For the most part, 5A soccer in S.C. for girls and boys is pretty competitive in comparison to some of the local leagues. Playing in HS is a formative experience for any athlete that allows bigger crowds outside of just parents that frequent most higher level national youth games. If you’ve been following DA on the girls side the talent is hit or miss because of the pay to play mentality still alive and well. Until there is a clear elite league in the US, kids will continue to play where they want regardless of level of play ( ECNL vs. NPL vs. DA). Look at the NWSL and USWNT rosters and you’ll be hard pressed to see any league that sets up the fast lane to that roster.
