Coming to the area

My family is starting the process of moving from Southern California to the North Texas area and I wanted to get opinions on the different clubs, their philosophies on the game, coaching styles and club fees. It’s early in on the process, we most likely will be moving out in time for tryouts for next year, but I wanted to get started sooner than later.

What age group(s) are you looking at? Girls and boys? Just girls?

And any idea where you will live? Lots of factors to consider.

I would talk with the DOC at the club you are at . He/she could makes some calls or might even have some knowledge of the clubs and coaches in the area that would fit your DD skill level.

RightWingDad wrote:What age group(s) are you looking at? Girls and boys? Just girls?

 My DD is a 2005.

ForReal wrote:And any idea where you will live?  Lots of factors to consider.

 We are looking at the Frisco, Plano, McKinney areas but focusing in on the city of Frisco.

Zizou wrote:I would talk with the DOC at the club you are at . He/she could makes some calls or might even have some knowledge of the clubs and coaches in the area that would fit your DD skill level.

Zizou, thanks for the idea. I'll talk to her coach and DOC this week.

if you need contact info. PM and I could supply that.

Frisco puts you in the hot spot of local clubs, FCD, Solar, Texans, reasonably close to Sting and D'Feeters and a handful of Indys. Frisco is a great spot but soon to be jam packed with folks all wanting to be in the $5B Mile.

If the club here has a DOC, I would try contacting them first. You really want to find the right coach and group of girls that is a good match to the skill level of your dd. Be wary of the "big club" sell job. Some kids could be a good fit with them, but some will dangle the DA/ECNL carrot knowing your kiddo will never be part of that. They will, however, be glad to take your $ while your dd chases after that elusive promise. Listen to what your DD wants.

Don't squash the dream, but balance it with reality. Last word, better to play on a lower team with a good coach and one where you get solid play time (1/2 to 3/4 game time) than be on a top team and sit the bench behind 2-3-4 others ahead of you in that position(s).

RightWingDad wrote:Frisco puts you in the hot spot of local clubs, FCD, Solar, Texans, reasonably close to Sting and D'Feeters and a handful of Indys. Frisco is a great spot but soon to be jam packed with folks all wanting to be in the $5B Mile.

If the club here has a DOC, I would try contacting them first. You really want to find the right coach and group of girls that is a good match to the skill level of your dd. Be wary of the "big club" sell job. Some kids could be a good fit with them, but some will dangle the DA/ECNL carrot knowing your kiddo will never be part of that. They will, however, be glad to take your $ while your dd chases after that elusive promise. Listen to what your DD wants.

Don't squash the dream, but balance it with reality. Last word, better to play on a lower team with a good coach and one where you get solid play time (1/2 to 3/4 game time) than be on a top team and sit the bench behind 2-3-4 others ahead of you in that position(s).

Funny, same story different geography.  We have the same "bait and switch" here as well with the numerous amount of DA clubs.  I agree with you play time is the most important thing.  Sitting on a DA bench and getting zero play time is not the way to "develop" any player.  I listen to my DD all of the time.  I ask her at various points in the season, usually at low points, if she still enjoys the game which so far she hasn't hesitated in saying yes.  For her it is the love of the game but it's also her coaches and her teammates that make the difference so that will be important factors to her decision when we finally make the move out.

Playing style usually is more of a coach than a club thing, but there are some overriding philosophies that become more predominant the higher the level played. The suggestion that you speak to your DOC is a great one. The pool of coaching and playing talent here is deep, and the technical training and abilities on the girls' side is remarkable. Welcome to the area and I wish you and your DD well!