lpaf,

I am still trying to figure out the expanding universe and Vera Wang (no that's the dress my daughter wants that I cannot afford because she takes all of my money playing soccer).

I have stayed away from the merger discussion. I have been through business mergers and club mergers and they all have the following happen to work.

1)Tell the truth.
2)Make no guarantees.
3)Don't stereotype the other group in the merger.
4)Knock down the walls, do not play favorites.

The first thing that happens most mergers, is that the top person (or person's) from each organization get in a room with their favorite beverage, and ask the all important question, "What is going to happen to you and me if we merge?" If they can figure that out to each others satisfaction, the merger talks go on.

It is difficult for parents to initiate merger talks, because number one they cannot act for the board, but also most parents are generally happy with the status quo and would become concerned about what will happen to Bobby or Sue in the event of a merger. Will they be on a B team, or will they make the team at all?

Now is bigger necessarily better? Not necessarily, and that is why I am trying to lose weight. But the first thing that people talk about is merging talent to form super teams, and they forget about team chemistry and merging expenses and philosophies (there doesn't seem to be much duplication of expenses to be eliminated, because most club expenses are directly dictated by the number of players - trainers, fields etc., so you're not going to save much there from merging). One of the good things would be more contributors toward purchasing land for fields.

The recipe for success in soccer (whether it is a big club or a stand alone team) and most everything else:
1) Good training
2) Develope a love for whatever you are doing.
3) Have a strong, consistant work ethic.
4) Plan your work, work your plan. Take no shortcuts.
5) Respect your people and your competition.
6) Winston Churchill "Never, never, never, never, never (I don't remember how many nevers he said) never give up."

Good luck and be patient.
BLJ