Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:getting back to girl's soccer, is anyone planning to go to WS DA two tryouts coming up? what have they told parents about timing of offers?

Tryout this Saturday 2/10 is on - 3pm for 2004-2006s; 4:30-6 for 2000-2003s. The tryout on 2/17 was canceled - teams/coaching staff will be at Penn Fusion Winter Showcase.
Torres said player ID process will continue into the spring. Parents whose kids have already participated in tryouts will get some sort of email either letting them know they'd be getting an offer or inviting the player back for more looks. I'm pretty sure he said no offers would be extended right away.

thank you very much. have you gone to any of the other DA tryout sessions, and do you sense that the DAs are in any rush to lock-up girls, or taking a more measured approach and going to take their time to really look this Spring? there is so much going on right now for girls and if you ask around at our club, no one tells you anything but rumors they've heard.

Yes, I have. I don't get the sense at all that the Spirit is in a rush to lock up rosters now, although I think they will let top players they like know that they're interested and will be making an offer; for players who are more mid-pack, they'll buy some time by inviting them to come back out for more looks in the spring. I think they want to leave themselves the flexibility to add girls later in the spring. Now that they have a year of experience under their belts and a base of players in the 04-00 age groups, they can afford to take their time and be selective. I also think this gives interested players the opportunity to get through some of the spring and find out what their current club has planned for next year. I know our existing club hasn't announced coaches or team structure for next year yet. And from reading this board, it sounds like there could be some new developments in the youth soccer landscape in the coming weeks.

i was told us soccer will be making decisions/announcements about the new girls DA clubs this month, but doesn't that sound a little too soon? good luck this weekend!

I wouldn’t get ones hope up over any new full DAs in NoVA. I could see a full GDA in Richmond. I think if rumors of Arlington and BRYC applying are true that US Soccer would just tell them “sorry, you missed your chance but we are encouraging mergers so go talk to those DAs”

PP here - I'm not getting my hopes up over DAs and I tend to agree with you. I think any clubs who applied for DA status are of course waiting to announce their plans for next year until they've heard back from US Soccer. And even those clubs who aren't applying for DA status probably haven't worked through all their plans and coaching decisions for next year yet. There's just a lot of movement right now in many clubs and leagues. That means if you're thinking about leaving your current club to go to a DA, you don't have the full picture of what you'd be leaving so having some time to work through that this spring makes for a better decision process. That's all. It wasn't a commentary on whether BRYC or ASA will get a DA.

I didn't mean you specifically, I meant more in the generic sense not quite the literal sense. I do think that there is not enough there there for folks to hedge their bets regarding new DA clubs where I would miss ID sessions on the off chance that my home club is getting DA unless the Technical Director is giving a strong nudge, nudge, wink, wink to the contrary. Now the ECNL landscape appears to be expanding as well as some other club announcements that always seem to happen and redraw the maps so to speak.

But, if I were dead set that my kid is playing GDA then I'm taking her to ID sessions now. But beyond that, I think this spring promises to be another interesting year and a variety of options are likely to be revealed for those who are patient.

I don’t know. What’s the GDA strategy? They may just drop a few more GDA in DMV. Why not? Every new GDA in the area hurts the none GDA clubs and leagues. Sure the GDA in the area will be deluded compared to other areas, but GDA will win nationally.

I see your point of expanding the brand but I think US Soccer would rather promote club mergers to accomplish that. Now if US Soccer is going to setup a tiered pyramid system then sure, add as many DAs as you want.

Mostly a marketing pitch, but maybe a nugget of how the landscape will shape. I take the "Zone 1" reference to be U13 and above. Expanding the footprint a year ago may have been a reference to the failed Alliance, but maybe now means working with Pilot U13-only clubs (like Arlington possibly if they are approved) to identify and then get the top 06s into the Spirit DA a year later at U-14 when the training schedule gets increased by a day, there is obviously a much longer commute for DC and inner beltway residents, and the cost goes up to about $10,000 a year easy (hotel + travel). The hook is at the increased U-13 footprint. That will be interesting.

"Q: What’s the vision for the future of the Spirit Academy as a model for the women’s professional player development pathway?

A: “Our mission in the academy is to develop, support, challenge and inspire world class players and coaches in a professional environment.  To create a true pathway for a young player, we have to see them often throughout their journey.  At the moment, our Super Y League, training programs and DA are fantastic and the initial stages that give players ages 9-18 a chance to put on the badge.  However, we would like to add programming to add to an even more specific path in the near future.  Increasing our footprint in Zone 1 and creating the path from there into the DA is a priority."

http://washingtonspirit.com/youth/qa-spirit-academy-va-technical-director-tom-torres-shares-long-term-vision-for-girls-da-nwsl/

US Soccer's Zone 1 curriculum is aimed at ages 9-12. So I think what he's saying is that Spirit is looking for a more regular set of feeder clubs for the DA. (Which Loudoun, BRYC, and Arlington could have been if things had worked out as originally anticipated). Might be an opportunity for clubs that have great programs for girls at younger levels for a formal partnership.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:getting back to girl's soccer, is anyone planning to go to WS DA two tryouts coming up? what have they told parents about timing of offers?

Tryout this Saturday 2/10 is on - 3pm for 2004-2006s; 4:30-6 for 2000-2003s. The tryout on 2/17 was canceled - teams/coaching staff will be at Penn Fusion Winter Showcase.
Torres said player ID process will continue into the spring. Parents whose kids have already participated in tryouts will get some sort of email either letting them know they'd be getting an offer or inviting the player back for more looks. I'm pretty sure he said no offers would be extended right away.

thank you very much. have you gone to any of the other DA tryout sessions, and do you sense that the DAs are in any rush to lock-up girls, or taking a more measured approach and going to take their time to really look this Spring? there is so much going on right now for girls and if you ask around at our club, no one tells you anything but rumors they've heard.

Yes, I have. I don't get the sense at all that the Spirit is in a rush to lock up rosters now, although I think they will let top players they like know that they're interested and will be making an offer; for players who are more mid-pack, they'll buy some time by inviting them to come back out for more looks in the spring. I think they want to leave themselves the flexibility to add girls later in the spring. Now that they have a year of experience under their belts and a base of players in the 04-00 age groups, they can afford to take their time and be selective. I also think this gives interested players the opportunity to get through some of the spring and find out what their current club has planned for next year. I know our existing club hasn't announced coaches or team structure for next year yet. And from reading this board, it sounds like there could be some new developments in the youth soccer landscape in the coming weeks.

i was told us soccer will be making decisions/announcements about the new girls DA clubs this month, but doesn't that sound a little too soon? good luck this weekend!

I wouldn’t get ones hope up over any new full DAs in NoVA. I could see a full GDA in Richmond. I think if rumors of Arlington and BRYC applying are true that US Soccer would just tell them “sorry, you missed your chance but we are encouraging mergers so go talk to those DAs”

PP here - I'm not getting my hopes up over DAs and I tend to agree with you. I think any clubs who applied for DA status are of course waiting to announce their plans for next year until they've heard back from US Soccer. And even those clubs who aren't applying for DA status probably haven't worked through all their plans and coaching decisions for next year yet. There's just a lot of movement right now in many clubs and leagues. That means if you're thinking about leaving your current club to go to a DA, you don't have the full picture of what you'd be leaving so having some time to work through that this spring makes for a better decision process. That's all. It wasn't a commentary on whether BRYC or ASA will get a DA.

I didn't mean you specifically, I meant more in the generic sense not quite the literal sense. I do think that there is not enough there there for folks to hedge their bets regarding new DA clubs where I would miss ID sessions on the off chance that my home club is getting DA unless the Technical Director is giving a strong nudge, nudge, wink, wink to the contrary. Now the ECNL landscape appears to be expanding as well as some other club announcements that always seem to happen and redraw the maps so to speak.

But, if I were dead set that my kid is playing GDA then I'm taking her to ID sessions now. But beyond that, I think this spring promises to be another interesting year and a variety of options are likely to be revealed for those who are patient.

I don’t know. What’s the GDA strategy? They may just drop a few more GDA in DMV. Why not? Every new GDA in the area hurts the none GDA clubs and leagues. Sure the GDA in the area will be deluded compared to other areas, but GDA will win nationally.

I see your point of expanding the brand but I think US Soccer would rather promote club mergers to accomplish that. Now if US Soccer is going to setup a tiered pyramid system then sure, add as many DAs as you want.

Mostly a marketing pitch, but maybe a nugget of how the landscape will shape. I take the "Zone 1" reference to be U13 and above. Expanding the footprint a year ago may have been a reference to the failed Alliance, but maybe now means working with Pilot U13-only clubs (like Arlington possibly if they are approved) to identify and then get the top 06s into the Spirit DA a year later at U-14 when the training schedule gets increased by a day, there is obviously a much longer commute for DC and inner beltway residents, and the cost goes up to about $10,000 a year easy (hotel + travel). The hook is at the increased U-13 footprint. That will be interesting.

"Q: What’s the vision for the future of the Spirit Academy as a model for the women’s professional player development pathway?

A: “Our mission in the academy is to develop, support, challenge and inspire world class players and coaches in a professional environment.  To create a true pathway for a young player, we have to see them often throughout their journey.  At the moment, our Super Y League, training programs and DA are fantastic and the initial stages that give players ages 9-18 a chance to put on the badge.  However, we would like to add programming to add to an even more specific path in the near future.  Increasing our footprint in Zone 1 and creating the path from there into the DA is a priority."

http://washingtonspirit.com/youth/qa-spirit-academy-va-technical-director-tom-torres-shares-long-term-vision-for-girls-da-nwsl/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girls DA prohibits Super Y.

Super Y is not technically during the DA season so players can participate, they just cannot play in the finals down in Florida.

As for “why do Super Y”? It is mostly to keep playing and stay fit. Keep getting touches and most of all, a chance to play with different kids and for a different coach.

so WS girls DA players are signing up for superY in the summers? i thought they trained with their teams

Nobody said that. I only said Super Y is not during the DA schedule so kids are free to do what they wish. Most kids choose to do College ID camps but they are not prohibited from doing Super Y. Many clubs have Super Y including FCV.

DA's will have "Gap" training during the summer but it is voluntary.

so they discourage, but not prohibit. that was my impression

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girls DA prohibits Super Y.

Super Y is not technically during the DA season so players can participate, they just cannot play in the finals down in Florida.

As for “why do Super Y”? It is mostly to keep playing and stay fit. Keep getting touches and most of all, a chance to play with different kids and for a different coach.

so WS girls DA players are signing up for superY in the summers? i thought they trained with their teams

Nobody said that. I only said Super Y is not during the DA schedule so kids are free to do what they wish. Most kids choose to do College ID camps but they are not prohibited from doing Super Y. Many clubs have Super Y including FCV.

DA's will have "Gap" training during the summer but it is voluntary.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girls DA prohibits Super Y.

Super Y is not technically during the DA season so players can participate, they just cannot play in the finals down in Florida.

As for “why do Super Y”? It is mostly to keep playing and stay fit. Keep getting touches and most of all, a chance to play with different kids and for a different coach.

so WS girls DA players are signing up for superY in the summers? i thought they trained with their teams

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:getting back to girl's soccer, is anyone planning to go to WS DA two tryouts coming up? what have they told parents about timing of offers?

Tryout this Saturday 2/10 is on - 3pm for 2004-2006s; 4:30-6 for 2000-2003s. The tryout on 2/17 was canceled - teams/coaching staff will be at Penn Fusion Winter Showcase.
Torres said player ID process will continue into the spring. Parents whose kids have already participated in tryouts will get some sort of email either letting them know they'd be getting an offer or inviting the player back for more looks. I'm pretty sure he said no offers would be extended right away.

thank you very much. have you gone to any of the other DA tryout sessions, and do you sense that the DAs are in any rush to lock-up girls, or taking a more measured approach and going to take their time to really look this Spring? there is so much going on right now for girls and if you ask around at our club, no one tells you anything but rumors they've heard.

Yes, I have. I don't get the sense at all that the Spirit is in a rush to lock up rosters now, although I think they will let top players they like know that they're interested and will be making an offer; for players who are more mid-pack, they'll buy some time by inviting them to come back out for more looks in the spring. I think they want to leave themselves the flexibility to add girls later in the spring. Now that they have a year of experience under their belts and a base of players in the 04-00 age groups, they can afford to take their time and be selective. I also think this gives interested players the opportunity to get through some of the spring and find out what their current club has planned for next year. I know our existing club hasn't announced coaches or team structure for next year yet. And from reading this board, it sounds like there could be some new developments in the youth soccer landscape in the coming weeks.

i was told us soccer will be making decisions/announcements about the new girls DA clubs this month, but doesn't that sound a little too soon? good luck this weekend!

I wouldn’t get ones hope up over any new full DAs in NoVA. I could see a full GDA in Richmond. I think if rumors of Arlington and BRYC applying are true that US Soccer would just tell them “sorry, you missed your chance but we are encouraging mergers so go talk to those DAs”

PP here - I'm not getting my hopes up over DAs and I tend to agree with you. I think any clubs who applied for DA status are of course waiting to announce their plans for next year until they've heard back from US Soccer. And even those clubs who aren't applying for DA status probably haven't worked through all their plans and coaching decisions for next year yet. There's just a lot of movement right now in many clubs and leagues. That means if you're thinking about leaving your current club to go to a DA, you don't have the full picture of what you'd be leaving so having some time to work through that this spring makes for a better decision process. That's all. It wasn't a commentary on whether BRYC or ASA will get a DA.

I didn't mean you specifically, I meant more in the generic sense not quite the literal sense. I do think that there is not enough there there for folks to hedge their bets regarding new DA clubs where I would miss ID sessions on the off chance that my home club is getting DA unless the Technical Director is giving a strong nudge, nudge, wink, wink to the contrary. Now the ECNL landscape appears to be expanding as well as some other club announcements that always seem to happen and redraw the maps so to speak.

But, if I were dead set that my kid is playing GDA then I'm taking her to ID sessions now. But beyond that, I think this spring promises to be another interesting year and a variety of options are likely to be revealed for those who are patient.

I don’t know. What’s the GDA strategy? They may just drop a few more GDA in DMV. Why not? Every new GDA in the area hurts the none GDA clubs and leagues. Sure the GDA in the area will be deluded compared to other areas, but GDA will win nationally.

I see your point of expanding the brand but I think US Soccer would rather promote club mergers to accomplish that. Now if US Soccer is going to setup a tiered pyramid system then sure, add as many DAs as you want.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:getting back to girl's soccer, is anyone planning to go to WS DA two tryouts coming up? what have they told parents about timing of offers?

Tryout this Saturday 2/10 is on - 3pm for 2004-2006s; 4:30-6 for 2000-2003s. The tryout on 2/17 was canceled - teams/coaching staff will be at Penn Fusion Winter Showcase.
Torres said player ID process will continue into the spring. Parents whose kids have already participated in tryouts will get some sort of email either letting them know they'd be getting an offer or inviting the player back for more looks. I'm pretty sure he said no offers would be extended right away.

thank you very much. have you gone to any of the other DA tryout sessions, and do you sense that the DAs are in any rush to lock-up girls, or taking a more measured approach and going to take their time to really look this Spring? there is so much going on right now for girls and if you ask around at our club, no one tells you anything but rumors they've heard.

Yes, I have. I don't get the sense at all that the Spirit is in a rush to lock up rosters now, although I think they will let top players they like know that they're interested and will be making an offer; for players who are more mid-pack, they'll buy some time by inviting them to come back out for more looks in the spring. I think they want to leave themselves the flexibility to add girls later in the spring. Now that they have a year of experience under their belts and a base of players in the 04-00 age groups, they can afford to take their time and be selective. I also think this gives interested players the opportunity to get through some of the spring and find out what their current club has planned for next year. I know our existing club hasn't announced coaches or team structure for next year yet. And from reading this board, it sounds like there could be some new developments in the youth soccer landscape in the coming weeks.

i was told us soccer will be making decisions/announcements about the new girls DA clubs this month, but doesn't that sound a little too soon? good luck this weekend!

I wouldn’t get ones hope up over any new full DAs in NoVA. I could see a full GDA in Richmond. I think if rumors of Arlington and BRYC applying are true that US Soccer would just tell them “sorry, you missed your chance but we are encouraging mergers so go talk to those DAs”

PP here - I'm not getting my hopes up over DAs and I tend to agree with you. I think any clubs who applied for DA status are of course waiting to announce their plans for next year until they've heard back from US Soccer. And even those clubs who aren't applying for DA status probably haven't worked through all their plans and coaching decisions for next year yet. There's just a lot of movement right now in many clubs and leagues. That means if you're thinking about leaving your current club to go to a DA, you don't have the full picture of what you'd be leaving so having some time to work through that this spring makes for a better decision process. That's all. It wasn't a commentary on whether BRYC or ASA will get a DA.

I didn't mean you specifically, I meant more in the generic sense not quite the literal sense. I do think that there is not enough there there for folks to hedge their bets regarding new DA clubs where I would miss ID sessions on the off chance that my home club is getting DA unless the Technical Director is giving a strong nudge, nudge, wink, wink to the contrary. Now the ECNL landscape appears to be expanding as well as some other club announcements that always seem to happen and redraw the maps so to speak.

But, if I were dead set that my kid is playing GDA then I'm taking her to ID sessions now. But beyond that, I think this spring promises to be another interesting year and a variety of options are likely to be revealed for those who are patient.

I don’t know. What’s the GDA strategy? They may just drop a few more GDA in DMV. Why not? Every new GDA in the area hurts the none GDA clubs and leagues. Sure the GDA in the area will be deluded compared to other areas, but GDA will win nationally.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But, given a good environment and far more playing time the B team starter can easily pass the A team Bench player.

In theory, yes … but in practice this appears to happen rarely probably due to the confluence of the environment, limited coaching and training, and weaker opponents that may not provide similar challenge. Add that to the latent attitude issue of players AND parents and you get a big ball of nothing learned.

I think the starter (assuming playing more minutes)!vs the bench player is very team dependent, given the talent and roster size.

It’s must be a club thing. At the u9-u11 the amount of game time difference is not that great plus there are not many games. The girls practice 2-3 days a week during the season and have one game. Even if you play the whole game as a B team player vs 15 minutes as an A team player(which should not happen at u9-u11), you are not getting a lot more touches. You do not have the ball the whole game(or maybe you do :roll. At that age it’s(should be) about development of individual skills. You do that in practice and on your own.

Now you can game the system at u9-u11, you play the most physically developed girls(fast, big, whatever) and don’t care about skill development. Basically knock the other players over and run by them. In that case if a girl who is younger but has better ball skills on the B team hits a growth spurt, she will move up. If you are on a club like that find a new club.

This is more of a overall cumulative affect that takes hold by U13 when rosters increase for 11v11. It does not always happen but honestly, unless kids from the outside join the team the kids mostly come from inside the club. When that happens, it is not surprising that a “career” bench A team player gets overtaken by a “career” B team starter.

Those 10-15 minutes per game over 3-4 years add up. Of course this doesn’t always happen but it is not uncommon either. The whole point is things change, A team kids don’t always stay A team and the same goes for B team kids.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But, given a good environment and far more playing time the B team starter can easily pass the A team Bench player.

In theory, yes … but in practice this appears to happen rarely probably due to the confluence of the environment, limited coaching and training, and weaker opponents that may not provide similar challenge. Add that to the latent attitude issue of players AND parents and you get a big ball of nothing learned.

I think the starter (assuming playing more minutes)!vs the bench player is very team dependent, given the talent and roster size.

It’s must be a club thing. At the u9-u11 the amount of game time difference is not that great plus there are not many games. The girls practice 2-3 days a week during the season and have one game. Even if you play the whole game as a B team player vs 15 minutes as an A team player(which should not happen at u9-u11), you are not getting a lot more touches. You do not have the ball the whole game(or maybe you do :roll. At that age it’s(should be) about development of individual skills. You do that in practice and on your own.

Now you can game the system at u9-u11, you play the most physically developed girls(fast, big, whatever) and don’t care about skill development. Basically knock the other players over and run by them. In that case if a girl who is younger but has better ball skills on the B team hits a growth spurt, she will move up. If you are on a club like that find a new club.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Girls DA prohibits Super Y.

Super Y is not technically during the DA season so players can participate, they just cannot play in the finals down in Florida.

As for “why do Super Y”? It is mostly to keep playing and stay fit. Keep getting touches and most of all, a chance to play with different kids and for a different coach.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But, given a good environment and far more playing time the B team starter can easily pass the A team Bench player.

In theory, yes … but in practice this appears to happen rarely probably due to the confluence of the environment, limited coaching and training, and weaker opponents that may not provide similar challenge. Add that to the latent attitude issue of players AND parents and you get a big ball of nothing learned.

I think the starter (assuming playing more minutes)!vs the bench player is very team dependent, given the talent and roster size.

It’s must be a club thing. At the u9-u11 the amount of game time difference is not that great plus there are not many games. The girls practice 2-3 days a week during the season and have one game. Even if you play the whole game as a B team player vs 15 minutes as an A team player(which should not happen at u9-u11), you are not getting a lot more touches. You do not have the ball the whole game(or maybe you do :roll. At that age it’s(should be) about development of individual skills. You do that in practice and on your own.

Now you can game the system at u9-u11, you play the most physically developed girls(fast, big, whatever) and don’t care about skill development. Basically knock the other players over and run by them. In that case if a girl who is younger but has better ball skills on the B team hits a growth spurt, she will move up. If you are on a club like that find a new club.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:getting back to girl's soccer, is anyone planning to go to WS DA two tryouts coming up? what have they told parents about timing of offers?

Tryout this Saturday 2/10 is on - 3pm for 2004-2006s; 4:30-6 for 2000-2003s. The tryout on 2/17 was canceled - teams/coaching staff will be at Penn Fusion Winter Showcase.
Torres said player ID process will continue into the spring. Parents whose kids have already participated in tryouts will get some sort of email either letting them know they'd be getting an offer or inviting the player back for more looks. I'm pretty sure he said no offers would be extended right away.

thank you very much. have you gone to any of the other DA tryout sessions, and do you sense that the DAs are in any rush to lock-up girls, or taking a more measured approach and going to take their time to really look this Spring? there is so much going on right now for girls and if you ask around at our club, no one tells you anything but rumors they've heard.

Yes, I have. I don't get the sense at all that the Spirit is in a rush to lock up rosters now, although I think they will let top players they like know that they're interested and will be making an offer; for players who are more mid-pack, they'll buy some time by inviting them to come back out for more looks in the spring. I think they want to leave themselves the flexibility to add girls later in the spring. Now that they have a year of experience under their belts and a base of players in the 04-00 age groups, they can afford to take their time and be selective. I also think this gives interested players the opportunity to get through some of the spring and find out what their current club has planned for next year. I know our existing club hasn't announced coaches or team structure for next year yet. And from reading this board, it sounds like there could be some new developments in the youth soccer landscape in the coming weeks.

i was told us soccer will be making decisions/announcements about the new girls DA clubs this month, but doesn't that sound a little too soon? good luck this weekend!

I wouldn’t get ones hope up over any new full DAs in NoVA. I could see a full GDA in Richmond. I think if rumors of Arlington and BRYC applying are true that US Soccer would just tell them “sorry, you missed your chance but we are encouraging mergers so go talk to those DAs”

PP here - I'm not getting my hopes up over DAs and I tend to agree with you. I think any clubs who applied for DA status are of course waiting to announce their plans for next year until they've heard back from US Soccer. And even those clubs who aren't applying for DA status probably haven't worked through all their plans and coaching decisions for next year yet. There's just a lot of movement right now in many clubs and leagues. That means if you're thinking about leaving your current club to go to a DA, you don't have the full picture of what you'd be leaving so having some time to work through that this spring makes for a better decision process. That's all. It wasn't a commentary on whether BRYC or ASA will get a DA.

I didn't mean you specifically, I meant more in the generic sense not quite the literal sense. I do think that there is not enough there there for folks to hedge their bets regarding new DA clubs where I would miss ID sessions on the off chance that my home club is getting DA unless the Technical Director is giving a strong nudge, nudge, wink, wink to the contrary. Now the ECNL landscape appears to be expanding as well as some other club announcements that always seem to happen and redraw the maps so to speak.

But, if I were dead set that my kid is playing GDA then I'm taking her to ID sessions now. But beyond that, I think this spring promises to be another interesting year and a variety of options are likely to be revealed for those who are patient.