The newest registered user is Pancho83
Our users have posted a total of 205167 messages in 31957 subjects
Top U13 Teams = Top ECNL Teams?
Top U13 Teams = Top ECNL Teams?
For instance, at the U13 level the standings are Solar, FC Dallas, Sting, Texans and then Feet. Will Solar and FC Dallas lead the way again the first year of ECNL (and possibly beyond)? Will Feet struggle going from D2 to ECNL? Or, does the nature of tryouts balance the whole thing out?
Relegated- TxSoccer Poster
- Posts : 70
Points : 3901
Join date : 2013-11-05
Re: Top U13 Teams = Top ECNL Teams?
Zizou- TxSoccer Spammer
- Posts : 2433
Points : 6333
Join date : 2013-11-09
Re: Top U13 Teams = Top ECNL Teams?
1. When do tryouts start?
2. Does it matter for recruiting purpose what team your daughter is on? Does it matter if she is on a TOP local ECNL team or a Bottom local team?
sccrprntsrcrazy- TxSoccer Poster
- Posts : 91
Points : 4193
Join date : 2013-01-02
Re: Top U13 Teams = Top ECNL Teams?
ECNL is a long and difficult schedule. You definately want your DD to be seing quality minutes, yet if your team is getting their butts handed to them every game this could make for a long season.
Zizou- TxSoccer Spammer
- Posts : 2433
Points : 6333
Join date : 2013-11-09
Re: Top U13 Teams = Top ECNL Teams?
sccrprntsrcrazy wrote:Great question hopefully mine is along the same line, but i have 2 questions pertaining to ECNL.
1. When do tryouts start?
2. Does it matter for recruiting purpose what team your daughter is on? Does it matter if she is on a TOP local ECNL team or a Bottom local team?
to answer #2... playing and getting time on field for an encl team is most important from a recruiting standpoint. But with that said, playing and getting time on a top encl team is even more beneficial. Recently in Florida ECNL showcase a U16 game had 100+ coaches, predominantly major college programs and all the top programs were there.
Big Daddy- TxSoccer Poster
- Posts : 35
Points : 3969
Join date : 2013-06-24
Re: Top U13 Teams = Top ECNL Teams?
Zizou wrote:Tryouts will bring little change to the balance of these teams. If any change the already strong will become stronger.
Makes sense - thanks.
Relegated- TxSoccer Poster
- Posts : 70
Points : 3901
Join date : 2013-11-05
Re: Top U13 Teams = Top ECNL Teams?
Last edited by My inner soccer ninja on 26/01/15, 07:37 am; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : Misspelled words)
My inner soccer ninja- TxSoccer Poster
- Posts : 16
Points : 3907
Join date : 2013-08-03
Re: Top U13 Teams = Top ECNL Teams?
Dual Rosters and playing time are more coach / club specific. Some clubs have viable dual roster options. Others do not. I think over the last couple of years, the problems with dual rostering has caused several to rethink that option and you have seen the base ECNL teams grow from 18 to 20 or 21. It is very hard to develop a group when 2-3 or more of your kids are practicing with another team. Very hard for both the LHGCL team as well as the ECNL team, not to mention the DD.
Playing time obviously varies by coach. In our experience, it is generally not an all or nothing gambit. Most girls will get meaningful time. Clearly some more than others and let's face it, all of these girls are used to being 100% time players or close to it so any time on the bench is hard. I will assure you that there will be injuries, HS games and coaching opinion changes that will get the DD some additional opportunities throughout the year. If she can play, she will.
I would also point out that most of the practices for every club are very intense. These are generally A type personality DD's fighting for playing time, recognition and simply to get better. Practices will outnumber games 5 to 1 and each Club is using what they feel are their best coaching options for these teams. Do not overlook that simply practicing day in and day out will raise the game of your DD. They will get better.
ECNL should not be some scary monster. It is no more expensive than a top Premier League team. (Figure 18 league games and 2-3 Showcases of 3 games each) They may practice once more per week but there are no more games than a D-1 or Premier league team. In fact, there may be fewer games. Basically, no tournaments unless a preseason warm up. Replaced by Showcases. ECNL rules dictate no more than one game per day which makes advancing tournaments difficult.
There are lots of places to get looks (National League, Premier League etc) and all are fine. If your DD has an interest in ECNL, I see no harm in giving it a shot. Just like any other team, either she makes it or she does not, either she loves it or she does not and you adjust accordingly.
DDdad- TxSoccer Postmaster
- Posts : 188
Points : 5507
Join date : 2009-11-11
Re: Top U13 Teams = Top ECNL Teams?
That being said.....I do have some advice for any parent who is looking to assess and/or attend tryouts with clubs outside of their network. The advice below is for those parents/players that fall into the "Average" to "Above Average" player statuses. For those of you that have a "Blue Chip" top 1-2 player in their position in the region....the below feedback does not apply to you.
I saw 75 to 100 girls come through our U14 process with varying skills and developmental needs. I did notice there where players that would come to only one practice (have a great showing) and then disappear. I'm really not sure why they never came back as we did have an interest in 5-6 players that never returned.
The 5-6 players we picked up rarely missed a training/evaluation session and it became very clear they were interested and committed to making the team. We had players visit that were hurt, healing or in some cases....not feeling well that particular day. However....they were there! Also, the parents showed patience as they saw their child assimilating and adjusting each week to the drills and sessions our coaches would run. Adaptation and confidence are key....and I can assure you that it won't happen in one practice session.
I would highly recommend you pick 2-3 clubs and maniaclly focus on their sessions for the first 2-3 weeks. Usually 1-2 practices a week will allow you and your daughter to take a solid look at the clubs of your choice. After two weeks.....I feel it is acceptable and fair to approach the coach and see where you stand.
Teams will have very specific needs when it comes to recruiting for their roster. It is perfectly fair to reach out and ask the question: “What specific positions are you trying to fill for the upcoming season?” If your daughter is an average forward and you know that a team has a six deep roster of stud forwards…..then you may want to look elsewhere.
If you’ve grown up with the LHGCL 13 squads….then you should have a pretty good idea of who needs what!
The tryout sessions are going to be very time consuming and grueling for your daughter.......there is no other way to put it. The level of commitment during the 2-3 months prior to ECNL selections could very well be the most challenging and demanding time of your DD’s young soccer career.
Below are (5) things you can do to better your chances…if you are looking to make a move:
- Network “early and often” with the parents you know on the teams you are going to pursue
- Let it be known that you are looking to make a move……no sense in hiding it!
- Ensure your child is in peak physical condition when tryouts start
- Parent/Player – get to know the other players and parents when you are at these sessions. Make it a point to meet at least one new parent per tryout session.
- Don’t take any feedback personally……if you get bad news….move on and keep your chin up. NOTE: Parents talk and so do coaches!
All for now….outta here!
BP
Big Poppy- TxSoccer Postmaster
- Posts : 193
Points : 5547
Join date : 2010-01-21
Re: Top U13 Teams = Top ECNL Teams?
pitchafit- TxSoccer Poster
- Posts : 74
Points : 4670
Join date : 2011-09-02
» 02 ECNL Teams
» what ecnl teams are still looking for keepers
» 00 ECNL Teams Process
» 19/20 ECNL Teams Released