the hint that the team will be chosen long before tryouts. How will you get a big pool of players to choose from if they are told this?

[Unregistered]

A disgruntled 2nd team parent I am I suppose. I've heard people say once a B team player, always a B team player and I don't buy it. My frustration comes from the hint that the team will be chosen long before tryouts. How will you get a big pool of players to choose from if they are told this?

The team would not be chosen before try-outs. Coaches may have an idea of who they are looking for but that's pretty normal during try-outs. Many B team players have bumped up to A teams so tell your daughter to keep working hard. I know Ireland, Sodium, Iridium, and Onyx have picked up B team players.