Chico:
"The first step, however, might be the recognition (not by you...but by the club(s) themselves) that there's been a problem in the past. So far, it seems like everyone believes everything has been hunky dory in the past with respect to the girls side."
Not sure who you are including in "everyone" or how you have concluded that these folks believe that everything has been "hunky dory". I assume that you are basing this on discussions with SOME people and your perception that the clubs have not been doing enough (and therefore that they believe there is no problem).
Over the years, I think a lot of people have believed that the Midlands girls programs (all of them) could have been better. I certainly remember discussions with people on the NECSA board and in the NECSA membership regarding ways to improve the soccer experience for girls.
One thing we did (which I cannot take credit for) was to make our U19 recreation program co-ed. This was an attempt to keep more girls (and boys) in the sport (in rec, the numbers fall-off dramatically after about 14). There certainly were other efforts.
After CFC was originally formed, CFC, NECSA and CSC had discussions about a possible combining of programs from all three clubs. At NECSA, we did a survey of parents of girls. The people who responded to the survey were split almost 50/50 on whether to pursue a merger. With no clear consensus, we decided not to pursue a merger.
I guess this is a long-winded way of saying that I believe there has been a recognition over the years that the girls programs could be improved. One can certainly argue about the steps taken, results, etc., but I don't believe that there has been a failure to recognize or admit to a problem.
As far as your ability to make judgements with respect to the potential efficacy of the new club--I would suggest that the only way to really do so (at this point in time) is to pick up the telephone and talk to Savitz and/or Miller and/or Tryon. I understand the implications of what I'm suggesting. I absolutely believe, though, that people of goodwill (and I believe that everyone I've mentioned falls into this category, including you, Chico)can put any past disagreements aside and can "talk through" things "for the good of the game".
I understand that others may disagree. I'm OK with that.
