U16 ECNL $8,500 vs Academy $4,850

[Unregistered]

It is obvious what the strategy of those that support the Academy and ECNL is on this site, and it has all been beaten to death...Bottom line: do your own research, ask both sides the tough questions, and then make an informed decision that works for your family. Best to all.

[Unregistered]

It is obvious what the strategy of those that support the Academy and ECNL is on this site, and it has all been beaten to death...Bottom line: do your own research, ask both sides the tough questions, and then make an informed decision that works for your family. Best to all.

Excellent observation. Your IQ is to high to be posting on this site.

[Unregistered]

It is obvious what the strategy of those that support the Academy and ECNL is on this site, and it has all been beaten to death...Bottom line: do your own research, ask both sides the tough questions, and then make an informed decision that works for your family. Best to all.

Good points. However, even with that, there is going to be a lot of unknowns and the seasons will likely unfold quite differently than they are portrayed by the clubs and how any parent think they will. This is all so new, this year will be a lot of learning regarding the Academy and ECNL. I think next year will be a lot easier for everyone to analyze and decide. I do know that our family is going to do what is best for us, regardless of what anyone else says about it.

[Unregistered]

Don't have to go to every Showcase

Good points. However, even with that, there is going to be a lot of unknowns and the seasons will likely unfold quite differently than they are portrayed by the clubs and how any parent think they will. This is all so new, this year will be a lot of learning regarding the Academy and ECNL. I think next year will be a lot easier for everyone to analyze and decide. I do know that our family is going to do what is best for us, regardless of what anyone else says about it.

Something for the budget conscious parents to consider is that you are not required to attend all of the showcase tournaments. Cutting out Florida saves you $1,300. Take out one of the others and save any where from $900-1,000. The bottom line is that you can have access the ECNL league and a limited showcase schedule for around $6,000 or the same per game money as the Academy.

[Unregistered]

Something for the budget conscious parents to consider is that you are not required to attend all of the showcase tournaments. Cutting out Florida saves you $1,300. Take out one of the others and save any where from $900-1,000. The bottom line is that you can have access the ECNL league and a limited showcase schedule for around $6,000 or the same per game money as the Academy.

You can also not attend things being in the Academy as well. And for the budget conscience, per game costs are not the way to look at it, total costs is.

[Unregistered]

You can also not attend things being in the Academy as well. And for the budget conscience, per game costs are not the way to look at it, total costs is.

Why does that not fit your agenda? Ecnl is a legitimate. Thorns academy only exists because of ecnl. Sad really that the timbers organization has sunk so low as to damage youth soccer further. You don't have to do ecnl, but to try and sell the thorns as quality program is a joke. You would be better off staying with your club team and odp.

[Unregistered]

You can also not attend things being in the Academy as well. And for the budget conscience, per game costs are not the way to look at it, total costs is.

Cost is exactly how you should look at it, you get what you pay for. Ecnl will have flexibility

[Unregistered]

Except if you cut out Vegas there is nuuthing left

You can also not attend things being in the Academy as well. And for the budget conscience, per game costs are not the way to look at it, total costs is.

The big cost travel item on the Thorns schedule is Vegas for $900+. If you cut that out you take away four quality games and 70% of the coaching exposure so then what would be the point?

Comparatively you can cut the ECNL big events in half and still have MEANINFUL games and college exposure!

[Unregistered]

Academy will be superior training experience
, be much less expensive and have more than enough collegiate recruiting exposure.

[Unregistered]

Academy will be superior training experience
, be much less expensive and have more than enough collegiate recruiting exposure.

Who is going to provide this "superior training"? The same ODP coaches and TA clowns as before...

[Unregistered]

Who is going to provide this "superior training"? The same ODP coaches and TA clowns as before...

Oh wait... but they are a "professional Organization" now.... LOOOL!!!!!

This place is full of suckers......

[Unregistered]

Oh wait... but they are a "professional Organization" now.... LOOOL!!!!!

This place is full of suckers......

Said as you look around at the ECNL tryouts.