DA vs ECNL vs everything else

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


That said, we didn't leave the ECNL and join the DA because of PDA, nor will we leave because of it. We joined it because no matter how many teams come or go, one objective reality remains: playing year round will develop a player into a better soccer player than just half the year. High school ball is not a developmental experience: it's a social one. I have seen high school teams that are loaded with top level players, but you wouldn't know it - at least not from a tactical standpoint. How they play for their high school is not the same high level, possession play that they do for their clubs - because that is not what their coaches want.

It's by no means an "objective reality" that year-round soccer training creates better soccer players or ensures optimal development. I bet you already know that specialization carries risks of injury, emotional burnout, and early peaks including speed plateaus, and I assume that you took those risks in an informed way. But please don't give people the idea that there's only one way to help an athlete fulfill her potential. I mean, it depends on the training mix, but year-round specialization correlates with elite performance in soccer only for the oldest teens. Remember that European academies program using a sport sampling model.

It is an objective reality - assuming it is a quality practice. I should have qualified it. Which is why I dontcount high school soccer. It is high volume hours with low quality. So you are right: some training creates injury risks. Iassumed everyone understood I meant high level training.

And I am not talking to the U9 parent. I'm talking about when the player reaches the level that he/she has decided for himself/herself that he/she is truly passionate about soccer. GDA is for young ladies who love soccer to that level that they(not their parents) have decided that is theonly sport theylove andwant toplay I'm not talking to those parents who want tolive vicariously through their children.

For those players, they want to be the best at soccer and forthem, year round programs are appropriate. That is the only way to reach their highest potential in soccer. Aswith all sports.

Also assumed is that there are breaks in training. Just not 6 month long breaks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


That said, we didn't leave the ECNL and join the DA because of PDA, nor will we leave because of it. We joined it because no matter how many teams come or go, one objective reality remains: playing year round will develop a player into a better soccer player than just half the year. High school ball is not a developmental experience: it's a social one. I have seen high school teams that are loaded with top level players, but you wouldn't know it - at least not from a tactical standpoint. How they play for their high school is not the same high level, possession play that they do for their clubs - because that is not what their coaches want.

It's by no means an "objective reality" that year-round soccer training creates better soccer players or ensures optimal development. I bet you already know that specialization carries risks of injury, emotional burnout, and early peaks including speed plateaus, and I assume that you took those risks in an informed way. But please don't give people the idea that there's only one way to help an athlete fulfill her potential. I mean, it depends on the training mix, but year-round specialization correlates with elite performance in soccer only for the oldest teens. Remember that European academies program using a sport sampling model.

Objectively the only way to master a specific thing is to practice and do more of a specific thing.

If you want to play the guitar better then the best way to achieve that is to play the guitar a lot. That doesn't mean that also playing the piano does not offer some benefits overall musically but playing the piano does not in fact make you a better guitar player. It MIGHT make you a better overall musician and most certainly a more well rounded musician.

The same holds for soccer. If you want to be a well rounded athlete then play multiple sports. If you want to be the best soccer player you can be then play lots of soccer. 4 quality practices 10 months a year will over the course of 4-5 years will yield better SOCCER results than 4-5 years 3 ECNL/Club practices over 7 months with HS soccer/HS Sport being the other 3 months.

For recruiting purposes do college coaches like multisport athletes? Yes, yes they do. But in the end they will recruit the best soccer players first and then find room for those quality soccer/athletes who have upside.

[Anonymous]

You're stating the conventional wisdom here about specialization. But if the conventional wisdom were correct, wouldn't there be a surplus of elite soccer players in the DMV where clubs force kids to play virtually year-round for years on end? People who perform scientific research on how to develop elite athletes disagree with your prescription for your kid, but I respect your right to guide her as you think best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You're stating the conventional wisdom here about specialization. But if the conventional wisdom were correct, wouldn't there be a surplus of elite soccer players in the DMV where clubs force kids to play virtually year-round for years on end? People who perform scientific research on how to develop elite athletes disagree with your prescription for your kid, but I respect your right to guide her as you think best.

Exactly what part of "If you want to be the best soccer player you can be then play lots of soccer." confused you?

[Anonymous]

That's not how it works.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That's not how it works.

Yes in fact it does. You don't get better at chess by playing checkers.

[Anonymous]

RantingSoccerDad wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That's not how it works.

Yes in fact it does. You don't get better at chess by playing checkers.

But you get better at math by playing music.

On specialization: https://www.amazon.com/Wise-Specialize-Specialization-Athletic-Performance-ebook/dp/B00NTFYBHG

Playing music can enhance attributes that might make math easier but doing math to get better at math is still what needs to be done.

Basketball may improve some athletic attributes that can carry over into soccer, but to actually be better at soccer requires playing soccer. There might be 20% of basketball playing attributes that translate directly to soccer. Of that 20% ones soccer ability might be raised 2% as a direct result of playing basketball. Playing basketball is an inefficient way to become a better soccer player. (And I know I just made those numbers up.)

Playing music, while helpful, is also an inefficient way to improve math skills.

It also simply depends on ones end game. the "Changing the Game" book you mentioned is more about holistic wellness than it is about true sports performance.

[Anonymous]

Really..this bored is a bunch of back and forth with no real information.

All the posters on every other board in the US is providing insider information.

There is a lot going on right now...whats the scoop?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Really..this bored is a bunch of back and forth with no real information.

All the posters on every other board in the US is providing insider information.

There is a lot going on right now...whats the scoop?

This is simply friendly banter between announcements. Relax

[Anonymous]

I get it. But what's the real scoop? We as parents aren't sharing information because of club loyalty. BS. You pay them. They don't pay you.

Is it DA or ECNL for NOVA going forward

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I get it. But what's the real scoop? We as parents aren't sharing information because of club loyalty. BS. You pay them. They don't pay you.

Is it DA or ECNL for NOVA going forward

Jesus, nobody knows the answer to that. I get what you are asking but it is a stupid way of asking it. There is no inside information that will determine the destiny of either league.

As with anything pick the right environment for your kid and that means coach, club, location etc. ECNL and DA will both provide exposure to colleges for the foreseeable future so there is no clear-cut winner yet. Since both leagues will provide exposure put your kid in the spot to have the most impact regardless of league.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I get it. But what's the real scoop? We as parents aren't sharing information because of club loyalty. BS. You pay them. They don't pay you.

Is it DA or ECNL for NOVA going forward

Both, for the next few years.

[Anonymous]

Well then why play DA if it's both going forward?

Seriously thinking the ECNL option over DA now

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well then why play DA if it's both going forward?

Seriously thinking the ECNL option over DA now

it appears that you dont know the reasons why you would/should really choose either. its your childs interests in soccer that may help guide the decision not the name brand

[Anonymous]

If it's the same you pay for the cheaper.

I payed ECNL..I payed DA. It's all the same...this carrot crap is BS.

Never wanted the age change. They did it anyways. Now theyre talking bio-banding because they screwed up.

USSF not putting any money into womens soccer. Would love to see the expenditure sheet.

Best league has the best clubs and teams. If it's split and neither has it why would you pay for the more expensive one?