SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums Club Soccer & ODP State Cup

For those of you who don't think giving ALL players, from All teams the opportunity to play at a higher level is in best interest of ALL players I respectfully submit we'll have to agree to disagree on the issue.

USYSA created the conflict with SCYSA and Region Team competition. CESA worked with SCYSA and the other teams to give the boys the opportunity to participate in State Cup and the National League.

That's a good thing for ALL of the players on each of the teams in my opinion because they are each playing the highest level available within their respective leagues. Could SCYSA have changed the dates for the State Cup? I suppose so, but what difference does that make?

I'll leave the pontificating to those who would like to carry on about this issue. I have nothing more to add.

Changing the weekend would put all the teams playing one game on Saturday and one on Sunday..That's the difference..
We have been to the last four state cups..Do I take it for granted that we are going to state cup? Of course..As you stated before about this is the seventh championship the team can win..So going to state every year is a common occurence for the team and I can't help but think that you take going to state for granted...wait a minute!! Just like I do..It's a mindset..We see for the most part the same teams every year at state and there are so many that never get that chance..to them I am sure we look like spoiled kids who have to get our way.
The chance to play in this league is a great opportunity but a chance for those who don't make it in to state cup is just a great opportunity also.

Daddy/Manchester,

Is Academy now the tip of the iceberg? Is the goal simply a D1 college scholarship. Are Wake and UNC the end or just the means? Are we looking at a professional career?

"Competition Breeds Excellence"

Why waste time with Region 3, the NL and the Academy. By 16 years of age shouldn't the boy be overseas, learning his trade and making his way in England? What's the total cost of a full year of Academy? $3,500? $5,000?

There are enough British coaches on this side of the pond that could get an English club to look at your boy for that kind of an investment.

Why wait until he's 21? I'd find out now.

Hurst:
In this country we put more emphasis on a college education than a career in professional soccer. In my daughters case the goal was a D1 soccer scholarship, and my return on my club dues has paided off quite nicely.

Congrats sweet feet on a job well done. I can't think of anything more rewarding to a parent than seeing a daughter or son excel at whatever their passion is. I know you are very proud of her!

Sweet,

I have four daughters as well, none as committed and talented as your daughter, but all are decent players. I knew right from the start that, on the girls side, they wouldn't make a significant living playing professional soccer (Hamm, Foudy, Chastain, Marta....there are very very few exceptions).

On the boys side, there is a great opportunity to make huge money playing at the highest level overseas. More than just the money, the thrill of playing at the top level in front of tons of passionate people who care.

The question I ask is this. For 15-year old boys playing Academy (or whatever the highest level of US club soccer is), do they dream to play for ManU and Real Madrid, or is it OK if the ride ends at USC, Notre Dame or Boston College?

As a parent, I certainly value education. If the college scholarship is the goal, fine. US private colleges cost over $40K per year. A $160K education is significant and if R3PL, NL and Academy helped you get there.....fantastic.

Or, is college a "hedge". You made the investment, the boy did well, became a good player. If he's good enough at 21 he can drafted by MLS and continue pursuing the dream. At least he has the college education.

Now if college is not the primary goal, and the young man really wants to play professional soccer in Europe, would you consider an opportunity, if offered, to your 15 or 16 year old son? If Leeds United, or Millwall, or Charlton Athletic offered to take him across the pond and put him on their U-16's (or their reserve team), and ensure that he completes his secondary education, would you take them up on it?

How about it if it would cost you between $3,500 and $5,000 to have this experience happen, would you consider it?

My intention is not to argue, or prove anyone "wrong", I simply want to know what runs through the head of parents of high-level boys club soccer players (and what the player might be thinking as well). I've got girls who play, I'm not exposed to this.

Manchester & Daddy, I've seen both of your boys train and play and they have done very well. Curious to hear your thoughts on this matter.

Daddy,

That was fast. You beat me to it. Answered my question before I even asked it.

Thanks!

For the vast majority of kids playing a D1 scholarship is nothing but a dream. Even the majority of R3PL players will never see a D1 scholarship. So the next dilemma becomes do I try for that 25% ride at a Newberry or Presbyterian? If I do get that am I still paying a higher college tution than I would at USC with no soccer and no scholarship? In effect am I really paying more for college just to play soccer? If you love the game and want that experience then maybe - especially if you can supplement your soccer scholarship with an academic scholarship. Hate to say this folks but I've run across many kids and parents in the last 17 years who need to get a grip on reality and face the fact that while their kids may be better than average soccer players D1 is just not going to happen. I think in a lot of cases the parents are living this dream as much as the kid. To be blunt it's kind of sad. The bottom line is have your kid choose his/her school based on educational needs - what they want to major in and do for the rest of their life - which will not be playing soccer. To the student athletes reading this STUDY STUDY STUDY. Club soccer is great in what it teaches - committment, time management, teamwork and discipline. Have fun with it and enjoy the friendship and memories you make - but just remember there aren't many Enzo's in South Carolina. That young man is fortunate enough to be living the dream of many soccer players and their parents in this state.