Well, if you're going to ask a question about "best clubs," I guess it's good to be specific about what you're looking for. The "best clubs" for development of skill and improving as a player and the "best clubs" for showcasing what you figure you can already do in front of the most people may or may not be the same. At least people can tailor responses to the desired objective so that people with similar mindsets can get what they want and wind up with likeminded players and parents.

Start with geography. Learn about clubs within a 30-60-minute drive and see if they'll work for you. Ask specific questions about trainers and philosophy.
In my experience, the ONLY difference between the major clubs' product is all in the DOCs' (and pushy parents') heads.
If you want to drive 3 hours for the same product, have at it!

Sandman- I am sorry for a simple grammatical error that was not looked over, but i also remain embarrassed for the ease in which you and many people turn to anger and aggression to answer these questions, and for this to personify an entire generation of parental phonies? That is just saddening of your naivity...

I agree that this topic needs to be tailored down....We all know that to be noticed by colleges, it would be advantageous to play academy, but for some the distance of travel just for practices alone with schoolwork is almost impossible. My question is, with the newly joined clubs with SC united, what teams have the most professional and college geared programs to improve their players?

nothing personal was intended & you might have missed the general point....again, our parents should kick our ass, hopefully with you front & center.

You also have missed the general point...again, actually have an opinion in this forum, not just replying with terribly constucted arguments that contain no revelance to this topic...

didn't want to start a new thread, but when & why did u15+ stop playing spring?
i swear i saw u15+ play spring 2010.
i'm not in the loop.

To answer this question it all depends on the level team that your child is placed at.
Some clubs seem to have it figured out - look at CESA & SCU, they are strong and consistent from top to bottom
At SCUMP if your kid gets placed on the A team - I suggest you jump aboard and hang on for the ride - you will get an extremely good value for your $$ compared to the B & C teams, you pay the same yet get more training time, free/secret/extra practices when the rest of the teams are still in limbo, you get the best coaches or at least the highest ranked coaches and you get the best practice times at the best practice fields.

Keeping out of that argument...

but I'll at least help you with supported age groups today (and a bit more)

I know some form of 'gentlemen's agreement' is in place to avoid High School conflicts in spring, but not sure how official that is or the history behind it.
To be honest, I've never worried too much above U14 soccer (until now as our club grows older and larger).

The rules in place for various SCYS leagues however do support non spring play with official guidance.

President’s Medal Soccer League (PMSL) 2010-2011 Rules
3. Competition Division and Age Groups:
PMSL is comprised of U13 thru U18 classic boys and girls teams in the Fall Season.
PMSL is comprised of U13 thru U14 classic boys and girls teams in the Spring Season.


South Carolina State Challenge League (SCSCL) 2010-2011 League Rules and Guidelines
3. Competition Division and Age Groups:
SCSCL is comprised of U15 thru U18 challenge boys and girls teams in the Fall Season.
SCSCL is comprised of U13 thru U14 challenge boys and girls teams in the Spring Season.


In the lowcountry (existing LSYSA)
We know it does not support above U14 today but the rules have provision to (if desired, at least in fall)
2. AGE GROUPS:
LSYSA is comprised of U9 thru U18 boys and girls teams in the Fall Season.
LSYSA is comprised of U9 thru U14 boys and girls teams in the Spring Season.

Now what is interesting is SCYS is considering (proposing) a new Coastal League for next year and this was part of last weekend's SCYS Coastal District meeting in Charleston.
I know, I was there.

In its proposal we see this...

2. Competition Division and Age Groups:
Coastal is comprised of U9 thru U19 boys and girls teams in the fall season.
Coastal is comprised of U9 thru U14 boys and girls teams in the spring season.

Notable addition of U19 that answered a concern raised in another thread (at least for us on the Coast)

I do find it puzzling that we see on this board much debate about playing through High School season and naturally a sensitive subject (given primary audience).
Yet there seems to be (at least at face value) no support for those players who fail to make Varsity teams.
I can only imagine how many good players have to sit out at some of the larger schools in the spring.
In my short time in soccer administration, I would say I hear this complaint frequently and feel someone should offer something at a reasonable level of competition.
I know some clubs register tournament teams and/or play in house but should be worth evaluating again (at least).

We see kids abandon soccer for other sports and unless we provide services at every level for all players, I'm sure we will lose more.

Sorry sandman, still haven't answered your question about last spring.

Sandman I am really not trying to disservice anyone, I would like to see a more equitable distribution of training or a change in the fee structure (personally would prefer the training be a little more on the same level). Actually I may have did a disservice in not mentioning Cainhoy. Cainhoy is really doing a great thing for a small fee - truly amazing and hopefully you keep up the good work. But getting back to Sandman, I simply point out the facts, the fees are the same per age group/league but the training time is not. The top teams practice longer. Has any crescent team practiced since their last game? I would be willing to say no, while their is only 1 team that still should be practicing, I would say there has been more than 1 of the top teams practicing. I think it is great for the top teams, would just like to see the same effort in the other teams without having to ask, beg, petition etc. I am not saying that some of the lower teams coaches are not as good as the top team coaches, I am just saying that some will never know - would it be too radical to see the DOC's coach a team other than the top ones?

Very good point..
How do you measure a coach's potential when they are handed the best players?
I would love to see a DOC take on a classic team..I think it would show their support for the club as a whole..

mike, good points & i now agree with you.
that does make sense.

It'll never happen...I feel a DOC's position is to form a standardized coaching plan for the club so the practices do look more uniformed..
He/she would hire and train coaches and follow different teams on weekends to evaluate how the teams and coaches are doing..DOC's should not be coaching teams..They should be training coaches and fulfilling the needs of teams within the club..From premier all the way down to rec ball.But who wants that job?

The truth is, the "best" trainers should be working with younger age groups.