I hate to start off talking about the MPSL with a complaint, but why do we seem to need to call everything premier leagues? What's wrong with Division 1 and 2? I played youth soccer out east and we had divisions 1-7 and we had no use for the premier label. Just a pet peeve but I just don't like the premier moniker (EPL aside).
anon, You received bad information. The teams associated with MYSA can play year round if they want to. Bangu/Thunder will still be a MYSA affiliate. The problem comes if players are on their HS teams. At that point they can't play with their MYSA team during the HS season.
Let's clear one thing up. The Thunder Academy is still an MYSA affiliate club, the Wings and Bangu just changed club names. They can and still will play MYSA leagues when necessary. The MN Thunder professional team is no longer supported by the MYSA. That is what the letter sent by the MYSA genious is addressing not the youth academy and its MYSA affiliate status, that has not changed and cannot change.
The SSM U16 team you will see this year will be very close to the exact same team you saw last year...if you saw them play. They have had a few players move up to the older team, but there are new faces backfilling as well.
Having seen all of last year's U15 Premier teams play, I would say that they are very equal those considered to be at the top levels.
Do a little research and you can easily find results from last year. I would think (but am biased) that they will give many unsuspecting teams a run for thier money.....
Why would anyone be "unsuspecting" with regard to a nationally or regionally based team such as SSM? If they enter MN state cup they will be the favorites. Especially at rising U16 which is not one of the state's stronger age groups.
I don't agree that the upcoming u16 group is one of the weakest. Didn't they play 10 players in the regional pool? Didn't the team at regionals only lose to the regional finalist? Didn't the other MRL premier team finish in the top 3? It may be considered weak due to lack of consolidation, but I would say this is a deep age group in terms of talent. The other thing is that the best u16 players at ssm will play with the u18's. My guess is that they will have some holes to fill and from postings during the state cup, they might want to go a little deeper into their bench next year. This should be an exciting age to watch. SSM could shake things up, only time will tell.
12:29-- I would also argue with you that the best U16 players aren't going to be with the U18s. Some will, but it is unclear if they will be full time with them or not. If we, the parents from the team, don't know any of this for sure....not sure you could know. There has been no official communication to the players/parents, so even if you are a parent how could you know? Plus, I only know of one player that is still eligible for U16 who may be playing up. She is a quality player, but does not constitute ALL of the "best U16 players".
Knowing a bit about this age group, I know that Bangu is the obvious current choice. I would also say that atleast a couple of the U16 teams will be without some quality players next year as some "consolidation" has happened. There are a few (I can think of 4 off the top of my head) SSM kids sprinkled across some of the teams-- who will no longer be dual rostered. Wayzata, Woodbury, and a younger Bangu team come to mind. I do think that any gap which may exist between (current) U15 Bangu and the others may widen a bit? However, I would also speculate that some normal movement will take place between teams.
Pretty difficult and meaningless to really try and sort out ANY age group at this point for next year. Other than for entertainment and argument purposes the discussion about next year's State Cup is completely useless. Atleast wait to see what player movement takes place, and see how these teams shake out.
Ahem......I thought that SSM was NOT a Minnesota team? Which is it--they are or they are not?
Interestingly, Luke Joyner from Andromeda 90 feels like SSM is a Minnesota team given his comment in his blog "we squared off this morning at 7:30 AM against Shattuck St. Mary's out of Minnesota". Seems to me that I told everyone that when at tournaments people credit SSM as being a Minnesota team-- someone disagreed with me.
Also, I don't see any of the "outrage" that people predicted about SSM (you know, the whole recruiting and unfairness thing). I think it woreshing to see the ANONs who claimed they knew everything recant thier statements....but that will never happen. That is the beauty of being an ANON.
If anyone wants to read the above players blog entries, it can be found at http://championships.usyouthsoccer.org/ChampionshipsBlog.asp?blogger_id=92
Nice blog site SSMSC..The 17G's will be a barn burner tonight. Eclipse holds the cards, they win, there in. FC Bucks beat them in the 1st match, and Eclipse beat the Texans last nite. Wish I were there!! #10's Dad
SSMSouthCampus...not sure what woreshing means unless you're my grandmother talking about the laundry, but I wrote the comment with all the information on past winners and congratulating them for their accomplishments at 2:19. I've never written any comments about SSM because I don't have any experience with them other than working with many of the coaches there throughout the years. Some of us use anon just because it's easier and quicker. If you would have stuck with your last paragraph and left out the rest, you wouldn't look so defensive and I would have enjoyed your post much more. I found your post pretentious though I have no idea who you really are either other than having some connection with SSM. Your tag doesn't identify you either which you seem to be insulting the rest of us for. But again, I wish the SSM boys the best of luck and I hope they show well. Aaron V. Coach - Wings SC/MTW
Ummm.....I think that to most who frequent the blog it is very apparent who I am. It has never been a secret. However, I do respect your willingness to identify yourself by name. Sorry that you got caught up in my "is it a MN team" rant. That is an old argument that I have fought for almost a year now.
Also, due to keyboard issues.....worshing or whatever it ended up reading like should have been "would be refreshing". It is either time to buy a new keyboard or to start checking what is typed?
i would bet that all the grumbling that goes on down here regarding ssm during the year is now going on amongst the u18 boys national championship teams.
I doubt if many of the teams at nationals realize that SSM is basically a team which recruits from all across the USA and has players from several states. They may be a little concerned if they knew it.
Im sure all the coaches with the clubs involved down at natls know very much what and who Shattuck is all about. Your not giving the rest of the soccer community credit.
It would suck to lose the national championship game because the other team recruited kids from the entire country when our teams basically have kids from 1 city? How is this fair in the rules? I know me and my team mates would think we got hosed if that happened.
Guys- the rest of the soccer world (especially at the National level) does not get thier players from one zip code. This has been beaten to death, but yet the provincial minds can't seem to wrap thier minds around this fact.
10:04 - that doesn't mean we all have to agree with how things are currently run or allowed. Gun control, abortion, gay marriage, the last time I checked it was OK to have different opinions on all these topics. I don't agree with many things our current admininstration does, but the last time I checked, I can disagree. I respect the fact that you and others believe that these competitons should and could be rostered with no limitations. Please respect my opinion that says that there should be some restrictions. Personally I believe it makes a mockery of the whole competition when a team from MN with 60% of its players are out of state or international gets to compete. It's allowed, there is nothing I can do about it, but I can at least express my opinion. I also have a sinking feeling that I am not in the minority on this subject.
Most USYS teams don't get their players from over a dozen states and offer them $35,000 scholarships. Most other USYS teams don't recruit nationwide and internationally either. As anon 4:14 stated so well "it would suck to lose the national championship game because the other team recruited kids from the entire country when our teams basically have kids from 1 city". I feel bad for the teams at Nationals they eliminated and I hope Andromeda kicks their ass today.
how come whenever I read an article about one of their players, they state they are from iowa, canada, illinois, etc... i don't think I've ever read a quote from any of them claiming they were from MN.
Shattuck does have a few kids from Minnesota on their teams. But the vast majority are from other states coast to coast as well as Canada. I've heard they are even recruiting in the UK. To call them a Minnesota team in the same context as one of the MYSA clubs or other USYS clubs competing at regions and nationals is absurd.
Its not just IMG and SSM, some of the MLS youth Academies and the DAP teams are bringing in players outside their own states. The future is changing in "Elite" Youth soccer.
12:13 -define outside of their own states? A borderings state (i.e - iowa for chicago, ky for ohio) hardly constitutes national recruiting. Also, one or two players here and there is not the same as IMG/SSM which reach out nationally with the MAJORITY of their team being out of state.
I am absolutely exhausted from beating my head against a wall regarding this subject. After the following rant, I am going to do my best to just stay out of all discussion regarding this, as it never goes anywhere. Circular arguments.......
Everyone has thier opinion, and none are open minded enough to have an actual discussion. It is always a fight.
I respect that programs like SSM aren't for everyone. I respect that some are violently against the concept of these types of Academies.
What frustrates me is how people can allude to the breaking of rules and such, but cannot produce any examples and cite facts. All these arguments come down to feelings....no facts.
I really wish that people could understand what is going on in thier backyard. The "rising tide" theory really is correct and I am looking forward to seeing the tide rise a bit more with the new Bangu-Thunder-Wings Academy. I personally would like to see some of the community clubs merge to form even stronger teams (ala St Louis).
But, the bickering and anger will always be there. I really am sorry about that, I think that each of us could learn and benefit from each other. But, only if a real dialogue can occur to help everyone understand. The personal attacks and fighting will only produce defensiveness.
ssm-sc - i believe we all appreciate your posts as they are articulate and convey your point of view, but i believe what you are missing is that no one disputes the legality of the situation, just the spirit. i believe there should be instant replay in baseball - it doesn't currently exist, but that doesn't mean i can't express my opinion. 10:40's post from the other day mentions a lot of things that are allowed that many people do not agree with and frequently express their disagreement with. frankly, i believe most folks are as open minded on this situation as you are, it is just that neither side agrees with the other. that is not being closed minded, but more of a matter of not seeing eye-to-eye.
Plus, the anonymity afforded in the blogosphere allows people to be ruthless in expressing their beliefs. Ain't tot too many wishy-washy statements out there.
It is always amazing that the SSM people continually say things like "I respect that programs like SSM aren't for everyone. I respect that some are violently against the concept of these types of Academies." NOBODY IS AGAINST SSM OR THE CONCEPT OF THESE ACADEMIES!! It is simply their participation in USYS playoffs that people disagree with. Nothing more, nothing less. There are many people, myself included who support what SSM is doing but do not see the need for them to participate in State Cup. There are many other opportunities and tournaments for them to play games. We came close to sending kid #1 to SSM and #2 or #3 may yet go. It would not distress me a bit if they did not play MN State cup. In fact, I would rather they did not.
It will be a moot point if SSM and Thwingu are granted entry into the USSF Academy as is expected in 2009 or 2010. The teams who play in the USSF Academy are not allowed to participate in USYS leagues or tournaments including State Cup etc. That would for all practical purposes exclude SSM and Thwingu top boys teams from ages U15-U18 from participating in State Cup.
Thought this was really interesting!Wonder what the U of Mn and Wisc spends???
20 Schools Spend $1,000,000+ on Athletic Recruitment...
Nearly half of the nation's largest athletics programs have doubled or tripled their recruitment spending over the past decade, as their pursuit of elite athletes intensifies and becomes more national in scope.
Forty-eight percent of NCAA Division I athletics departments at least doubled their recruiting budgets from 1997 to 2007, according to a Chronicle analysis of financial data reported to the U.S. Department of Education. Of the 300 Division I institutions for which data were available, 21 each spent more than $1-million chasing talented players in the 2007 academic year.
On the whole, the 65 biggest spenders shelled out a total of more than $61-million in 2007, an 86-percent increase from 10 years before. That amount does not include salaries for recruiting coordinators or construction and operating costs of the gleaming multimillion-dollar facilities that help lure prospects.
Biggest Spenders:
1. U. of Tennessee at Knoxville - $2,005,700 2. U. of Notre Dame - 1,758,300 3. U. of Florida - 1,451,400 4. Auburn U. - 1,374,900 5. Kansas State U. - 1,316,700 6. U. of Georgia - 1,284,000 7. U. of Nebraska at Lincoln - 1,275,000 8. U. of Arkansas at Fayetteville - 1,259,700 9. Duke U. - 1,245,300 10. Ohio State U. - 1,236,800
Ivy League Athletic Recruitment Expenditures 2006/2007
1. Princeton U. - $941,000 2. Harvard U. - 851,900 3. Columbia U. - 778,000 4. Dartmouth College - 774,700 5. Brown U. - 757,200 6. Cornell U. - 752,800 7. Yale U. - 748,300 8. U. of Pennsylvania - 643,600
9:10pm..So your saying its ok if a player from a boarding state plays, but its not if a player from 2 states out plays...Wow, the rules always keep changing dont they?
9:10, I think he meant many clubs have players from 2 states because of proximity to state lines. I don't think the Chicago Magic has any players on their roster living Colorado or New Jersey for example.
Chicago borders Indiana Cincinnati borders Kentucky Detroit is very near Ohio Kansas City MO borders Kansas Twin Cities borders Wisconsin Omaha borders Iowa
Get the drift? Hope this geography lesson helps. It makes perfect sense that clubs in this situation would have players from 2 states which for all practical purposes are 1 metro area.
Once again, all the other clubs at U18 pulled players from 1 metro area while SSM recruits nationally and internationally to assemble their teams.
Maybe USYS should set up a seperate tournament for boarding schools which would put everyone on a level playing field?
no 9:10, i believe you know what i mean. a player from des moines playing in chicago is a lot different than a player from texas or california playing in mn or fl. those players have many quality options that are nearby while some of the less populated/lesser soccer developed areas might need to travel a bit for top level player development. just my opinion, if you want to play semantics go ahead.
I hate to tell you, but the teams competing at Nationals WANT to play the best because they WANT to BE the best. They don't care how a team is formed or where the players are from. They throw all that garbage a way and take the field to win-- not look for excuses as to why they SHOULD lose.
Danesha Adams, Played for UCLA, lives in Ohio, played club with Slammers out in Cali. Got it!! Z Bywaters, lives in Vegas, plays for Slammers out in Cali. Got it!! Meleana Shim, lives in Honolulu,HI plays club for Sereno,AZ. Got it!!
Word has it, next year for the U19G's, the Hawks and Eclipse will try to merge to make a team. Got it!!
The difference between all the got it's is those states allow players from other states to play for clubs within their state. MYSA does not allow players from states other than Wisconsin to play for MYSA teams, except SSM because they can use the boarding school rules. Your not comparing Apples to Apples when you look at other states and clubs, MYSA is once again hindering elite development in MN except for SSM.
The difference between all the got it's is those states allow players from other states to play for clubs within their state. MYSA does not allow players from states other than Wisconsin to play for MYSA teams, except SSM because they can use the boarding school rules. Your not comparing Apples to Apples when you look at other states and clubs, MYSA is once again hindering elite development in MN except for SSM.
Boarding school rules... these kids live in MN for more than 9 months out of the year. They do not consider where their parents live as home only a place to visit for short periods. Get a life. These kids live in MN.
Interesting discussion right now. I don't agree that what was said above ("MYSA does not allow players from states other than Wisconsin to play for MYSA teams, except SSM because they can use the boarding school rules").
My reasoning for the disagreemtn comes from the Thunder+Bangu+Wings thread. And I will give the quote in my next post.
Quote from Thunder+Bangu+Wings thread-- 7/24/08 12:15 am.
"MTW (formerly Wings) already has kids driving down from Duluth and Fargo...it's always an option....
24/7/08 12:15 AM"
Last time I checked, Fargo isn't in Minnesota? If this is true, then the argument about MYSA not letting "outside" players participate don't hold water. I am interested to hear from those who may know the circumstances behind the quote.
I don't see anything wrong with "outside" kids playing on MYSA teams....and frankly don't understand why anyone else does either. I think that not enough people have "done thier homework" and are just following what others claim to be true.
So, yet again, the rules always change, its ok if a player lives 1/2 way across the country and plays with another team, but if you have more than 1, then its against the rules. Got it!!
What about the Rush SC?? Clubs all over the US, and some of the more special players from one Rush club plays with other states Rush clubs. But I guess that is ok as well.
The SSM tryouts go on whenever you want. They are only a phone call away, simply contact the school and they will give you a chance.
I realize that you are trying to be sarcastic, but please show me something that says a team "has" to have formal tryouts.
However, if families from Timbuktu can get thier kids looked at by the staff at SSM for possible inclusion into the program, I am sure that you can get your kid one hour south on I-35. But, that is only if you make an attempt.
You can not play for SSM if you do not attend school there, nature of the beast.
They give athletic scholarships which equate to assistance, but not a huge portion of the overall bill. The biggest part of the final price tag given to each of the players is based upon need. You have to fill out forms disclosing income and attach tax forms. I can't say that I have ever seen (in my entire 1 year of association) someone get a full ride "because they are really, really good"-- despite what some may profess.
The only way I know of to ensure a "full ride" is to have a parent who is on staff at the school. That would be a HUGE perk! Wish I could change jobs!
Above statement aside, just because you go to school therre doesn't mean you have to be a resident student. Day students pay considerably less than boarding students (approximately half).
4:18- please see my above post. Tryouts don't occur as such. Even though I am sure you are being sarcastic, all one has to do is contact the Coaching staff through any number of ways (contact info given on website- www.s-sm.org).
If you are trying to be sarcastic, not sure where you are trying to lead the conversation? Do you feel there should be a "right" to tryout?
I know of at least two boys from Minnesota who are attending SSM on "full rides" and they aren't there because of their academic prowess. I can't speak to the girls program.
Again, 4:42--- if they are, in fact, there on full rides it is because of "need based" financial aid and NOT because they are good players.
To the best of my knowledge (and my daughter is an honor roll student), there are no academic scholarship funds given to these kids. So, not sure what purpose your post serves-- other than to take an opportunity to put a well placed jab at two KIDS. Nice job!
In short, I appreciate your admission that you "can't speak to the girls program".....but it really is apparent that you don't have enough knowledge to speak about the program at all?
U15BC1 should have a good championship on Friday night (5pm, L3). Two #1 seeds will likely meet, with a premier spot on the line. St. Croix was the premier alternate, and Eden Prairie was relegated from premier, and is playing like they want it back. Should be a good one.
Also, this thread is called "MYSA, MRL, US Club Premier League." I don't see SSM anywhere in this, so please take that conversation to the "MN Fairbault U18 Boys 2nd at Nationals" thread. Let's hear people's picks for the MYSA state games.
SSM South, If those two boys didn't play soccer they wouldn't be at SSM. I know for a fact neither of them can skate worth a lick. You're not kidding anyone who knows how the SSM game is played. They obviously are "need based" scholarships as they were full scholarship players in their MYSA clubs. But to say they would be there if they didn't play soccer is laughable.
9:51- Where did I ever say that whether they would or would not be at SSM if it weren't for soccer? All I said was that IF they are on "full rides" it was based upon financial need, and not anything else. Again, why must you try and be so negative toward a couple of KIDS? I assume you are an ADULT, please begin to act like one?
I am not trying to "kid anyone about how the SSM game is played".
It would be great if SSM respected MYSA's recruiting rules regarding players being contacted only after the State Tournament as all the other MYSA teams are asked to. I know for a fact they call players and their families year round. Do they play under a different set of rules because they are a high school?
SSM didn't have a soccer program at the time the rule was passed and 98% of the soccer community probably could not tell you where SSM was even located.
It would be fun to watch MYSA try and tell private schools that they can't communicate with prospective student/athletes until they say so. I'm sure that the administrators and Board of Directors at Blake, Benilde, St. Thomas and other private schools would take an interest in this as well.
8:14, All the clubs do recruit year round, maybe yours doesnt but most do, in a round and about way. Just because a coach doesnt call you at home doesnt mean they arent trying to recruit your player. Kids talk to each other, parents talk, a coach might watch your player from the sidelines of a match, these kids arent stupid.
I can also tell you, the cost for most Super Clubs, Eclipse, PDA, Texans, Magic, Sockers etc cost $2000-$2500 a year just to put on the jersey, not counting travel (and we all know how much these clubs travel). The amount SSM gives a family for scholarship if its need based is very close to most of the Super Clubs travel included. But like SSMSC said, its all on need basis. I think its very fair. But in the end, I would recommend anyone to call the staff at Shattuck and do your homework. Go down for a visit, let your player interact with the other players for a day or weekend. You just might be surprised, and I can promise you, your player will love it.
The spirit of the recruiting rule in Minnesota is that they don't want teams pulling play time they are a part of another team. In other words, they don't want player transfers from team a to team b during the time the player is bound to a club. This is also why there is a rule that talks about player transfers prior to State Cup.
I have done much research into the recruiting rules of each of the State Associations, and with the exception of a couple state associations, there is no intent to keep players from hearing about/finding a "better product"-- they are simply trying to keep teams from "poaching" during the active season to make a stronger team for that season (eg- scouting players early in the season to have them on the field for them come State Cup time). Many states don't have a recruiting rule, they have a "poaching" rule.
I have not seen, in my 1 year involvement with SSM, a player leave any team mid-season to join an SSM team. That is not what they do. I HAVE seen players guest play one year and then show up at school the next August. Personally, I don't see any problems with this....it is simply giving players another option and letting them have choices as consumers.
SC, we transfered in Jan. But it wasnt due to any recruiting issues, we contacted them, guest played, and 2 weeks later, she was there (per HER choice). It was a bit different however as we didnt leave our current club. We guest played with Eclipse back at U14, then we joined the club at U15. When we transfered to SSM, we were still with Eclipse and we finished out our year committment with them. We won the Natl Championship that year. It was just way too costly and the travel was a nitemare. So we didnt leave our home club in the middle of the season to go to SSM to play. Hope that makes sense?? I think every case is a bit different from each other, why some players and families prefer to go to SSM are different than others, why some prefer to stay with CC's, and others wanting to go to MTA etc. For each there own. Just so happens, we couldnt have asked for a better soccer enviorment while at SSM. Its saying alot to leave a Natl Championship team to attend SSM. No regrets!! After all, is it all about win win win?? 10s Dad
Your observation is correct, SSMSC. Prior to the current rule, there were clubs starting to hold tryouts for the following year (mid-July) while the current season was still underway.
The current rule should be revised significantly or scrapped.
The yellow pieces of paper from MYSA were BS. They allow SSM to recruit the hell out of players all year round yet feel the need to try and stifle MTA. What a bunch of losers in the current MYSA admin. Is it that hard to treat all MYSA clubs the same?
That is what I am trying to get at. If no one is willing to stand up and say "we absolutely don't do it" then drop the argument and shut up.
Someone once said "let he who is without sin cast the first stone". The little know rest of that statement was "....or else shut your trap and quit whining".
Comparing SSM to other MYSA Clubs is apples and oranges. Clearly, both can offer athletic "scholarships". But @ SSM kids have a more strenous academic life to sustain. I'm guessing, given that bar, Thunder / Bangu / Wings have a MUCH EASIER go at hooking players.
8:52 I will take your logic one step further and say that the reason others have an easier time "hooking players" is because, for the most part, the leaving home factor keeps most kids/parents from attending Shattuck.
9:43- Sort of. Everyone assumes that SSM is "hooking" the best players across the country. In some cases, there have been some very high quality players brought in. But, I would say that most of the younger kids are above average players with desirable traits that the coaching staff feels they can build on.
The inuendo is that SSM is pulling National team level players and stacking teams with these kids only to beat up on MN teams. There are two problems with this:
1) Very few of the younger players are National teamers (a couple are Regional pool players, most are State level ODP)
2) The real goal of SSM is to give a place for the development of like minded, driven players. Leading to the culmiination of participating in USYS National Championship series as the teams get older.
3) The competitive goal of SSM (as I see it-- which means nothing) is NOT to beat up on MN teams, but rather to gain meaningful friendly games through the Winter (which happen to be MN teams), play in competitive showcase tournaments (where we have not run into MN teams), play in MRL (where there wil be no MN teams this Fall- obviously), and to try and advance on to the highest rung on the National Championship Series possible. Where they run into MN teams (outside of friendlies) is in MN State Cup. This is only because this is the only route to accomplish the last task on the list.
The ultimate goal is NOT to try and be the best program in MN, but to be AMONG the best places in the nation for a child to develop skills needed to move to the next level.
Umm.... the ultimate goal for SSM the school is for SSM to have a successful program which will eventually contribute to the bottom line. Nothing wrong with that, this is America. I suspect MTA is no different.
8:52 My daughter does not play for SSM but she has a very tough academic high school schedule to maintain as well as her soccer and other non-school activities. I would not give SSM the upper hand in academics, our school and many others in the twin cities area surpass what they have to offer academically. We've checked it out.
don't get me wrong, the academic program is very strong at ssm, but anyone who says that the #1 reason for attending is not for the athletics is in total denial. one last point, there is also absolutely nothing wrong with attending a school for their athletics (as evidenced by all the scholarships that schools/colleges hand out).
U11 Prior lake should win. They are the better team. Prior lake is the 2nd best team in State at this level. U13 Burnsville will win. Wings are more athletic but Burnsville has more skilled players. Better ball control. U14- Dakota Rev U16 - Don't know anything about these teams (My Guess is Wayzata)
It is all about winning at ssm. That is how they recruit. If you can put up the USYS national champion banner then it will make a huge difference. That is how they recruit for their hockey program and that is how they attract good players and coaches. Looks good on anyones resume. Anyone who believes different is living in a fantasy world. The only people who pay full tuition there are the wealthy academics (and some athletic) and foreign students (which there are a lot of). And to think that they are not trying to get the best athletes is ridiculous, of course they are and they will do what it takes to get them there. Can't blame them. They know the formula for success because of the hockey program. It is only really helping the development of a rare few MN players. And every year there will probably be less MN players on their roster.
It's all about winning at MTA as well. That's how they recruit. That was one big factor in Bangu's success over the years. They have always said the key for them is winning state cups. That's how you collect the top talent year after year.
Get the most talented kids from the other clubs and cc's and then pound em in state cup(feeder system).
Development???? ah,er, your on your own kid...go watch the pros on tv.
Bangu/Thunder better watch out. They are being challenged by some CC teams and other MN Clubs. Maybe they are not challenged as a club, but there are teams in various CC's that compete very well against them.
U-15 Boys- Edina (Beat Bangu in finals) U-16 Boys- St. Croix U-14 Boys- MU U-15 Girls- EP (Came very close to beating them in State Cup finals)
Players should also consider trying out for these teams. Do not let Bangu tell you that they have ALL the best teams, because they DON'T.
i took my daughter out to a few tryouts this weekend (we are going to MTA tomorrow) and my experience this weekend is that cc are selling harder than ever. the 'presentations' on why to join their clubs are 'bangu-esque' in their self promotion. no shortage of shots taken at MTA as well. ran into quite a few angry MTA families that aren't afraid to talk (although in fairness I expect the same in reverse at MTA tryouts). it will be interesting to see what happens after the first day of MTA tryouts. i think most people are curious about what it all means when it shakes out. what i am guessing is that after the first round of tryouts, (as usual) some folks aren't going to be happy about their assignment and will be scrambling for a place to play.
it's all good and fun to see this much activity and interest in girls youth soccer
My girl plays for Bangu but she went to the Eden Prairie tryout and I was amazed at their numbers. There were about 15 outside players and around 10 from Bangu. It looks as if Bangu is losing players. We stayed around a bit after and the U-16 EP girls premier team also had an alright turnout with their outside players. I believe a few from Bangu.
Do you know if there are any more tryouts for the U-16 EP girls team?
My daughter is very interested in going, but we were not sure if any Bangu players would be interested in going over to play for them. Long story, but these two teams are big time rivals.
I want the best for my girl just as any parent would and I think EP is going to have an amazing team this year.
Some of the movement is probably because kids and parents are not satisfied with the performance of certain egotistical coaches who put their winning record above player development.
I would bet a lot of current Bangu players who are trying out for other clubs are concerned they might not make a Bangu team with only two teams per U13 - U19 age group. They don't want to be stuck without a team if they don't make a MTA team.
Alex Bunbury will be the coach. They were extremely successful with a tremendous overall record. They also have a lot of interest from other ODP kids who want to be on that team.
The SCV U16 Girls Premier tryouts will be nuts tonight. Quite a few girls moved over last year and helped them bump to premier...there will be more tonight. Go to stcroixsoccer.org. SCV will retake the East.
The U-16 Girls Premier tryouts tomorrow night should be nuts as well. I hear there are quite a few girls from Bangu that will be moving to St. croix and EP.
I hear the "blank - insert club" tryouts at the "blank - insert age group" will be overwhelming. I've got a friend who's got a friend who told him everyone is leaving bangu.
Teams lose players, it's a fact. However, call me when teams are losing their top players. When teams are losing players #13-18, it's not always a loss. As for the egos comment, sit down with coaches and let me know if their ego comes out. Ask them their philosophy. I don't care what club they are from, people coaching youth soccer in Minnesota for what typically amounts to gas money and a few extra bucks to augment an income are hardly about their egos. Is it more fun to coach a better team? Maybe. There are a lot of things that go along with the top teams in the state that other teams don't have to worry about. Parent expectations and entitlement are typically what implode a team. Read my keystrokes: There are way more egos on this blog than there are with coaches (and, yes, I will include myself as a preemptive measure of pointless name-calling). There is more d*&% measuring here than at a porn star audition.
What I would like to know is, why is the MYSA allowing a very weak team like EP's U14's into the Midwest League. There has to be some sort of regulation here, EP put their 14 Premier team in last year and they went winless and now they are putting a team in that was 3rd in their league and not even premier. If I was other MRL team that had to travel and play a team that weak I would be pissed. The MYSA needs some criteria for allowing teams in, I thought it was you had to be a state cup semi-finalist but that is not the case. Teams should be at least MYSA premier to get in, this is an embarressment to the state when we allow teams like this in.
MRL ultimately decides who gets in and who doesn't. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if WH doesn't know someone affiliated with MRL and was able to lobby them successfully to get this team in.
The MRL folks probably don't mind bringing in a few extra bucks either.
Anon 5:16 - the upcoming U15 girls premier EP team will likely play in the first division at MRL this spring, not the premier division. At U15 there are two division, premier and the lower one, first division. Competition is not as stiff. They were admitted to the only MRL league last year and although lost all games can play in lower division. If they come in last place then they will be ejected. Sounds like that will make you happy....
MRL acceptance doesn't have to have any correlation to placement at State Cup. For examples, please note the SSM U16 inclusion this year and SSM U18s last year.
Clubs/teams apply, and they are either let in or not.
Like many other leagues and showcase tournaments, the number of teams keeps getting bigger and/or diluted. If more teams want to enter which means more teams want to write checks, then it would appear more teams will get accepted.
As the Minnesota representative to the Midwest Regional League (MRL), I would like to clear up some perceptions of MRL and how MYSA handles an application. MYSA currently does not have any rules restricting teams from competing in the MRL. Since there is no MYSA rule, the MRL rules apply which states any competitive team (Premier, Classic 1, Classic 2, or Classic 3)in good standing within it's Region II State association can apply. The Director of Leagues and I review all applications to ensure that teams do not inflated or provide inaccurate information on the application. The key information needed is State Cup play, league play, tournament play, and ODP participation. Once we have confirmed that the information is correct we approve the application. This is an administrative approval stating that our review of all information provided is correct and accurate. Once registration is closed, the MRL Commisioner will provide a list of the teams by gender and age to the State Director of Coaching (DOC) who will rank order the teams from one to how many teams are listed. The list is then provided to the MRL Technical Committee (a group of Region II DOCs of which Minesota does not have a representative))who will review applications and determine if teams can fill the predetermined divisions (number of teams per division to run a successful league). Per MRL rules a state can have up to four teams in each age group and gender, exceptions are made to those states with more talented teams or to fill out the various divisions in the league. In 2009, due to the growth in the league, there will be another division added, Second Division (lowest level of play), to provide more opportunities to teams and thin out the talent.
Our procedures are the same as other states in our Region who also do not have rules dictating who should and should not apply. I would hope that clubs see the MRL as an opportunity for development of talent and since the league has started we as a state have had clubs that take the same view. Yes, there have been some teams that should not have played in the league and in most cases they have been counseled by the DOC or myself but we can only offer our opinion and let the MRL application procedures run their course.
Tom Moriarty Minnesota Representative Midwest Regional League
Thanks for the post Tom, but regardless of policy you still need to be more selective. A MN team that does not make premier has no business in MRL. Until we are at the level of MI, IL, MO and OH we need to make sure that any team can just play in MRL. The EP team in question has no business in MRL, they have done nothing to warrent participation except the club they are with you are affiliated with.
Would you have accepted a team third place team from the East district? Probably not. Is the EP team that went winless last year being accepted again? Probably!!
Just for curiosity, please tell us based on the criteria you listed: "The key information needed is State Cup play, league play, tournament play, and ODP participation." What has either EP team done to warrent acceptence to this league? From what I know, nothing at all, but maybe you can shed some light on it.
This is the MN premier soccer league I was asking about,(not MRL) Is this league going to happen? I can't find much on the web site. Any info is appreciated.
12:47- I can't answer your question about SSM U16 girls and State Cup. They will be eligible, but not sure what the plan is. So, if anyone tries to tell you one way or the other about this topic, understand that they are full of hot air. We as parents don't even know for sure about it......and aren't really concerned about it. Development.....that is what we are concerned about at U16. If they do, great....if not, that is fine too.
Remember, there will be some Shattuck 16s playing up with the 18s. Take it with a grain of salt. Oh, and by the way, I hope EP and Bangu win ALL there games this year!! Win Win Win. And when they get beat, Im sure your one of the ones that makes a State Of the Union address on why they got beat. Give the girls a chance to grow will ya.
10:40- No disrespect intended, but I have seen (and my daughter has played against) Bangu (to be) U16 Blue and EP. While they are good teams, they are not at a level where I would say that they would "kill" the SSM U16s.
Not saying that SSM would win games against EP and Bangu Blue hands down.....but I think they would earn respect from even you.
They are young, and are in a developmental mode. Yes, there will be some of the players spending some time on the field with the U18s..... But, no, they are not a "patsy" team. Essentially the same team that played U16 last year that was a finalist at the Holiday Inn Invite, Metro United, and fared well at CASL will be on the field again as U16s (plus some nice additions).
Not to mention, I think you really should do some research as to what players are on the final rosters of the EP and Blue teams this coming year before opening your mouth?
What claim have I made without researching? I know what the composition of the team has been, and what the core of the team is. I know what they have accomplished and the level at which they play.
I have seen the other teams in question play (and have seen my daughter play against atleast one of them while on another team). I know of atleast one "downgrade" that will happen with one of the teams in question....and am saying that even before the downgrade, said team would not have "killed" the SSM team. Again, I am not saying that SSM would win-- but a blow out is not in the picture.
I can say three things for sure about the SSM U16s:
1) They are very even (over multiple games) with a now U17 team which beat the Inferno easily at Regionals
2) They have beaten two other teams who appeared at the U16 Region 2 Championships.
3) They did all this with a squad with a make-up of 3-U16s, 6-U15s, and 4-U14s. (There was one other U16 who did not play except the last three games or so because of coming in injured).
Now, I agree that all this and two bucks will get get you a coffee at Caribou.....the only way to know is to see them on the field.
Again, no disrespect to the teams in question. All I am saying is that people talk a mean game....with no head to head experience to go on.
Has some of the player movement been made public as of yet? I'd be interested to see in the U16 group what changes have been made (because this is the group I have the most experience with and have some knowledge of the players).
ssm south campus 11/8/8 10/16 pm development.... starting to get a little late for that, if 16 already check big soccer .com 2010 class getting recruited now if you are not regional odp players with lack of showcase events over holidays or vegas good luck getting recruited. If players play in mn state cup wont be able to go back to clubs that have showcases scheduled and eligible for like some of SSM u-18 girl players took advantage of to get seen. what happen to U-16 going to u.s. club event last year that you were promised to go to BUDGET PROBLEMS.
9:45 and 7:34, OS went to the Inferno from the Blue, and MK went to the Blue from the Inferno. Considering a player's "complete package", IMO the Blue got the better end of that deal.
In regards to whoever questioned MTA's recruiting. It is happening on the boys side as well. MTA U17B coach has been trying to poach some of our players for weeks. I can see why youngers kids/parents might find it intriguing, but I don't see the benefit for older kids to swithc over to start on a brand new, unproven team. Team chemistry takes years to develop and the clock is running out for that age group.
In regards to whoever questioned MTA's recruiting. It is happening on the boys side as well. MTA U17B coach has been trying to poach some of our players for weeks. I can see why youngers kids/parents might find it intriguing, but I don't see the benefit for older kids to swithc over to start on a brand new, unproven team. Team chemistry takes years to develop and the clock is running out for that age group.
With regard to some parents on this blog who are much too involved in and living through their DD's soccer lives ems said it best. "The ideal team is comprised of talented orphans."
Hasn't the season for the top U16 Premier boys been over for several weeks? How about the U16 boys who didn't play in Premier league? When did their season end?
MYSA has accepted Arsenal into the 17 prem.I hear that was a deciding factor for players to stay.Now MTA realises it doesnt have quite the "pool" they hoped for,panic station zebra I hear.
2,440 comments:
1 – 200 of 2440 Newer› Newest»I hate to start off talking about the MPSL with a complaint, but why do we seem to need to call everything premier leagues? What's wrong with Division 1 and 2? I played youth soccer out east and we had divisions 1-7 and we had no use for the premier label. Just a pet peeve but I just don't like the premier moniker (EPL aside).
How Good is the SSM U-16 Girls team that will be playing MRL First division this fall?
Would the Bangu team that is now Thunder in girls u16 also participate in the MRL during the fall?
I hear the Elite program can play together 11 months out of the year because they are no longer linked with MYSA
anon,
You received bad information. The teams associated with MYSA can play year round if they want to.
Bangu/Thunder will still be a MYSA affiliate.
The problem comes if players are on their HS teams. At that point they can't play with their MYSA team during the HS season.
Actually if they play HS Soccer unless they have an approved exemption from MSHSL they can only play with thier HS or the ODP program.
Let's clear one thing up. The Thunder Academy is still an MYSA affiliate club, the Wings and Bangu just changed club names. They can and still will play MYSA leagues when necessary. The MN Thunder professional team is no longer supported by the MYSA. That is what the letter sent by the MYSA genious is addressing not the youth academy and its MYSA affiliate status, that has not changed and cannot change.
The SSM U16 team you will see this year will be very close to the exact same team you saw last year...if you saw them play. They have had a few players move up to the older team, but there are new faces backfilling as well.
Having seen all of last year's U15 Premier teams play, I would say that they are very equal those considered to be at the top levels.
Do a little research and you can easily find results from last year. I would think (but am biased) that they will give many unsuspecting teams a run for thier money.....
SSMSouthCampus
Why would anyone be "unsuspecting" with regard to a nationally or regionally based team such as SSM? If they enter MN state cup they will be the favorites. Especially at rising U16 which is not one of the state's stronger age groups.
Point taken, but there will be those who will discount them. They have had successes, but were hampered by some injuries late in the Winter.
On second thought, I think everyone should just discount them....they aren't very good. Overlook them.
SSMSouthCampus
SSM...I don't think anybody really cares.
I don't agree that the upcoming u16 group is one of the weakest. Didn't they play 10 players in the regional pool? Didn't the team at regionals only lose to the regional finalist? Didn't the other MRL premier team finish in the top 3? It may be considered weak due to lack of consolidation, but I would say this is a deep age group in terms of talent. The other thing is that the best u16 players at ssm will play with the u18's. My guess is that they will have some holes to fill and from postings during the state cup, they might want to go a little deeper into their bench next year. This should be an exciting age to watch. SSM could shake things up, only time will tell.
12:29, I think that is the upcoming U15 group.
i believe 4 of the 10 will be upcoming U15's. the other 6 who will be upcoming U16's are spread out on three different teams.
Region II Girls go 0-6-1 yesterday at Nationals
Shattuck 18 boys getting a draw 2-2with the defending Natl Champions.
Does anyone know if MTA will be playing in the fall Premier League?
How about any other clubs that will be playing?
9:15-- Obviously, someone did care, they asked. I answered....please get over yourself.
SSMSouthCampus
12:29-- I would also argue with you that the best U16 players aren't going to be with the U18s. Some will, but it is unclear if they will be full time with them or not. If we, the parents from the team, don't know any of this for sure....not sure you could know. There has been no official communication to the players/parents, so even if you are a parent how could you know?
Plus, I only know of one player that is still eligible for U16 who may be playing up. She is a quality player, but does not constitute ALL of the "best U16 players".
SSMSouthCampus
The Bangu/Thunder U-16 (2009) girls team should easily win the state cup next year. They do not have any competition!
5:10 - being that they narrowly won this years state cup by the score of 2-1, please help us all understand your reasoning.
5:52,
Are you suggesting that EP will take the title?
Keep dreaming
no, just the "no competition" comment. 2-1 in a tight game.
Knowing a bit about this age group, I know that Bangu is the obvious current choice. I would also say that atleast a couple of the U16 teams will be without some quality players next year as some "consolidation" has happened. There are a few (I can think of 4 off the top of my head) SSM kids sprinkled across some of the teams-- who will no longer be dual rostered. Wayzata, Woodbury, and a younger Bangu team come to mind. I do think that any gap which may exist between (current) U15 Bangu and the others may widen a bit? However, I would also speculate that some normal movement will take place between teams.
Pretty difficult and meaningless to really try and sort out ANY age group at this point for next year. Other than for entertainment and argument purposes the discussion about next year's State Cup is completely useless. Atleast wait to see what player movement takes place, and see how these teams shake out.
SSMSouthCampus
Bangu has the better players and a better coach. Hasn't hisham been out coached by Bangu for the last three years?
Case Closed!
Anyone know which teams the current U15 players will be moving to?
Pretty early to give an answer to your question as try-outs have not yet taken place.
Jefferson has 3 players that play for Holker's 17s
that is a good team. I think they will be good not great. 3rd in the Lake behind AV and EP
Shattuck 18 Boys are in the Finals of the USYSA Natl Championship!! Is this the first MN team ever to get to the Championship?
1990 Blackhawks won the U-19 National Title under Buzz Lagos. Eventually became the MN Thunder.
1992 U16 Burnsville Girls won the title.
I believe Tsunami Sota Girls made it to the final twice but did not win, but I can't remember the years or how old they were.
Congratulations to the SSM boys. Way to represent MN! I hope we all wish them good luck in the final.
Ahem......I thought that SSM was NOT a Minnesota team? Which is it--they are or they are not?
Interestingly, Luke Joyner from Andromeda 90 feels like SSM is a Minnesota team given his comment in his blog "we squared off this morning at 7:30 AM against Shattuck St. Mary's out of Minnesota". Seems to me that I told everyone that when at tournaments people credit SSM as being a Minnesota team-- someone disagreed with me.
Also, I don't see any of the "outrage" that people predicted about SSM (you know, the whole recruiting and unfairness thing). I think it woreshing to see the ANONs who claimed they knew everything recant thier statements....but that will never happen. That is the beauty of being an ANON.
If anyone wants to read the above players blog entries, it can be found at http://championships.usyouthsoccer.org/ChampionshipsBlog.asp?blogger_id=92
SSMSouthCampus
Nice blog site SSMSC..The 17G's will be a barn burner tonight. Eclipse holds the cards, they win, there in. FC Bucks beat them in the 1st match, and Eclipse beat the Texans last nite. Wish I were there!!
#10's Dad
SSMSouthCampus...not sure what woreshing means unless you're my grandmother talking about the laundry, but I wrote the comment with all the information on past winners and congratulating them for their accomplishments at 2:19. I've never written any comments about SSM because I don't have any experience with them other than working with many of the coaches there throughout the years. Some of us use anon just because it's easier and quicker. If you would have stuck with your last paragraph and left out the rest, you wouldn't look so defensive and I would have enjoyed your post much more. I found your post pretentious though I have no idea who you really are either other than having some connection with SSM. Your tag doesn't identify you either which you seem to be insulting the rest of us for.
But again, I wish the SSM boys the best of luck and I hope they show well.
Aaron V.
Coach - Wings SC/MTW
Ummm.....I think that to most who frequent the blog it is very apparent who I am. It has never been a secret. However, I do respect your willingness to identify yourself by name. Sorry that you got caught up in my "is it a MN team" rant. That is an old argument that I have fought for almost a year now.
Also, due to keyboard issues.....worshing or whatever it ended up reading like should have been "would be refreshing". It is either time to buy a new keyboard or to start checking what is typed?
SSMSouthCampus
2:19, I think it was somewhere in the 1996, 1997 timeframe when Tsunami Sota (under the then-Minnesota Valley Soccer) went to Nationals.
Tsunami Sota girls and Storlien went to USYS Championship match in 2002 and 2003 as U17s and U18s.
i would bet that all the grumbling that goes on down here regarding ssm during the year is now going on amongst the u18 boys national championship teams.
I doubt if many of the teams at nationals realize that SSM is basically a team which recruits from all across the USA and has players from several states.
They may be a little concerned if they knew it.
Im sure all the coaches with the clubs involved down at natls know very much what and who Shattuck is all about. Your not giving the rest of the soccer community credit.
2:14 & 1:04 - I would agree with both statements.
It would suck to lose the national championship game because the other team recruited kids from the entire country when our teams basically have kids from 1 city?
How is this fair in the rules?
I know me and my team mates would think we got hosed if that happened.
5:29 - it's just one person's opinion. Please help us all understand why you cannot respect that?
Any news with the State results today? MYSA is not updated -
Because the topic has been beaten to death over and over again. Time to move on. Anon 529.
Guys- the rest of the soccer world (especially at the National level) does not get thier players from one zip code. This has been beaten to death, but yet the provincial minds can't seem to wrap thier minds around this fact.
Anyone ever heard of IMG?
10:04 - that doesn't mean we all have to agree with how things are currently run or allowed. Gun control, abortion, gay marriage, the last time I checked it was OK to have different opinions on all these topics. I don't agree with many things our current admininstration does, but the last time I checked, I can disagree. I respect the fact that you and others believe that these competitons should and could be rostered with no limitations. Please respect my opinion that says that there should be some restrictions. Personally I believe it makes a mockery of the whole competition when a team from MN with 60% of its players are out of state or international gets to compete. It's allowed, there is nothing I can do about it, but I can at least express my opinion. I also have a sinking feeling that I am not in the minority on this subject.
Most USYS teams don't get their players from over a dozen states and offer them $35,000 scholarships.
Most other USYS teams don't recruit nationwide and internationally either.
As anon 4:14 stated so well "it would suck to lose the national championship game because the other team recruited kids from the entire country when our teams basically have kids from 1 city".
I feel bad for the teams at Nationals they eliminated and I hope Andromeda kicks their ass today.
how come whenever I read an article about one of their players, they state they are from iowa, canada, illinois, etc... i don't think I've ever read a quote from any of them claiming they were from MN.
You got your wish 6:52. Do you feel better now? Good!
Shattuck does have a few kids from Minnesota on their teams.
But the vast majority are from other states coast to coast as well as Canada.
I've heard they are even recruiting in the UK.
To call them a Minnesota team in the same context as one of the MYSA clubs or other USYS clubs competing at regions and nationals is absurd.
Its not just IMG and SSM, some of the MLS youth Academies and the DAP teams are bringing in players outside their own states. The future is changing in "Elite" Youth soccer.
Three region 2 girls teams make USYS Final: Eclipse U16 and U17, Bloomfield Force U19.
12:13 -define outside of their own states? A borderings state (i.e - iowa for chicago, ky for ohio) hardly constitutes national recruiting. Also, one or two players here and there is not the same as IMG/SSM which reach out nationally with the MAJORITY of their team being out of state.
I am absolutely exhausted from beating my head against a wall regarding this subject. After the following rant, I am going to do my best to just stay out of all discussion regarding this, as it never goes anywhere. Circular arguments.......
Everyone has thier opinion, and none are open minded enough to have an actual discussion. It is always a fight.
I respect that programs like SSM aren't for everyone. I respect that some are violently against the concept of these types of Academies.
What frustrates me is how people can allude to the breaking of rules and such, but cannot produce any examples and cite facts. All these arguments come down to feelings....no facts.
I really wish that people could understand what is going on in thier backyard. The "rising tide" theory really is correct and I am looking forward to seeing the tide rise a bit more with the new Bangu-Thunder-Wings Academy. I personally would like to see some of the community clubs merge to form even stronger teams (ala St Louis).
But, the bickering and anger will always be there. I really am sorry about that, I think that each of us could learn and benefit from each other. But, only if a real dialogue can occur to help everyone understand. The personal attacks and fighting will only produce defensiveness.
SSMSouthCampus
ssm-sc - i believe we all appreciate your posts as they are articulate and convey your point of view, but i believe what you are missing is that no one disputes the legality of the situation, just the spirit. i believe there should be instant replay in baseball - it doesn't currently exist, but that doesn't mean i can't express my opinion. 10:40's post from the other day mentions a lot of things that are allowed that many people do not agree with and frequently express their disagreement with. frankly, i believe most folks are as open minded on this situation as you are, it is just that neither side agrees with the other. that is not being closed minded, but more of a matter of not seeing eye-to-eye.
Plus, the anonymity afforded in the blogosphere allows people to be ruthless in expressing their beliefs. Ain't tot too many wishy-washy statements out there.
It is always amazing that the SSM people continually say things like "I respect that programs like SSM aren't for everyone. I respect that some are violently against the concept of these types of Academies." NOBODY IS AGAINST SSM OR THE CONCEPT OF THESE ACADEMIES!! It is simply their participation in USYS playoffs that people disagree with. Nothing more, nothing less. There are many people, myself included who support what SSM is doing but do not see the need for them to participate in State Cup. There are many other opportunities and tournaments for them to play games. We came close to sending kid #1 to SSM and #2 or #3 may yet go. It would not distress me a bit if they did not play MN State cup. In fact, I would rather they did not.
It will be a moot point if SSM and Thwingu are granted entry into the USSF Academy as is expected in 2009 or 2010.
The teams who play in the USSF Academy are not allowed to participate in USYS leagues or tournaments including State Cup etc.
That would for all practical purposes exclude SSM and Thwingu top boys teams from ages U15-U18 from participating in State Cup.
Thought this was really interesting!Wonder what the U of Mn and Wisc spends???
20 Schools Spend $1,000,000+ on Athletic Recruitment...
Nearly half of the nation's largest athletics programs have doubled or tripled their recruitment spending over the past decade, as their pursuit of elite athletes intensifies and becomes more national in scope.
Forty-eight percent of NCAA Division I athletics departments at least doubled their recruiting budgets from 1997 to 2007, according to a Chronicle analysis of financial data reported to the U.S. Department of Education. Of the 300 Division I institutions for which data were available, 21 each spent more than $1-million chasing talented players in the 2007 academic year.
On the whole, the 65 biggest spenders shelled out a total of more than $61-million in 2007, an 86-percent increase from 10 years before. That amount does not include salaries for recruiting coordinators or construction and operating costs of the gleaming multimillion-dollar facilities that help lure prospects.
Biggest Spenders:
1. U. of Tennessee at Knoxville - $2,005,700
2. U. of Notre Dame - 1,758,300
3. U. of Florida - 1,451,400
4. Auburn U. - 1,374,900
5. Kansas State U. - 1,316,700
6. U. of Georgia - 1,284,000
7. U. of Nebraska at Lincoln - 1,275,000
8. U. of Arkansas at Fayetteville - 1,259,700
9. Duke U. - 1,245,300
10. Ohio State U. - 1,236,800
Ivy League Athletic Recruitment Expenditures 2006/2007
1. Princeton U. - $941,000
2. Harvard U. - 851,900
3. Columbia U. - 778,000
4. Dartmouth College - 774,700
5. Brown U. - 757,200
6. Cornell U. - 752,800
7. Yale U. - 748,300
8. U. of Pennsylvania - 643,600
FULL STORY: The Chronicle of Higher Education
^^^^ I put this in the wrong thread. Sorry.
9:10pm..So your saying its ok if a player from a boarding state plays, but its not if a player from 2 states out plays...Wow, the rules always keep changing dont they?
9:10,
I think he meant many clubs have players from 2 states because of proximity to state lines. I don't think the Chicago Magic has any players on their roster living Colorado or New Jersey for example.
Chicago borders Indiana
Cincinnati borders Kentucky
Detroit is very near Ohio
Kansas City MO borders Kansas
Twin Cities borders Wisconsin
Omaha borders Iowa
Get the drift? Hope this geography lesson helps. It makes perfect sense that clubs in this situation would have players from 2 states which for all practical purposes are 1 metro area.
Once again, all the other clubs at U18 pulled players from 1 metro area while SSM recruits nationally and internationally to assemble their teams.
Maybe USYS should set up a seperate tournament for boarding schools which would put everyone on a level playing field?
no 9:10, i believe you know what i mean. a player from des moines playing in chicago is a lot different than a player from texas or california playing in mn or fl. those players have many quality options that are nearby while some of the less populated/lesser soccer developed areas might need to travel a bit for top level player development. just my opinion, if you want to play semantics go ahead.
I hate to tell you, but the teams competing at Nationals WANT to play the best because they WANT to BE the best. They don't care how a team is formed or where the players are from. They throw all that garbage a way and take the field to win-- not look for excuses as to why they SHOULD lose.
Danesha Adams, Played for UCLA, lives in Ohio, played club with Slammers out in Cali. Got it!!
Z Bywaters, lives in Vegas, plays for Slammers out in Cali. Got it!!
Meleana Shim, lives in Honolulu,HI plays club for Sereno,AZ. Got it!!
Word has it, next year for the U19G's, the Hawks and Eclipse will try to merge to make a team. Got it!!
4:41 - great research.
SSM - 60% of their players (not one or maybe two from a neighboring state) recruited across the nation and Canada. Got it!!
LOL I think 441 just made the best contribution yet to bolster 454's and 1044's argument!
Faribault borders Owatonna....watch out!
The difference between all the got it's is those states allow players from other states to play for clubs within their state. MYSA does not allow players from states other than Wisconsin to play for MYSA teams, except SSM because they can use the boarding school rules. Your not comparing Apples to Apples when you look at other states and clubs, MYSA is once again hindering elite development in MN except for SSM.
The difference between all the got it's is those states allow players from other states to play for clubs within their state. MYSA does not allow players from states other than Wisconsin to play for MYSA teams, except SSM because they can use the boarding school rules. Your not comparing Apples to Apples when you look at other states and clubs, MYSA is once again hindering elite development in MN except for SSM.
Boarding school rules... these kids live in MN for more than 9 months out of the year. They do not consider where their parents live as home only a place to visit for short periods. Get a life. These kids live in MN.
Interesting discussion right now. I don't agree that what was said above ("MYSA does not allow players from states other than Wisconsin to play for MYSA teams, except SSM because they can use the boarding school rules").
My reasoning for the disagreemtn comes from the Thunder+Bangu+Wings thread. And I will give the quote in my next post.
SSMSouthCampus
Quote from Thunder+Bangu+Wings thread-- 7/24/08 12:15 am.
"MTW (formerly Wings) already has kids driving down from Duluth and Fargo...it's always an option....
24/7/08 12:15 AM"
Last time I checked, Fargo isn't in Minnesota? If this is true, then the argument about MYSA not letting "outside" players participate don't hold water. I am interested to hear from those who may know the circumstances behind the quote.
I don't see anything wrong with "outside" kids playing on MYSA teams....and frankly don't understand why anyone else does either. I think that not enough people have "done thier homework" and are just following what others claim to be true.
SSMSouthCampus
So, yet again, the rules always change, its ok if a player lives 1/2 way across the country and plays with another team, but if you have more than 1, then its against the rules. Got it!!
What about the Rush SC?? Clubs all over the US, and some of the more special players from one Rush club plays with other states Rush clubs. But I guess that is ok as well.
When are the Faribault Soccer Association tryouts for the SSM teams?
My kid wants to try out for one of their teams.
Any good state tournament games to watch this week?
No, but the MN Thunder U13 girls have been accepted at the Eclipse tournament next month.
www.eclipseselect.org
U12 Boys game between Wings and Bangu on Wednesday night will be a good one.
The SSM tryouts go on whenever you want. They are only a phone call away, simply contact the school and they will give you a chance.
I realize that you are trying to be sarcastic, but please show me something that says a team "has" to have formal tryouts.
However, if families from Timbuktu can get thier kids looked at by the staff at SSM for possible inclusion into the program, I am sure that you can get your kid one hour south on I-35. But, that is only if you make an attempt.
Could care less where the U13 Thunder girls are playing next month.
Correction 2:34
The U12 MTA girls have been accepted next month.
SSMSC, Can you play for SSM but not go to school there? Do they give full rides??
Does anyone have an answer?
When are the Faribault Soccer Association tryouts for the SSM teams?
My kid wants to try out for one of their teams.
You can not play for SSM if you do not attend school there, nature of the beast.
They give athletic scholarships which equate to assistance, but not a huge portion of the overall bill. The biggest part of the final price tag given to each of the players is based upon need. You have to fill out forms disclosing income and attach tax forms. I can't say that I have ever seen (in my entire 1 year of association) someone get a full ride "because they are really, really good"-- despite what some may profess.
The only way I know of to ensure a "full ride" is to have a parent who is on staff at the school. That would be a HUGE perk! Wish I could change jobs!
SSMSouthCampus
Above statement aside, just because you go to school therre doesn't mean you have to be a resident student. Day students pay considerably less than boarding students (approximately half).
SSMSouthCampus
4:18- please see my above post. Tryouts don't occur as such. Even though I am sure you are being sarcastic, all one has to do is contact the Coaching staff through any number of ways (contact info given on website- www.s-sm.org).
If you are trying to be sarcastic, not sure where you are trying to lead the conversation? Do you feel there should be a "right" to tryout?
SSMSouthCampus
I know of at least two boys from Minnesota who are attending SSM on "full rides" and they aren't there because of their academic prowess.
I can't speak to the girls program.
Again, 4:42--- if they are, in fact, there on full rides it is because of "need based" financial aid and NOT because they are good players.
To the best of my knowledge (and my daughter is an honor roll student), there are no academic scholarship funds given to these kids. So, not sure what purpose your post serves-- other than to take an opportunity to put a well placed jab at two KIDS. Nice job!
In short, I appreciate your admission that you "can't speak to the girls program".....but it really is apparent that you don't have enough knowledge to speak about the program at all?
SSMSouthCampus
U15BC1 should have a good championship on Friday night (5pm, L3). Two #1 seeds will likely meet, with a premier spot on the line. St. Croix was the premier alternate, and Eden Prairie was relegated from premier, and is playing like they want it back. Should be a good one.
Also, this thread is called "MYSA, MRL, US Club Premier League." I don't see SSM anywhere in this, so please take that conversation to the "MN Fairbault U18 Boys 2nd at Nationals" thread. Let's hear people's picks for the MYSA state games.
Big game U-14 girls C1 Rev vs Tonka both well coached evenly matched teams. Winner advances to final.
Another big game on the girls side is the 13 C1 game between Bville and Tonka. Winner advances to final.
I would give the edge to Tonka but Bville is a very good team also.
SSM South,
If those two boys didn't play soccer they wouldn't be at SSM. I know for a fact neither of them can skate worth a lick.
You're not kidding anyone who knows how the SSM game is played.
They obviously are "need based" scholarships as they were full scholarship players in their MYSA clubs.
But to say they would be there if they didn't play soccer is laughable.
9:51- Where did I ever say that whether they would or would not be at SSM if it weren't for soccer? All I said was that IF they are on "full rides" it was based upon financial need, and not anything else. Again, why must you try and be so negative toward a couple of KIDS? I assume you are an ADULT, please begin to act like one?
I am not trying to "kid anyone about how the SSM game is played".
SSMSouthCampus
It would be great if SSM respected MYSA's recruiting rules regarding players being contacted only after the State Tournament as all the other MYSA teams are asked to.
I know for a fact they call players and their families year round.
Do they play under a different set of rules because they are a high school?
SSM didn't have a soccer program at the time the rule was passed and 98% of the soccer community probably could not tell you where SSM was even located.
It would be fun to watch MYSA try and tell private schools that they can't communicate with prospective student/athletes until they say so. I'm sure that the administrators and Board of Directors at Blake, Benilde, St. Thomas and other private schools would take an interest in this as well.
Maybe MYSA needs to rescind that rule so all the clubs can recruit anytime of the year as SSM has been doing?
8:14, All the clubs do recruit year round, maybe yours doesnt but most do, in a round and about way.
Just because a coach doesnt call you at home doesnt mean they arent trying to recruit your player. Kids talk to each other, parents talk, a coach might watch your player from the sidelines of a match, these kids arent stupid.
I can also tell you, the cost for most Super Clubs, Eclipse, PDA, Texans, Magic, Sockers etc cost $2000-$2500 a year just to put on the jersey, not counting travel (and we all know how much these clubs travel).
The amount SSM gives a family for scholarship if its need based is very close to most of the Super Clubs travel included. But like SSMSC said, its all on need basis. I think its very fair. But in the end, I would recommend anyone to call the staff at Shattuck and do your homework. Go down for a visit, let your player interact with the other players for a day or weekend. You just might be surprised, and I can promise you, your player will love it.
The spirit of the recruiting rule in Minnesota is that they don't want teams pulling play time they are a part of another team. In other words, they don't want player transfers from team a to team b during the time the player is bound to a club. This is also why there is a rule that talks about player transfers prior to State Cup.
I have done much research into the recruiting rules of each of the State Associations, and with the exception of a couple state associations, there is no intent to keep players from hearing about/finding a "better product"-- they are simply trying to keep teams from "poaching" during the active season to make a stronger team for that season (eg- scouting players early in the season to have them on the field for them come State Cup time). Many states don't have a recruiting rule, they have a "poaching" rule.
I have not seen, in my 1 year involvement with SSM, a player leave any team mid-season to join an SSM team. That is not what they do. I HAVE seen players guest play one year and then show up at school the next August. Personally, I don't see any problems with this....it is simply giving players another option and letting them have choices as consumers.
SSMSouthCampus
BTW, I have an interesting question for everyone. I think it will open some eyes that are blindy goes on, maybe?
What club(s) do you feel strictly adhere to the "recruiting" rules and you have no doubt that recruiting doesn't take place for the following year?
SSMSouthCampus
Keyboard issues again.....instead of "blindy" is should read "blind to what really goes on". Sorry.....
SSMSouthCampus
SC, we transfered in Jan. But it wasnt due to any recruiting issues, we contacted them, guest played, and 2 weeks later, she was there (per HER choice). It was a bit different however as we didnt leave our current club. We guest played with Eclipse back at U14, then we joined the club at U15. When we transfered to SSM, we were still with Eclipse and we finished out our year committment with them. We won the Natl Championship that year. It was just way too costly and the travel was a nitemare. So we didnt leave our home club in the middle of the season to go to SSM to play. Hope that makes sense?? I think every case is a bit different from each other, why some players and families prefer to go to SSM are different than others, why some prefer to stay with CC's, and others wanting to go to MTA etc. For each there own. Just so happens, we couldnt have asked for a better soccer enviorment while at SSM. Its saying alot to leave a Natl Championship team to attend SSM. No regrets!! After all, is it all about win win win??
10s Dad
Your observation is correct, SSMSC. Prior to the current rule, there were clubs starting to hold tryouts for the following year (mid-July) while the current season was still underway.
The current rule should be revised significantly or scrapped.
The yellow pieces of paper from MYSA were BS. They allow SSM to recruit the hell out of players all year round yet feel the need to try and stifle MTA. What a bunch of losers in the current MYSA admin. Is it that hard to treat all MYSA clubs the same?
Anon 3:14- Did you save one of those yellow pieces of paper so you can write down what it said for those of us who didn't see it?
I'd like to see what the wording was like.
SSMSouthCampus
Again, I ask--
What clubs do each of you stand behind 100% for absolutely following the MYSA recruiting rules? Who DOESN'T do it?
I am in search of the most moral soccer club in MN. Everyone is crying "RECRUITING", but no one is willing to step up and say "my club doesn't do it"?
SSMSouthCampus
Who cares if clubs recruit? Is there a better way for individuals to learn about other opportunities?
Anti-recruiting rules are for the weaker clubs who desperately cling to their "possessions".
There isn't one, SSM.
Every club recruits but they just won't admit it.
They will whine about other clubs when they lose at the recruiting game.
That is what I am trying to get at. If no one is willing to stand up and say "we absolutely don't do it" then drop the argument and shut up.
Someone once said "let he who is without sin cast the first stone". The little know rest of that statement was "....or else shut your trap and quit whining".
Is this case closed now?
SSMSouthCampus
This is Minnesota. Passive/aggressive behavior is the norm. Just read this blog.
Comparing SSM to other MYSA Clubs is apples and oranges.
Clearly, both can offer athletic "scholarships".
But @ SSM kids have a more strenous academic life to sustain.
I'm guessing, given that bar, Thunder / Bangu / Wings have a MUCH EASIER go at hooking players.
8:52 I will take your logic one step further and say that the reason others have an easier time "hooking players" is because, for the most part, the leaving home factor keeps most kids/parents from attending Shattuck.
SSM has an easier time "hooking players" from Illinois, Michigan and other states and countries.
9:43- Sort of. Everyone assumes that SSM is "hooking" the best players across the country. In some cases, there have been some very high quality players brought in. But, I would say that most of the younger kids are above average players with desirable traits that the coaching staff feels they can build on.
The inuendo is that SSM is pulling National team level players and stacking teams with these kids only to beat up on MN teams. There are two problems with this:
1) Very few of the younger players are National teamers (a couple are Regional pool players, most are State level ODP)
2) The real goal of SSM is to give a place for the development of like minded, driven players. Leading to the culmiination of participating in USYS National Championship series as the teams get older.
3) The competitive goal of SSM (as I see it-- which means nothing) is NOT to beat up on MN teams, but rather to gain meaningful friendly games through the Winter (which happen to be MN teams), play in competitive showcase tournaments (where we have not run into MN teams), play in MRL (where there wil be no MN teams this Fall- obviously), and to try and advance on to the highest rung on the National Championship Series possible. Where they run into MN teams (outside of friendlies) is in MN State Cup. This is only because this is the only route to accomplish the last task on the list.
The ultimate goal is NOT to try and be the best program in MN, but to be AMONG the best places in the nation for a child to develop skills needed to move to the next level.
SSMSouthCampus
Umm.... the ultimate goal for SSM the school is for SSM to have a successful program which will eventually contribute to the bottom line. Nothing wrong with that, this is America. I suspect MTA is no different.
8:52 My daughter does not play for SSM but she has a very tough academic high school schedule to maintain as well as her soccer and other non-school activities. I would not give SSM the upper hand in academics, our school and many others in the twin cities area surpass what they have to offer academically. We've checked it out.
does anyone go to SSM for academics? Or is it just a sports factory?
athletics #1
athletics #2
academics #3
don't get me wrong, the academic program is very strong at ssm, but anyone who says that the #1 reason for attending is not for the athletics is in total denial. one last point, there is also absolutely nothing wrong with attending a school for their athletics (as evidenced by all the scholarships that schools/colleges hand out).
Whoa!!!! Quit using the term DEVELOPMENT. Minnesota does not develop players. You want development for your kid go hire a professional trainer.
The operative word in Minnesota is Consolidation.
But, SSM does not have MN teams. Remember? Hmmmmmmm......
622 that is true but what is your point?
Heard there was a red card at the girls U13 state game the other night. Isn't that unusual at that age, especially for girls?
Depends on what it was for, could have been a something like a deliberate hand ball to prevent a goal.
Some great championships this evening...how about some projections?
Boys
U13C1 -- PSA cv. Bangu, 7pm, L3
U15C1 -- St. Croix v. Eden Prairie, 5pm, L3
U17C1 -- White Bear v. Gitchi Gummi, 5pm, A4
Girls
U11C2 -- Prior Lake v. Eden Prairie, 5pm, M1
U13C1 -- Wings v. Burnsville, 5pm, A3
U14C1 -- Maplebrook v. Dakota Rev, 7pm, A4
U16C1 -- Plymouth v. Wayzata, 7pm, L1
Girls-
U11 Prior lake should win. They are the better team. Prior lake is the 2nd best team in State at this level.
U13 Burnsville will win. Wings are more athletic but Burnsville has more skilled players. Better ball control.
U14- Dakota Rev
U16 - Don't know anything about these teams (My Guess is Wayzata)
I heard the red card was for an elbow to the chest. No joke.
Boys-
U-13 Boys- Bangu 3-1
U-15 Boys- EP 2-0
A coach jumping up and down in the middle of the field at a U13 game after a win - seems really wierd to me.
Please tell the Hord, was it a CC Coach??
8:40
Nothing wrong with having a coach with passion, nothing wrong with winning.
11:28 you're funny.
It is all about winning at ssm. That is how they recruit. If you can put up the USYS national champion banner then it will make a huge difference. That is how they recruit for their hockey program and that is how they attract good players and coaches. Looks good on anyones resume. Anyone who believes different is living in a fantasy world.
The only people who pay full tuition there are the wealthy academics (and some athletic) and foreign students (which there are a lot of). And to think that they are not trying to get the best athletes is ridiculous, of course they are and they will do what it takes to get them there. Can't blame them. They know the formula for success because of the hockey program. It is only really helping the development of a rare few MN players. And every year there will probably be less MN players on their roster.
It's all about winning at MTA as well. That's how they recruit. That was one big factor in Bangu's success over the years. They have always said the key for them is winning state cups. That's how you collect the top talent year after year.
Get the most talented kids from the other clubs and cc's and then pound em in state cup(feeder system).
Development???? ah,er, your on your own kid...go watch the pros on tv.
Bangu/Thunder better watch out. They are being challenged by some CC teams and other MN Clubs. Maybe they are not challenged as a club, but there are teams in various CC's that compete very well against them.
U-15 Boys- Edina (Beat Bangu in finals)
U-16 Boys- St. Croix
U-14 Boys- MU
U-15 Girls- EP (Came very close to beating them in State Cup finals)
Players should also consider trying out for these teams. Do not let Bangu tell you that they have ALL the best teams, because they DON'T.
Edinasoccerclub.com
epsoccerclub.com
Check out their websites and tryout dates.
i took my daughter out to a few tryouts this weekend (we are going to MTA tomorrow) and my experience this weekend is that cc are selling harder than ever. the 'presentations' on why to join their clubs are 'bangu-esque' in their self promotion. no shortage of shots taken at MTA as well. ran into quite a few angry MTA families that aren't afraid to talk (although in fairness I expect the same in reverse at MTA tryouts). it will be interesting to see what happens after the first day of MTA tryouts. i think most people are curious about what it all means when it shakes out. what i am guessing is that after the first round of tryouts, (as usual) some folks aren't going to be happy about their assignment and will be scrambling for a place to play.
it's all good and fun to see this much activity and interest in girls youth soccer
My girl plays for Bangu but she went to the Eden Prairie tryout and I was amazed at their numbers. There were about 15 outside players and around 10 from Bangu. It looks as if Bangu is losing players. We stayed around a bit after and the U-16 EP girls premier team also had an alright turnout with their outside players. I believe a few from Bangu.
Looks like Bangu is getting some competition!
6:19,
Do you know if there are any more tryouts for the U-16 EP girls team?
My daughter is very interested in going, but we were not sure if any Bangu players would be interested in going over to play for them. Long story, but these two teams are big time rivals.
I want the best for my girl just as any parent would and I think EP is going to have an amazing team this year.
7:29,
I am not 6:19 however, I believe I can be of assistance.
EPsoccerclub.com
Click Tryout Link
Wednesday August 6th 7:15-8:45pm. Franlo Fields
Hope this helps!
I have my kid attending the U-15 tryout on the same night. I believe Hisham will be coaching both groups.
Hisham is no longer coaching U-16 EP Girls. Heard new coach has his act together.
Some of the movement is probably because kids and parents are not satisfied with the performance of certain egotistical coaches who put their winning record above player development.
new rosters should be interesting...panic will be widespread...
Who has WH appointed to coach the U-16 girls?
I would bet a lot of current Bangu players who are trying out for other clubs are concerned they might not make a Bangu team with only two teams per U13 - U19 age group. They don't want to be stuck without a team if they don't make a MTA team.
What would you say about some of the better players on MTA that are going out for other clubs?
I know that they are not scared of getting cut from Thunder.
10:18 Check out EP soccer club web site with link to team and bio. Letus readers know whad up?
Will Bangu become the best team in the boys 15 age group next year? I know that the wings and bangu merger will help that age group
Wings have a few boys that can easily play on the bangu team. They will be MRL premier and very strong with the addition of those players.
Its Me again,
Does anyone know if Bunburry is going to coach that team again?
1129 What age group are you talking about?? Boys or girls?
Alex Bunbury will be the coach. They were extremely successful with a tremendous overall record.
They also have a lot of interest from other ODP kids who want to be on that team.
The SCV U16 Girls Premier tryouts will be nuts tonight. Quite a few girls moved over last year and helped them bump to premier...there will be more tonight. Go to stcroixsoccer.org. SCV will retake the East.
The U-16 Girls Premier tryouts tomorrow night should be nuts as well. I hear there are quite a few girls from Bangu that will be moving to St. croix and EP.
Sorry I meant to say tryouts for EP girls u-16 premier.
I hear the "blank - insert club" tryouts at the "blank - insert age group" will be overwhelming. I've got a friend who's got a friend who told him everyone is leaving bangu.
Bangu rocks; we're going beyond number 1! None better, none bluer
Actually 9:31, none greener (as in $$$$).
Teams lose players, it's a fact. However, call me when teams are losing their top players. When teams are losing players #13-18, it's not always a loss. As for the egos comment, sit down with coaches and let me know if their ego comes out. Ask them their philosophy. I don't care what club they are from, people coaching youth soccer in Minnesota for what typically amounts to gas money and a few extra bucks to augment an income are hardly about their egos. Is it more fun to coach a better team? Maybe. There are a lot of things that go along with the top teams in the state that other teams don't have to worry about. Parent expectations and entitlement are typically what implode a team. Read my keystrokes: There are way more egos on this blog than there are with coaches (and, yes, I will include myself as a preemptive measure of pointless name-calling). There is more d*&% measuring here than at a porn star audition.
What I would like to know is, why is the MYSA allowing a very weak team like EP's U14's into the Midwest League. There has to be some sort of regulation here, EP put their 14 Premier team in last year and they went winless and now they are putting a team in that was 3rd in their league and not even premier. If I was other MRL team that had to travel and play a team that weak I would be pissed. The MYSA needs some criteria for allowing teams in, I thought it was you had to be a state cup semi-finalist but that is not the case. Teams should be at least MYSA premier to get in, this is an embarressment to the state when we allow teams like this in.
MRL ultimately decides who gets in and who doesn't. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised if WH doesn't know someone affiliated with MRL and was able to lobby them successfully to get this team in.
The MRL folks probably don't mind bringing in a few extra bucks either.
what team are you talking about,girls,boys,14s to be?
Girls U14 this fall, last year U13 West C1
Girls U14 this fall, last year U13 West C1
anyone have any news on next years U-17 boys premiere tryouts and how they have been going? who picked up who? who left where? anything
Anon 5:16 - the upcoming U15 girls premier EP team will likely play in the first division at MRL this spring, not the premier division. At U15 there are two division, premier and the lower one, first division. Competition is not as stiff. They were admitted to the only MRL league last year and although lost all games can play in lower division. If they come in last place then they will be ejected. Sounds like that will make you happy....
thought mrl took top 2 teams from state. did 2nd place U13C1 team wings apply to mrl? if not then ep would b next in line.
Eden Prairie didn't even make it to state - how does that make them one of the top two teams from state?
MRL acceptance doesn't have to have any correlation to placement at State Cup. For examples, please note the SSM U16 inclusion this year and SSM U18s last year.
Clubs/teams apply, and they are either let in or not.
Like many other leagues and showcase tournaments, the number of teams keeps getting bigger and/or diluted. If more teams want to enter which means more teams want to write checks, then it would appear more teams will get accepted.
As the Minnesota representative to the Midwest Regional League (MRL), I would like to clear up some perceptions of MRL and how MYSA handles an application. MYSA currently does not have any rules restricting teams from competing in the MRL. Since there is no MYSA rule, the MRL rules apply which states any competitive team (Premier, Classic 1, Classic 2, or Classic 3)in good standing within it's Region II State association can apply. The Director of Leagues and I review all applications to ensure that teams do not inflated or provide inaccurate information on the application. The key information needed is State Cup play, league play, tournament play, and ODP participation. Once we have confirmed that the information is correct we approve the application. This is an administrative approval stating that our review of all information provided is correct and accurate. Once registration is closed, the MRL Commisioner will provide a list of the teams by gender and age to the State Director of Coaching (DOC) who will rank order the teams from one to how many teams are listed. The list is then provided to the MRL Technical Committee (a group of Region II DOCs of which Minesota does not have a representative))who will review applications and determine if teams can fill the predetermined divisions (number of teams per division to run a successful league). Per MRL rules a state can have up to four teams in each age group and gender, exceptions are made to those states with more talented teams or to fill out the various divisions in the league. In 2009, due to the growth in the league, there will be another division added, Second Division (lowest level of play), to provide more opportunities to teams and thin out the talent.
Our procedures are the same as other states in our Region who also do not have rules dictating who should and should not apply. I would hope that clubs see the MRL as an opportunity for development of talent and since the league has started we as a state have had clubs that take the same view. Yes, there have been some teams that should not have played in the league and in most cases they have been counseled by the DOC or myself but we can only offer our opinion and let the MRL application procedures run their course.
Tom Moriarty
Minnesota Representative
Midwest Regional League
Thanks for the post Tom, but regardless of policy you still need to be more selective. A MN team that does not make premier has no business in MRL. Until we are at the level of MI, IL, MO and OH we need to make sure that any team can just play in MRL. The EP team in question has no business in MRL, they have done nothing to warrent participation except the club they are with you are affiliated with.
Would you have accepted a team third place team from the East district? Probably not. Is the EP team that went winless last year being accepted again? Probably!!
Just for curiosity, please tell us based on the criteria you listed:
"The key information needed is State Cup play, league play, tournament play, and ODP participation." What has either EP team done to warrent acceptence to this league? From what I know, nothing at all, but maybe you can shed some light on it.
EP's resume for MWL is severely lacking.
This is cronyism at it's worst.
who said the SSM u-16's were in the mrl this season (boys or girls) ??
I heard that the SSM u-16 girls are playing in the MRL this fall.
anyone heard if that MN Premier soccer League is going to happen? It was supposed to launch in fall correct?
Go to the MRL website and you will see who has been accepted. This was posted WEEKS ago. SSM U16s have been accepted and already have thier schedule.
SSMSouthCampus
Will the SSM U-16 girls play in the State Cup next year?
This is the MN premier soccer league I was asking about,(not MRL) Is this league going to happen? I can't find much on the web site. Any info is appreciated.
http://www.minnesotapremiersoccerleague.com/why_us_club.htm
12:47- I can't answer your question about SSM U16 girls and State Cup. They will be eligible, but not sure what the plan is. So, if anyone tries to tell you one way or the other about this topic, understand that they are full of hot air. We as parents don't even know for sure about it......and aren't really concerned about it. Development.....that is what we are concerned about at U16. If they do, great....if not, that is fine too.
SSMSouthCampus
Teams like EP and Bangu girls 16's would kill SSM if they did enter the state cup. Smart choice about not entering.
Remember, there will be some Shattuck 16s playing up with the 18s. Take it with a grain of salt. Oh, and by the way, I hope EP and Bangu win ALL there games this year!! Win Win Win. And when they get beat, Im sure your one of the ones that makes a State Of the Union address on why they got beat. Give the girls a chance to grow will ya.
Get Beat?! hehe. Didn't you get the memo? Bangu does not get beat buddy!
Maybe EP will lose but not Bangu!
Bangu can't get beat and won't get beat ever again, they don't exist anymore!!
10:40- No disrespect intended, but I have seen (and my daughter has played against) Bangu (to be) U16 Blue and EP. While they are good teams, they are not at a level where I would say that they would
"kill" the SSM U16s.
Not saying that SSM would win games against EP and Bangu Blue hands down.....but I think they would earn respect from even you.
They are young, and are in a developmental mode. Yes, there will be some of the players spending some time on the field with the U18s..... But, no, they are not a "patsy" team. Essentially the same team that played U16 last year that was a finalist at the Holiday Inn Invite, Metro United, and fared well at CASL will be on the field again as U16s (plus some nice additions).
Not to mention, I think you really should do some research as to what players are on the final rosters of the EP and Blue teams this coming year before opening your mouth?
SSMSouthCampus
SSMSouthCampus, Maybe they just are following your lead by making claims that haven't been researched. Thats the pot calling the kettle black!
What claim have I made without researching? I know what the composition of the team has been, and what the core of the team is. I know what they have accomplished and the level at which they play.
I have seen the other teams in question play (and have seen my daughter play against atleast one of them while on another team). I know of atleast one "downgrade" that will happen with one of the teams in question....and am saying that even before the downgrade, said team would not have "killed" the SSM team. Again, I am not saying that SSM would win-- but a blow out is not in the picture.
I can say three things for sure about the SSM U16s:
1) They are very even (over multiple games) with a now U17 team which beat the Inferno easily at Regionals
2) They have beaten two other teams who appeared at the U16 Region 2 Championships.
3) They did all this with a squad with a make-up of 3-U16s, 6-U15s, and 4-U14s. (There was one other U16 who did not play except the last three games or so because of coming in injured).
Now, I agree that all this and two bucks will get get you a coffee at Caribou.....the only way to know is to see them on the field.
Again, no disrespect to the teams in question. All I am saying is that people talk a mean game....with no head to head experience to go on.
Has some of the player movement been made public as of yet? I'd be interested to see in the U16 group what changes have been made (because this is the group I have the most experience with and have some knowledge of the players).
SSMSouthCampus
SSMSC do you need help removing that hook from your gill er.. cheek?
Whats the one down grade you speak of?
The Bangu National team player leaving Bangu for another team?
ssm south campus 11/8/8 10/16 pm development.... starting to get a little late for that, if 16 already check big soccer .com 2010 class getting recruited now if you are not regional odp players with lack of showcase events over holidays or vegas good luck getting recruited. If players play in mn state cup wont be able to go back to clubs that have showcases scheduled and eligible for like some of SSM u-18 girl players took advantage of to get seen. what happen to U-16 going to u.s. club event last year that you were promised to go to BUDGET PROBLEMS.
10:50, keep working on your grammar.
Ok, so what team did the Bangu National player leave Bangu for?
9:45 and 7:34, OS went to the Inferno from the Blue, and MK went to the Blue from the Inferno. Considering a player's "complete package", IMO the Blue got the better end of that deal.
7:56 - not sure if you are right or wrong, but I know for a fact that none of the EP U16 girls are shedding any tears.
In regards to whoever questioned MTA's recruiting. It is happening on the boys side as well. MTA U17B coach has been trying to poach some of our players for weeks. I can see why youngers kids/parents might find it intriguing, but I don't see the benefit for older kids to swithc over to start on a brand new, unproven team. Team chemistry takes years to develop and the clock is running out for that age group.
In regards to whoever questioned MTA's recruiting. It is happening on the boys side as well. MTA U17B coach has been trying to poach some of our players for weeks. I can see why youngers kids/parents might find it intriguing, but I don't see the benefit for older kids to swithc over to start on a brand new, unproven team. Team chemistry takes years to develop and the clock is running out for that age group.
With regard to some parents on this blog who are much too involved in and living through their DD's soccer lives ems said it best. "The ideal team is comprised of talented orphans."
Hasn't the season for the top U16 Premier boys been over for several weeks?
How about the U16 boys who didn't play in Premier league?
When did their season end?
MYSA has accepted Arsenal into the 17 prem.I hear that was a deciding factor for players to stay.Now MTA realises it doesnt have quite the "pool" they hoped for,panic station zebra I hear.
oooohhhhh, MYSA premier, I bet they just can't wait.
MTA only wanted 2-3 of those players. And they have them due to the USSF Academy coming onstream in 2009/2010.
8:51 - I would add 11 orphans who don't get hurt or tired...
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