I don't believe for a minute that joining ECNL was a marketing ploy for CESA. They saw what could be the future of girl's elite soccer and took a leap of faith. They got in at the beginning, and ECNL has changed, in my opinion for the better, each year. The conference play resembles the Premier League, although many of the top ranked teams from any age group are from ECNL clubs and aren't participating in the PL any longer. While that may be seen as a negative, I actually see it as a positive for good teams that would not have previously qualified to play at the level of the Premier League, but now have a spot in the PL. So, ECNL is actually creating opportunities for girls on other teams as well
There are probably about 100 families (players from this year) in SC that know the current reality of ECNL. Because this was the first year for conference play, I would say those that have the best read on ECNL are those that had players on a team this year (although the teams did play ECNL and Premier League, so this year is different than future years where, it's my understanding, that the teams will play only in the ECNL league. However, don't hold me to this since I haven't heard for sure one way or the other). If you think that ECNL is something you would like to know more about, talk to a family that has experienced the league. Let them tell you the positives and the negatives.
ECNL is changing women's soccer. It is more and more becoming the league where the top clubs are playing (that's just reality. Of course, there are good clubs that aren't playing ECNL, but most of the top clubs are in the league). Because the league is club-based and not team-based, there is often a team or two within most ECNL clubs that is struggling. But, don't use those teams to define the league. Over time those teams could well improve because of the consistent high level of competition, and because the teams will attract players who want to play at this level. Remember, this is the first year of conference play, so judging the league based on prior years won't give you a real picture of the ECNL today.
As you can tell, I like ECNL, and my child likes it. It is a good fit for her at this time. Things could change, and if she decides that she no longer wants to play soccer at this level, she won't try out for the ECNL team. I am not a brainwashed parent who is simply drinking the Kool-aid, I have seen it with my own eyes. I don't think it is for every player, and may not even be for a very good player. It takes commitment and sacrifice to be on an ECNL (and a Premier League) team. They will miss school football games, dances and time with their friends. But, that's likely true with any club traveling team, regardless the sport.
So, if you and your child are thinking about trying out for ECNL, talk to those parents who actually have players who played this year. Or, call CESA and talk with one of the ECNL coaches. Don't form your opinion based information from a forum. Certainly, some of those providing information have played ECNL, but perhaps they played that first year, and didn't like the experience. Others making comments may have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. They don't like ECNL because it is a change, not because they really know much about the league or have any personal experience with it. It is a league that has evolved, and will continue to evolve. So, if you are thinking about trying your daughter out for ECNL, give yourself and your child the benefit of getting the information you need to make an informed decision that is in your child's best interest.
