Trying to wrap my head around all of this as my son becomes very competitive in the 09's. Can someone break down EPD vs. ECNL vs. High school pro's and con's for me? I heard somewhere that some ECNL teams don't allow you to play on your high school team? My son has been in EPD for a couple of years.I assume you can't really do them all?
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EPD is not a club or league. It's a way for Washington Youth Soccer to raise money as well as form a competitive team to play in USYS competitions. https://www.usyouthsoccer.orgOriginally posted by Guest View Post
ECNL is the top league in Washington State on both the boys and girls side outside of the Sounders. You can learn more about ECNL here: https://www.theecnl.com
You will get some argument from others about this. The truth is that there are teams and individual players in other leagues that may be better than teams and players in the ECNL. But as a league, nothing else in Washington compares. That doesn't mean others don't offer good products. But top to bottom and consistently through every age group the ECNL has the highest competition. ECNL allows for high school soccer.
Any 09 in WA can tryout for EPD and still play for their club team. It does not matter what league or club you play for.
I hope that helps!
If you have an EPD level player pick an ECNL team that is geographically closest to you. They all have pros and cons.
The top teams @ 09 boys are Crossfire, Seattle United and Eastside FC: https://public.totalglobalsports.com...e-standings/12 -
If your son is playing EPD you aren’t that clueless. Most of the EPD 09 player pool plays ECNL with just a few exceptions. You can still play high school and play ECNL (though I am not sure about how Crossfire feels about kids playing HS)
There is a huge gap between the Top 3-4 ECNL teams (WPFC is the other) which is too bad but there has been a lot of consolidation of talent at the age group. It’s really not good for anybody but that’s where we are today.Comment
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This seems like an eminently rational take. Would be difficult for anyone to disagree with anything here. Good analysis for OP!Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
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Thank you! My son is one of the few on EPD coming from a very small non ECNL team/club but we have recently been looking in to that option with other clubs. Perhaps it is a club preference that some don't play for their HS? I would assume ECNL would take precedent to HS if one had to choose? Sounds like there is a significant overlap in EPD and ECNL players - ECNL is the higher level of play even though EPD draws from a much bigger pool? Thanks!Comment
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ECNL Boys ends in February starting at U15 to avoid conflicting with high school soccer. Comparing EPD and ECNL is a little bit of apples and oranges, as EPD is too infrequent.Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
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EPD isn't a league or a club. It is an aggregation of kids that are "chosen" to pay and participate.Originally posted by Guest View Post
Details on EPD: https://washingtonyouthsoccer.org/el...r-development/
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Yeah it can get confusing, also the world of youth soccer is constantly changing, probably more than any other youth sport.
At 09, I would suggest doing both EPD and ECNL, unless the kid is doing other sports. The current trend is that EPD becomes less valuable as older the kid gets, I guess this could change but the trend has been steadily going downhill for EPD, especially at the older age group.
I don't know if ECNL will ever become full year round, but it should be in my opinion.Comment
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If your son is good enough to be in EPD, most likely he should be playing ECNL (if a team is nearby and doable) as it has the best teams and competition overall. Good chance he would make one of the teams. I would go practice with an ECNL club if you can unless you are at MIFC/Atletico where you can’t because the coach won’t let youComment
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I could be incorrect, but it seems like HS soccer does not offer much in development or potential scouting opportunities. That time would be better spend at ECNL. Of course this totally ignores the benefits of HS such as playing with friends, representing school, easy commute etcOriginally posted by Guest View Post
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It's fun and memorable and connects them with their school friends. If you are going pro, skip it. Otherwise, enjoy high school soccer for what it is!Originally posted by Guest View PostComment
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let them play High School ball. Get the kid of the best ECNL team you can get on. Make sure it is NOT to far of a drive. High School players drive themselves to practice. NOT YOUOriginally posted by Guest View PostComment
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