GIRLS DA and the HS CHOICE to Play

President Camacho wrote:So with all of the wisdom and experience on this board. What would you do if you had 07's or 08's since one group is halfway through their first year of select and the other dives in next summer? What age do you speculate being key to be at with big 3 DA or ECNL (depending on your view)?

I'd say that if it is your kid's goal to compete at the ECNL or GDA level, I would have them positioned at a club that offer those platforms by the U12 year.  And it'd be ideal to have her on a team where she will stand out that year leading into U13 tryouts.

BigErn wrote:

President Camacho wrote:So with all of the wisdom and experience on this board. What would you do if you had 07's or 08's since one group is halfway through their first year of select and the other dives in next summer? What age do you speculate being key to be at with big 3 DA or ECNL (depending on your view)?

I'd say that if it is your kid's goal to compete at the ECNL or GDA level, I would have them positioned at a club that offer those platforms by the U12 year.  And it'd be ideal to have her on a team where she will stand out that year leading into U13 tryouts.

Good to know BigE. Thanks

Zizou wrote:

CrazySoccerParent wrote:I have heard DA was in the neighborhood of $1000 less than ECNL In addition I heard several NTX kids received scholarships from US Soccer based on need.  Pretty impressive step forward by US soccer and those DA clubs.

I would go as far as saying 2,000 dollars cheaper. Club and uniform fees.

Depends on the club.

Also look at travel costs - sounds like some are more creative than others at trying to keep travel costs down.

[quote="President Camacho"]

BigErn wrote:

President Camacho wrote:So with all of the wisdom and experience on this board. What would you do if you had 07's or 08's since one group is halfway through their first year of select and the other dives in next summer? What age do you speculate being key to be at with big 3 DA or ECNL (depending on your view)?

I'd say that if it is your kid's goal to compete at the ECNL or GDA level, I would have them positioned at a club that offer those platforms by the U12 year.  And it'd be ideal to have her on a team where she will stand out that year leading into U13 tryouts.

Good to know BigE. Thanks[/quote

I think the decision will be different for everyone. My DD didn't make the leap to ECNL until U15. She wasn't mentally ready for the intensity until high school and played on a lower level, non big 3, club team and multiple sports all the way through middle school. Once she decided she wanted to play in college, we made the leap and she assimilated pretty quickly. Some kids are ready earlier but be wary of pushing them too fast. I have seen a lot of kids, who were rockstars, in earlier years get burned out and quit. If your DD wants to play high level D1 she may need to make the leap ealier but for a lot of these kids, if they are in the right place by 8th or 9th grade, they should be fine.

SickofStupidity wrote:

Zizou wrote:

CrazySoccerParent wrote:I have heard DA was in the neighborhood of $1000 less than ECNL In addition I heard several NTX kids received scholarships from US Soccer based on need.  Pretty impressive step forward by US soccer and those DA clubs.

I would go as far as saying 2,000 dollars cheaper. Club and uniform fees.

Depends on the club.

Also look at travel costs - sounds like some are more creative than others at trying to keep travel costs down.

Be careful about clubs that have enormous coaching travel fees for out of town games.

Zizou wrote:

SickofStupidity wrote:

Zizou wrote:

CrazySoccerParent wrote:I have heard DA was in the neighborhood of $1000 less than ECNL In addition I heard several NTX kids received scholarships from US Soccer based on need.  Pretty impressive step forward by US soccer and those DA clubs.

I would go as far as saying 2,000 dollars cheaper. Club and uniform fees.

Depends on the club.

Also look at travel costs - sounds like some are more creative than others at trying to keep travel costs down.

Be careful about clubs that have enormous coaching travel fees for out of town games.

I have heard the Texans charge a boat load for travel games. Is that true?

Some coaches are bad about gouging parents on travel fees. About your question, I don’t have any knowledge about the Texans and their fees. If you really want to know send me a pm and I will give you my experiences.