WHile I am new to this forum, I do have afew comments. We have now been through one week of tryouts. Having witnessed tryouts at both MPSC and Bridge FA, I have some thoughts to ponder:

1. BFA has a much better and experienced coaching staff - Brisson, Lundy, Posnanski, Dempsey, Santoro, Khouri. MPSC has new director with little experience. He has Christi Arnold who has been with Mt.P Rec/MPSC for several years. He has surrounded himself with kids just out of college with little or no coaching experience. There are also parent coaches with little or no playing experience, much less coaching. The most experienced coaches visible at the tryouts were David Jordan and Ralph Polson. It seems David is coaching at least one team. Polson participated in the tryouts, but has not been given a team. Juan Roncancio is working again with Mike Richmond with one of the older girls team. They have been a regular coaching duo for several years with state championship to their credit. Their tryouts are scheduled for this week. There are a few Battery players assisting. It seems that even most of the MPSC coaches wanted the BFA experience.

2. BFA's organization and presentation were second to none. There was an unbelieveable feel at the BFA tryouts - a definite feel of professionalism. MPSC were the "same old -same old" again. The BFA College Recruiting Seminar was a nice touch for the older players (MPSC had talked about such a seminar, but never put it together). To bring three profile college coaches to lead it was special. Parents and players were impressed. The vision, the structure, the staff. That is the type of environment serious players want. How can BFA not succeed?

3. BFA seems to be facing a real issue with fields for training. Most other Mt. P parents are questioning how worthwhile it will be to travel to Summerville and James Island. Everyone talks of training at Daniel Island. How will that be possible? It seems every team thinks they are training there. Try driving to Summerville at 5:00 pm up 526 to I-26. MPSC has quality fields at both ends of the town and only has to battle Highway 17 traffic.

4. In most age groups, it seems the best players are leaving MPSC for BFA. The only quality (state championship caliber) team left at MPSC is the girls Conquest team. Santoro and Dempsey took their teams to BFA. Lundy has taken his group to BFA. I see MPSC becoming a Classic club much like JIYSC had become. I believe there will always be plenty of kids playing in Mt. P to form teams in every age group, but the quality will diminish. The best players will realize the need for quality coaching and competition.

4. It seems BFA is providing a quality experience for the serious, committed players. MPSC/Mt.P Rec Dept is providing a "soccer experience", mainly for Mt. P residents.

5. That being said, not every kid will make the BFA teams (1st teams). Will they be satisfied on the 2nd/"B" teams? Maybe they will turn to Mt.P for a Challenge team experience.

Any thoughts?