Even if clubs didn't merge, why can't the boards or doc's get together and decide which club will form what select group. In other words, all clubs keep their normal teams but have dibs on one super team in one age division (and promise to not prevent top players from trying out at other clubs for the super team).
For example, Congaree gets the top U-14 players from the area, CSC gets the top U-15's, NECSA U-16's, LSC U-17's and 18's up for grabs. Then they rotate (stay within club) or if you get a highly qualified coach, the coach moves with the team. The other clubs could still have U-14's, but the theoretical top 16 players play for Congaree.
Just an idea at a temporary solution.
