The geographic location of the Columbia clubs is similar to that of Charleston. The Charleston area clubs are separated by a greater time and traffic difference than St Giles and GFC were in Greenville. Columbia is very similar. The big three, CSC, Lexington, and NECSA could very well use a similar or the exact model that Bridge is using. Also remeber that in general, the more serious and dare I say better soccer players (and parents) tend to be much more acceptable to travel greater distances for their child to be on a team, or play at a higher competitve level(Premier League). A rec player or parent is much less likely to take a 30-45 minute ride to practice or games three times a week. This is a good plus for the alliance.
This also brings up a very intersting scenario for Columbia. Right now, CESA does take some Columbia area or mid-state players for their teams. They would like to have more, and with the recent sucess of CESA is state cup, they might get it. It appears that Bridge will be the lowerstate answer to CESA, especially if they get MPSC to join in. This will give serious Columbia players two choices, each only about an hour and a half away, to go to if things don't work well for them in Columbia. If Bridge starts stealing away some of the titles and premier league slots from CESA, and the midstate for that matter, the Columbia area will start losing talent.
I don't want to change this thread to start talking about Columbia, I just wanted to make a few points to why Bridge seems like a good idea at this point.
