ECNL moving to school year not calendar

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is extremely weird to call Tier 2 “academy” when they revolve their season around HS soccer. Such an obvious marketing gimmick. Do they think parents are that stupid? Oh right, they are.

Extremely weird? It’s actually pretty normal in youth sports. “Academy” used to mean something specific. Now it just tantamount to “program.” It’s marketing at this point.

Substituting the ever-so-prominent “MLS Academy” name, that so many Dads on here drool over, and imparting it to their second tier league, is weird yes. In fact it is blatantly deceitful because it used to be the pinnacle of what parents could tell others and now it means the opposite. It also forces those same dips*!t parents to say homegrown which is in and of itself self a weird name .

It's going to be really interesting if MLSN/GA stays BY.

I think this is playing a big role in MLSN/GAs decision.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/college-try-u-s-soccer-takes-first-steps-to-reboot-ncaa-game/ar-AA1Gslip

Sounds like NCAA wants to wash its hands of non revenue sports and US Soccer wants control over college soccer. If this happens the whole BY v SY debate goes out the window because US Soccer controls the college game. They'll make it work whichever way aligns with how they think players should be grouped.

Hmmm ... If this moves quickly, maybe we don't switch to SY after all?

If college entry switches to BY, then maybe. So essentially SY switch stays

Where’s the pot of gold for US soccer in all this? Where do they get the revenue and risk model for subsizing year round travel and training for college kids. year round playing students still need time to take classes and other school commitments. Doesn’t seem like a win on either side really.

But yet its happening...
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/06/11/us-soccer-launches-new-committee-to-help-evaluate-ncaa-soccers-future/

There is nothing in that article or that has even been hinted at that means a US Soccer take over. Most schoold would not be interested in any event. What you will get is a prtnership that means nothing. As PP said -- there is no money in it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is extremely weird to call Tier 2 “academy” when they revolve their season around HS soccer. Such an obvious marketing gimmick. Do they think parents are that stupid? Oh right, they are.

Extremely weird? It’s actually pretty normal in youth sports. “Academy” used to mean something specific. Now it just tantamount to “program.” It’s marketing at this point.

Substituting the ever-so-prominent “MLS Academy” name, that so many Dads on here drool over, and imparting it to their second tier league, is weird yes. In fact it is blatantly deceitful because it used to be the pinnacle of what parents could tell others and now it means the opposite. It also forces those same dips*!t parents to say homegrown which is in and of itself self a weird name .

It's going to be really interesting if MLSN/GA stays BY.

True. Would be a very strange business decision on their part but could be the best thing for p2p honestly as it gives true space for an SY league like ECNL . But from a national standpoint, I think it hampers developing and determining the best players as the two leagues would play each other almost never.

I think it's strange people don't understand why they would and who believe SY is the end all be all.

Not a BY-Stan, but this is 100% spot on. The reasons to not change are glaringly clear.

I think the denial is likely from girls’ parents, and is a response to the obvious risk ECNL is taking in an ALMOST all or nothing gamble to make its boys side competitive with the talent draw of MLSN.

If MLSN switches, it would force GA to also switch, which gives relief to the ECNL girls’ parents. Probably also explains the “Trish-dude.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is extremely weird to call Tier 2 “academy” when they revolve their season around HS soccer. Such an obvious marketing gimmick. Do they think parents are that stupid? Oh right, they are.

Extremely weird? It’s actually pretty normal in youth sports. “Academy” used to mean something specific. Now it just tantamount to “program.” It’s marketing at this point.

Substituting the ever-so-prominent “MLS Academy” name, that so many Dads on here drool over, and imparting it to their second tier league, is weird yes. In fact it is blatantly deceitful because it used to be the pinnacle of what parents could tell others and now it means the opposite. It also forces those same dips*!t parents to say homegrown which is in and of itself self a weird name .

It's going to be really interesting if MLSN/GA stays BY.

I think this is playing a big role in MLSN/GAs decision.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/college-try-u-s-soccer-takes-first-steps-to-reboot-ncaa-game/ar-AA1Gslip

Sounds like NCAA wants to wash its hands of non revenue sports and US Soccer wants control over college soccer. If this happens the whole BY v SY debate goes out the window because US Soccer controls the college game. They'll make it work whichever way aligns with how they think players should be grouped.

Hmmm ... If this moves quickly, maybe we don't switch to SY after all?

If college entry switches to BY, then maybe. So essentially SY switch stays

Where’s the pot of gold for US soccer in all this? Where do they get the revenue and risk model for subsizing year round travel and training for college kids. year round playing students still need time to take classes and other school commitments. Doesn’t seem like a win on either side really.

This is my question as well. At some point there will have to be significant subsidies to stand a chance. There are 300+ D1 womens soccer programs. Maybe a top 20-30 league would be interesting but nobody wants to see Missouri State Vs Arkansas Pine Bluff.

And where does Title 9 fall in all of this? Does it go away if it is no longer housed within the university? I could see legal dynamics tying something like this up for years. Much like the football lawsuit.

That is an easy question. Title 9 is Title 9. Even top 25 soccer schools will be more focused on that than soccer. It will still be housed in the University -- if they use the name it still is no matter the arrangement.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is extremely weird to call Tier 2 “academy” when they revolve their season around HS soccer. Such an obvious marketing gimmick. Do they think parents are that stupid? Oh right, they are.

Extremely weird? It’s actually pretty normal in youth sports. “Academy” used to mean something specific. Now it just tantamount to “program.” It’s marketing at this point.

Substituting the ever-so-prominent “MLS Academy” name, that so many Dads on here drool over, and imparting it to their second tier league, is weird yes. In fact it is blatantly deceitful because it used to be the pinnacle of what parents could tell others and now it means the opposite. It also forces those same dips*!t parents to say homegrown which is in and of itself self a weird name .

It's going to be really interesting if MLSN/GA stays BY.

True. Would be a very strange business decision on their part but could be the best thing for p2p honestly as it gives true space for an SY league like ECNL . But from a national standpoint, I think it hampers developing and determining the best players as the two leagues would play each other almost never.

I think it's strange people don't understand why they would and who believe SY is the end all be all.

Not a BY-Stan, but this is 100% spot on. The reasons to not change are glaringly clear.

I think the denial is likely from girls’ parents, and is a response to the obvious risk ECNL is taking in an ALMOST all or nothing gamble to make its boys side competitive with the talent draw of MLSN.

If MLSN switches, it would force GA to also switch, which gives relief to the ECNL girls’ parents. Probably also explains the “Trish-dude.”

MLSN switching would have no bearing on GA, and visa versa. Two completely different leagues with different governing bodies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What happened to MLS after Beckham left? A long period of mediocrity and low ratings. You should study history.

By that heuristic, NPL should be the top league today.

Don’t be dumb because it supports your feelings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is extremely weird to call Tier 2 “academy” when they revolve their season around HS soccer. Such an obvious marketing gimmick. Do they think parents are that stupid? Oh right, they are.

Extremely weird? It’s actually pretty normal in youth sports. “Academy” used to mean something specific. Now it just tantamount to “program.” It’s marketing at this point.

Substituting the ever-so-prominent “MLS Academy” name, that so many Dads on here drool over, and imparting it to their second tier league, is weird yes. In fact it is blatantly deceitful because it used to be the pinnacle of what parents could tell others and now it means the opposite. It also forces those same dips*!t parents to say homegrown which is in and of itself self a weird name .

It's going to be really interesting if MLSN/GA stays BY.

True. Would be a very strange business decision on their part but could be the best thing for p2p honestly as it gives true space for an SY league like ECNL . But from a national standpoint, I think it hampers developing and determining the best players as the two leagues would play each other almost never.

I think it's strange people don't understand why they would and who believe SY is the end all be all.

Not a BY-Stan, but this is 100% spot on. The reasons to not change are glaringly clear.

I think the denial is likely from girls’ parents, and is a response to the obvious risk ECNL is taking in an ALMOST all or nothing gamble to make its boys side competitive with the talent draw of MLSN.

If MLSN switches, it would force GA to also switch, which gives relief to the ECNL girls’ parents. Probably also explains the “Trish-dude.”

MLSN switching would have no bearing on GA, and visa versa. Two completely different leagues with different governing bodies.

Same response as post directly above.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is extremely weird to call Tier 2 “academy” when they revolve their season around HS soccer. Such an obvious marketing gimmick. Do they think parents are that stupid? Oh right, they are.

Extremely weird? It’s actually pretty normal in youth sports. “Academy” used to mean something specific. Now it just tantamount to “program.” It’s marketing at this point.

Substituting the ever-so-prominent “MLS Academy” name, that so many Dads on here drool over, and imparting it to their second tier league, is weird yes. In fact it is blatantly deceitful because it used to be the pinnacle of what parents could tell others and now it means the opposite. It also forces those same dips*!t parents to say homegrown which is in and of itself self a weird name .

It's going to be really interesting if MLSN/GA stays BY.

True. Would be a very strange business decision on their part but could be the best thing for p2p honestly as it gives true space for an SY league like ECNL . But from a national standpoint, I think it hampers developing and determining the best players as the two leagues would play each other almost never.

I think it's strange people don't understand why they would and who believe SY is the end all be all.

Not a BY-Stan, but this is 100% spot on. The reasons to not change are glaringly clear.

I think the denial is likely from girls’ parents, and is a response to the obvious risk ECNL is taking in an ALMOST all or nothing gamble to make its boys side competitive with the talent draw of MLSN.

If MLSN switches, it would force GA to also switch, which gives relief to the ECNL girls’ parents. Probably also explains the “Trish-dude.”

MLSN switching would have no bearing on GA, and visa versa. Two completely different leagues with different governing bodies.

Same response as post directly above.

Please elaborate. I can’t wait to hear it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What happened to MLS after Beckham left? A long period of mediocrity and low ratings. You should study history.

By that heuristic, NPL should be the top league today.

Don’t be dumb because it supports your feelings.

Not following. Please educate me…

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is extremely weird to call Tier 2 “academy” when they revolve their season around HS soccer. Such an obvious marketing gimmick. Do they think parents are that stupid? Oh right, they are.

Extremely weird? It’s actually pretty normal in youth sports. “Academy” used to mean something specific. Now it just tantamount to “program.” It’s marketing at this point.

Substituting the ever-so-prominent “MLS Academy” name, that so many Dads on here drool over, and imparting it to their second tier league, is weird yes. In fact it is blatantly deceitful because it used to be the pinnacle of what parents could tell others and now it means the opposite. It also forces those same dips*!t parents to say homegrown which is in and of itself self a weird name .

It's going to be really interesting if MLSN/GA stays BY.

I think this is playing a big role in MLSN/GAs decision.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/college-try-u-s-soccer-takes-first-steps-to-reboot-ncaa-game/ar-AA1Gslip

Sounds like NCAA wants to wash its hands of non revenue sports and US Soccer wants control over college soccer. If this happens the whole BY v SY debate goes out the window because US Soccer controls the college game. They'll make it work whichever way aligns with how they think players should be grouped.

Hmmm ... If this moves quickly, maybe we don't switch to SY after all?

If college entry switches to BY, then maybe. So essentially SY switch stays

Where’s the pot of gold for US soccer in all this? Where do they get the revenue and risk model for subsizing year round travel and training for college kids. year round playing students still need time to take classes and other school commitments. Doesn’t seem like a win on either side really.

But yet its happening...
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/06/11/us-soccer-launches-new-committee-to-help-evaluate-ncaa-soccers-future/

There is nothing in that article or that has even been hinted at that means a US Soccer take over. Most schoold would not be interested in any event. What you will get is a prtnership that means nothing. As PP said -- there is no money in it.

You just respond and did t even read the article.

https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2025/06/11/us-soccer-launches-new-committee-to-help-evaluate-ncaa-soccers-future/

"U.S. Soccer has established the NextGen College Soccer Committee (NCS), a group comprised of leaders from higher education, professional sports, philanthropic organizations and the business community. The committee will aim to integrate the college game more deeply into the broader U.S. Soccer ecosystem"

"U.S. Soccer will also be working directly with a group of pre-professional youth members including ECNL/US Club, Girls Academy, MLS Next, USL Academy, and U.S. Youth Soccer, to properly consider the development pathway and progression to college soccer. Deloitte Principal Dan Helfrich will chair the committee "

"U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson told ESPN yesterday that the evolving NCAA landscape was “‘absolutely’ related to the potential changes to college soccer.”

NextGen College Soccer Committee members

Dan Helfrich U.S. Soccer Leadership Advisory Group member; Principal, Deloitte Consulting

Adrian Hanauer Owner, Seattle Sounders FC; Governor, Seattle Reign FC

Ali Curtis SVP, MLS

Amber Steele VP/Global Sports Partnerships, Coca-Cola; Atlanta Sports Council Board Member

Angie Long Co-Owner, K.C. Current

Chris Clunie Vice President & Director of Athletics, Davidson College

Chris Klein Partner, Hometown Soccer Holdings; Former LA Galaxy President

Craig Barry EVP & Chief Content Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery Sport

Darryll Pines President, Univ. of Maryland
David Tyrie President/Marketing, Digital, and Specialized Consumer Client Solutions, Bank of America

Jeremy Alumbaugh President, USL Championship

John Wildhack AD, Syracuse University; Committee Member, NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball

Mark Abbott Former President & Deputy Commissioner, MLS

Mike Cullina Chair, U.S. Soccer Technical Development Committee

Patrick Kraft AD, Penn State Univ.

Richard Motzkin EVP & Managing Exec/Global Soccer, Wasserman

Ryan Nelsen High-performance specialist, FIFA

Sarah Jones Simmer Chief Operating Officer, NWSL

[Anonymous]

Starting to make more sense yet?

NCAA wants out of college soccer and is giving it to US Soccer. This is likely why MLSN and GA arent commenting on. BY v SY.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Starting to make more sense yet?

NCAA wants out of college soccer and is giving it to US Soccer. This is likely why MLSN and GA arent commenting on. BY v SY.

Also:

"As Sportico has reported, the sport's national governing body has had discussions with the Big Ten and ACC since mid-2024 on ways to launch a pilot program for year-round men's soccer.

"I think we are at a point in time where it behooves everybody to be open-minded about opportunities that make sense on a sport-by-sport basis," Chad Hawley, the Big Ten's senior vice president for policy, said in a telephone interview earlier this year.

U.S. Soccer, newly bolstered by contributions from billionaire donors, has been weighing a plan to invest millions of dollars annually into the initiative."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/college-try-u-s-soccer-takes-first-steps-to-reboot-ncaa-game/ar-AA1Gslip

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Starting to make more sense yet?

NCAA wants out of college soccer and is giving it to US Soccer. This is likely why MLSN and GA arent commenting on. BY v SY.

Also:

"As Sportico has reported, the sport's national governing body has had discussions with the Big Ten and ACC since mid-2024 on ways to launch a pilot program for year-round men's soccer.

"I think we are at a point in time where it behooves everybody to be open-minded about opportunities that make sense on a sport-by-sport basis," Chad Hawley, the Big Ten's senior vice president for policy, said in a telephone interview earlier this year.

U.S. Soccer, newly bolstered by contributions from billionaire donors, has been weighing a plan to invest millions of dollars annually into the initiative."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/college-try-u-s-soccer-takes-first-steps-to-reboot-ncaa-game/ar-AA1Gslip

Any guesses on how much it would cost to play on these college branded teams? $5k, $10k? It is going to be pricey for kids already having to pay for college. D3 looking better and better as a goal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is extremely weird to call Tier 2 “academy” when they revolve their season around HS soccer. Such an obvious marketing gimmick. Do they think parents are that stupid? Oh right, they are.

Extremely weird? It’s actually pretty normal in youth sports. “Academy” used to mean something specific. Now it just tantamount to “program.” It’s marketing at this point.

Substituting the ever-so-prominent “MLS Academy” name, that so many Dads on here drool over, and imparting it to their second tier league, is weird yes. In fact it is blatantly deceitful because it used to be the pinnacle of what parents could tell others and now it means the opposite. It also forces those same dips*!t parents to say homegrown which is in and of itself self a weird name .

It's going to be really interesting if MLSN/GA stays BY.

True. Would be a very strange business decision on their part but could be the best thing for p2p honestly as it gives true space for an SY league like ECNL . But from a national standpoint, I think it hampers developing and determining the best players as the two leagues would play each other almost never.

I think it's strange people don't understand why they would and who believe SY is the end all be all.

Not a BY-Stan, but this is 100% spot on. The reasons to not change are glaringly clear.

I think the denial is likely from girls’ parents, and is a response to the obvious risk ECNL is taking in an ALMOST all or nothing gamble to make its boys side competitive with the talent draw of MLSN.

If MLSN switches, it would force GA to also switch, which gives relief to the ECNL girls’ parents. Probably also explains the “Trish-dude.”

Once RAE is set to Aug-Dec kids, at U13 it will be tough for MLSN to identify players and be smart enough to pick the new players that could take advantage of RAE in a BY set up. MLSNs best chance would be to get their leagues down to about U10 to develop a BY ecosystem. But with DCU canning U14, they have a tough bridge to get from 8 year olds in BY aiming for the goal of free play at U15, playing true academy ball, with expensive online school to boot. Essentially MLSN P2P clubs will have to pick the best 8 year olds and will have a tough time cherry picking kids that have always played under an SY system. Kids won't love going from being a star in SY at the best positions to riding the pine and getting the left over or utility positions one year up in BY.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Starting to make more sense yet?

NCAA wants out of college soccer and is giving it to US Soccer. This is likely why MLSN and GA arent commenting on. BY v SY.

Also:

"As Sportico has reported, the sport's national governing body has had discussions with the Big Ten and ACC since mid-2024 on ways to launch a pilot program for year-round men's soccer.

"I think we are at a point in time where it behooves everybody to be open-minded about opportunities that make sense on a sport-by-sport basis," Chad Hawley, the Big Ten's senior vice president for policy, said in a telephone interview earlier this year.

U.S. Soccer, newly bolstered by contributions from billionaire donors, has been weighing a plan to invest millions of dollars annually into the initiative."

https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/college-try-u-s-soccer-takes-first-steps-to-reboot-ncaa-game/ar-AA1Gslip

Any guesses on how much it would cost to play on these college branded teams? $5k, $10k? It is going to be pricey for kids already having to pay for college. D3 looking better and better as a goal.

I understand what makes sense at a high level. Which is to implement single league that has both college and 2nd tier pro teams. I dont understand how the details would work with scholorships involved and $$$ players getting paid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It is extremely weird to call Tier 2 “academy” when they revolve their season around HS soccer. Such an obvious marketing gimmick. Do they think parents are that stupid? Oh right, they are.

Extremely weird? It’s actually pretty normal in youth sports. “Academy” used to mean something specific. Now it just tantamount to “program.” It’s marketing at this point.

Substituting the ever-so-prominent “MLS Academy” name, that so many Dads on here drool over, and imparting it to their second tier league, is weird yes. In fact it is blatantly deceitful because it used to be the pinnacle of what parents could tell others and now it means the opposite. It also forces those same dips*!t parents to say homegrown which is in and of itself self a weird name .

It's going to be really interesting if MLSN/GA stays BY.

True. Would be a very strange business decision on their part but could be the best thing for p2p honestly as it gives true space for an SY league like ECNL . But from a national standpoint, I think it hampers developing and determining the best players as the two leagues would play each other almost never.

I think it's strange people don't understand why they would and who believe SY is the end all be all.

Not a BY-Stan, but this is 100% spot on. The reasons to not change are glaringly clear.

I think the denial is likely from girls’ parents, and is a response to the obvious risk ECNL is taking in an ALMOST all or nothing gamble to make its boys side competitive with the talent draw of MLSN.

If MLSN switches, it would force GA to also switch, which gives relief to the ECNL girls’ parents. Probably also explains the “Trish-dude.”

Once RAE is set to Aug-Dec kids, at U13 it will be tough for MLSN to identify players and be smart enough to pick the new players that could take advantage of RAE in a BY set up. MLSNs best chance would be to get their leagues down to about U10 to develop a BY ecosystem. But with DCU canning U14, they have a tough bridge to get from 8 year olds in BY aiming for the goal of free play at U15, playing true academy ball, with expensive online school to boot. Essentially MLSN P2P clubs will have to pick the best 8 year olds and will have a tough time cherry picking kids that have always played under an SY system. Kids won't love going from being a star in SY at the best positions to riding the pine and getting the left over or utility positions one year up in BY.

The holy grail is increasing participation with SY AND keeping enough BY around to have strong players from all birth months of the calendar. Also, why would it be considered really playing up a whole lot if Aug-Dec is only playing with Jan-July from the same birth year? They'd be the same age!