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#179058 01/16/22 12:08 PM
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,677
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Joined: Dec 2001
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I recently spoke with a college coach who also coaches ECNL (which won nationals no less a year ago) and he informed me that only four of those 24 players went on to play in college and that only one of his current 17 players was committed to play next year.

The Academies - Exposing Pay-To-Play

Costs: To no surprise the ECNL, like the DA, is very expensive. According to a SoccerAmerica article, one season with an ECNL team could cost anywhere from $8,000 to $10,000. That number takes into account other expenses too. To put that number into perspective, the average American salary is $56, 516 (CNBC). That means that the price to play in the ECNL is roughly 18% of one’s income. The astronomical prices shun top players away from elite leagues, hence, limiting their exposure to college coaches and professional teams. However, it is important to mention that some teams offer scholarships that cover the costs of admission.

What are your thoughts on ECNL (or the next acronym to come along that promises 'top' exposure) and the cost/value associated?

Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,677
Likes: 5
World Cup
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,677
Likes: 5
I also find it interesting that the US Club Soccer (which governs ECNL) headquarters is located in the pricey historic district in Charleston. For a non-profit, they are certainly in a in-demand area!

192 E. Bay St., Ste. 301 Charleston, S.C 29401

Joined: May 2006
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Tony made a great point the other night regarding club soccer & how the leagues are getting watered down. You don’t get the best competition at any level of youth soccer because a region will have numerous clubs & teams playing in different leagues. Clubs have to chase letters to keep attracting players, those leagues become more expensive as they look to expand, and the game keeps forcing out players who can’t afford to play at a higher level. Instead of investing in raising the tide & improving the quality of coaching at the grassroots & lower levels, clubs & leagues will keep chasing letters to start relevant & competitive in the numbers market.

Colleges are part of the problem as they have to get the top level talent & continue pushing the narrative of having to be in the highest level to be recruited by the highest level.


Misael Garzon
May River HS Boys Varsity Head Coach
mgarzon1217@gmail.com

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