The TRUTH about ECNL

[Unregistered]

Why can't they practice 8 times per week? Can they mix in some daily doubles? Maybe they can run it like high-level gymnastics. Parents can start getting their DDs out of school at lunch so they can spend the second half of their days on the pitch. We need to start taking our youth soccer more serious damn it. We need some dedication!

We do that anyway regardless of ECNL.

[Unregistered]

Yes. After seeing the results of the OYSA/OPL split and the drop off in both leagues in skill level, the Kool-Aid is starting to look pretty good. Per a friend with a DD on one of the newly formed ECNL U14 teams, they are looking at practicing 4 - 5 times a week and then having friendlies/scrimmages against boys teams, older girls teams and the WA teams. They won't get to win a medal at the Friendship Cup, but they will get better. Will there be some pine riding? Surely. It is competitive soccer. But at the speed of play that they will need to be competitive, I would guess most (even the 16th-18th girls) will see significant playing time. You have a point about the coaching.

You are hoping that the end of bench players get time. I suspect early on they will. In friendless and such. But when league starts, that will be where the rubber meets the road. I can't remember if U14 is 30 or 35 minute halfs, but I remember them seeming short. Its a lot of money and time if a player doesn't end up getting much time.

[Unregistered]

You are hoping that the end of bench players get time. I suspect early on they will. In friendless and such. But when league starts, that will be where the rubber meets the road. I can't remember if U14 is 30 or 35 minute halfs, but I remember them seeming short. Its a lot of money and time if a player doesn't end up getting much time.

Agreed. I have a DD at FCP U14G ECNL that might be a 'bumper' player. It won't be fun sending her to Utah for the Utah/Idaho weekend, Seattle or Nor. Cal and hear she set on the bench. But It is competitive soccer, that is what we signed up for. If she doesn't go to those events we don't have to pay for the traveling expenses, so no harm, no foul. We went into it with our eyes open, knowing full well they are going to play to win, not give everyone equal time, girls may not get to play 'their position', etc. If my dd want to play, she will need to prove it and have the skills needed. It's not for everyone, but so far we love the pace and level of play.

[Unregistered]

Agreed. I have a DD at FCP U14G ECNL that might be a 'bumper' player. It won't be fun sending her to Utah for the Utah/Idaho weekend, Seattle or Nor. Cal and hear she set on the bench. But It is competitive soccer, that is what we signed up for. If she doesn't go to those events we don't have to pay for the traveling expenses, so no harm, no foul. We went into it with our eyes open, knowing full well they are going to play to win, not give everyone equal time, girls may not get to play 'their position', etc. If my dd want to play, she will need to prove it and have the skills needed. It's not for everyone, but so far we love the pace and level of play.

Great post by a level headed parent. You are in the 5% of ECNL parents from here. I hope she gets time, but at least if she doesn't, you are prepared.