Anonymous wrote:Good Afternoon Everyone! This is just a more of a opinion piece based on a few conversations I had with coaches from around the states at the SoccerPlex over the weekend.
All of them, and I mean every one I talked to are seeing an increase in abandonment at GA Clubs towards ECNL. This is especially common in the Midwest apparently. It is also affecting Tophat now as I understand. The other piece of information is it's heavily affecting talent at the younger ages, U15 and below even into the 7v7 age groups. Lastly, many said that if Tophat, CUP, South Shore, Nationals or a few others move to ECNL, it could be the nail in the coffin for the League.
What I find more interesting was the opinion of where the money would go. My thoughts were toward ECNL RL but many of the coaches think there will be a shift towards USYS/DPL leagues. I actually hope for that USYS shift only because less fortunate families would be able to afford the experience with less travel.
Regardless, in our current environment, I don't see our GA league lasting past Spring '23. Don't shoot the messenger, again, this is just from feedback I got from both ECNL and GA coaches.
I'd like to hear your thoughts on what would happen if in fact GA folds.
I haven't heard anything but this does make sense. I believe GA was never really to be intended to be much more than a bridge league to make sure 05's and older all had showcasing opportunities.
GA could still survive but ECNL will end up taking clubs like TopHat killing any semblance of eliteness about GA.