>>[2004striker] There is a possibility of just having Bridge & CESA and having Cola, Aiken, Sumter players chose which direction to travel, yet I am not yet sold on the 'training in Cola. concept.' Even though I have not seen it in action, I just don't think those that participate and train away from the core team for a few days can get that 'team feel.'<<

Note that in your proposal that you're asking people from non-Columbia areas to drive 90 miles but you don't want Columbia people to do it. This seems rather askew.

Here's what confuses me the most about those that doubt the "some training remotely" concept -- you've seen it in action for years -- those I know specifically about are the older GFC teams and last year's CESA's teams. It's not like you have to accept anything on faith; the proof is already there.

What I strongly suspect is that there are a lot of people who don't like the "sometimes training remotely" paradigm. I completely understand that. As a parent only training locally is a much simpler concept with which to deal. But it seems strange to confuse what you don't like versus what has been shown to be effective.

Plus there are already in place significant facilities in Cola. area to support one of the major 3. I believe there are enough current/potential players in those 3 respective areas I mentioned, to produce competitive teams among all 3 major clubs.<<

Rock Hill has facilities, Aiken has facilities, etc. Why can't these areas have clubs in your dream? Lexington has absolutely great facilities; why don't we shut down CSC, NECSA, and CRSA and have everyone go there. If facilities were all it took, the Lexington club would have several teams competing for the national championship.

Sigh...you always do this to me about mergers!!! [Smile] As Michael Corleone said "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in."