I too was a little curious about the "weak R3PL" comment. My experience is on the boys side (rising U-17's). Based on past performance, of the three R3 divisions, it would be fair to say that West is strongest, followed by East and Central, in that order. I don't think there is any question that the depth in Texas (Lonestars, Solar, Texans FC, Dallas Texans...) is impressive. I also don't doubt that our SC teams, CUFC and CESA, can compete with anyone in the country, including the Texas teams. Based on performance in tournaments against teams from other regions (excluding R4 - whom we never see), teams from R3East do quite well.
Try playing Cobb, GSA, Wellington Wave, West Pines, Brevard, etc. and tell me R3PL is weak.
The only thing that I would add to your suggestions for kids wanting to be seen by out of region coaches is to attend a camp at a college of particular interest.
