>>[Hurst66] I think what we are talking about here is the very tip of the top of the iceberg. If a Bridge team makes RIIIPL and puts up a -40 GD their first year, and they want to be successful the next.......yes, the answer is to merge that team with the CESA team in the same age group.<<

I couldn't agree more that we are talking about is the tip of the iceberg. And the biggest problem is that you can't have a high tip without having a really wide base. Likewise, SC can't consistently have regionally and nationally competitive teams from relatively few youth soccer players -- we need as many as we can get.

>>But we don't need to "merge" these kids from all over the state at the U-12 classic/challenge age group, do we?<<

I honestly don't know the answer to this -- specifically at what age should certain decisions be made -- because I think it's a decision players and parents have to make. If your kid eats and breathes and sleeps soccer and wants ever-increasing challenges, then you probably want her/him on the best team possible with the best players and the best trainers possible.

What I hate -- absolutely hate -- about the Rock Hill area is that South Carolina seems to be an exporter of soccer talent to North Carolina in that area (note: there are certainly exceptions -- but overall I hear about more SC kids playing in Charlotte than I do NC kids playing in SC). I was pleased to see the CESA training in Rock Hill as a way for South Carolina to possibly keep some of its best talent from being sent away -- and longer-term I'm hoping that we might start drawing more kids from North Carolina either as the result of CESA's presence, the existing clubs doing something different, or some combination thereof.

Hurst,
To respond to your equation, you just have to look at which state club is now the most aggressive and progressive one, and which is in the best position to develop regional/national-caliber teams. Bridge will continue to grow and develop players in the lowstate region, but I do not believe they will attract too many players from outside that region (Columbia,Midstate regions, or upstate). The new merged club in Cola.,CUSC, has to basically start over and make a determination as to what level of soccer they wish to attain. There is no doubt that, currently, CESA is the most progressive/aggressive club seeking to attain high levels of quality soccer. Just consider their offering of the College Showcase at little or no cost to the players who desire to participate. It will again be interesting to see if the best of the best players from Cola. and even the lowstate, wish to attain the highest level of club soccer offered in the state, and reap success at regionals.

BDad11,

I have marveled at that for years. Think about it. Little Sumter is the "Cradle of Coaches" in South Carolina. You can't argue with the fact that some successful coaches have come out of that town.

Chico,

There are a number of reasons why Fort Mill/Rock Hill kids choose to play in North Carolina. I have a U-14 daughter playing there now. One of the prime reasons she is there has to do with South Carolina scheduling (related to our geographical proximity to NC).

We get quality competition there at the classic (SC challenge) level without having to drive all over the place. When we were Northside (same for Discoveries and Tega Cay) we were lucky if we got one home game. All other games we went south to Greenville, Lexington or Columbia. My U-12 daughter, who does play in SCYSA, traveled three times this season to Anderson and Aiken.

In NC, we get half of our games at home, less than 15 minutes away at the Ramblewood Complex. We may have to go to Greensboro once and to Asheville once. Most of the teams are actually in Mecklenburg County (Charlotte). Also, there is only one game played per day (usually Saturday) which is nice.

I understood everything you said until this part:

>>[Hurst66] NONE of this has to do with the fact that we can't get quality coaching or that we can't field quality teams in the York County area.<<

I absolutely understand that there are good and compelling reasons for SC parents and players to choose to play in NC, and I would never think of denying them the right to make that choice. That doesn't mean I have to like it -- I just respect it -- and of course I don't get a vote. If you remember, I've come down squarely on the side of soccer organizations not limiting parental choice with regard to where their child plays.

But I am honestly confused by the quoted part here -- who says you can't get quality coaching or field quality teams in the York County area?

All things being equal, I'd prefer to play in the Palmetto State. As a coach and club administrator I was a big advocate of playing SCYSA.....I still am. (But as a semi-burned out parent, I like some of the travel advantages of NC). ;>)

You are right....no one has said that. I've gone back and edited my post.

Hurst66: I'm pretty sure we're in dead agreement on this SC/NC parental choice thing. I believe that as a parent, you do the best thing for your kid, regardless of theory. In theory, I'd love SC soccer to be so strong that no kid would want to play in NC or GA. In practice, SC soccer as a whole isn't that strong and the pockets of strength are sparse.

I want SC soccer to be much stronger and I want SC teams to achieve regional and national competitiveness. But I'd never sacrifice a child of mine for that objective -- I'd tell her to do the best thing for her to achieve her goals.

Right on Chico.....

Sorry, I have to jump over to anaother thread. Alemannia just knocked me off my chair!!!

Hurst and others,

York County has a large contingency that would like to see nothing less than a single club. DSC and Tega Cay have had a year to figure it out, but a few personalities involved refuse to see the bigger issue, which is developing teams that will compete against the Super Club structure. The players and talent are here; maybe Lou will force the issue.

We all talk about doing what is best for "The Children" of York County, step up, step out and make your voice heard. Come on York Unified Soccer Association!!!

4kicks, if you have a game plan love to hear it! A few parents have been trying and recently failed in their effort. We need the stars to line up and the force be with us. It is very frustrating here in York Cty. As Hurst stated, without the hour plus drive to Col or 1 1/2 to CESA territory, we have very limited choices. Having sons, even more difficult with HS season different in NC and SC. Girls, little better option.

just4kicks,

Do you own a gun? In the short term, that may be the only way we get to the "York County United Futbol Club".

Choices mean different things to different people.

York County currently does a pretty good job of offering choice for classic level soccer and lower level challenge. There are also a plethora of rec options for U6 to U10....

What York COunty lacks is the following:

1. Competitive rec from U8-U11 for the very good players for whom SCYSA doesn't offer a very good classic option. This development could perhaps limit the number of young kids who flee to the Charlotte challenge league.

2. Comprehensive rec for players U12-U16. Having been to Raleigh recently I watched their very large and organized rec program playing games with older kids and we have nothing like that at all.

3. Upper level challenge/R3P caliber teams. We simply don't have the population and with the dilution of talent among DSC, TC, Charlotte and some to CESA and Columbia......we rarely can get a team together that can legitmately start the season with the hope of winning State Cup. Not meaning to offend anyone....but there are 2 teams that I'm aware.....DSC '90 boys and TC '92 boys.

A single York County Club will help strengthen the classic-challenge programs and could well lead to a regional level team. But to me this is only a minor step in the direction of optimizing soccer in this area. Until the rec programs that
feed into the single York County Club are aligned you will only be skimming the surface.

CESA has what, 3000 kids? CASL has 20,000 or soemthing like that? The vast majorioty are NOT playing statewide soccer.

A single York County CLub should build from the ground floor up and the primary focus should not be on competing with regional level teams. Focus on your core and grow your CLub. In a few years...your Premier level players will be ready.

Without that structure in place.....even a unified York County Club is at best....3rd or 4th best in the State.

And without that structure.......the recent CESA announcement offers a legit option for York kids that have the ability to play at the highest level...to do so within the confines of SCYSA. Running to NC doesn't have to be the way you go anymore. Playing on teams that are middle of the pack at best.....doesn't have to be the way to go.

Conflicting opinions? Maybe...but one is how things are and one is for how things could be. For the here and now.....CESA offers options currently not available. Merged CLubs and aligned rec programs.....are perhaps wishful thinking.

A ringing endorsement for CESA's reach into the Rock Hill market, from a guy who has tried it in both York County (Northside) and Charlotte (Charlotte Soccer Club).

Big Daddy.....a popular Rolling Stones song is ringing in my head (No...no....no!!!)

What you say in points #1 and #2 above, I can't argue with. We have said all along that the recreation level teams need to be more organized. Right on! Also, at least one club in York County is concentrating on the lower age groups, realizing, as you have said, that this is where the attention needs to be placed. You need to develop the kids at the younger age groups if you are ever going to get them to acheive at the challenge/premier/R3PL level.

I beg to differ with point #3. The population is rapidly increasing in York County. If DSC, TC and CSC Southwest (Northside) could get on the same page....not all of the talent would be diluted. As an example, if everyone "stayed home", our area (call it York County United or whatever) could field a very competitive '93 boys team. I know you have a great deal of respect for that Bridge '93 team and I know the CESA '93 team is very good as well....but our area could compete at this age group.

I understand what you are saying, the local clubs need to get on the same page. But don't throw in the towel just yet. I'm glad CESA is offering to help and I'm glad everyone has a "choice", but we can grow this at home.

Hurst,
It is very difficult to get on the same page, especially if you have egos and individual interests involved, as was the case in Cola. Look how long it took NECSA/CSC to get on the same page. I ranted about a merger of some sort here for 3 years, and now my child has completed club ball, and so cannot reap any of the possible success that CUSC will attain. Your best approach there for immediate, as well long term success would be with CESA, with the resources/coaching/commitment they have to offer your kids.

First, I don't think this conversation is about CESA anymore. CESA simply announced it was going to offer training in the Rock Hill area...no doubt due to demand from parents and players. CESA has offered Columbia training for years (GFC did before CESA) without it being a big deal to anyone but the kids and coaches who participated.

Okay...moving on. York County has rougly 3X less people than the Greenville, Charleston, or Columbia metropolitan areas. Thus, as you're planning in the long term how to build state championship teams, you may want to consider either (a) having a 300% greater penetration rate of youth playing soccer in the area or (b) drawing players from Charlotte.

Does that mean it can't be done? Heck yes, of course it can be done...penetration rates vary widely in different states and great programs draw from a wide radius.

McCESA, coming to a city near you soon!

I did not mean to suggest that all Rock Hill area players go to CESA or that any of the various RH clubs join with CESA, which ain't allowed anyhow! But it just depends on what you want out of your respective soccer experiences. You can have great fun and great experiences at the classic and challenge levels. But if you want the premier level-caliber experiences on a frequent basis, then you have to look further and harder. I have experienced all 3 levels and they all work, but again it comes down to choice. I will say that at least the premier level is now available and attainable in SC. I could not say that 7,8 years ago. Some progress finally in this state that moves so slow!

Rolling Stones? Bunch of commie heathens.....

I was thinking more along the lines of Dandy Don Meredith, "turn out the lights....."

Dude, we tried. In the here and now the single Club isn't a reality in York County. If and when it is, I'm interested. But for now, CESA-RH provides an opportunity for kids like Lil' Daddy to stay home and play that doesn't exist currently.

We need to get a roomful of 15-18 leaders / difference makers from the various CLubs and rec programs and talk about where we are....and where we want to go. Maybe if there's agreement on the 30,000 foot level....you can get into the dirty details and work thru the problems associated with control, money, pride, bitterness, etc.

After that we'll more onto world hunger and peace in the middle east.

Agreed. Just make sure we include Chico when we start working on the hunger and the peace thing. ;>)

ok i get all this talk about cesa expanding and everything... but tryouts for most age groups at CESA have already started... are these players from rock hill gunna come down to greenville for the tryouts this weekend? or what... did DSC 90 get into the premier league for next year? bc i think that will have a big effect on if many players from dsc come to CESA bc if their in the premier league then theres no real reason to come to CESA but i understand if they arent in the premier league. so whats going on?

Our '93's are carpooling down to G'ville on Monday and Wednesday which are the first 2 days of tryouts for this age group.

Where are you carpooling from? We may be able to help one another.

>>[soccer40] i think there will be more kids at the rock hill training than what people think.<<

That's my guess as well.

What typically happens is that parents/players from certain areas start going up to Greenville to train with CESA and once that there are enough players and/or enough interest CESA offers local training in that area.

Thus, from what I've heard, there are already enough Rock Hill area players playing or planning to play at CESA for CESA to do the local training.

ODP on the brain for this weekend? Are you saying that if things would have turned out a little better at Ramblewood last Saturday, then you would have had a conflict this weekend?

Good luck to those two at CESA this week, I'm sure they will help bolster next year's U-15G.

So how many kids are playing at CESA from the lowcountry? How long will it be before we can see some CESA training in this area?

Not soon enough for me. I've been very impressed with their direction!

>> [coldhardtruth] So how many kids are playing at CESA from the lowcountry? How long will it be before we can see some CESA training in this area?<<

I know from this that Sara Cattenacci [Wando] and Chris Sankowski [Hilton Head] played and I've heard anecdotally of more kids from Charleston and Myrtle Beach playing -- but I don't know counts or names. There were 3-4 who last fall came up to some of the Columbia training [again, I don't know names.]

If you have children who are interested, or know other parents who are interested, and want training in Charleston -- the best thing to do is to e-mail or call Pearse Tormey or Andrew Hyslop.

hurst the odp is memorial weekend.i was in a hurry this morning.if we would not of got pushed around by greensboro we would of been at the final 4.first time in 4 years we havnt been there.

You certainly outplayed them. Just a couple of bad breaks in the first half.