The spring league is winding down and state cup is quickly approaching. Players and parents are starting their evaluations and soul searching on what to do next year. Especially important for this age group as they enter the increasingly critical GU15 and GU16 years.
Some will decide they've had enough of the intensity and either step back or quit all together and pursue other interests. But for those that have their hopes and dreams set in playing college ball or higher this is critical decision time.
It is my opinion that the G99 age group is hugely talented and very robust in numbers. The issue I see is that age old problem of talent that aspires to play at the "next" level is spread all over. To many clubs and teams. There does not seem to be a "stand out" team, a gold standard, that team that clearly all top players want to play for. We have a lot of good teams but none that seem to be head and shoulders above the rest.
I contend that if Portland gets one or two ECNL clubs then "game over". This will be the catalyst that will bring the areas top G99 players together. Surely there will be players/parents that can't afford the $$ or the time/travel commitment and these players will continue on in the OPL / OYSA quagmire. But for those top level female players that can afford the time and expense the ECNL may just be what finally blows a hole in the status quo, finally bringing together the top players.
However, if the Portland area does not get an ECNL club what happens? What team(s) emerge as the go to place? Or is it more of the same mediocrity? Are players/parents willing to make the decision to move to another club/team? Trade one good team for another? Who steps up and puts together the G99 Super Team? That one "go to" team?
Some will decide they've had enough of the intensity and either step back or quit all together and pursue other interests. But for those that have their hopes and dreams set in playing college ball or higher this is critical decision time.
It is my opinion that the G99 age group is hugely talented and very robust in numbers. The issue I see is that age old problem of talent that aspires to play at the "next" level is spread all over. To many clubs and teams. There does not seem to be a "stand out" team, a gold standard, that team that clearly all top players want to play for. We have a lot of good teams but none that seem to be head and shoulders above the rest.
I contend that if Portland gets one or two ECNL clubs then "game over". This will be the catalyst that will bring the areas top G99 players together. Surely there will be players/parents that can't afford the $$ or the time/travel commitment and these players will continue on in the OPL / OYSA quagmire. But for those top level female players that can afford the time and expense the ECNL may just be what finally blows a hole in the status quo, finally bringing together the top players.
However, if the Portland area does not get an ECNL club what happens? What team(s) emerge as the go to place? Or is it more of the same mediocrity? Are players/parents willing to make the decision to move to another club/team? Trade one good team for another? Who steps up and puts together the G99 Super Team? That one "go to" team?
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