Girls DA travel is free???!!

[Unregistered]

First, you're smoking crack with that number.

DA clubs are pressured to lower fees but are not required to make it free presently (MLS clubs on the boys side have to). So fees at worst would be similar to ECNL, maybe a bit lower. Parents are still on the hook for travel unless the club were to help there as well. If GDA isn't as big as ECNL then travel will be worse but not $20K worse. Boys DA teams organize travel for teams (either by coach bus or group rates for flights) and players share rooms. That helps reduce travel costs a great deal. Parents are not encouraged to drive/travel with their kids. There is some scholarship funding with GDA, but spread across the system only 1-2 players per club would get substantial assistance.

I have many issues with GDA (like why are we doing it at all) but you need to stop with the absurd cost figures. It just isn't true.

Does that $20K include parent travel? Better hope so because it's only the truly delusional that will be participating and you know they can't miss even one game - or practice for that matter.

[Unregistered]

Does that $20K include parent travel? Better hope so because it's only the truly delusional that will be participating and you know they can't miss even one game - or practice for that matter.

like the OP said the cost isn't $20k or anything close to that. It will be similar to ECNL, maybe a few dollars on either side. This list of 25 isn't the final list.

As for the other part, yes GDA will have real issues convincing players to give up HS soccer and all other sports, practice 4x/week + one game/weekend, possibly not be rostered for a game (can only roster 18 on game day) and maybe not play because of substitution rules.

[Unregistered]

Found this quote in another forum. The interesting part is the last sentence about NCAA eligibility.

"The MLS Portland Timbers are making a massive investment in their youth system. In order to best serve and develop the best players in their territory, the cost of the program will be minimal for the 10 month season and all the air travel and practice the Academy year will entail, players and their families will only be asked to provide a minimal $500 equipment and performance bond annually. There will be limited scholarships available and no player will be left out for financial reasons. The Portland Timbers will pay for all Academy air travel and accommodation throughout the year but care will be taken to ensure that all players do not get any other special treatment that would endanger their NCAA eligibility."

[Unregistered]

And from the Timbers. This is about boys DA.

http://portland-mp7static.mlsdigital...Q&info2016.pdf

[Unregistered]

Only reason to do the Girls DA.

The reason to do it is to be in the academy program where the highest level of competition appears to be moving. Paid travel is gravy.

[Unregistered]

Does that $20K include parent travel? Better hope so because it's only the truly delusional that will be participating and you know they can't miss even one game - or practice for that matter.

We are moving. I think it is delusional to stay with ECNL once all the academy clubs pull out. For once there will be an opportunity to consolidate the better talent. In my opinion it will happen very quickly. For us it is bye bye ECNL

[Unregistered]

We are moving. I think it is delusional to stay with ECNL once all the academy clubs pull out. For once there will be an opportunity to consolidate the better talent. In my opinion it will happen very quickly. For us it is bye bye ECNL

Your DD has never been good enough to sniff the sweaty socks of an ECNL player. The only way you're going to the Thorns is because all the real players passed it up - which they will.

[Unregistered]

Your DD has never been good enough to sniff the sweaty socks of an ECNL player. The only way you're going to the Thorns is because all the real players passed it up - which they will.

Desperate thoughts from a parent that purchased a ticket to elite for their child. Enjoy.

[Unregistered]

The reason to do it is to be in the academy program where the highest level of competition appears to be moving. Paid travel is gravy.

Any league that includes the Thorns Academy is, by definition, not the highest level of competition.

Or are you saying that OYSA is the top league in the country?

[Unregistered]

Any league that includes the Thorns Academy is, by definition, not the highest level of competition.

Or are you saying that OYSA is the top league in the country?

Yes, now the Thorns are in the top league of the country.

[Unregistered]

Yes, now the Thorns are in the top league of the country.

A league that doesn't exist. No games have been played, and might never be played. With teams that have no rosters. Yep, sounds like what the Thorns would consider the top league.

[Unregistered]

Yes, now the Thorns are in the top league of the country.

We've seen how that has worked out for the Timbers boys academy - for the Portland girls who do this hope that So. Cal Blues place the best players in ECNL not USSDA: Timbers' boys losses of 0-8, 0-9 will look good in comparison.

[Unregistered]

A league that doesn't exist. No games have been played, and might never be played. With teams that have no rosters. Yep, sounds like what the Thorns would consider the top league.

Yes, and ECNL is left with what? Truly you can't be so thick that you don't see the writing on the wall. The Thorns are now positioned to offer a superior as well as cheaper option. Good stuff.

[Unregistered]

Yes, and ECNL is left with what? Truly you can't be so thick that you don't see the writing on the wall. The Thorns are now positioned to offer a superior as well as cheaper option. Good stuff.

Inferior and more expensive. Nice scam the Thorns have going there. ECNL will still be, by far, the stronger and more attractive product. And only the delusionals won't realize that.

[Unregistered]

Okay. Feel better now?