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

I think the answer to your question is a highly individualized one. Most boys playing highly competitive soccer likely have dreams of playing professionally. As is the case in every sport, those dreams will seldom be realized. In a very few cases they are good enough to pursue those dreams in lieu of college. The vast majority of the guys with whom I'm familiar have realistic expectations of playing in college, some with significant soccer scholarships, and others with little soccer money. Ultimately, I think they all just want to keep playing at the highest level their skill and dedication will permit. For most that level will be college soccer, whether DI DII, DIII or NAIA.

For my son, goal #1 was to play in college. Goal #2 was to play D1. So far, so good. He'll be doing both in the Fall. Of course he still dreams of playing professionally but also understands that his soccer playing career is probably finished after college (and he better study like he understands that!)- but one never knows.

If I were a parent of a boy NOT on CESA Premier, I would be a bit upset. Clearly, CESA's boys have nothing to worry about as far as college choices. They are seen all the time at showcases, regionals, and nationals. What if there is a kid on the team that CESA plays in the finals that is still looking for that college to play at? Clearly, no other team in that age group gets the views from college coaches as CESA. Playing on state cup weekend (this weekend) may be the only chance some kids ever get. There will be coaches there this weekend. How many CSSC players and Finalist (not CESA) players may have needed this weekend to get seen. for anyone at the game, were there any CSSC players that impressed you? If so, they just missed out on a college coach watching them play well against the 3rd best team in the country.

I believe it is the job of every parent to allow their children to dream big and to encourage and facilitate their attempt to reach that dream. It is also the job of every parent to ensure the dream does not cloud the future.

It is exactly those parents that forget to add realistic expectations to their discussions with their children that end up suffering the most in the eventual let down. Both because of their childs "failure" and their own.

As Bebe said, job number 1 in this world is STUDY, there is no alternate that can ensure a future better standard of living.

If you believe that CESA or any club's coaches can influence the future outcome, you are sadly mistaken. What they can do is prepare, guide and make contacts but they are not miracle workers. If they were, all their players would be recruited every year to the best schools for full rides or playing in Europe and if that was the case they would not be working in SC for long. They would be running some professional team's academy overseas.

You take a group of committed players that have the athletic ability and basic skills paired with good coaching and you have a highly competitive team. Put them in a situation were the exposure is highest and the likelyhood that some will be considered as future players is increased.

BUT....The truth is that college D1 schools are looking two years ahead and if by 17 you have not been contacted, your chances go down considerably

About 5% of players get to play in college (and only 2% get to play professionally - NCAA stats). So to CID's statement in a final 4 of state cup of the best teams in the state of SC (say 16 players/team).... 4 players will be given the opportunity. (I know the statistics calculations/assumptions are not 100% but it gives the point of discussion). Therefore someone in the other 3 teams do not get the exposure on a key date because a single team has to be accomodated.

It is not CESA's responsibility to do this. It is SCYSA's responsibility to ensure the schedule is adhered to. This was known in June and there was plenty of time for adjustments.

To Machester's point - the movement of the games has allowed the squad to participate in a prestigious league. This was facilitated by SCYSA, it could only be done with their approval. This facilitation will presumably allow those players to be exposed to college coaches (should have already been exposed in other tournaments) but what about the other teams?

A can of worms has been opened which SCYSA will not be able to easily close. Nobody negates CESA's ability to perform where its coaching staff determines is in the best interest of their team and club. It is a business (something that sometimes gets lost in all discussions - and in CESA's case a very well run business) but to expand your business (i.e. trademark) on the back of others will always invite conflict.

The fact that games for a state playof schedule originally set in january 2009 are being moved to accomodate one club did exactly this. What if it was my team? would SCYSA have done the same? what about all the rhetoric on MUST be available to play in the following dates at the beginning of the season? What about the "punishment" for rescheduling games? I do not know what CSSC or SC bulls (on the girls side) were told or why they agreed.

The point is now SCYSA is viewed as kowtowing to CESA. I believe the membership has the right to complain and the membership (all of which payed the same money) has a right to ask the question.

The SCYSA mission statement states:
"South Carolina Youth Soccer Association and our members are dedicated to promoting and improving soccer for everyone in the State of South Carolina"

EVERYONE.... big words...

CESA's 17's played their first round game early to accomodate another team.

Correct - I realize they moved to D1 within the last several years - my point was in their case still a fairly expensive school even with some soccer money. Just saying that more than likely a kid could go to USC cheaper with no scholarship than to PC or Newberry with some soccer scholarship money. I was refering more to the price of these particular smaller schools than DI or DII status.

Although the public schools are much less expensive than the private ones, in my family's experience, the private schools offered much more in the way of academic scholarships. One of my daughters chose to go to a public school on less than a full scholarship for academic reasons although she was offered full scholarships at three private schools within the state.

I have stayed pretty much on the sidelines of this discussion. The CESA team is to be admired for their performance and respresentation of the state. They are a quality team and quality young men as well. As stated by many the questions come down to SCYSA and not CESA as to the rules, etc. As my son will be leaving youth soccer shortly I really could care less.

However, I wonder how Raekwon can state that the CESA 17's played their game early to accomodate another team? Manchester never mentioned that and I just want to make sure the discussion stays true to the facts?

Oops! sorry you stated 1st round game! That has been done alot in the past. Thanks for the obvious!

I'm glad you are satisfied!!