I received one of my sons schedules for the fall, moving to the CPL is definitely a step up, but It didn’t include all of the teams in the new league. Does anyone know how they decided which clubs you would play? Do you play the rest in the spring? Overall I am happy we will be seeing teams that we normally don’t see. Fingers crossed for a good experience.

Our club is a member but I was told only one team will be participating in the CPL to see how it goes. Definitely disappointed our team wasn't the chosen one. Hoping club management change their mind.

Not sure what club your child plays for, but I noticed DSC has some teams registered for the Sandlapper league. I think some clubs are all in while others have only some teams entering.

I would think travel at those ages would be a concern for some of the clubs outside of the low-country. For example, DSC's closest CPL partners are CFC in Spartanburg and SCFCU (which does have a pile of teams) in Columbia.

Of course DSC is also listed as being in the Carolina Champions league (the only SC club in that US Club Pro league).

Like all new things, there will be kinks to work out.

DSC also has their top u12 boys team in the SCYSC/Jim Hudson 9v9 league

I know the Augusta Bulls 07 Girls will be in the CPL. Or at least their top team.

The way CPL works at U11/U12 is depending on numbers and demand, you could have up to 5 divisions.

In order of difficulty (and to a degree stomach for travel)

STATEWIDE
PREMIER
CHAMPIONSHIP

CPL SOUTH (LOWCOUNTRY mainly)
PREMIER
CHAMPIONSHIP
LEAGUE


Younger groups (U8-U10) only have CPL SOUTH options (3 tiers max)
So you will get more diverse and higher level games in the Statewide divisions

We will be entering teams in pretty much every level so depending on clubs mass/talent/desire, you may see more diversity in certain pockets, and I'd guess mainly local in South League division

Thanks,,, that makes sense. I didn’t realize they were having different levels within the CPL. He is playing in the statewide premier division,,,that’s explains why they aren’t playing many of the local teams... thanks

Was surprised to see the prelim boys schedule and how few DISA teams there are. Plus, not a single one in the top two divisions in any age group. Odd as I always felt they had a number of stronger teams but maybe the new Battery club has pulled a lot of their players over.

Otherwise, looks pretty balanced and competitive. If a team is way out of their depth in the fall, it does not look like they can switch to a lower (or higher) division in the spring (unless I am misunderstanding something). That seems to be potentially problematic.

Clubs can work out any outliers and adjust.
But yes, could be a challenge, particularly in light divisions/blends where not a lot of depth for clean talent delineation.

My hope is that with local oversight and attention, we can respond quickly. It is in all our interest to make this the best it can be. Another challenge we have is that as a Club, we often add U8-U9 Junior Academy teams in the spring out of our feeder and local rec programs. How do they get taken care of?

Honestly I see a lot of juggling in year 1, but OK with that, as long as the balls stay in the air

Have the girls schedules come out? I would like to take a look at them.

Schedules are still being worked. I am not entirely sure what some folks have seen, but possibly initial brackets and layout/framework

Clubs have been submitting fields this week so exact dates/times/locations are certainly still in process. I expect a little more concrete review later in the week (Friday possibly)

Is there an age group you are particularly interested in? I'll see what I have (but full transparency we are just a member club and not working details). If I were you, I'd ask your club DOC or administrator.

Have the CPL schedules been completed?

its not on the website yet, but I am assuming it has been completed. I have my sons schedule.

I believe JIYSC and USAMP are complete as well.

Given the number of teams the midlands clubs have in the Jim Hudson 9v9 and Sandlapper leagues, it seems like the Lowcountry clubs are much more committed in their participation of CPL.

Sandlapper u11 boys has 21 teams, 14 of which are clubs in the CPL (15 of 19 for u10 boys). Are these teams playing in both leagues?

Coastal, on the other hand, has no teams that are in the CPL. Seems odd to me.

The CPL may be a tool that GPS will use to assimilate Clubs into their program. If a club resists that....they may find it difficult to get anything good out of this league and just stick with the SC leagues.

In Charleston area, CsPL a tool to keep kids u8-12 from a few clubs from having enough games in order to coerce parents of those kids into joining/staying at clubs that are in CsPL.

I was incorrect about USAMP and possibly JIYSC schedules being complete unless they have been completed this weekend.

Our girls are in that sandlapper with only eight games. I would hope we would at least get a couple friendlies against CPL clubs.

CsPL schedule is kind of out. Looks like scheduler having problems with the app.

http://events.gotsport.com/events/default.aspx?EventID=68209

Also looks like schedule goes thru spring season which I guess locks teams out of joining in spring.

https://www.carolinaspremierleague.com/cpl-application.html

You may be right, but there is a link to apply for the spring. Do not know if it is still genuine though.

After looking at my sons age group, I noticed a few clubs lost teams. Tormenta has more teams than I realized.

I saw some teams that will probably switch divisions in the spring unless their rosters have really changed, because I can see a few mismatches. I think the Spring will be better once the kinks are worked out.

These teams will be very familiar with each by years end. Several of them enter the same tournaments and are placed in the same brackets.

Tormenta is likely just how USAMP is going to rebrand itself now that it is a Mount Pleasant cub in name only. The recently fabricated "Lifetime Development Pathway" will likely connect to Tormenta in order to compete with CBSC locally in Charleston area in a claim the club is somehow connected to a "local" pro entity. Because Savannah is more local to Charleston than Daniel Island i guess

I saw the Spring Application tab and was therefore surprised that the schedules went thru the Spring season too. Which makes it hard for any new teams/clubs to join or current teams to switch if they are mismatched in their division either high or low. I'm guessing teams were aware of this even it wasn't passed down to the parents.

I'm sure some flexibility is built into the schedule, at least from the standpoint of moving teams. US Club soccer is still working to strengthen their footprint and have a vested interest creating a format that the clubs will want to continue to be a apart of.

The CPL is not so large that they can afford to hemorrhage multiple clubs, so I am sure some accommodations can will be made. In fact, the small volume of clubs is both its strength and weakness. Each clubs voice is considerable, but if a couple decided to walk away, it would struggle to survive in the younger groups.

Just noticed that Coastal has moved away from ages and has divisions of 7v7, 9v9, and 11v11.

Curious to see how that plays out.

Hearing the CPL schedule is complete for the year. That can't be true can it? Several teams are getting 11-13 games for the year. If true, that is not an improvement.

The purpose of US Club Soccer is to help build clubs. The league is better for the clubs, not the players or parents. Increased costs? Check. Fewer home games? Check. Pay for play at its best.

Im kind of excited about fewer games that will now be more competitive. My youngest will finally be able to play quality games against kids his own age. CPL is a win in our book!

The better teams that played up a year in Coastal will be playing less competitive games, the less better ones that played in their own year will play more competitive games.

So the teams

Still a few more edits coming so I'd monitor it over next few days before finalizing opinions on game numbers.

Personally I'd like teams to have a reasonable number each season (fall and spring). And depending on age and level, that might be different but in 7-10 range sounds about right for most.

Add a couple tournaments and a friendly or two and you are around 15 games.

Disregard this part.

I agree that less games is a good thing. Id say even fewer to allow for development between games instead of during games. Maybe 6-8 meaningful games per season against equivalent level opponents plus home/away tourny. Keeps costs and travel time low for parents and kids. Parents need to understand the money they pay is not a season ticket to weekly parental entertainment but a promise about their child's development.

Game is the best teacher!

Like school, games are the tests. Practice is the classwork/homework.

While there is no substitute for an actual game, I believe at the younger groups, games should both enhance the experience for the kids, but also be seen as a tool to measure/evaluate live performance of training.

I think games every 2 weeks would be a sufficient gauge to measure past training and give focus on future training.

That said, many parents pay a lot of money, and I have heard some say things like, "11 games, that's about $100 per game." I am not sure how well it will be received to pay the same amount, or more, for fewer games.

If you can't convince them otherwise (understandable), is there a YMCA or recreation program nearby for the parents that want games in lieu of of development?

I say that because I want the parents to find what they want, not to be flippant about your situation.

Several more affordable options in the area. Summerville Y, mt pleasant rec some others. Cainhoy athletic is price competitive. Clubs, however, are not too interested in turning people away towards those options.

Sent you a PM

Got this message today. A pleasant surprise.

The games for September 8 & 15 have been posted and added to your SportsEngine app. We hope to have the September 22nd games by the end of this week. As for the October 13 and November 3 dates, SCYSA has decided to wait to schedule these dates in order to ensure they are giving teams the most competitive matches possible and do not want to lock teams into matches that aren't close enough in skill to play.

But wait lets schedule next year now. It saves admin costs for the clubs and the parents have already paid.

I actually like this idea but I'm guessing that the 10/13 games will need to be in Myrtle Beach or somewhere outside of the LowCountry. Normally, tournament weekends (USA/MP) are blocked off due to lack of available referees. I know for the Open League that weekend was blocked off completely for scheduling.

Probably so. I think some CBSC teams are playing in that USA/MP tournament (I believe CBSC is trying to build/maintain/repair local relationships - though I do not look for that to be reciprocated at their own tournament) and SCYSA alluded CBSC probably needing an additional date in their email.

Our team already needs additional dates as we are playing in the Rock Hill tournament this weekend and the USA/MP tournament in October. I saw on SCYSA that the games will be in Myrtle Beach and Walterboro on 10/13 and Summerville and Mt. P on 11/3.

Hearing some parents at 6s & 7s over the CsPL. Schedules still in limbo: days, times, locations still tbd or changing. At least one club even added a team and/or switched divisions.

I guess the "spring schedules are set" wasn't the real reason to ignore the Spring application by CBSC or others. Wonder what the reason for the "no" votes could possibly be? All that's left to consider seems to be $ or adult egos.

Thats too bad for the kids and the growth of the sport.

Not trying to stir the pot, honestly not,, but as a separate league,, the should be able to make the changes that the member clubs see fit I cant speak at all about why clubs are included or not,, but I know one of the draws about separating from scysa was the clubs having more control of things. Just a thought.

Concur 100%, but that movement between leagues existed for SCYSA too.

My point was that "schedules are set we cant add more clubs" cant be a reason to disqualify spring entrants.

Also, the "we can schedule better ourselves" seems to be untrue.

no,,, I do agree with that.

I think the schedule is better fitting with the festival style play. It certainly helps coaches who have multiple teams and really helps families that have children in different age groups..... the state did respond with this,, but it wasnt until after the teams formed their own league. Also, the league and clubs included were announced before any tryouts in May. Everyone had the same opportunity to join one of those clubs included. Just my 2 cents. I know we have enjoyed playing different teams from around the state. I hope it stays,,, at least for the next year anyway.

I know this was said in the other thread, but......

No clubs were going to be admitted into the CPL for the spring. Why was there an application if that was the case? I don't know, you'd have to ask the director and higher ups. I do know that there wasn't any intention to allow new clubs to join for the spring. Whether that was the original case or it changed after they formed, you'd have to talk to the big folks about that.

As for the spring schedule, there have been modifications due to teams moving divisions after fall results. For my specific team, there are 4 TBD games and each one is a matter of us coaches finding a right date and time to play.

Not that there aren't any issues with the CPL, but to their credit they are working on rectifying most that have popped up or weren't thought about initially. Let's keep in mind that this is a brand new endeavor and, as with anything new, there will be hiccups. How they handle them is always the barometer, for me, on how committed they are to their cause. So far i've had little complaints about the league & the complaints I've had have been heard and worked on.

My opinion about CPL schedules and our experience.

I think it has been a learning lesson for all with annual schedules and 'wisdom' of that. My bet is that pressure and lessons learned will force a rethink moving forward in order to better support divisional moves, adding (not uncommon for us in spring), or losing teams mid-year. At least I hope we work on a better system to minimize the disruption and late change you are describing. Several of our teams did see a shift in schedules between December and January (club placement issue as much as league), and I can see how that could be causing some angst at the team level, although these changes are made with player experience front and center and will work out better in the end.

Thinking about the broader concern about exclusion, how about this for an 'out of left field' ramble...

I can't help but wonder if having two leagues isn't in the necessary interest of youth soccer in the coastal district (right now, at least for some). CBSC isn't the only other club NOT in CPL and looking back at the fall, it appears two leagues can be supported and together include all known teams. I know early on several on here were lamenting what will happen to the smaller clubs if CPL grows and I can't help but wonder that now. If CBSC leaves Coastal for CPL (or anywhere else), what would be left? Would there still be enough mass to support everyone else? Having two leagues and choice for divisional play, doesn't prevent teams playing in (open) tournaments. Is it that bad to have adjacent activities at these younger age groups (where in most cases scores and results are secondary (not even published))?

To recap, based on the parents I have talked to on teams in CsPL and the comments on this forum the following can be said when comparing CsPL and SCYSA Coastal:

schedules: movement b/w divisions is now no different(lesson learned!); adding teams is now no different(lesson learned!); its hard to manage so many disparate coach/team scheduling needs (lesson learned!) If this was such a big problem before, how in the world did no one in CsPL leadership not see it coming??

policy: no different (in the hands of other person/people)

money: no different or more (I think there was a slight upcharge for CsPL?)

travel: no different or more (included some clubs from farther away for some age groups, excluded some local clubs)

quality of clubs/games involved: no different(some good games, some blowouts, some fields better than others, some teams didn't show)

So the only things left are:
a) It doesn't post scores/standings for u8,u9,u10
b) It excludes some clubs for reasons unknown to members

Since I don't think the value proposition for in having two leagues is just so you can keep from posting scores of the wee ones in one of the leagues but not the other(I'm all for that-did SCYSA turn that request down?), all that seems to be left is excluding some clubs.

Festival play is now part of both leagues and I am supportive of either format, as are many parents

As far as parents knowing before they joined that their clubs weren't going to be part of the league, I agree because we parents and our kids heard about "Where are you going to play" from coache at USAMP, Cainhoy and GPS as a means to frighten parents and kids into staying at teams already in the league. Perhaps some coaches and club directors did not know or participate in that. I sure hope they tell their members about their disgust that it should have happened in their clubs and keep it from happening again. I'll be sure to call out some offenders in real time on in this forum if I hear of it.

That said, most of the folks who knew about the application assumed that a "Spring Application" meant that there was an application process for, well, Spring. Perhaps that was never the reality, but it was the only logical conclusion, based on the title of the application.

Among the other issues I have heard teams are having in CPL, I understand USA Tormenta cancelled a bunch of away games in CPL. Does anyone know if this is because they are leaving USAMP and CPL as part of this rebranding effort?

https://www.tormentafc.com/news_article/show/1001982

Big announcement for CPL:

https://www.carolinaspremierleague.com

I hoping a qualified teams that apply will be joining.

Misa, (congrats on your win) I know you suggested in a past post you think it would be good to see the reasons for denying a club's application to the CPL published. Can you help the folks out this forum bc the league denied the application and gave no reason.

I’d support any club coach or director assisting club members on the pros and cons of a move to another club. To suggest pointing out the pros of a league opportunity and the absence of a similar league as a con to be an unspeakable offense is silly. If you think the same practice isn’t occurring at your club, you couldn’t be less informed!

Thank you! (Off topic, now I’m curious to who this is cuz you said my nickname lol).

I honestly don’t know why clubs were denied entry to the CPL (or the newly formed SCCL) for this upcoming fall season. We can have theories, but I’m not going to throw theories out without any concrete evidence. I do think it’s fair for clubs to be told why their applications were denied. Whether that is happening or not, I couldn’t tell you. If it’s a matter of teams, coaching, field space, etc., then it surely would benefit both the club and league to say what factors were involved in a club’s denial. At the same time, a league has a right to run its brand as it sees fit for its purpose & its members.

I’m no longer w/ GPS so I’ll have even more limited access than what I had while I was with the club. I’m looking forward to seeing how the SCCL does & how the CPL continues to do. Although my new club home is not in the US Club side of things, I still think the CPL was a good league & can continue to improve. But, for now, I’ll have to look from afar and see how this ordeal plays out