09 LAKE HIGHLANDS

I would note there is a significant gap in talent between a top 5 (or even 10) in Division 1 vs the top of Division 2.

@MadProps - really? A Solar teams division? How so? Are coaches afraid or are parents being sensitive bc their DDs are not playing?

Potentially a little bit of both. It seems like some people don’t understand the point. Solar has 5 or so teams in the top 10 and easily the #2 and #3 ranked teams. Sounds pretty super already. The main issues I’ve heard is everything seems to be a (not well kept) secret, which causes gossip, rumors and tension. Players pay the same amount of money, but a large group is getting extra training and games. When you include 6-9 players from several teams and leave the remaining few players from established teams left out, people aren’t going to be happy. As I previously said, open season will be interesting.

I see, but I understood that several teams didn’t have the desire to be involved with this...including SS. Well, if this is the case, you’re right. Open season will be interesting.

SS is the only full team I know of that declined. Honestly though, what do they need it for? They are the #2 or #3 ranked team. There might be more teams that opted out I haven’t heard that.

It's certainly not a "have to do" kind of league, but will be a good way to get some additional quality games in against some different teams from nearby cities. Will be fun for the girls to travel, too. I'm not familiar with the Solar situation, but I can see it rubbing people the wrong way if they're cherry picking players from several established teams for this league. Controversy could be largely avoided if they just took their top two ranked teams. Oh well, it's their bed, so they have to lie in it.

I personally think SS is doing it the right way..What is there for them to gain at this time by playing with other Solar players? There will be plenty of time in years to come for DA, ECNL, DPL, etc. teams You are better off playing with full team in 1 or 2 leagues for the next 1 1/2 years and tournaments...Much better team chemistry during this time.....Too young to be starting this pre-DA so called league

ProDallas wrote:It's certainly not a "have to do" kind of league, but will be a good way to get some additional quality games in against some different teams from nearby cities. Will be fun for the girls to travel, too. I'm not familiar with the Solar situation, but I can see it rubbing people the wrong way if they're cherry picking players from several established teams for this league. Controversy could be largely avoided if they just took their top two ranked teams. Oh well, it's their bed, so they have to lie in it.

Which nearby cities are involved?

That’s a good point, ProDallas. I’m sure no matter what people are going to complain though. With that approach I am sure teams 3 and 4 would be unhappy. That said, I can certainly see how it is disheartening when 3/4 of a team is included, leaving only a few out for the games and extra tournaments at this age. There are likely 1 or 2 clear standouts on every team. Beyond those, the lines blur and it becomes subjective. My only qualm is that I think equal amounts of opportunities for games and training should be given to all players on any given team. Otherwise it kind of sends the message that the development of some players is more important than others.

Bigballer07 - Agree. There is a lot to be said for team chemistry.

I thought that the JDL/Pre-Da training was open to all teams and all players could go to the training. From there they would pick each week as to who plays and each game. I am sure that there are girls that play on both teams so there would be enough spots if more girls wanted to go out. It sounds like the training was offered to all teams and so teams thought it was better for them to not go out to the training.

terps37 wrote:I thought that the JDL/Pre-Da training was open to all teams and all players could go to the training.  From there they would pick each week as to who plays and each game.  I am sure that there are girls that play on both teams so there would be enough spots if more girls wanted to go out.  It sounds like the training was offered to all teams and so teams thought it was better for them to not go out to the training.  

My understanding is training wasn’t offered to all teams at Solar though, a gatekeeper sent out invites to “select” few, makes you wonder what the true intention of the league is

My understanding it's going to be a Pre-DA league, the first one will be played here in dallas hosted by Dallas Texans and it will be a 4 game format, the next one will be in Houston in January hosted by Houston Dynamo/Dash and we will play another 4 games. Then they will combine all the scores and make a playoff format and Lonestar will host the last one. To me seems like a great way to have some good competition.

Select is a great reality check for parents...

I love how everyone is seeking more competition. Why don’t we start with winning the league we currently play in before we set our sights to the next higher target? Last time I checked only one team will do so - perhaps the remaining teams should focus on first things first before everyone gets caught up with upping the ante.

I’m not sure that seeking out challenging competition means that you are neglecting your effort to win the league you are currently playing in. Every single team and every single player is working towards improving and being the best they can be, so if playing in this JDL league brings development, I don’t see how that is a problem.