>> [futbol(soccer)] I would argue that it would be far better for CESA, DSC and Bridge to play in the state cup than CASL for this age group. Bigger stakes
The showcase becomes a big issue when they become 16 and 17 as they are at the prime recruiting years for boys. 17 and 18 for girls.<<
Until this thread, I didn't realize that there was a conflict for the U15 boys between the SC challenge cup and CASL. I don't disagree that Bridge/CESA/DSC's U15B should play in the state challenge cup; however, I respectfully disagree that CASL and other premier/platinum tournaments aren't an issue for younger teams. I'll make the argument both quantitatively and qualitatively.
Quantitatively, if you look at the gotSoccer.com rating/ranking system, you'll see that being the state champion of a smaller state earns you 200 points -- versus 500 points for winning a premier tournament and 400 points for a platinum tournament. Qualitatively, I've never met anyone who was more impressed by a South Carolina state title than a Disney, Surf, CASL, etc. top-level championship.
The trouble is, of course, that it's pretty difficult to get into the top flight in these tournaments. You have to have a team that's done some amazing things. One of these amazing things is competing and winning at various brackets in these top tournaments.
Now...I understand why Bridge/CESA/DSC's U15B teams will compete in state -- it's their chance to go to regionals and even with these three strong teams it's easier to win than a premier tournament.
The SCYSA not allowing these teams to compete at CASL through a scheduling conflict means that these teams have yet another obstacle to overcome in getting into the highest level tournaments -- over and above the obstacle of being from South Carolina, a state renowned in many areas of our region for uncompetitive high-level soccer.
The SCYSA should be figuring out ways to help South Carolina teams compete better against other teams from other states instead of raising obstacles to the success of our best teams.
