Semi-warning---Semi-long Post...
R2,
You gave a great real-life example about what a lot of folks have been discussing on this topic of one Cola.club/merger/no-merger/etc., etc.....
Once your child reaches a certain level of play they may need more challenges/opportunities to excel and they want to be where the best play.
So......what do players/parents want???? A nice, convenient environment for fun soccer, average soccer or high-level soccer??? Parents, do you want a club that is minutes away so you can drop of the kids and run the errands and go work out or visit with a friend? Or an exceptional club that is a mere 30 mins away.....compared to a drive 1 1/2 hours to Greenville?? I know what I want to see...... , (as I have stated much too often in this forum...) But there are too many divisions of thought and wants and needs on this subject for there to be a meeting of minds among the 4 area associations......Unless, of course the SOCCER GODS intervene......
So, where are we now on this highly interesting, stimulating discussion??
In examining the area clubs:
LSC is basically a slim notch above rec. play.
NECSA is able to handle Coastal clubs for the most part and Mid-district clubs(Discoveries,Aiken,CRSA)and play average ball in state tournaments.
CRSA is able to compete successfully with average teams from its district and Coastal clubs and also play average ball in state and out-of-state tournaments.
CSC is a different animal altogether...They easily handle Coastal and Mid-district clubs and also compete very well with GFC/St.Giles teams.
I make this brief comparison to say that there is a clear choice available for the area soccer players ---
1)LSC with nice fields and lots of playing time
2)CRSA with more competitiveness, yet average play and great coaches/organization
3) NECSA with even more competitive play, reasonable success, yet a more social, political environment.
4) CSC with great coaches/organization, fields, exceptional competitiveness/mission, yet the club with the most commitment of time and resources for players/parents.
I cannot say anymore on this topic (of course I have said that many times before!). So let the games begin....... maybe,just maybe, as this fall season progresses there will be tangible face to face discussions among the associations about the future of area soccer and their respective clubs.......
