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[breakaway]

I hear the ECNL announced that it will not allow its' members to participate in the USYS National Championship starting in the 2011-12 season.

Thoughts?

[chicken wing]

I hear the ECNL announced that it will not allow its' members to participate in the USYS National Championship starting in the 2011-12 season.

Thoughts?

ECNL girls national league is similar to the boys USSDA which also cannot participate in USYS.  ECNL is significantly higher level that USYS leagues, so ECNL teams that drop down to play in USYS would have a much greater advantage than non-ECNL teams.  There is no comparison between ECNL league play and WYS league play.

It should have happened in 2010/2011 play year.

[windy90]

I hear the ECNL announced that it will not allow its' members to participate in the USYS National Championship starting in the 2011-12 season.

Thoughts?

ECNL girls national league is similar to the boys USSDA which also cannot participate in USYS.  ECNL is significantly higher level that USYS leagues, so ECNL teams that drop down to play in USYS would have a much greater advantage than non-ECNL teams.  There is no comparison between ECNL league play and WYS league play.

It should have happened in 2010/2011 play year.

.....and RCL/WYS Premier Teams can't drop down to win the Recreational Presidents WA State Cup in WYS.  Makes sense.

[breakaway]

I hear the ECNL announced that it will not allow its' members to participate in the USYS National Championship starting in the 2011-12 season.

Thoughts?

ECNL girls national league is similar to the boys USSDA which also cannot participate in USYS.  ECNL is significantly higher level that USYS leagues, so ECNL teams that drop down to play in USYS would have a much greater advantage than non-ECNL teams.  There is no comparison between ECNL league play and WYS league play.

It should have happened in 2010/2011 play year.

So it means no state cup, Regionals, etc? Just making sure I got it right.  I personally don't see a problem with it.  Just making sure I understand correctly.

[breakaway]

I hear the ECNL announced that it will not allow its' members to participate in the USYS National Championship starting in the 2011-12 season.

Thoughts?

ECNL girls national league is similar to the boys USSDA which also cannot participate in USYS.  ECNL is significantly higher level that USYS leagues, so ECNL teams that drop down to play in USYS would have a much greater advantage than non-ECNL teams.  There is no comparison between ECNL league play and WYS league play.

It should have happened in 2010/2011 play year.

.....and RCL/WYS Premier Teams can't drop down to win the Recreational Presidents WA State Cup in WYS.  Makes sense.

I guess that means Alaska will get a chance at a shot to win a National Championship!!   

[Pops]

I'd find that very doubtful. ECNL is not designed to be a separate league - it's run as a series of showcase events throughout the year. Also - the clubs only place a subset of their teams in the ECNL, so I doubt that the ECNL would try to put this type of restriction on their member clubs. What's the source?

[breakaway]

I'd find that very doubtful. ECNL is not designed to be a separate league - it's run as a series of showcase events throughout the year. Also - the clubs only place a subset of their teams in the ECNL, so I doubt that the ECNL would try to put this type of restriction on their member clubs. What's the source?

Well the evil step sister, (US Club) sanctioned the league.  Call 'em and ask 'em.  Why do you consider it a restriction?

[chicken wing]

ECNL is for the girls what USSDA is for boys.  Teams in both leagues WILL NOT compete in other leagues.

http://www.ussoccer.com/Teams/Development-Academy/FAQs.aspx

"Academy teams are NOT permitted... State Cup..."

2011/12 will be same for ECNL.

[Pops]

ECNL is for the girls what USSDA is for boys.  Teams in both leagues WILL NOT compete in other leagues.

http://www.ussoccer.com/Teams/Development-Academy/FAQs.aspx

"Academy teams are NOT permitted... State Cup..."

2011/12 will be same for ECNL.

Academy is USSF. They discussed having a girls academy and decided against it. ECNL is something completely different - so where did you see information on league restrictions?

[chicken wing]

that's a great question... USSF is in discussions about doing just that.  In all fairness to girls the USSF Academy should adopt the ECNL program.

[CoronaBob]

What does this mean for the current U-18 Girls?
I find it hard to believe the Crossfire 92s and the WPFC 92s are going to give up their last chance at state cup in 2011.

[Soccer Wonk]

Posted in the FAQ section of the ECNL site, as of this evening:

Can ECNL teams participate in USYS leagues and the USYS state cup, regional, and national championships?
Yes. Any team participating in the ECNL may still participate in their local, state and regional leagues, and in the USYS state cup, regional, and national championships. The ECNL is not prohibiting teams from its member clubs from participating in these competitions.

Could find no late-breaking news, announcement or override on the site stating that the policy has been changed.

[EWSoccer64]

Not sure that it is appropriate for ECNL teams - teams formed up to be super teams operating at the national competition level - to be competing in WSYSA state cups.   This might be a situation for the WSYSA itself to address.    But hey, is it any less legitimate than some clubs forming up teams of returning college players, having them displace the regular players on a teams roster, and then putting them into a state cup only to eschew regionals?

Posted in the FAQ section of the ECNL site, as of this evening:

Can ECNL teams participate in USYS leagues and the USYS state cup, regional, and national championships?
Yes. Any team participating in the ECNL may still participate in their local, state and regional leagues, and in the USYS state cup, regional, and national championships. The ECNL is not prohibiting teams from its member clubs from participating in these competitions.

Could find no late-breaking news, announcement or override on the site stating that the policy has been changed.

[Left Foot]

Not sure that it is appropriate for ECNL teams - teams formed up to be super teams operating at the national competition level - to be competing in WSYSA state cups.   This might be a situation for the WSYSA itself to address.    But hey, is it any less legitimate than some clubs forming up teams of returning college players, having them displace the regular players on a teams roster, and then putting them into a state cup only to eschew regionals?

Posted in the FAQ section of the ECNL site, as of this evening:

Can ECNL teams participate in USYS leagues and the USYS state cup, regional, and national championships?
Yes. Any team participating in the ECNL may still participate in their local, state and regional leagues, and in the USYS state cup, regional, and national championships. The ECNL is not prohibiting teams from its member clubs from participating in these competitions.

Could find no late-breaking news, announcement or override on the site stating that the policy has been changed.

Ok, why is it not appropriate for ECNL teams to play in State Cup?

If I remember correctly, you have always been on the side of just letting everybody compete with no exclusionary criteria allowed. You would seem to be arguing for a State tourney for the mediocre. Should teams in the FWRL be excluded as well? How strong must a team be before they are excluded from State Cup? How about a team that goes to 5 or 6 of the top tournaments in the country each year. Too "national" for your blood to compete in State Cup?

[EWSoccer64]

[color=redOk, why is it not appropriate for ECNL teams to play in State Cup?

If I remember correctly, you have always been on the side of just letting everybody compete with no exclusionary criteria allowed. You would seem to be arguing for a State tourney for the mediocre. Should teams in the FWRL be excluded as well? How strong must a team be before they are excluded from State Cup? How about a team that goes to 5 or 6 of the top tournaments in the country each year. Too "national" for your blood to compete in State Cup?][/color]

As I understand it, teams in the FWRL are " normal" teams that come out of the state leagues and earn their way into the FWRL.   ECNL teams are franchises awarded to clubs and then the teams are made up because they have this spot in the "SuperNationalLeague".    I likewise do not think it is appropriate for the Crossfire and Sounders academy teams to play in the state cups.

[Left Foot]

[color=redOk, why is it not appropriate for ECNL teams to play in State Cup?

If I remember correctly, you have always been on the side of just letting everybody compete with no exclusionary criteria allowed. You would seem to be arguing for a State tourney for the mediocre. Should teams in the FWRL be excluded as well? How strong must a team be before they are excluded from State Cup? How about a team that goes to 5 or 6 of the top tournaments in the country each year. Too "national" for your blood to compete in State Cup?][/color]

As I understand it, teams in the FWRL are " normal" teams that come out of the state leagues and earn their way into the FWRL.   ECNL teams are franchises awarded to clubs and then the teams are made up because they have this spot in the "SuperNationalLeague".    I likewise do not think it is appropriate for the Crossfire and Sounders academy teams to play in the state cups.

Hmmm. FWRL teams apply and get excepted and then proceed to pull players to them because of the their spot in the FWRL. Are the ECNL players somehow different from the other players in the state and somehow deserve less opportunities for competition?  Why does it matter that kids are drawn to ECNL teams for the competition?  So what if it is a franchise situation as you describe it. The clubs earned their way into the ECNL because they achieved success in and out of the state over a number of years as well.

I think you are having trouble here because the definition of "normal" seems to be problematic. Regardless of the structure of the league, these are all just "normal" kids who should have the most opportunities we can give them.

[chicken wing]

Posted in the FAQ section of the ECNL site, as of this evening:

Can ECNL teams participate in USYS leagues and the USYS state cup, regional, and national championships?
Yes. Any team participating in the ECNL may still participate in their local, state and regional leagues, and in the USYS state cup, regional, and national championships. The ECNL is not prohibiting teams from its member clubs from participating in these competitions.

Could find no late-breaking news, announcement or override on the site stating that the policy has been changed.

ENCL - Board Meeting - Bellevue WA
Reported on TopDrawerSoccer
7/15/2010

BELLEVUE, WASHINGTON - On the eve of the inaugural ECNL  National Championships, which will be contested here in three age groups (U15-U17) beginning Thursday, the now 52-member organization held an Annual General Meeting, with two central issues of special interest.

Directors of the member clubs talked about a host of items, some mainly procedural as the organization looks to its next competitive season beginning in August. But the concept of establishing strict training and player development standards, a la the USSF Development Academy on the Boys' side, and the question of ECNL member teams removing themselves entirely from the traditional State and Regional Cup format currently operated by U.S. Youth Soccer, were perhaps the most weighty discussed here at the Hyatt Hotel.

When ECNL was first announced, some of the more prominent organizers discussed their desire for USSF to establish an Academy program for Girls as it has done for the Boys. The formation of the ECNL was in part meant to get the ball rolling toward that end. While it is completing its 2nd year of national competition and a more expansive competitive format is set to launch in season 3, the policies and codes for training and player development that are so vital to the Boys Developmental Academy, are not in place yet for the Girls. A set of guidelines were published last year but these to this point serve mainly as suggestions, as there is no means thus far of enforcing clubs to follow them.

At Wednesday's meeting, it was announced that the board of directors (elected by member clubs) is forming a technical committee to further define developmental goals and methods, as well as to explore means of enforcing such standards among the member clubs. This might be defined as a small step in the desired direction, but it is tangible progress nonetheless. As the presentation itself mentioned, ECNL does not have the same mandate for the Girls' side that U.S. Soccer has for the Boys.

On the subject of ECNL becoming a more exclusive competition, board members Christian Lavers of FC Milwaukee and Doug Bracken of Ohio Elite reiterated that ECNL member teams will not be permitted to play in the U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship Series beginning with the 2011-2012 season.

While the organization is expanding its player identification, including the requirement for each club to participate in a scouting program and an expanded national ID camp for 1994 and 1995 birth year players in February, there was no announcement of a prohibition of members participating in U.S. Youth Soccer's Olympic Development Program.

Copy of publication from TopDrawerSoccer:

http://andagain.websitetoolbox.com/post?id=4804220

[T.N.T.]

I hear the ECNL announced that it will not allow its' members to participate in the USYS National Championship starting in the 2011-12 season.

Thoughts?

ECNL girls national league is similar to the boys USSDA which also cannot participate in USYS.  ECNL is significantly higher level that USYS leagues, so ECNL teams that drop down to play in USYS would have a much greater advantage than non-ECNL teams.  There is no comparison between ECNL league play and WYS league play.

It should have happened in 2010/2011 play year.

Yep, EFC G95 shouldn't have to play those top teams so they have a chance. Ohhhhh, that's right, EFC won our State Cup 2 years in a row

[EWSoccer64]

[color=redOk, why is it not appropriate for ECNL teams to play in State Cup?

If I remember correctly, you have always been on the side of just letting everybody compete with no exclusionary criteria allowed. You would seem to be arguing for a State tourney for the mediocre. Should teams in the FWRL be excluded as well? How strong must a team be before they are excluded from State Cup? How about a team that goes to 5 or 6 of the top tournaments in the country each year. Too "national" for your blood to compete in State Cup?][/color]

As I understand it, teams in the FWRL are " normal" teams that come out of the state leagues and earn their way into the FWRL.   ECNL teams are franchises awarded to clubs and then the teams are made up because they have this spot in the "SuperNationalLeague".    I likewise do not think it is appropriate for the Crossfire and Sounders academy teams to play in the state cups.

Hmmm. FWRL teams apply and get excepted and then proceed to pull players to them because of the their spot in the FWRL. Are the ECNL players somehow different from the other players in the state and somehow deserve less opportunities for competition?  Why does it matter that kids are drawn to ECNL teams for the competition?  So what if it is a franchise situation as you describe it. The clubs earned their way into the ECNL because they achieved success in and out of the state over a number of years as well.

I think you are having trouble here because the definition of "normal" seems to be problematic. Regardless of the structure of the league, these are all just "normal" kids who should have the most opportunities we can give them.

Indeed, there is the rub.  Are ECNL teams different from FWRL teams?   Again, my understanding, which you did not really address, is that FWRL teams are promoted from state leagues/regional play while the ECNL is more akin to a PDL club based mantra.   You have not gainsayed that.  If this is the case, where ECNL teams are formed up based upon a national playing level (because of clubs) rather than being promoted on a team by team basis from the WSYSA state cup play (and regionals) then, absolutely, the ECNL teams should not be part of the the WSYSA State Cup, etc.   Ditto for the boys Academy teams.   It looks simple from that perspective.

[Left Foot]

[color=redOk, why is it not appropriate for ECNL teams to play in State Cup?

If I remember correctly, you have always been on the side of just letting everybody compete with no exclusionary criteria allowed. You would seem to be arguing for a State tourney for the mediocre. Should teams in the FWRL be excluded as well? How strong must a team be before they are excluded from State Cup? How about a team that goes to 5 or 6 of the top tournaments in the country each year. Too "national" for your blood to compete in State Cup?][/color]

As I understand it, teams in the FWRL are " normal" teams that come out of the state leagues and earn their way into the FWRL.   ECNL teams are franchises awarded to clubs and then the teams are made up because they have this spot in the "SuperNationalLeague".    I likewise do not think it is appropriate for the Crossfire and Sounders academy teams to play in the state cups.

Hmmm. FWRL teams apply and get excepted and then proceed to pull players to them because of the their spot in the FWRL. Are the ECNL players somehow different from the other players in the state and somehow deserve less opportunities for competition?  Why does it matter that kids are drawn to ECNL teams for the competition?  So what if it is a franchise situation as you describe it. The clubs earned their way into the ECNL because they achieved success in and out of the state over a number of years as well.

I think you are having trouble here because the definition of "normal" seems to be problematic. Regardless of the structure of the league, these are all just "normal" kids who should have the most opportunities we can give them.

Indeed, there is the rub.  Are ECNL teams different from FWRL teams?   Again, my understanding, which you did not really address, is that FWRL teams are promoted from state leagues/regional play while the ECNL is more akin to a PDL club based mantra.   You have not gainsayed that.  If this is the case, where ECNL teams are formed up based upon a national playing level (because of clubs) rather than being promoted on a team by team basis from the WSYSA state cup play (and regionals) then, absolutely, the ECNL teams should not be part of the the WSYSA State Cup, etc.   Ditto for the boys Academy teams.   It looks simple from that perspective.

FWRL teams aren't promoted, they do well and then apply and are accepted. And it doesn't matter really. The issue is where you draw the line.

Now, please answer: What is it about a team being able to compete in a nation-wide league based upon it's club's success in the past that has anything to do with whether they should be allowed to play in the State Cup? (Remember that the two ECNL teams already draw players because they do play on a national level more often than most anyone in the state.)

Is it not fair to the other teams?

Does it harm any kids in any way?

Does it effect development in any way?

[billybuck]

Just trying to figure a few things out here, could it be said the ECNL teams are the equivalent to girls as the Academy teams are to the boys side?

[Left Foot]

Just trying to figure a few things out here, could it be said the ECNL teams are the equivalent to girls as the Academy teams are to the boys side?

Not to my understanding. The ECNL is a league run by US Club Soccer whereas the Academy program for the boys is USSF approved and a direct effort to bolster the National team program. And it is my understanding that the Academy boys aren't allowed to play in local leagues or State Cups because they want to keep the training to game ratio in line AND I believe they train much more than an ECNL team would.

Here is some info.

What is the Development Academy?
The Development Academy is a partnership between U.S. Soccer and the top youth clubs around the country to provide the best youth players in the U.S. with an every day environment designed to produce the next generation of National Team players. The Academy’s programming philosophy of increased training, less total games and more competitive games is based on U.S. Soccer’s Best Practices utilized by the U-17 U.S. National Team Residency program.

The Academy also connects National Team coaches directly with the Academy clubs to develop and identify players and coaches for future Youth National Teams. Each Academy team is evaluated by a National Team coach at least ten times each year and each Academy club receives two formal evaluations in over 100 categories each year from National Team staff.

The Development Academy is also focused on identifying and developing the next generation of elite referees. U.S. Soccer assigns up-and-coming officials to participate in Academy games at the local level and at national events.

How does a club apply to become a member of the Development Academy?
Clubs interested in being considered for the U.S. Soccer’s National Team Development Academy Program must submit their Membership Application to U.S. Soccer no later than March 1st, 2010 to be considered for admission into the 2010-11 Academy season. Clubs can download the application here.

What criteria are used to evaluate membership applications?
Applications will be evaluated using the following measures:

    * National Team Coach Analysis
    * History of Elite Youth Player Development
    * History of Success in Elite Competitions
    * Geography
    * Impact on existing Academy members

What is the Scholarship Program?
The Scholarship Program is a joint venture between the U.S. Soccer Federation and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to help Academy clubs and players move away from the pay-to-play model of soccer. For more information on deadlines, the application process, eligibility and program requirement click here.

http://www.ussoccer.com/Teams/Development-Academy/FAQs.aspx#1

[chicken wing]

Just trying to figure a few things out here, could it be said the ECNL teams are the equivalent to girls as the Academy teams are to the boys side?

Not to my understanding. The ECNL is a league run by US Club Soccer whereas the Academy program for the boys is USSF approved and a direct effort to bolster the National team program. And it is my understanding that the Academy boys aren't allowed to play in local leagues or State Cups because they want to keep the training to game ratio in line AND I believe they train much more than an ECNL team would.

Here is some info.

What is the Development Academy?
The Development Academy is a partnership between U.S. Soccer and the top youth clubs around the country to provide the best youth players in the U.S. with an every day environment designed to produce the next generation of National Team players. The Academy’s programming philosophy of increased training, less total games and more competitive games is based on U.S. Soccer’s Best Practices utilized by the U-17 U.S. National Team Residency program.

The Academy also connects National Team coaches directly with the Academy clubs to develop and identify players and coaches for future Youth National Teams. Each Academy team is evaluated by a National Team coach at least ten times each year and each Academy club receives two formal evaluations in over 100 categories each year from National Team staff.

The Development Academy is also focused on identifying and developing the next generation of elite referees. U.S. Soccer assigns up-and-coming officials to participate in Academy games at the local level and at national events.

How does a club apply to become a member of the Development Academy?
Clubs interested in being considered for the U.S. Soccer’s National Team Development Academy Program must submit their Membership Application to U.S. Soccer no later than March 1st, 2010 to be considered for admission into the 2010-11 Academy season. Clubs can download the application here.

What criteria are used to evaluate membership applications?
Applications will be evaluated using the following measures:

    * National Team Coach Analysis
    * History of Elite Youth Player Development
    * History of Success in Elite Competitions
    * Geography
    * Impact on existing Academy members

What is the Scholarship Program?
The Scholarship Program is a joint venture between the U.S. Soccer Federation and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to help Academy clubs and players move away from the pay-to-play model of soccer. For more information on deadlines, the application process, eligibility and program requirement click here.

http://www.ussoccer.com/Teams/Development-Academy/FAQs.aspx#1

Girls ECNL program is modeled after USSDA, and is a year or so away from being included (my prediction).

[Left Foot]

Just trying to figure a few things out here, could it be said the ECNL teams are the equivalent to girls as the Academy teams are to the boys side?

Not to my understanding. The ECNL is a league run by US Club Soccer whereas the Academy program for the boys is USSF approved and a direct effort to bolster the National team program. And it is my understanding that the Academy boys aren't allowed to play in local leagues or State Cups because they want to keep the training to game ratio in line AND I believe they train much more than an ECNL team would.

Here is some info.

What is the Development Academy?
The Development Academy is a partnership between U.S. Soccer and the top youth clubs around the country to provide the best youth players in the U.S. with an every day environment designed to produce the next generation of National Team players. The Academy’s programming philosophy of increased training, less total games and more competitive games is based on U.S. Soccer’s Best Practices utilized by the U-17 U.S. National Team Residency program.

The Academy also connects National Team coaches directly with the Academy clubs to develop and identify players and coaches for future Youth National Teams. Each Academy team is evaluated by a National Team coach at least ten times each year and each Academy club receives two formal evaluations in over 100 categories each year from National Team staff.

The Development Academy is also focused on identifying and developing the next generation of elite referees. U.S. Soccer assigns up-and-coming officials to participate in Academy games at the local level and at national events.

How does a club apply to become a member of the Development Academy?
Clubs interested in being considered for the U.S. Soccer’s National Team Development Academy Program must submit their Membership Application to U.S. Soccer no later than March 1st, 2010 to be considered for admission into the 2010-11 Academy season. Clubs can download the application here.

What criteria are used to evaluate membership applications?
Applications will be evaluated using the following measures:

    * National Team Coach Analysis
    * History of Elite Youth Player Development
    * History of Success in Elite Competitions
    * Geography
    * Impact on existing Academy members

What is the Scholarship Program?
The Scholarship Program is a joint venture between the U.S. Soccer Federation and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to help Academy clubs and players move away from the pay-to-play model of soccer. For more information on deadlines, the application process, eligibility and program requirement click here.

http://www.ussoccer.com/Teams/Development-Academy/FAQs.aspx#1

Girls ECNL program is modeled after USSDA, and is a year or so away from being included (my prediction).

Not yet and not sanctioned as such.

[Firedog]

EW,

Surprised you would take this position.  I thought you were opposed to the exclusive nature of the PDL; i.e., the teams on the outside were deprived of the opportunity to play against the best teams and therefore weren't able to get the quality opposition required to compete come state cup time?  If you want to be the best, you want to play the best right?  Now you want to exclude the best?

At least one of the ECNL teams from the club you like so much for their recruiting practices didn't add any new players to this year's roster   Would it be ok for them to participate in state cup?  Would it help if I told you they didn't win it last year?

Not sure that it is appropriate for ECNL teams - teams formed up to be super teams operating at the national competition level - to be competing in WSYSA state cups.   This might be a situation for the WSYSA itself to address.    But hey, is it any less legitimate than some clubs forming up teams of returning college players, having them displace the regular players on a teams roster, and then putting them into a state cup only to eschew regionals?

Posted in the FAQ section of the ECNL site, as of this evening:

Can ECNL teams participate in USYS leagues and the USYS state cup, regional, and national championships?
Yes. Any team participating in the ECNL may still participate in their local, state and regional leagues, and in the USYS state cup, regional, and national championships. The ECNL is not prohibiting teams from its member clubs from participating in these competitions.

Could find no late-breaking news, announcement or override on the site stating that the policy has been changed.

[Firedog]

Just trying to figure a few things out here, could it be said the ECNL teams are the equivalent to girls as the Academy teams are to the boys side?

Not to my understanding. The ECNL is a league run by US Club Soccer whereas the Academy program for the boys is USSF approved and a direct effort to bolster the National team program. And it is my understanding that the Academy boys aren't allowed to play in local leagues or State Cups because they want to keep the training to game ratio in line AND I believe they train much more than an ECNL team would.

Here is some info.

What is the Development Academy?
The Development Academy is a partnership between U.S. Soccer and the top youth clubs around the country to provide the best youth players in the U.S. with an every day environment designed to produce the next generation of National Team players. The Academy’s programming philosophy of increased training, less total games and more competitive games is based on U.S. Soccer’s Best Practices utilized by the U-17 U.S. National Team Residency program.

The Academy also connects National Team coaches directly with the Academy clubs to develop and identify players and coaches for future Youth National Teams. Each Academy team is evaluated by a National Team coach at least ten times each year and each Academy club receives two formal evaluations in over 100 categories each year from National Team staff.

The Development Academy is also focused on identifying and developing the next generation of elite referees. U.S. Soccer assigns up-and-coming officials to participate in Academy games at the local level and at national events.

How does a club apply to become a member of the Development Academy?
Clubs interested in being considered for the U.S. Soccer’s National Team Development Academy Program must submit their Membership Application to U.S. Soccer no later than March 1st, 2010 to be considered for admission into the 2010-11 Academy season. Clubs can download the application here.

What criteria are used to evaluate membership applications?
Applications will be evaluated using the following measures:

    * National Team Coach Analysis
    * History of Elite Youth Player Development
    * History of Success in Elite Competitions
    * Geography
    * Impact on existing Academy members

What is the Scholarship Program?
The Scholarship Program is a joint venture between the U.S. Soccer Federation and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to help Academy clubs and players move away from the pay-to-play model of soccer. For more information on deadlines, the application process, eligibility and program requirement click here.

http://www.ussoccer.com/Teams/Development-Academy/FAQs.aspx#1

Whether it's a turf war or the more practical matter of scheduling, increasingly it looks like for the top girls, it will be to choose the ECNL path or USYSA/ODP.  If you look at this year's schedule as an example of back to back to back tournament commitments, it's difficult for the players to do both tracks; i.e., USYSA Regionals, US Club Soccer Regionals, ODP Regional Camp, ECNL Championship, Surf Cup, US Club National Championship...Look at the dates and ask yourself is it reasonable to pursue both tracks?  When do the girls train?

[Left Foot]

Just trying to figure a few things out here, could it be said the ECNL teams are the equivalent to girls as the Academy teams are to the boys side?

Not to my understanding. The ECNL is a league run by US Club Soccer whereas the Academy program for the boys is USSF approved and a direct effort to bolster the National team program. And it is my understanding that the Academy boys aren't allowed to play in local leagues or State Cups because they want to keep the training to game ratio in line AND I believe they train much more than an ECNL team would.

Here is some info.

What is the Development Academy?
The Development Academy is a partnership between U.S. Soccer and the top youth clubs around the country to provide the best youth players in the U.S. with an every day environment designed to produce the next generation of National Team players. The Academy’s programming philosophy of increased training, less total games and more competitive games is based on U.S. Soccer’s Best Practices utilized by the U-17 U.S. National Team Residency program.

The Academy also connects National Team coaches directly with the Academy clubs to develop and identify players and coaches for future Youth National Teams. Each Academy team is evaluated by a National Team coach at least ten times each year and each Academy club receives two formal evaluations in over 100 categories each year from National Team staff.

The Development Academy is also focused on identifying and developing the next generation of elite referees. U.S. Soccer assigns up-and-coming officials to participate in Academy games at the local level and at national events.

How does a club apply to become a member of the Development Academy?
Clubs interested in being considered for the U.S. Soccer’s National Team Development Academy Program must submit their Membership Application to U.S. Soccer no later than March 1st, 2010 to be considered for admission into the 2010-11 Academy season. Clubs can download the application here.

What criteria are used to evaluate membership applications?
Applications will be evaluated using the following measures:

    * National Team Coach Analysis
    * History of Elite Youth Player Development
    * History of Success in Elite Competitions
    * Geography
    * Impact on existing Academy members

What is the Scholarship Program?
The Scholarship Program is a joint venture between the U.S. Soccer Federation and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to help Academy clubs and players move away from the pay-to-play model of soccer. For more information on deadlines, the application process, eligibility and program requirement click here.

http://www.ussoccer.com/Teams/Development-Academy/FAQs.aspx#1

Whether it's a turf war or the more practical matter of scheduling, increasingly it looks like for the top girls, it will be to choose the ECNL path or USYSA/ODP.  If you look at this year's schedule as an example of back to back to back tournament commitments, it's difficult for the players to do both tracks; i.e., USYSA Regionals, US Club Soccer Regionals, ODP Regional Camp, ECNL Championship, Surf Cup, US Club National Championship...Look at the dates and ask yourself is it reasonable to pursue both tracks?  When do the girls train?

Perhaps not. But I don't believe the state should refuse to allow ECNL teams to participate in State Cup because EW doesn't like the Club qualification aspect of the league. Do you?

[chicken wing]

EW,

Surprised you would take this position.  I thought you were opposed to the exclusive nature of the PDL; i.e., the teams on the outside were deprived of the opportunity to play against the best teams and therefore weren't able to get the quality opposition required to compete come state cup time?  If you want to be the best, you want to play the best right?  Now you want to exclude the best?

At least one of the ECNL teams from the club you like so much for their recruiting practices didn't add any new players to this year's roster   Would it be ok for them to participate in state cup?  Would it help if I told you they didn't win it last year?

Not sure that it is appropriate for ECNL teams - teams formed up to be super teams operating at the national competition level - to be competing in WSYSA state cups.   This might be a situation for the WSYSA itself to address.    But hey, is it any less legitimate than some clubs forming up teams of returning college players, having them displace the regular players on a teams roster, and then putting them into a state cup only to eschew regionals?

Posted in the FAQ section of the ECNL site, as of this evening:

Can ECNL teams participate in USYS leagues and the USYS state cup, regional, and national championships?
Yes. Any team participating in the ECNL may still participate in their local, state and regional leagues, and in the USYS state cup, regional, and national championships. The ECNL is not prohibiting teams from its member clubs from participating in these competitions.

Could find no late-breaking news, announcement or override on the site stating that the policy has been changed.

Here is the problem.

College coaches don't care about USYSA Championships or leagues.  USSDA and ECNL league games and championships are the new face of soccer.

[Firedog]

Just trying to figure a few things out here, could it be said the ECNL teams are the equivalent to girls as the Academy teams are to the boys side?

Not to my understanding. The ECNL is a league run by US Club Soccer whereas the Academy program for the boys is USSF approved and a direct effort to bolster the National team program. And it is my understanding that the Academy boys aren't allowed to play in local leagues or State Cups because they want to keep the training to game ratio in line AND I believe they train much more than an ECNL team would.

Here is some info.

What is the Development Academy?
The Development Academy is a partnership between U.S. Soccer and the top youth clubs around the country to provide the best youth players in the U.S. with an every day environment designed to produce the next generation of National Team players. The Academy’s programming philosophy of increased training, less total games and more competitive games is based on U.S. Soccer’s Best Practices utilized by the U-17 U.S. National Team Residency program.

The Academy also connects National Team coaches directly with the Academy clubs to develop and identify players and coaches for future Youth National Teams. Each Academy team is evaluated by a National Team coach at least ten times each year and each Academy club receives two formal evaluations in over 100 categories each year from National Team staff.

The Development Academy is also focused on identifying and developing the next generation of elite referees. U.S. Soccer assigns up-and-coming officials to participate in Academy games at the local level and at national events.

How does a club apply to become a member of the Development Academy?
Clubs interested in being considered for the U.S. Soccer’s National Team Development Academy Program must submit their Membership Application to U.S. Soccer no later than March 1st, 2010 to be considered for admission into the 2010-11 Academy season. Clubs can download the application here.

What criteria are used to evaluate membership applications?
Applications will be evaluated using the following measures:

    * National Team Coach Analysis
    * History of Elite Youth Player Development
    * History of Success in Elite Competitions
    * Geography
    * Impact on existing Academy members

What is the Scholarship Program?
The Scholarship Program is a joint venture between the U.S. Soccer Federation and the U.S. Soccer Foundation to help Academy clubs and players move away from the pay-to-play model of soccer. For more information on deadlines, the application process, eligibility and program requirement click here.

http://www.ussoccer.com/Teams/Development-Academy/FAQs.aspx#1

Whether it's a turf war or the more practical matter of scheduling, increasingly it looks like for the top girls, it will be to choose the ECNL path or USYSA/ODP.  If you look at this year's schedule as an example of back to back to back tournament commitments, it's difficult for the players to do both tracks; i.e., USYSA Regionals, US Club Soccer Regionals, ODP Regional Camp, ECNL Championship, Surf Cup, US Club National Championship...Look at the dates and ask yourself is it reasonable to pursue both tracks?  When do the girls train?

Perhaps not. But I don't believe the state should refuse to allow ECNL teams to participate in State Cup because EW doesn't like the Club qualification aspect of the league. Do you?

Absolutely not.  I agree that players/teams should do the choosing.  That's the other thing I'm confused by in the responses.  Everyone has been clamoring for a completely open state cup as it relates to the WYS requirement that to participate in their state cup teams have to participate in one of their leagues.

[Left Foot]

EW,

Surprised you would take this position.  I thought you were opposed to the exclusive nature of the PDL; i.e., the teams on the outside were deprived of the opportunity to play against the best teams and therefore weren't able to get the quality opposition required to compete come state cup time?  If you want to be the best, you want to play the best right?  Now you want to exclude the best?

At least one of the ECNL teams from the club you like so much for their recruiting practices didn't add any new players to this year's roster  Would it be ok for them to participate in state cup?  Would it help if I told you they didn't win it last year?

Not sure that it is appropriate for ECNL teams - teams formed up to be super teams operating at the national competition level - to be competing in WSYSA state cups.   This might be a situation for the WSYSA itself to address.    But hey, is it any less legitimate than some clubs forming up teams of returning college players, having them displace the regular players on a teams roster, and then putting them into a state cup only to eschew regionals?

Posted in the FAQ section of the ECNL site, as of this evening:

Can ECNL teams participate in USYS leagues and the USYS state cup, regional, and national championships?
Yes. Any team participating in the ECNL may still participate in their local, state and regional leagues, and in the USYS state cup, regional, and national championships. The ECNL is not prohibiting teams from its member clubs from participating in these competitions.

Could find no late-breaking news, announcement or override on the site stating that the policy has been changed.

Here is the problem.

College coaches don't care about USYSA Championships or leagues.  USSDA and ECNL league games and championships are the new face of soccer.

Which colleges?  North Carolina, UCLA etc. There are only so many ODP/ECNL/Academy kids to go around and many, many women's college soccer programs. Please note that at least on the girls side, the ECNL games are coupled with existing showcase tourneys. Why do you think that is? And I believe folks can testify to the number of coaches at Regionals and Nationals. Are you trying to sell something?