Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Probably not. Another internet tough guy/gal that really doesn't have first hand knowledge, only pontificates.

And we are...still waiting...

It has been answered already.

Really? Can you show which post answered it?

I could take you to water too

Translation: I am internet blowhard that can't back up my snark with intelligent thought. I use sarcasm and personal insults to distract from my ignorance.

See everyone can play your game. I am still waiting for your knowledge.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the folks on here are hacks. I am not from FCV but the club's success speaks for itself. We can discuss which club is best for an individual kid but if a kid can make the top squad and get major playing time at McLean or FCV, the parents would be crazy not to give that offer serious consideration. If your kid is a B or C player with aspirations of playing in college, I would consider other options before going to any big club, including FCV or McLean. You are better off playing for a smaller club with a solid coach and making the move to the top team of a big club later.

ECNL and DA will remain relevant unless the HS option changes. If DA allows HS, ECNL might fold. There is zero need for two elite leagues. In the area, places like McLean, FCV and Bethesda will remain the leading clubs because they have a track record of delivering players to top clubs.

Dear poster,

ECNL is not here to serve the DA. In fact, ECNL built and organized the everything you see. USSF tried to steal what the ECNL built and still couldn't fold them. Point being, you severly underestimate the power of the ECNL. Probably because you havent been around long enough to truly understand certain things.

1. If the DA allowed HS then they would be the same as the ECNL; only more expensive for the club.

2. If both leagues allow HS, and one is less expensive, who will the club go with? The cheaper one (ECNL)

3. If both leagues allow HS, players will still flock to the best teams. ECNL or DA. Good teams = good exposure= offers

Your beloved USSF only got into the youth game to grab a piece of the financial pie. They want the DA parents to finance everything National team related. There is no real higher purpose.

So, do us all a favor and offer a more educated opinion.

Even though this is not the post educating us on the realities of the emerging soccer market. While we wait for that to drop, let's discuss this.

Let's not pretend that ECNL has been around forever. They are relatively new to the game. 2009 in fact. It was largely in response the BDA that preceded it (launched in 2007). So to suggest that the ECNL "built" this concept is silly.

Second, while you may be right that the DA is more expensive for the club, it is still cheaper for the player. HS is one separator between the two, but, again, to be honest, ECNL was not exactly encouraging HS play until the GDA came along and it became a PR point. The other separator is cost to the player. The hope for the top level of youth soccer is that is can be heavily subsidized so that it is affordable to everyone. For this to happen, there are many suggestions and some a MUCH bigger discussion than this. However, with the ECNL in charge, that will never happen. The are concerned WITH MAKING MONEY. The DA still gives hope that they will one day US Soccer will heavily subsidize the youth game like the rest of the world.

When, or better said, IF that day comes, ECNL will die as a destination for the top players (with few exceptions that will still value HS).

Criticizing the DA for wanting to make money is 100% fair today. But to let ECNL off that hook is BS. ECNL is no more noble than any other league in terms of making money and wielding power in youth soccer.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Probably not. Another internet tough guy/gal that really doesn't have first hand knowledge, only pontificates.

And we are...still waiting...

It has been answered already.

Really? Can you show which post answered it?

I could take you to water too

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Probably not. Another internet tough guy/gal that really doesn't have first hand knowledge, only pontificates.

And we are...still waiting...

It has been answered already.

Really? Can you show which post answered it?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Probably not. Another internet tough guy/gal that really doesn't have first hand knowledge, only pontificates.

And we are...still waiting...

It has been answered already.

Anonymous wrote:Most of the folks on here are hacks. I am not from FCV but the club's success speaks for itself. We can discuss which club is best for an individual kid but if a kid can make the top squad and get major playing time at McLean or FCV, the parents would be crazy not to give that offer serious consideration. If your kid is a B or C player with aspirations of playing in college, I would consider other options before going to any big club, including FCV or McLean. You are better off playing for a smaller club with a solid coach and making the move to the top team of a big club later.

ECNL and DA will remain relevant unless the HS option changes. If DA allows HS, ECNL might fold. There is zero need for two elite leagues. In the area, places like McLean, FCV and Bethesda will remain the leading clubs because they have a track record of delivering players to top clubs.

Dear poster,

ECNL is not here to serve the DA. In fact, ECNL built and organized the everything you see. USSF tried to steal what the ECNL built and still couldn't fold them. Point being, you severly underestimate the power of the ECNL. Probably because you havent been around long enough to truly understand certain things.

1. If the DA allowed HS then they would be the same as the ECNL; only more expensive for the club.

2. If both leagues allow HS, and one is less expensive, who will the club go with? The cheaper one (ECNL)

3. If both leagues allow HS, players will still flock to the best teams. ECNL or DA. Good teams = good exposure= offers

Your beloved USSF only got into the youth game to grab a piece of the financial pie. They want the DA parents to finance everything National team related. There is no real higher purpose.

So, do us all a favor and offer a more educated opinion.

Anonymous wrote:Probably not. Another internet tough guy/gal that really doesn't have first hand knowledge, only pontificates.

And we are...still waiting...

Probably not. Another internet tough guy/gal that really doesn't have first hand knowledge, only pontificates.

Is the OP that was going to educate us on the emerging soccer market going to give us the goods or what?

I guess you'll see. Dig this thread up in a year.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the folks on here are hacks. I am not from FCV but the club's success speaks for itself. We can discuss which club is best for an individual kid but if a kid can make the top squad and get major playing time at McLean or FCV, the parents would be crazy not to give that offer serious consideration. If your kid is a B or C player with aspirations of playing in college, I would consider other options before going to any big club, including FCV or McLean. You are better off playing for a smaller club with a solid coach and making the move to the top team of a big club later.

ECNL and DA will remain relevant unless the HS option changes. If DA allows HS, ECNL might fold. There is zero need for two elite leagues. In the area, places like McLean, FCV and Bethesda will remain the leading clubs because they have a track record of delivering players to top clubs.

The FACT that clubs like FCV received very little outside interest demonstrates that your analysis is 5 years old. Younger age groups are seeing kids staying put due to other options.

If FCV is to continue to stay on top it needs to sell more than arrogance because kids have choices they didn’t have 3 years ago and it is showing itself starting with the 07 age group.

You do know that quality players try out there throughout the year, even as recently as last night.

FCV will pick up 1-2 players of quality at a time, all while expanding the base with STJ U8-U12 teams.

The club doesn't bring in wholesale groups of D1 talent at a time, it develops players internally while carefully selecting externals to come in.

Nothing is going to change that.

Well, FCV didn’t bring ANY groups this year. Sorry but when just 3-8 years ago when 70 kids would show up for U13 ECNL tryouts and only 10 kids come and some loose strays looking now at practice and you don’t see how the market has changed?

Really building that D1 program with barely having a 09 team and a 09 team that is ranked well outside the top 20 and an 08 team that is also unremarkable.

Stop looking at what was accomplished 3-6 years ago and look ahead a bit.

And Springfield isn’t going to expand your player pool, it will be your player pool.

ahh wishful thinking again.

And basing this off of GotSoccer rankings. What a joke!

The wishful thinking is believing FCV will stay in Loudoun past next year.

^^+1

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Arguing about kids soccer. Really? Imagine the kids knew you guys were on here arguing like this. Let them grow and love the game.

Uh huh. Why are you here then? Go away.

That's some grade A philosophy there buddy.

I've been wondering, people seem to love talking team vs team, which really means nothing other then we win & you don't. Okay I get some of that but why never individual players? Or does everyone here really think their kid is top five in the area or even on their own team? Cant possibly. We've all seen these teams, seen how parents react with embarrassment when their kid makes a mistake (instead of understanding the reason for said mistake and seeking training). Which is actually how you learn how to play but that's a different discussion. Parents seem to think they know the game but really all they know is whatever BS they see in a highlight on YouTube or Instagram etc. Most don't seem to recognize that a majority of the DA & ECNL kids below u16 struggle take a ball out of the air to space, among many other things. Ever wonder why our NTC in this area is a joke, you should, cause were all paying for it. But by all means return to the regularly scheduled conversation, you know, wins.........during developmental years...........yay.

Agree, kinda.

The benefit of playing on a top-level team comes from training and playing in a high level environment with all the players involved at a high level. However, too many people equate wins and losses with top-level teams - especially at the younger ages (See Loudoun).

Additionally, for the most competitive of players, if you are a top player playing with players levels below you during training it doesn't matter if you are top 1 or 5 on your team because your development curve is slower as you are not being pushed as much as players 11-18 on the stronger teams. This is clearly only one factor. Quality and quantity of quality training matters a ton and as you said that is a different discussion.

Bobby, kids are still more likely to stay at their starting club more than ever because the social aspect still matters to girls. If they have a role and minutes they are going to be fine. Top 5 kids are going to be fine. The end game for most kids is not the National Team. You will find local kids near the St James to fill the vacancies the Loudoun kids who leave open up.

Nothing is more fun than seeing folks peg posts as Bobby’s. His posts or not the notion that he’s even lurking/posting here tells you all you need to know.

These are Bobby talking points and whether Bobby or a Bobby disciple it is still just as self serving and just as blind to the realities of the emerging soccer market.

Ok. I will play.

Please educate us with the realities of the emerging soccer market. Can you please be thorough and stay on point so that we can clearly understand?

Still waiting...

and waiting...

Need that damn pink bunny gif right now!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the folks on here are hacks. I am not from FCV but the club's success speaks for itself. We can discuss which club is best for an individual kid but if a kid can make the top squad and get major playing time at McLean or FCV, the parents would be crazy not to give that offer serious consideration. If your kid is a B or C player with aspirations of playing in college, I would consider other options before going to any big club, including FCV or McLean. You are better off playing for a smaller club with a solid coach and making the move to the top team of a big club later.

ECNL and DA will remain relevant unless the HS option changes. If DA allows HS, ECNL might fold. There is zero need for two elite leagues. In the area, places like McLean, FCV and Bethesda will remain the leading clubs because they have a track record of delivering players to top clubs.

The FACT that clubs like FCV received very little outside interest demonstrates that your analysis is 5 years old. Younger age groups are seeing kids staying put due to other options.

If FCV is to continue to stay on top it needs to sell more than arrogance because kids have choices they didn’t have 3 years ago and it is showing itself starting with the 07 age group.

You do know that quality players try out there throughout the year, even as recently as last night.

FCV will pick up 1-2 players of quality at a time, all while expanding the base with STJ U8-U12 teams.

The club doesn't bring in wholesale groups of D1 talent at a time, it develops players internally while carefully selecting externals to come in.

Nothing is going to change that.

Well, FCV didn’t bring ANY groups this year. Sorry but when just 3-8 years ago when 70 kids would show up for U13 ECNL tryouts and only 10 kids come and some loose strays looking now at practice and you don’t see how the market has changed?

Really building that D1 program with barely having a 09 team and a 09 team that is ranked well outside the top 20 and an 08 team that is also unremarkable.

Stop looking at what was accomplished 3-6 years ago and look ahead a bit.

And Springfield isn’t going to expand your player pool, it will be your player pool.

ahh wishful thinking again.

And basing this off of GotSoccer rankings. What a joke!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Most of the folks on here are hacks. I am not from FCV but the club's success speaks for itself. We can discuss which club is best for an individual kid but if a kid can make the top squad and get major playing time at McLean or FCV, the parents would be crazy not to give that offer serious consideration. If your kid is a B or C player with aspirations of playing in college, I would consider other options before going to any big club, including FCV or McLean. You are better off playing for a smaller club with a solid coach and making the move to the top team of a big club later.

ECNL and DA will remain relevant unless the HS option changes. If DA allows HS, ECNL might fold. There is zero need for two elite leagues. In the area, places like McLean, FCV and Bethesda will remain the leading clubs because they have a track record of delivering players to top clubs.

The FACT that clubs like FCV received very little outside interest demonstrates that your analysis is 5 years old. Younger age groups are seeing kids staying put due to other options.

If FCV is to continue to stay on top it needs to sell more than arrogance because kids have choices they didn’t have 3 years ago and it is showing itself starting with the 07 age group.

You do know that quality players try out there throughout the year, even as recently as last night.

FCV will pick up 1-2 players of quality at a time, all while expanding the base with STJ U8-U12 teams.

The club doesn't bring in wholesale groups of D1 talent at a time, it develops players internally while carefully selecting externals to come in.

Nothing is going to change that.

Well, FCV didn’t bring ANY groups this year. Sorry but when just 3-8 years ago when 70 kids would show up for U13 ECNL tryouts and only 10 kids come and some loose strays looking now at practice and you don’t see how the market has changed?

Really building that D1 program with barely having a 09 team and a 09 team that is ranked well outside the top 20 and an 08 team that is also unremarkable.

Stop looking at what was accomplished 3-6 years ago and look ahead a bit.

And Springfield isn’t going to expand your player pool, it will be your player pool.