>>[Beezer] U19 Aiken? If they are the original team, my bad. I just figured, like all over the country, U19 teams are usually teams where former players bring back new college teammates for one last run. I don't know U19 Aiken that well so if I spoke out of turn, apologies to them.<<
Sorry...sometimes I assume that everyone knows about the Aiken Fire -- one of two teams that have ever won regionals from SC. Every kid I saw on the U19 Aiken team I recognized from earlier Aiken Fire teams. This is a great example of a one-off group of kids, parents, and coaches who have done a wonderful job of getting their kids what they wanted from a soccer perspective and they've all built a great team.
>>Money-making? Adding a quarterfinal round and a U14 age group was more enticing for the host city/state association due to extra teams and nights of hotels/income for a bigger kick-back, which host cities/associations do get.
x: You're right. It was 12 teams (just State Cup winners) with 3 group winners and a WC. Still, 1) only 33% advanced 2) now, more revenue with four more teams per age group AND 3)an age group was added at U14 not long ago. In short, money is a factor.<<
I tend to look at money first because of my background. And I do think money is a factor (I'm still honestly trying to figure out where the $40+ a night per player for a hotel room went over and above the hotel's normal rate.)
However, it's my humble opinion that while a factor, the primary reasoning for having two go through per group and adding a younger age bracket was demand from players (and their parents) and a desire to give more teams a chance. But then again, I might just be an optimist here...
