DA vs ECNL vs everything else

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those with GDA offers, is there a deadline for acceptance.

Are people playing the DA vs ECNL tryout game to accumulate multiple offers prior to making a decision?

Spirit had a 48 hr deadline. I did not check to see if it could be extended but based on last year, I would assume the offer was still there but you'd no longer be guaranteed a spot.

With a 48 hour deadline, second round of offers should be coming out today or tomorrow from Spirit?

Sounds correct, if they didn’t fill all the positions. I don’t know that they would announce that though, so if you are waiting for an offer, might be worth reaching out to Spirit at some point. None of the older teams have gotten formal offers yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I appreciate the focus on ECNL/DA but I would like to hear about the "everything else." We are not doing ECNL/DA because of logistics and are exploring other options of which there are many. Have seen a few ERL and State Cup games and ECNl games and believe that the non-ECNL teams are stronger, especially at younger ages. The reality is that ECNL is just based on the club. Teams don't earn ECNL status. They are grandfathered in. DA is still growing and I doubt you will see an establushed DA in the next five years. I am not knocking either league but I just don't buy the arguments. There are teams out there without ECNL or DA that are strong and beat ECNL teams at Showcase events.

So you have seen a few ERL and State Cup games...well, I have seen more than a few as well as plenty of DA and ECNL games...

Are there good teams outside of the DA and ECNL that could be competitive with them? Yes, but they are becoming fewer and farther between and the level of skill and soccer intelligence is higher on average with Boys DA and the better girls ECNL and DA squads.

On the boys side, DA is the top by far. With ECNL now moving into the boys side, you are seeing mid-tier clubs like BRYC and McLean being elevated into the "Elite Clubs National League." As you note, this is largely a Club thing and there can be inconsistency across ages (especially with ECNL). As this happens, the importance / strength of the State Cup and USYSA regional leagues will decline. Will there still be good teams competing in State Cup and ERL? Yes, but there won't be as many really great teams especially as you move up the age groups.

On the girls side, early ECNL was good and mirrored much of the DA structure and process, but AFAIK was still club centric (as opposed to federation centric) and didn't go as far as Boys DA in adopting substitution and other rules. With only the ECNL, you still had strong regional and national competition pathways for girls teams and you would see this in State Cup and ERL and so on. With the Girls DA, you now have former ECNL clubs jump to DA (FCV and Washington Spirit), you have former USYSA powerhouses like BRYC go to ECNL and join McLean and you have Arlington move to join their boys side at DA. Will there still be good girls teams outside of DA and ECNL playing in state cup and ERL and other USYSA national competitions, yes, but again, you wont have as consistent of a level of play and quality, especially as the teams get older and skill and development take over from raw athletic ability.

On the girls side, ECNL and DA are from my vantage point right now a wash, but I would say that over the long haul, the top players will gravitate to the Development Academy because the Academy has the resources and backing of the Federation and will push their member clubs to adhere to standards or get dropped. The Federation will insist on clubs emphasizing skill and tactics over sheer athleticism. AFAIK, ECNL doesn't push / enforce this.

On the boys side, DA is head and shoulders above ECNL and mid-tier clubs like BRYC and McLean don't suddenly become "elite" just because they joined ECNL. Other clubs will continue to compete in State Cup and individual teams will go on and have success at regional and national levels, but then those clubs will feel pressure to join some more "elite" level competition, and the cycle continues anew.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I appreciate the focus on ECNL/DA but I would like to hear about the "everything else." We are not doing ECNL/DA because of logistics and are exploring other options of which there are many. Have seen a few ERL and State Cup games and ECNl games and believe that the non-ECNL teams are stronger, especially at younger ages. The reality is that ECNL is just based on the club. Teams don't earn ECNL status. They are grandfathered in. DA is still growing and I doubt you will see an establushed DA in the next five years. I am not knocking either league but I just don't buy the arguments. There are teams out there without ECNL or DA that are strong and beat ECNL teams at Showcase events.

So you have seen a few ERL and State Cup games...well, I have seen more than a few as well as plenty of DA and ECNL games...

Are there good teams outside of the DA and ECNL that could be competitive with them? Yes, but they are becoming fewer and farther between and the level of skill and soccer intelligence is higher on average with Boys DA and the better girls ECNL and DA squads.

On the boys side, DA is the top by far. With ECNL now moving into the boys side, you are seeing mid-tier clubs like BRYC and McLean being elevated into the "Elite Clubs National League." As you note, this is largely a Club thing and there can be inconsistency across ages (especially with ECNL). As this happens, the importance / strength of the State Cup and USYSA regional leagues will decline. Will there still be good teams competing in State Cup and ERL? Yes, but there won't be as many really great teams especially as you move up the age groups.

On the girls side, early ECNL was good and mirrored much of the DA structure and process, but AFAIK was still club centric (as opposed to federation centric) and didn't go as far as Boys DA in adopting substitution and other rules. With only the ECNL, you still had strong regional and national competition pathways for girls teams and you would see this in State Cup and ERL and so on. With the Girls DA, you now have former ECNL clubs jump to DA (FCV and Washington Spirit), you have former USYSA powerhouses like BRYC go to ECNL and join McLean and you have Arlington move to join their boys side at DA. Will there still be good girls teams outside of DA and ECNL playing in state cup and ERL and other USYSA national competitions, yes, but again, you wont have as consistent of a level of play and quality, especially as the teams get older and skill and development take over from raw athletic ability.

On the girls side, ECNL and DA are from my vantage point right now a wash, but I would say that over the long haul, the top players will gravitate to the Development Academy because the Academy has the resources and backing of the Federation and will push their member clubs to adhere to standards or get dropped. The Federation will insist on clubs emphasizing skill and tactics over sheer athleticism. AFAIK, ECNL doesn't push / enforce this.

On the boys side, DA is head and shoulders above ECNL and mid-tier clubs like BRYC and McLean don't suddenly become "elite" just because they joined ECNL. Other clubs will continue to compete in State Cup and individual teams will go on and have success at regional and national levels, but then those clubs will feel pressure to join some more "elite" level competition, and the cycle continues anew.

A lot of good points. It also speaks to how soccer today has evolved for American youth. I think the point on standards of play is important. I saw within the ECNL, clubs that leveraged athleticism over technique. I would say NC Fusion definitely has that style of high press, kick ball out of the back tactics, whereas Charlotte Academy was definitely a technical club.

This is why I shall be in a little less of a hurry to beat Arlington about the head and shoulders. Even if their current style isn’t higher level soccer, one of the strengths of the DA is the involvement of USSF in guiding clubs and enforcing standards. I have seen USSF technical staff at practices doing just that. Which means Arlington may shift its style based on USSF feedback.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

A lot of good points. It also speaks to how soccer today has evolved for American youth. I think the point on standards of play is important. I saw within the ECNL, clubs that leveraged athleticism over technique. I would say NC Fusion definitely has that style of high press, kick ball out of the back tactics, whereas Charlotte Academy was definitely a technical club.

This is why I shall be in a little less of a hurry to beat Arlington about the head and shoulders. Even if their current style isn’t higher level soccer, one of the strengths of the DA is the involvement of USSF in guiding clubs and enforcing standards. I have seen USSF technical staff at practices doing just that. Which means Arlington may shift its style based on USSF feedback.

Exactly. US Soccer Technical staff observe some practices and are present at most games providing scouting and evaluation of players and clubs. They are definitely engaged in pushing the clubs to focus on development and recognize that this can have short term impacts on a team's record. While I have seen ECNL teams that have similar approaches, the league as a whole doesn't seem to reflect this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I appreciate the focus on ECNL/DA but I would like to hear about the "everything else." We are not doing ECNL/DA because of logistics and are exploring other options of which there are many. Have seen a few ERL and State Cup games and ECNl games and believe that the non-ECNL teams are stronger, especially at younger ages. The reality is that ECNL is just based on the club. Teams don't earn ECNL status. They are grandfathered in. DA is still growing and I doubt you will see an establushed DA in the next five years. I am not knocking either league but I just don't buy the arguments. There are teams out there without ECNL or DA that are strong and beat ECNL teams at Showcase events.

So you have seen a few ERL and State Cup games...well, I have seen more than a few as well as plenty of DA and ECNL games...

Are there good teams outside of the DA and ECNL that could be competitive with them? Yes, but they are becoming fewer and farther between and the level of skill and soccer intelligence is higher on average with Boys DA and the better girls ECNL and DA squads.

On the boys side, DA is the top by far. With ECNL now moving into the boys side, you are seeing mid-tier clubs like BRYC and McLean being elevated into the "Elite Clubs National League." As you note, this is largely a Club thing and there can be inconsistency across ages (especially with ECNL). As this happens, the importance / strength of the State Cup and USYSA regional leagues will decline. Will there still be good teams competing in State Cup and ERL? Yes, but there won't be as many really great teams especially as you move up the age groups.

On the girls side, early ECNL was good and mirrored much of the DA structure and process, but AFAIK was still club centric (as opposed to federation centric) and didn't go as far as Boys DA in adopting substitution and other rules. With only the ECNL, you still had strong regional and national competition pathways for girls teams and you would see this in State Cup and ERL and so on. With the Girls DA, you now have former ECNL clubs jump to DA (FCV and Washington Spirit), you have former USYSA powerhouses like BRYC go to ECNL and join McLean and you have Arlington move to join their boys side at DA. Will there still be good girls teams outside of DA and ECNL playing in state cup and ERL and other USYSA national competitions, yes, but again, you wont have as consistent of a level of play and quality, especially as the teams get older and skill and development take over from raw athletic ability.

On the girls side, ECNL and DA are from my vantage point right now a wash, but I would say that over the long haul, the top players will gravitate to the Development Academy because the Academy has the resources and backing of the Federation and will push their member clubs to adhere to standards or get dropped. The Federation will insist on clubs emphasizing skill and tactics over sheer athleticism. AFAIK, ECNL doesn't push / enforce this.

On the boys side, DA is head and shoulders above ECNL and mid-tier clubs like BRYC and McLean don't suddenly become "elite" just because they joined ECNL. Other clubs will continue to compete in State Cup and individual teams will go on and have success at regional and national levels, but then those clubs will feel pressure to join some more "elite" level competition, and the cycle continues anew.

A lot of good points. It also speaks to how soccer today has evolved for American youth. I think the point on standards of play is important. I saw within the ECNL, clubs that leveraged athleticism over technique. I would say NC Fusion definitely has that style of high press, kick ball out of the back tactics, whereas Charlotte Academy was definitely a technical club.

This is why I shall be in a little less of a hurry to beat Arlington about the head and shoulders. Even if their current style isn’t higher level soccer, one of the strengths of the DA is the involvement of USSF in guiding clubs and enforcing standards. I have seen USSF technical staff at practices doing just that. Which means Arlington may shift its style based on USSF feedback.

The Arlington 04 girls are a good team and they play a decent possession style (or at least they did the 2 times I saw them play, last time was early last fall). Arlington boys are a whole different story. they go to kick-and-run to win games in about 5 seconds, all the way up to U18.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:who will have the best 06 girls team next year - Arlington DA, Loudoun ECNL, FCV DA? Throw in any other teams if you like. Just curious.

You were correct not to mention 06 McLean. lol

[Anonymous]

^^^Spoken like a true Arlington asswipe...

[Anonymous]

^^ lol. Not arlington, but that is some chip on your McLean shoulder

At least you did make me laugh

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^^ lol. Not arlington, but that is some chip on your McLean shoulder

At least you did make me laugh

Usually McLean folks don’t have chips on shoulders. They are often found to have a stick up their butt instead. Just kidding. You folks are just priceless on this board. Great reading!

[Anonymous]

Arlington, McLean, and Loudoun are all longball merchants. They get are focused on results above all. They are good at what they do, their players are good, and Arlington is the more aesthetically pleasing one to watch of the 3, but they’re nothing to write home about as far as style of play. Just USMNT lite glorified kickball with midfield runners and high pressing in spurts as soon as a game gets tough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those with GDA offers, is there a deadline for acceptance.

Are people playing the DA vs ECNL tryout game to accumulate multiple offers prior to making a decision?

Spirit had a 48 hr deadline. I did not check to see if it could be extended but based on last year, I would assume the offer was still there but you'd no longer be guaranteed a spot.

Hard to play the tryout game with that deadline.

These predatory tryout timelines are BS. Spirit GDA moves up their ID/tryout and 48 hour offer timelines to conveniently fall in front of what I am told are league mandated ECNL timelines. Other GDA clubs have similar timelines to Spirit. FCV sends coaches to Spirit DA sessions to see who's shopping around, making their little lists. USSF has a technical management layer that actively recruits players from anywhere they can. And to top it off, there are the arrogant GDA shills on this board spewing all manner of unsubstantiated nonsense about anything that threatens their value decisions. USSF has a great thing going with GDA, but this sort of thing is lame.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those with GDA offers, is there a deadline for acceptance.

Are people playing the DA vs ECNL tryout game to accumulate multiple offers prior to making a decision?

Spirit had a 48 hr deadline. I did not check to see if it could be extended but based on last year, I would assume the offer was still there but you'd no longer be guaranteed a spot.

Hard to play the tryout game with that deadline.

These predatory tryout timelines are BS. Spirit GDA moves up their ID/tryout and 48 hour offer timelines to conveniently fall in front of what I am told are league mandated ECNL timelines. Other GDA clubs have similar timelines to Spirit. FCV sends coaches to Spirit DA sessions to see who's shopping around, making their little lists. USSF has a technical management layer that actively recruits players from anywhere they can. And to top it off, there are the arrogant GDA shills on this board spewing all manner of unsubstantiated nonsense about anything that threatens their value decisions. USSF has a great thing going with GDA, but this sort of thing is lame.

Predatory tryout timelines!

Arrogant GDA Shills!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those with GDA offers, is there a deadline for acceptance.

Are people playing the DA vs ECNL tryout game to accumulate multiple offers prior to making a decision?

Spirit had a 48 hr deadline. I did not check to see if it could be extended but based on last year, I would assume the offer was still there but you'd no longer be guaranteed a spot.

Hard to play the tryout game with that deadline.

These predatory tryout timelines are BS. Spirit GDA moves up their ID/tryout and 48 hour offer timelines to conveniently fall in front of what I am told are league mandated ECNL timelines. Other GDA clubs have similar timelines to Spirit. FCV sends coaches to Spirit DA sessions to see who's shopping around, making their little lists. USSF has a technical management layer that actively recruits players from anywhere they can. And to top it off, there are the arrogant GDA shills on this board spewing all manner of unsubstantiated nonsense about anything that threatens their value decisions. USSF has a great thing going with GDA, but this sort of thing is lame.

Well hello there ECNL guy. Unhinged much? Its like a bad case of road rage every time you get on here.

DCUM socket puppet comment in 3. 2. 1..GO

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For those with GDA offers, is there a deadline for acceptance.

Are people playing the DA vs ECNL tryout game to accumulate multiple offers prior to making a decision?

Spirit had a 48 hr deadline. I did not check to see if it could be extended but based on last year, I would assume the offer was still there but you'd no longer be guaranteed a spot.

Hard to play the tryout game with that deadline.

These predatory tryout timelines are BS. Spirit GDA moves up their ID/tryout and 48 hour offer timelines to conveniently fall in front of what I am told are league mandated ECNL timelines. Other GDA clubs have similar timelines to Spirit. FCV sends coaches to Spirit DA sessions to see who's shopping around, making their little lists. USSF has a technical management layer that actively recruits players from anywhere they can. And to top it off, there are the arrogant GDA shills on this board spewing all manner of unsubstantiated nonsense about anything that threatens their value decisions. USSF has a great thing going with GDA, but this sort of thing is lame.

What's the big deal. I thought there is a clear distinction between the girl who wants to play DA and the one that wants to play ECNL. The girl that wants to play DA is going to the ECNL tryouts anyways...and vice versa.

All DA id sessions follow USSF timelines. Not a club by club thing as suggested.

Yes...FCV is all of what you say and more.

[Anonymous]

FCV made its DA offers over a month ago.