Marcus,
I don't think there is one answer. I think quantity of quality players has a lot to do with it. I think without a doubt that politics/effective coach lobbying plays a part in it.
Let me give you a very specific example at my sons age group (Club 93, ODP 94).
Last year at ODP there was 1 kid from SCSA in the 94 paper pool and he was a kid who just came over to SCSA...played at CUFC and was a backup. Moves to SCSA and makes paper pool.
3 really, really good players at CUFC did not.....2 of those 3 moved over to SCSA (1 in between Fall and Spring season) and those 2 kids both made region pool this summer. 1 of their dads flat out told me....that this was a factor in their moving. He was told.....that his son would get help moving if he played there.
Whether real or perceived....there was an belief/understanding that being at that Club would help push his kid over the top from a region perspective.
Now....those kids are really good players who deserve whatever they get. But real help or imagined.....aren't the coincidences interesting?
