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As is always the case, information comes in pieces, and here is some more.

The following tryout schedule has been set for the first year of Bridge FA operations.

Monday, May 9th, 6-8 PM, at SSC, U13-U15, Boys and Girls (U12's interested in playing U13 encouraged to attend)
Tuesday, May 10th, 6-8 PM, at JIYSC, U13-U15, Boys and Girls (U12's interested in playing U13 encouraged to attend)
Wednesday, May 11th, 6-8 PM, at SSC, U13-U15, Boys and Girls (U12's interested in playing U13 encouraged to attend)
Thursday, May 12th, 6-8 PM, at JIYSC, U13-U15, Boys and Girls (U12's interested in playing U13 encouraged to attend)

Saturday, May 14th, Charleston Battery Facilities:
8:30-10:30, U12-U13 Girls
11:00-1:00, U12-U13 Boys
1:30-3:30, U14-U15 Girls
4:00-6:00, U14-U15 Boys

Sunday, May 15th, Charleston Battery Facilities:
1:00-3:00, U16 Boys
2:30-4:30, U17-U18 Boys
4:00-6:00, U16 Girls
5:30-7:30, U17-U18 Girls

Monday, May 16th, 6-8 PM, at SSC, U16-U18, Boys and Girls
Tuesday, May 17th, 6-8 PM, at JIYSC, U16-U18, Boys and Girls
Wednesday, May 18th, 6-8 PM, at SSC, U16-U18, Boys and Girls
Thursday, May 19th, 6-8 PM, at JIYSC, U16-U18, Boys and Girls

As more information becomes available, it will be distributed.

Diadora United FC (DUFC) is a club out of Aiken, SC that is working a similar version to what is happening in Charleston. For the past three seasons DUFC has played in the Super Y-League (SYL) with some success. Last season our U17 team played in the SYL National Finals in Orlando and came in second in our group. We also sent 9 players to the SYL ODP camp in Cocoa Beach. This season we are looking to add more South Atlantic champions and will increase the number of players who will be identified for the ODP combines. Even though we have not entered the SCYSA arena yet the US Club Soccer alternative has allowed DUFC to compete in some tournaments that have exposed our players to college coaches and a high level of soccer.

Our U16 Girls are a good example. We have players from Columbia, Aiken, Augusta, and Charlotte that participated in the Orange Classic last December. This team will play this summer in the SYL and will also be entering Score at the Shore, Raleigh Shootout and Orange Classic this fall.

The 2005 teams will have between 20-25 players in each of the following age groups:
Boys
U13
U14
U15
U16
U19

Girls
U13
U16

Each team will play 10-12 games against the following clubs: Atlanta United, Atlanta Silverbacks, Charlotte Soccer Club, Wilmington Hammerheads, CASL, Triangle FC, Greensboro Dynamo, Richmond Strikers, Richmond Kickers.

Bear:

How will the word be getting out on the tryouts? Will the DOC's of the member clubs make a general announcement, or will it be more of a "by invitation only" tryout based on the talent that the DOC's are aware of?

OPG,
A Coastal District mailer will be going out later this week. In addition, the Bridge FA website, also should launch this week. Word of mouth will also provide some useful communication. This forum was only the start of the communication plan.

This is not a "by invitation only" tryout, it is a fully open tryout. Up to this point the three teams were put together by area coaches, however, that was only due to time constraints and the inability to hold tryouts until on or after 9 May.

Bear,
Where do you anticipate that the majority of the players for your fall U-18 team will come? Since MPSC Sting is in premier league, will they stay together and not participate in the Bridge FA? Do you anticipate having a 2nd U18 team to play in Bridge FA?

Hey Striker, I have an idea for the name Columbia's new club. Instead of Bridge FA, how about Dam(n) FA. People would say, "How bout that Dam Soccer team". What do you think?

Striker,
Not an easy one to definitively answer. Let me start with, Bridge FA will field teams in each gender age group where the numbers and ability allows.

With open tryouts, players can come from anywhere to play.

One of the basic principles of this is that a member club would not offer challenge level play. To cite the example that you make, it would be extremely unfortunate for the other 5 age groups (U13-U17) if MPSC was not a member of the alliance soley so the MPSC Sting could be assured to remain together.

Besides, if top to bottom on the roster they were the best group of players, then they would remain together.

None of this will truly be answered until Sunday, 15 May, at the Battery facilities.

Striker,

I really don't know what many of the individual teams are doing currently. The premier participation roster requirements are spelled out in the SCYSA admin book by a table. It could be that it is 60%, but I don't know for sure.

Under the scenario for Bridge FA, based on tryouts and team formations will determine leagues teams play in. Anything at this point about team formations and leagues is pure speculation.

Where does MPSC figure in all of this? Are the "coaches" on board to send their top players to Bridge FA? Has this been tabled? Please advise!

MPSC has not embraced the full concept, yet. Discussions have not been tabled with MPSC. I'm not sure what individual coaches would have to say about this. The coaches that have been part of the discussion are all very supportive.

Bear,
It seems to me that in order to field the highest quality teams at Bridge FA, it is essential that you get MPSC on board. They are the strongest club in low country. I noticed that MPSC had 3 girls state challenge champs in Spring 2004 (U11 to U14), and then four 2nd place finishes in fall state challenge championships (U15 to U18). And if you do get a few MPSC quality players to move to Bridge FA, you may end up just diluting the strength of the respective teams. I would think that MPSC would not want to break up their good thing! Just as in Cola. where the talent pool is diluted among the too-many clubs, it becomes difficult to attract all or the majority of the quality players that you seek for Bridge FA.
Just some observations.........

Striker,

I'll tend to agree with some of your observations. MPSC is very strong, particularly on the girls side. However, Bridge FA is not a good thing for this upcoming season, but rather a good thing for the upcoming season and into the future.

Yes, the teams you cited are/were successful teams. The question is, are there other players in the area that could take these teams to a different level? If the answer to that is no, then as stated above, this team would remain together, and become a Bridge FA team. If the answer to that is yes, then Bridge FA provides an opportunity and structure to get these players together. Either way, Bridge FA provides a solution, without "diluting" the talent pool.

Due to many issues, I do not believe MPSC was ready to embrace the Bridge FC concept this yr. Primarily, they are actively interviewing a new DOC and do not want to commit him/her to something he/she did not have a chance to make a decision about.
Frankly, w/o MPSC I do not see a merger concept having a big impact without them. As mentioned before, 3 defending State Cup teams this spring and 4 2nd place teams from the fall.

My concept on a premier level club sponsored by the Battery has been stated several times before.

If I'm not mistaken, MPSC is hiring a second DOC. Discussions had included the current DOC. Embracing the concept provides the opportunity to restructure the operations, similar to bringing in a second DOC, without the additional expense.

The impact of the teams for Bridge FA will only be seen after tryouts and team formations, but the teams that have played together up to this point, have definitely been more competitive than the respective individual teams from last year.

Just as you state there are several reasons for MPSC not embracing the concept, there are several reasons for the Battery not fully embracing/sponsoring this effort.

any word on who the new DOC at MPSC might be? The Bridge FA coaching staff is very impressive!

Hammer,
Where can you find the list of coaches for the Bridge?

Does anyone, maybe Bear, know which coaches will coach what gender/age teams?
http://www.bridgefa.com/content/?nid=6

Striker,
Obviously, teams and coaches for teams can't be set until after tryouts. If you have a specific question, on the Bridge FA website is a question feature.

Dexter,
There is a coaching staff tab on the Bridge FA web page.

Why can't coaches be set before tryouts? All other clubs do so.

Striker,
It sounds like you have specific questions, more suited for the Bridge FA organization. (Leading a horse here?)

Dexter,
Not going to argue the point, but not "all" clubs have announced coaches with teams. The staff is not finalized. The current coaches listed are the ones that have committed to coaching Bridge FA teams.

Very interesting meeting between Bridge FA and a local team's parents last night. Everything was outlined well in the presentation and Q&A session which went late into the night. At least one coach offered a coaching position is waiting on a formal decision BY THE PARENTS, not the club. While it would be ideal to get the club onboard, as usual it is going to be up to the parents to make the move. A couple of sticky issues which may swing the decision, one being practice fields, specifically lighted ones.
More to follow mid-week next week.

Bear,
You're right. "All" clubs don't announce coaches before tryouts-Bridge FA proves that point. However,I have never seen a tryout begin where the coaches had not been announced. I am not privy to "all" clubs, but I will say that the ones I know- CASL,CESA,Concorde,CSC,NECSA- do in fact announce their coaches. Sorry about the error in semantics.

Soccerdog6: Will the former MPSC U15 girls [2005 U16 girls] play premier?

Dexter,
I guess I invited the discussion with my statement about all. Again, like Striker, your specific question are more suited for the Bridge FA organization through their web site.

I will say there is one major difference between the clubs you mention and Bridge FA. Bridge FA is the only one that is beginning operations, the others are already well established.

I can understand the desire for more information. The issue is compounded by the fact that the coaching staff is not finalized. I'm sure that as more coaches commit, the web page will be updated.

Chico - As of this moment, MPSC Legend is alive and well but will be in a state of flux for a couple of days. We, as parents, just found out that to play Premier a decision had to be made in December. The decision by ? was made to wait another year (U17) to play Premier. Of course, they (we) may not get another chance. If things go as they really should - stand by for one tough team.

Soccerdog6: Thanks for the reply. Best wishes for things going well!

Perhaps if teams (parents, players)decide it would be better to go with Bridge, then the "home club" might decide to join the alliance sooner rather than later. Is that possible?

Sideliner - Of course it is possible! Hopefully, this is exactly what is going to happen.

So maybe I don't understand this alliance thing so well. You can bring a whole team from wherever and play under the Alliance banner? No tryouts?

2004striker - I don't believe anyone stated that. I must go back and review all the postings, not really, I don't. Per the website, there are tryouts. I you live in the Charleston area and follow girl's soccer, you know which is the strongest team in a certain age group. Basically, without their support, at least a majority of them, there cannot be a stronger team, period. Those are simply the facts of life. If "that" team does not support Bridge, they will continue to be the strongest team in Chas, just no further improvement likely.
Hopefully this will make sense.

Yes, thanx. So smaller clubs may be interested in joining the Alliance. I believe that CASL has an affiliate club in Va., playing under its name. Do you believe that it may be possible that a smaller club in Cola. ,or wherever, may join and play under the Alliance banner and yet practice and play out of Cola?

Now that is an extremely specific question, which can only be answered by Bridge FA, and most likely not on a public message board.

To my knowledge, there's a very limited number of people that truly understand the alliance and the relationship with alliance member clubs.

I acknowledge your persistence in pursuit of specific information.

Yes, sorry. I am overly persistent at times. I think it comes from my Red Neck upbringing!

2004striker - very good question. Bear is correct. I am not affiliated with Bridge (just hope to be). They need to answer those types of questions.

OK thanx. Sounds like the questions have to be put to the Grand Wizard of OZ of BridgeFA.........
It is a real person or like in the movie, just a voice behind a screen?

No need to apologize. Not even for your "Red Neck" upbringing. Dudeman and I have something in common.

This is the beauty of anonymity on this message board. However, I don't think the Bridge FA question feature allows for anonymity.

Soccerdog6..please send me a PM..I need to ask you a question about MPSC Legend, Premier, and Bridge Alliance. Thanks

Bear,
One further comment about tryouts since they are about 3 weeks away. Most players chose to play for a coach, instead of a club. Can you find out if the respective coaches will be named for the teams before 1st tryout?

Striker,

I've seen you post this same thought a couple of times. Naming the coaches is pretty complicated for Bridge FA at the moment. If you want an answer to your question, you have a couple of options, PM, or Bridge FA question feature.

Ever since we moved here 5 years ago, we have heard soccer folks talk about the need to form "region teams" -- to pool all the talented players in the coastal region into very strong, competitive teams. To me, that seems to be what Bridge is offering to area players. Now, some of those same folks who have wanted these "region teams" for years are balking at the concept Bridge FA is offering lowcountry players. How ironic is that?

I think that there might be a difference between balking at the concept versus being concerned about the execution. At this time, Bridge has two alliance members: JIYSC and SSC. The current absence of MPSC and CUSC, for whatever reason, is of concern to quite a few people to whom I've spoken.

But it's possible to have this concern and still fervantly hope that Bridge is successful in doing what they are trying to do -- enact the concept of offering higher-level services to highly ambitious players consistently across an entire club. I know that I'm hoping for their success, despite any short-term execution issues that might or might not exist.

While I am totally in favor of the Bridge concept, a local team has expressed concerns with respect to practice fields, specifically lighted ones. Additionally, the concern of sufficient numbers of practice fields has been presented to Bridge.
To date, the team members (parents) have not been updated as to preliminary practice field assignments based on projected participation.
I can tell you this - one team will make a decision this week whether or not to support Bridge this upcoming season. With time being short and a non-response to the field discussions are not helping things.
Still keeping the old fingers crossed.

Bear, Soccerdog and BridgeFA organizers -
You may know of my 2-year campaign of persistent, wild rants and zealous desires in this forum for a Cola. area merger of the mutiple and mediocre small clubs in the midlands into a semi-CESA-like behemoth. The possibilities, coaches, facilities, organizers are all here in the midlands; elements for success. Even though CSC, at one time, invited all clubs to sit down and think on it, any real progress and interest has since waned. Therefore, it is refreshing to see that lowcountry soccer has seen the success of the 'evil CESA machine', and has not cowered in the face of the 'Red Monster'. Even SYSA is rising up to some unknown level with the new CarolinaFC to go to battle with their dreaded western neighbor. Since that club cannot hope to attract top CESA players away from the 'land of all the state championships', I have heard sinister rumors that CarolinaFC has obtained DNA samples from top CASL and Concord Fire Elite teams, and is attempting to clone top soccer players for their new club. So the battle is on between north and south, while the midlands social soccer society produces pleasant, mediocre yet adequate, acceptable and yet, occasionally challenging, soccer teams. We in the midlands don't want this soccer thing to get too far out of control, and actually result in 30 mins. trips to practice from NE to Ballentine and to/from W. Cola and Lex. It is not that important!! We intend to keep this a high school soccer area, and if the upstate and lowcountry want to produce spectacular, exciting club soccer, and contend for regional titles, and play in big-time tournaments; then let them enjoy it themselves and keep it to themselves, and leave us to our nice, small, convenient clubs. Ahhhhh....'the beautiful game'.

Striker,

What BFA is doing is the samething as CSC. All the top players in Cola play for their 17's last fall. Maybe you should just accept the fact that the other teams were better. I know not ALL the kids in Cola didn';t play CSC but I am sure CESA missed a kid or two. HEck Tomeck played in ATL.

If you would quit with this "always greener theory" you have always had youwould see a pretty good picture right in front of you! You have 2 guys going to usc (had another) and a handful of other talented players. you have the same thing in Cola as BFA is going to be. Some clubs might not recognize this, BUT I DON"T SEE MPSC joining up. That would be the same as NECSA. You get the players from LEX and CRSA what gives. Don't tell me we need u13 premier teams BS that leads to BURNOUT.

So what is your response?

Once a Villa always a Villa

Da,
Don't get me wrong, Da. I know CSC has a good thing going and maybe all the top area gals/guys will eventually matriculate to that club. But that is being reactive to that possible scenario, rather that proactive. My main point is that with all the resources of coaches, fields, organizers, etc. spread among so many midlands area clubs, we are too diluted and that we could be so much better. We could attract even more top players from Rock Hill, Sumter, Aiken, etc. if we are larger. You only have to look at the dreaded success of CESA in just one year of merger -
all, as in ALL, 8 state championships U15 to U18.

CESA is a BUSSINESS! Tell me what Pearce and Andrwew do outside of CESA? Ok now Eddie is a teacher, Trip runs a Store, Heise is a teacher...These people depend on OUTSIDE income to live.

But wait a minute.....If CESA is the grandest thing inthe world why would you need Carolina FC? Won't they take players away? OOPS you mean someone is not happy w/ the way CESA is? To borrow the line from Villa .....The grass isn't always greener my slow learning friend.....heck I can even see that thru the brown tinted glases I have on!

Oh, you drunken fool! It is much too early to deal with your misguided banter. Are you in bed with Da? I knew not even you would see the wisdom of my rants. It takes someone, maybe a male flea, with more advanced thought processes than yourself, to begin to understand my profound comments about club soccer in Cola. Go back and finish your 3rd brown ale of the morning. Maybe you need to post in the girls softball forum.
And......yes CESA is a successful BUSSINESS......succeeding at bringing home state championships!!!

What is hard about undestanding the facts....Villa got it right.....you have a BFA in COLA!!!!! What don't you get? Who else do you want? You already had the following players: Anderson, Cook, Wall, B. Smith, Baier, Roushe, Seabrook, Evans, Acree, Prince, Monroe, Smith, .....Pretty good XI if you ask me.....so you missed Hughes and Ros....BIG DEAL....you still had just as much talent...so are you complaining about coaching? You had facilites you had players....Maybe I am drunk....but at least I get it!

I don't follow the Carolina FC logic. They are needed just like Clemson, Foothills, USA, etc...

Are there people unhappy with CESA. Of course, but there are also people unhappy with Wal-Mart, Apple, etc...Is there a point here?

Shearer,
Any insight on Eddie giving up the rising 18's?

>> [Shearer] CESA is a BUSSINESS!<<

Any incorporated entity is a business in the sense that there is revenue and expenses and the like. CESA is a 501[c][3] corporation; so it is a non-profit business.

>> [Shearer] Tell me what Pearce and Andrwew do outside of CESA?<<

They sleep...but they're both dreaming of CESA...so I'm not sure if that counts.

Oh NOOOOOO!!!!!! Here comes more Lovefest!!
Chico,
Since, SACASS (Supporters of Average Cola. Area Soccer Society), with Shearer as Commissioner, fails to see the profound wisdom in a merger here; I am compelled to put 'the Red Monster, CESA' on notice that I, with all my infinite power and influence, have officially unleashed my Red Neck League. The RNL teams, hereby, declare war on CESA. Our stated mission in our now defunct website, is to bring home (well, to our trailer homes),the 8 fall state championships! Please pass this edict along to your board. Thank you.

No I don't have any insight....I hear Bert is training a few teams over there...since Evans and Prince are on that team I would imagine he would train them...just my thinking....

You made my point for me Chico CFC is NEEDED as are "small" clubs.

2004,

I couldn' possibly drink enough brown ale to understand your "greener" logic. You have ideas....but ideas often translate into idiots w/out balls about themselves. Why don't you organize a meeting in Cola.....you would simply have to call/email three people....Tripp Eddie and Heise oh yeah and Cunningham. Set up a meeting and get them to all agree!!!!

Well I am sure this will take place shortly!!!

Who farted?

The reasons that clubs have or have not joined Bridge FA is not suitable for discussion on a public message board.

The practice field location is defined as well as it can be at this point in the FAQ section on the Bridge FA web page.

what team(s) will Brisson coach? how about Po?

Talon,

I assume that Po is Jamie Posnanski. The teams that Clark Brisson and Jamie Posnanski will coach will be announced with the rest of the coaches.

Soccerdog,
Check your PM.

I believe the CSC coaching assignments are listed on their website.

They are.....why did eddie give up the rising 18's????

Where is Chris C?

Who is Alibaruho at CSC? That is a very good team that he will be taken care of. I understand that Christian was ready to be moved from that team, but why would not one of the better trainers get that team????

Alibaruho is Newberry College assistant coach. See article below for more info on Leto.

www.newberryindians.com/article.asp?articleID=447

According to CRSA website they don't have listed tryouts for U17 or U18 teams? Will they have teams? I also don't see tryout dates on NECSA website?

Well I heard that the overwhelming *****ING AND MOANING from 2004 striker persuaded heise and miller to drop that age group so 2004 could be the team Manager for the first offcial "merged" team in Cola!!! Congrats!!!!

Like I said before you can't even see right in front of you!!!!


Who Farted????

WOW..this is by far the most heated discussion item I've come aross yet! Clearly an emotional issue, and one that has been brewing (not the brown ale type) for some time.

Any truth to the rumor that Ralph Polson may leave CofC for Central Florida's head post?

Did I strike a nerve in the other post? It's curious that you are associated with a Classic team, (gleaned from your comments concerning the Hilton Head team), but now are concerned with Bridge FA, which is challenge only.

Strange about Coach Lundy, I've heard the same thing, however, I've also heard there are factors that could change that.

Haven't heard about Jamie leaving, that's unfortunate for the players. I guess Bridge FA has an opening for another quality coach. Do you know any? I'm sure Bridge FA would appreciate any insight that you could provide.

Check back a few pages, I've said a couple of times that only Bridge FA could answer some of the specific questions that have been asked. Hopefully people are asking questions of them.

Bear,

As I stated in another thread, Bridge FA will affect classic (to a small extent) despite only playing challenge. For the 2004 - 2005 season, in the U-13 age group (for example) there were challenge teams from both SSC and JIYSC. Presumably, for 2005 - 2006, there will only be one team from Bridge FA. That means that there will be up to 18 challenge level players returning to classic teams in their home clubs, unless they can get on an MPSC or other challenge team. Presumably, that will displace another 18 players back to rec league. This should improve the competitiveness of the classic teams in the area (and make it harder for my classic team, but I'm ok with that). My point is, there is a ripple effect to these mergers. It's very positive for some, but not all. Just something to keep in mind.

Lurker,

I read your post and found it an interesting point of view. It is something that we have and are keeping in mind.

What we have seen with the dispersed clubs is that at times there are players playing on a challenge team that should be, from the development point of view, playing on classic teams.

Just because the two clubs each had one team, does not automatically make it one team for Bridge FA. If the numbers and ability is such that more teams can be fielded in a particular age group, then that is what will be done.

As for displacing classic players to rec, the local clubs are not limited to only fielding one classic team, so like the challenge teams, if the numbers and ability warrant multiple classic teams, then multiple classic teams could be formed.

This is very difficult to write, because it's not as concretely defined as you have stated. Yes I agree that there is a ripple effect to mergers, but I believe that the Bridge FA model significantly lessens that effect on the small market clubs.

CIWS, you've separated your post by numbers, so I'll respond where appropriate by your numbers.

1) It could be argued that hiring a men's DOC is a visible indicator of why MPSC hasn't joined Bridge FA.

2) Good point about the budget, haven't heard that one before. However, there are many ways to allocate a budget. I don't think it's likely that the budget is evenly divided among the 3 segments, given that the proportion of the players is not evenly divided among the 3 segments.

3) Personally, I never really looked at these numbers.

4) It's too early to clearly state what the teams make ups will be. Tryouts are the only way to determine that. Practice location will be determined by the individual teams. We are confident there will be teams training at JI, SSC and DI. It is possible that the training location will be at multiple locations. Daniel Island is probably more solid than many people know or understand. There are no guaranteed positions in select soccer. That's why there is an annual open tryout. As for gas prices, the quickest way to cut that is car pooling. Happens already for some teams.

5) I am assuming that your holding to the practices being at SSC. Don't know when you've last been to SSC, but, SSC does have two lighted fields. However, teams will practice where it makes sense.

6) Bridge FA is a great opportunity for the low country players. The attraction should be the desire to train and play with the best players.

Summary, mandating a specific team percentage is contrary to open tryouts and having the best players play together. If it holds that teams must have 40% Mt Pleasant makeup, then you are possibly automatically limiting the team from fielding the best possible team, as some would have to be on the roster just to make the 40%.

Daniel Island is a practice location.

Bear, my point about the 40% is directly related to Mt P joining the Alliance.

If Mt P does not join, the liklihood of having significant team representation diminishes significantly (well below my 40% number), thus a Bridge Team will likely practice in other areas SSC or JI (maybe DI).

If Mt P joins, the liklihood of having a significant Mt P representation on any given Bridge Team increases (probably 40% [if there's a Summerville bias] to as much as 60% [if there's a Mt P bias]), thus teams will likley practice in Mt. P (given access to fields, coaches, etc).

My comments about bias are simply early perception based since we're dealing with speculation only at the moment.

Did you see the Mt P Soccer Coordinator mailing that Christi Arnold sent to Mt P players yet? I recv'd it yesterday in the mail.

As a Summerville resident, I was not on that particular mailing list, (I don't think, since I didn't receive one, but it could take longer for the mail to get way out to Summerville. (That's meant only in jest!)). I've heard what some of the basis of the mailer was, and I'd be interested to see it.

As for the bias of the team make up, I think I understand your point. And from your reply, I think you understand my point of it being too early to tell.

I know there's some frustration over this point of practice location. Practice location can't be determined until the teams are formed and teams can't be formed until tryouts. People are having difficulty in making the decision about trying out without knowing the practice location. It's a viscious loop that can only be broken by faith in the stated intent, that teams will practice where it's mutually beneficial to all players on the team.

Some people have a much broader knowledge base than I do when it comes to age groups. I only really know one. What I do know is this, currently there are Mt Pleasant residents playing in Summerville, Summerville residents playing in Mt Pleasant, James Island residents playing in both Summerville and Mt Pleasant, and the list goes on. The group of players that Bridge FA is designed for, has a tendancy to move from club to club to find that "team" that suits there need. In the current environment, when that player decides to move, they are not held in very high esteem from the "losing" group. Bridge FA is designed to allow for movement to a neutral organization, not "going to play for them". That is why it is structured as an all "inclusive" cooperative arrangement, not an "exclusive" competitive arrangement. Until we break that barrier, these players are the ones that will continue to suffer. One reason another low country attempt at this did not last was because it drew the best players, and then competed with the remaining clubs. That's why Bridge FA is only Challenge level, and the alliance member clubs agree not to field challenge teams.

Would like to hear more from you, but probably off line would be good. Feel free to PM.

Bear,

You need a knighthood.

Have been watching this debate from afar & since my 2 players are all "grow'd up", I have no dog in this fight. As such, I have zero connection with anyone on the Mt. Pleasant Politburo.

My only comment is this. Based on recent state cup results, the need to join forces, and why hasn't Mt. Pleasant joined the alliance; maybe Mt. Pleasant isn't feeling the same pressure as James Island and Summerville to bump up their level of play.

SW,
My kids are out of soccer,too.
Though I will admit to a fondness for all things East Cooper - I have for years advocated an elite level merger sponsored by a neutral party - for ex. Battery. All local clubs would maintain their independance except for the very highest levelteams.Please refer to my posts ad nauseum on this from a year or so ago.

MPSC is in midst of hiring new director (which had over 100 aplicants including many notable Lowcountry names). This prevented club from committing to something which club director would have a lot of involvement in. As you noted , in many age groups - MPSC already had the State Cup runner up team with most of the talent. So urgency naturally wasn't there either.

I would also think, for it to be attractive to MPSC, it would have to recognize the natural
distribution of current talent. Like OSSOC's Hurricane team of a couple of years, after a while the 80% of the team that does all the traveling for practice on poorly lit fields and 'home' games figures out there has got to be a better way.

Hopefully, this effort can be refined and improved for the future.

p.s. Hope to see you at the Battery game tonight.

I wish the Battery would get more involved in this at the grassroots level and use their organization to bring all of Charleston soccer together.

SW, Swimmer, and Hammer,

There is so much more to the discussions that have taken place than is suitable for the open forum.

SW, this is about providing a service to the low country players, that individual clubs simply cannot offer. It is not about any clubs trying to increase their level of play. SSC and JIYSC just happen to be the first two clubs that more than "philosophically" agree with the concept.

Swimmer, the natural distribution of talent is considered with practice locations. However, that's limited because of which clubs are full members of the alliance.

For you two that no longer have children playing, it would be good for the planners of Bridge FA to learn from your experience. Perhaps you could contact them and set up some time?

Bridge FA can be refined and improved, but only if true concerns/issues are expressed and worked through.

As a follow-on, the concept has been kicked around for years, even when my players were coming through the ranks. Personally, I'm for it, I'm for almost anything that provides more options. Options are a typically a good thing. I hope Mt. P does come on board.

As for the Battery, I've had more than a few conversations about this topic with several Battery folks in the past when they sponsored the Super Y teams. In theory, it sounds good, in practice, they take a business risk which I can understand. The "my kid didn't make the Battery team, so, the heck with them, I'm not buying their tickets" is a very real concern. Plus, they are very organized and have a good staff but any youth effort would dilute their pro program. They have camps, they run coaching clinics, many of their players coach area teams. I think for now, that's how they feel they want to contribute to the youth scene. While I would never say never, people really should not wait on the Battery to be that top of the pyramid option.

MPSC staff posted their position, for sure. But the staff also quickly removed an article that was posted on Tim Santoro (former DOC at MPSC) regarding his involvment in the Bridge, and they also deleted all the Links to other clubs. It seems MPSC staff does not want any discussions on the subject.

I have to say that I feel the letter from Christi Arnold at MPSC was very poor, and greatly lacking any real substance. She states that "MPSC and the Town of Mt. Pleasant are not supportive of this alliance in any way to include philosophy, direction,..." blah blah blah. As far as I can tell, she doesn't say what it is about the Bridge philosophy and direction that they don't like.

She states that MPSC is the "most well-rounded and successful club in the Lowcountry." I will agree with that, but "well-rounded" does not consistently beat the CESA's of the world, and nobody outside of the Charleston area cares about being "most successful in the Lowcountry."

The Bridge FA may not be the perfect solution, but is that even possible? Right now, the Bridge is the best opportunity the Lowcountry has to BE the best in the state, and beyond. If you can't see that, you need to wake up!

If you are not part of the solution, you ARE part of the problem.

wow, I think this has hit a nerve!

Unfortunately it was necessary to remove a posting on their website by a rogue parent with access to the site to denigrate the club.

Is that denigrate, or ILLUMINATE ?!?!

perhaps christi is not in favor of the merger due to the alignment of the club and the city, which could impact the status/security of her job? any thoughts or clarification?

Or maybe Christi is in favor of Bridge, but because she's the Director of Soccer at MPSC she has to be the one to state the club's position against Bridge. Who else is going to do that? The town of Mt. Pleasant? The Booster Club? No, she's the one who has to stick her neck out for her club whether she want to or not.
Unfortunately, there are others out there who are trying their best to make sure Bridge doesn't succeed - in one case, a parent telling a player not to tryout for the Bridge since it "doesn't make sense" to do so.
After the result of both state cups (fall and spring), there is no doubt that a club like Bridge is a must in the lowcountry. Bridge is doing nothing to individual clubs - clubs will still have rec and classic teams. If I understand it correctly, being part of the alliance also means that Bridge will share their coaching staff with alliance member clubs. It's a win-win situation if you are interested in forming highly competitive teams and having excellent training for all your players. It seems to me that by MPSC not joining the alliance it may be forcing some of their better coaches to make a decision between MP and Bridge. But MPSC has already stated their position clearly. Is there time for their new DOC to change the club's direction?

How can Bridge FA use municipal facilities? Will they simply borrow space to play? If so, that will ultimately lead to a short-term existence, don't you think? Will Summerville, MPSC, Battery, etc. give their "best" sites for Bridge FA to use? How is this being approached. Bear - no need to say this needs to be private. Let us know what is being done in this respect!

I think some of you are getting warm. Just to restate what some people may not know, the Mt. Pleasant Soccer Club is part of the Town Of Mt. Pleasant’s Recreation Dept. It is not autonomous like most other private soccer clubs. The soccer club can’t do anything it wants. Christi can’t do everything she wants. Christi has a boss, the Director of the Mt. Pleasant Recreation Dept. He has a boss. The mayor and town council. I think you can take this line of logic on down the road. I don’t know, but I’m guessing, there’s a few people in Christi’s chain of command who could care less about how many state championships CESA has won. And I also think there may be some people who wouldn’t be too supportive of an alliance that allows some of the best soccer players to leave the town’s program. Did I mention there’re politicians involved here?

Just guessing, that’s all.......

Soccer Watcher brings us back to reality of the Mount Pleasant Soccer Club. It's not autonomous from Town Council and Bureaucrats. Some may argue that it saved Hungry Neck soccer from itself.

But the real reality is if the Bridge can show some success, all the politically correct in MPSC their wagon to it. I do not particularily care for this result.

I say for those who want to play Classic ball and less, or feel comfortable in MPSC, or who cannot think beyond Mount Pleasant to stay there. The Bridge is not for you. You will only bring it down.

For those who want to support competitive play Regionally, please come, please support. The Bridge's first year will be watched closely.

Faint of heart need not apply!

I second that !

Couldn't have been said any better...

Sideliner, Soccer Watcher and Roadster, collectively, I think you have all said it best.

Maybe Christi Arnold's substance-free letter was written that way on purpose. Maybe she wrote it because she was told to, but did such a poor job with it as a way to revolt in her own little way. I know, that sounds kinda over the top, but who knows...it could happen. Politics are definitely getting in the way, though. We sure could use John Wayne's help on this one!

SW,
The irony of this situation is that MPSC will probably lose some of their more talented players anyway - alliance or no alliance. There will be MP players seeking the highest level of competition even if it means traveling for hours to get to practice. Perhaps it won't matter to the town of MP this year, but if the town can't make these talented players sign multi-year contracts with MPSC, eventually town council may have to reassess. I think there was a similar situation with MP Baseball. Someone correct me if I am wrong (which I may very well be) but a year or two ago the Town of MP allowed the best MP baseball players to cross the border into Goose Creek to pool the best BB players from the Low Country into elite teams. Does this sound familiar?? I know this is not a BB forum, but isn't this what the Bridge is trying to do?

sideliner,
I'm not familiar with the baseball situation, but my first guess would be that this is a little different. With the Bridge, they are in, essence, becoming partners with each club that joins. They are not just taking away, but sort of sharing (and, no, I don’t think that is like being sort-of pregnant). Bear would do a much better job explaining what the club gets in return, but by joining the Bridge, Mt. Pleasant would at least be able to take some of the credit for their success (because they would be a member). Although, actually, MPSC will be able to take some of the credit now, because they will probably be driving some people away from MPSC and TO the Bridge. Plus, each member club gets back the portion of the registration fee that is not used specifically for some sort of organization fee (US Club Soccer, etc.). Again, Bear, please correct me if I’m wrong. But, I guess, for the most part, you are correct in that Mt. Pleasant will surely be losing some good players because they are unwilling to be flexible.

So, did Mt. Pleasant learn anything from the baseball thing?

Not sure. Maybe they learned baseball parents will fight to get what they want -- good, competitive teams. However, they haven't applied what they have learned in the past to their present situation. I guess soccer parents are just not as vocal as BB parents.

Maybe we could learn a lesson or two from our European counterparts...

Just happened to check the Bridge FA website and they have some interesting announcements pertaining to coaching staff and tryouts. Some of our questions may be answered now.

Hammer,
If you know it should be private, why ask?

Can Bridge FA use Mt Pleasant municpal facilities? No.

Is Bridge FA borrowing space to play? No.

Will the arrangement lead to short term existence? No.

Will alliance member clubs allow use of "best" facilities? Yes.

Sideliner,

Is there time for the new director to change the club's direction?

I would say yes, but the longer it stays on the current path, the harder it will be to change the direction. There will come a point when it will be too late to change it for this year.

It won't happen. Rumor has it the new director is Jeremy Aven. He has made it clear he is not a supporter of the Bridge "concept". I am not sure what is coaching background is. He was a volunteer assistant with CofC this fall.