NTX Soccer...Whats Up?

So we have 4 ECNL teams from NTX and can't get a player on the U16 USWNT?? Seems like we are doing quite a bit wrong comparatively. What gives?

Certainly some U16 ECNL parents have some insight here....

U-16 Girls National Team

tpitty wrote:So we have 4 ECNL teams from NTX and can't get a player on the U16 USWNT?? Seems like we are doing quite a bit wrong comparatively. What gives?

Certainly some U16 ECNL parents have some insight here....

U-16 Girls National Team

So which one has been eliminated?

Ha...my bad. I honestly forgot about 'Feet. I was doing a quick count in my head, and left one out. No bad intention there.

tpitty wrote:So we have 4 ECNL teams from NTX and can't get a player on the U16 USWNT?? Seems like we are doing quite a bit wrong comparatively. What gives?

Certainly some U16 ECNL parents have some insight here....

U-16 Girls National Team

Thought we had 5?

In any case, our Clubs and Coaches in NTX are developmental masterminds.

It is all due to politics.

Just keep the cash flowing and we will eventually overcome the politics involved.

Lefty wrote:

In any case, our Clubs and Coaches in NTX are developmental masterminds.

It is all due to politics.

Just keep the cash flowing and we will eventually overcome the politics involved.

So in your "all politics" opinion; The National Team is overlooking our best kids due to politics, or the ECNL clubs aren't selecting the best kids due to politicking?

I am checking the standings and we have FCD, Sting, and Solar in the top 3 for U16's Texas Conference...and we can't get 1 kid to National Camp?? Not good.

tpitty wrote:

Lefty wrote:

In any case, our Clubs and Coaches in NTX are developmental masterminds.

It is all due to politics.

Just keep the cash flowing and we will eventually overcome the politics involved.

So in your "all politics" opinion; The National Team is overlooking our best kids due to politics, or the ECNL clubs aren't selecting the best kids due to politicking?

Our Clubs and Coaches are picking the players with the most long term potential for their top teams, and do a masterful job of developing those players into complete soccer players.

It is all due to politics at the national level and them not putting NTX players on the national teams that are probably better than the ones they are taking.

Do not have a u16, but my guess is Politics. Certain coaches have a layer of camaraderie with people making those selections that the North Texas coaches just don't have. With soccer being an objective sport, and no real way (debatable) to quantify the "individuals" ability or how they will fit in on a team, this will always be the case. Elite coaches look at players as "balls of clay". They decide in their mind if there is something that they can pull out of a player, if the player has the ability to achieve a greater level, or not. One coach may think a player is awesome, with much potential, the other coach may not even pick the player. It is up to north texas coaches to nudge the "right" players in their (national) direction. Whatever player you "talk up", bad or good, builds your reputation as trustworthy. This is what separates the good coaches from the great ones. These decisions have to be emotionless. Very hard to do. In my opinion, one thing lacking in North Texas is the attention to individual development by coaches. The focus seems to be on the team, and what needs to be done to win. No reason why both cannot be accomplished, other than laziness by the coach, and or lack of coaches. At that certain defender position, there may be 50 girls in the US that are interchangeable. The coach is looking for HIS/HER set of intangibles that do the separating.

"All 24 players are born in 2000." That seems short-sided. Hopefully, DA doesn't play out like that.

Sho'Nuff wrote:  That seems short-sided.  

No they play full strength I believe, but would explain our recent losses if true..... may be shortsighted though.

Rosters are not final yet are they?

Why don't you write them at the Girls Training Center to see what is going on? After you start asking any questions that has to do with selection or their procedures they get pretty irritated.  

Email addresses you should start with: girlstrainingcenter@ussoccer.org. You should also copy Tony Lepore 'TLepore@ussoccer.org' and Jason Heckendorn 'JHeckendorn@ussoccer.org' as well.
Charlie Noble over there is a real piece so make sure you let him know that Chris recommended that you drop him an email.

tpitty wrote:

Lefty wrote:

In any case, our Clubs and Coaches in NTX are developmental masterminds.

It is all due to politics.

Just keep the cash flowing and we will eventually overcome the politics involved.

So in your "all politics" opinion; The National Team is overlooking our best kids due to politics, or the ECNL clubs aren't selecting the best kids due to politicking?

I am checking the standings and we have FCD, Sting, and Solar in the top 3 for U16's Texas Conference...and we can't get 1 kid to National Camp?? Not good.

Only way a NTX kid is making it too the National Level is having a local coach as a National Coach. So from this point you only have AS from Solar that took initiative to become a National Coach IE: why you see so many Solar girls @ u14 and U15 on the national camps from Solar. Most of these DOC from the area clubs really don't care to push the agenda. There are alot of talented girls in NTX starting from u14-18 and having DD that has been too several ID and Etc Camps.. Most that have made to the next level had Coaches at the ID camps and no matter how well your DD is she will 90% most likely wont make to the next level without there DOC there at the camps pushing her name at the National Team Scouts.

tpitty wrote:

Lefty wrote:

In any case, our Clubs and Coaches in NTX are developmental masterminds.

It is all due to politics.

Just keep the cash flowing and we will eventually overcome the politics involved.

So in your "all politics" opinion; The National Team is overlooking our best kids due to politics, or the ECNL clubs aren't selecting the best kids due to politicking?

I am checking the standings and we have FCD, Sting, and Solar in the top 3 for U16's Texas Conference...and we can't get 1 kid to National Camp?? Not good.

Actually there has been one NTX DD there and she looks to still be there. She just isn't at an ECNL club.

Lefty wrote:

tpitty wrote:

Lefty wrote:

In any case, our Clubs and Coaches in NTX are developmental masterminds.

It is all due to politics.

Just keep the cash flowing and we will eventually overcome the politics involved.

So in your "all politics" opinion; The National Team is overlooking our best kids due to politics, or the ECNL clubs aren't selecting the best kids due to politicking?

Our Clubs and Coaches are picking the players with the most long term potential for their top teams, and do a masterful job of developing those players into complete soccer players.

It is all due to politics at the national level and them not putting NTX players on the national teams that are probably better than the ones they are taking.

OR

Our Clubs (businesses) and Coaches (team focused employees/contractors) are masterful at picking the players with attributes (size, strength, speed, athleticism, skill) who will most help the team win a game now and they  leverage those attributes (often singular) to win as many games as possible.  They then rinse and repeat the next year.

Probably some of both, but a lot more of the latter, as winning games from U4 to U19 generates much more brand equity and near term revenue than the long term developmental effort to get someone to the National Pool who can leave your Club or Team at any point.

KeeperCommander wrote:
Actually there has been one NTX DD there and she looks to still be there. She just isn't at an ECNL club.

Which one is she?

U.S. U-16 GNT Roster by Position

GOALKEEPERS (3): Katherine Asman (Tophat SC; Roswell, Ga.), Mackenna Carmichael (Surf; Mission Viejo, Calf.), Caitlin McManus (Irvine Strikers; Riverside, Calif.)

DEFENDERS ( 8 ): Maycee Bell (Sporting Blue Valley; Olathe, Kans.), Madelyn Desiano (So Cal Blues; San Clemente, Calif.), Sierra Enge (So Cal Blues; Cardiff, Calif.), Shae Holmes (Real Colorado; Highlands Ranch, Colo.), Rebecca Jarrett (World Class; Washington Township; N.J.), Brianna Martinez (New Mexico Rush; Albuquerque, N.M.), Sarah Piper (Texas Rush; The Woodlands, Texas), Leah Scarpelli (PDA; Brick, N.J.)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Claudia Dickey (Crossfire; Seattle, Wash.), Coriana Dyke (Colorado Rush; Littleton, Colo.), Carlee Giammona (Heat FC; Las Vegas, Nev.), Sophie Hirst (Crossfire; Seattle, Wash.), Kali Trevethick (Surf; Temecula, Calif.), Madeline Vergura (FC Stars of Mass.), Natalie Viggiano (Michigan Hawks; Macomb Township, Mich.)

FORWARDS (6): Ravin Alexander (Ohio Elite; Fairfield, Ohio), Molly Myers (Oceanside Breakers FC; Oceanside, Calif.), Makenna Morris (Bethesda; Germantown, Md.), Skylar Smith (Surf; Coto de Caza, Calif.), Emaly Vatne (Michigan Hawks; Sterling Heights, Mich.), Olivia Wingate (FC Stars of Mass.; Wilmington, Mass.)

sccrprntsrcrazy wrote:

Only way a NTX kid is making it too the National Level is having a local coach as a National Coach. So from this point you only have AS (A. Solca) from Solar that took initiative to become a National Coach IE: why you see so many Solar girls @ u14 and U15 on the national camps from Solar. Most of these DOC from the area clubs really don't care to push the agenda. There are alot of talented girls in NTX starting from u14-18 and having DD that has been too several ID and Etc Camps.. Most that have made to the next level had Coaches at the ID camps and no matter how well your DD is she will 90% most likely wont make to the next level without there DOC there at the camps pushing her name at the National Team Scouts.

Kudos to Solar for looking at the bigger picture. Our kids play at this high level to achieve the same recognition (if deserved) as anyone else. At least someone is looking past their nose to make that attainable.

Lefty wrote:

Lefty wrote:

tpitty wrote:

Lefty wrote:

In any case, our Clubs and Coaches in NTX are developmental masterminds.

It is all due to politics.

Just keep the cash flowing and we will eventually overcome the politics involved.

So in your "all politics" opinion; The National Team is overlooking our best kids due to politics, or the ECNL clubs aren't selecting the best kids due to politicking?

Our Clubs and Coaches are picking the players with the most long term potential for their top teams, and do a masterful job of developing those players into complete soccer players.

It is all due to politics at the national level and them not putting NTX players on the national teams that are probably better than the ones they are taking.

OR

Our Clubs (businesses) and Coaches (team focused employees/contractors) are masterful at picking the players with attributes (size, strength, speed, athleticism, skill) who will most help the team win a game now and they  leverage those attributes (often singular) to win as many games as possible.  They then rinse and repeat the next year.

Probably some of both, but a lot more of the latter, as winning games from U4 to U19 generates much more brand equity and near term revenue than the long term developmental effort to get someone to the National Pool who can leave your Club or Team at any point.

Good responses here.  My take is that it is BOTH.  Politics plays a big part and you can see that AS has broken through for the younger girls.  Hopefully it continues and not just for Solar.  The other side of it is definitely the emphasis on size, strength and physical play in NTX just to win.  Most of the style of play is generally direct to the tough, fast, and strong striker.  Get it to the striker who is off and running to score goals.  That SOP only gains attention for that striker and maybe a defender or 2 that plays like a physical beast.  Right now it appears that USWNT isn't interested in those girls from NTX.

KeeperCommander wrote:

tpitty wrote:

Lefty wrote:

In any case, our Clubs and Coaches in NTX are developmental masterminds.

It is all due to politics.

Just keep the cash flowing and we will eventually overcome the politics involved.

So in your "all politics" opinion; The National Team is overlooking our best kids due to politics, or the ECNL clubs aren't selecting the best kids due to politicking?

I am checking the standings and we have FCD, Sting, and Solar in the top 3 for U16's Texas Conference...and we can't get 1 kid to National Camp?? Not good.

Actually there has been one NTX DD there and she looks to still be there. She just isn't at an ECNL club.

One who may be Kicking the ball around for one of this years College Cup finalists in the future?

Lefty wrote:

KeeperCommander wrote:

tpitty wrote:

Lefty wrote:

In any case, our Clubs and Coaches in NTX are developmental masterminds.

It is all due to politics.

Just keep the cash flowing and we will eventually overcome the politics involved.

So in your "all politics" opinion; The National Team is overlooking our best kids due to politics, or the ECNL clubs aren't selecting the best kids due to politicking?

I am checking the standings and we have FCD, Sting, and Solar in the top 3 for U16's Texas Conference...and we can't get 1 kid to National Camp?? Not good.

Actually there has been one NTX DD there and she looks to still be there. She just isn't at an ECNL club.

One who may be Kicking the ball around for one of this years College Cup finalists in the future?

I'm not sure KC was referring to that one, but she should definitely be in the national camps as well.

TatonkaBurger wrote:

Lefty wrote:

Lefty wrote:

tpitty wrote:

Lefty wrote:

In any case, our Clubs and Coaches in NTX are developmental masterminds.

It is all due to politics.

Just keep the cash flowing and we will eventually overcome the politics involved.

So in your "all politics" opinion; The National Team is overlooking our best kids due to politics, or the ECNL clubs aren't selecting the best kids due to politicking?

Our Clubs and Coaches are picking the players with the most long term potential for their top teams, and do a masterful job of developing those players into complete soccer players.

It is all due to politics at the national level and them not putting NTX players on the national teams that are probably better than the ones they are taking.

OR

Our Clubs (businesses) and Coaches (team focused employees/contractors) are masterful at picking the players with attributes (size, strength, speed, athleticism, skill) who will most help the team win a game now and they  leverage those attributes (often singular) to win as many games as possible.  They then rinse and repeat the next year.

Probably some of both, but a lot more of the latter, as winning games from U4 to U19 generates much more brand equity and near term revenue than the long term developmental effort to get someone to the National Pool who can leave your Club or Team at any point.

Good responses here.  My take is that it is BOTH.  Politics plays a big part and you can see that AS has broken through for the younger girls.  Hopefully it continues and not just for Solar.  The other side of it is definitely the emphasis on size, strength and physical play in NTX just to win.  Most of the style of play is generally direct to the tough, fast, and strong striker.  Get it to the striker who is off and running to score goals.  That SOP only gains attention for that striker and maybe a defender or 2 that plays like a physical beast.  Right now it appears that USWNT isn't interested in those girls from NTX.

Maybe they should be.

Cleansheets wrote:

TatonkaBurger wrote:

Lefty wrote:

Lefty wrote:

tpitty wrote:

Lefty wrote:

In any case, our Clubs and Coaches in NTX are developmental masterminds.

It is all due to politics.

Just keep the cash flowing and we will eventually overcome the politics involved.

So in your "all politics" opinion; The National Team is overlooking our best kids due to politics, or the ECNL clubs aren't selecting the best kids due to politicking?

Our Clubs and Coaches are picking the players with the most long term potential for their top teams, and do a masterful job of developing those players into complete soccer players.

It is all due to politics at the national level and them not putting NTX players on the national teams that are probably better than the ones they are taking.

OR

Our Clubs (businesses) and Coaches (team focused employees/contractors) are masterful at picking the players with attributes (size, strength, speed, athleticism, skill) who will most help the team win a game now and they  leverage those attributes (often singular) to win as many games as possible.  They then rinse and repeat the next year.

Probably some of both, but a lot more of the latter, as winning games from U4 to U19 generates much more brand equity and near term revenue than the long term developmental effort to get someone to the National Pool who can leave your Club or Team at any point.

Good responses here.  My take is that it is BOTH.  Politics plays a big part and you can see that AS has broken through for the younger girls.  Hopefully it continues and not just for Solar.  The other side of it is definitely the emphasis on size, strength and physical play in NTX just to win.  Most of the style of play is generally direct to the tough, fast, and strong striker.  Get it to the striker who is off and running to score goals.  That SOP only gains attention for that striker and maybe a defender or 2 that plays like a physical beast.  Right now it appears that USWNT isn't interested in those girls from NTX.

Maybe they should be.

Why?  

They seem to be doing fine w/o them?   But that may have more to do with the US spending more $ on U4-U23 Women's soccer (Rec/Club/College) than probably the rest of the world combined.

Maybe we in NTX should change our approach if it is not achieving the desired results?

Or maybe that is the real question. What goals is the NTX way set up to achieve?

TatonkaBurger wrote:The other side of it is definitely the emphasis on size, strength and physical play in NTX just to win.  Most of the style of play is generally direct to the tough, fast, and strong striker.  Get it to the striker who is off and running to score goals.

Are the Women's National Teams really that much different?

Sho nuff might be on to something here.

Zizou wrote:Sho nuff might be on to something here.

It is a great point.  But it still doesn't explain why there are no NTX DDs on the team.

I watched the WVU vs UNC womens semifinal a couple of weeks back and almost turned it off several times.  It was ugly soccer with very little possession and incredibly poor passing.  There are several 04 teams that I watch regularly who play a much better style than those 2 NCAA college teams did.  

Maybe the problem is with the entire program, from top to bottom.  Now I understand why we ad to go age pure and why DA is coming to rescue us all.