On Wednesday night at 7 pm, the US Women's National team will play their next to last friendly, before the World Cup, against Japan at WakeMed Soccer Park. There are still tickets available through the Carolina Railhawks and at the gate. Fans should attend and watch the #1 team in the world play and get ready for their trip to Germany and their quest for the World Cup title which the US last won in 1999. The FIFA 2011 World Cup will begin in late June.
Watching the top level of players is a great resourse for younger players to see where they need to advance to get toward that level. It is imperative in the development of youth soccer players that they see what the next levels are and devise a personal plan to get there.
The US beat Japan 2-0 in Columbus, OH on Saturday. Abby Wambach scored a dominating header for the first goal. Go out and have some family fun and send our team off to Germany with positive vibes from a great and loud crowd. SEE YOU THERE!
Charlie Slagle
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
What leagues and competitions are CASL classic players competing in? Part 2-the boys
I started with the girls in yesterday's blog and today I will discuss the opportunities that CASL has for the boys classic players. Some of this blog will be very similar to yesterday's blog but some will be quite different. The vast majority of the players are playing in the NCYSA (North Carolina Youth Soccer Assn.) leagues. NCYSA has a statewide Premier Division and then regional first and second divisions. The Premier Division starts forming after the players begin playing 11 v 11 at age 14. There is a promotion and relegation component to reward teams for great play and to keep all teams at their competitive level. The Under 13 and 14 age brackets play in the fall and spring and the Under 15-18 only play in the spring allowing the high school age players to play for their respective high school teams. NCYSA puts on two State Cups for ages Under 13 and older. The top division teams play in the USYS (United States Youth Soccer) tournament that leads to Regionals (CASL hosted the 184 team/6 day event in 2008 along with Wilson, NC) and Nationals at age Under 14 and older. The winner of that national competition is considered the USYS national champion at that age bracket. Also, the Kepner Cup (named after long time NCYSA president, Bob Kepner, who continues to do great things for soccer in NC at the adult level and on the NC Soccer Hall of Fame level) is for the teams that are not in the top level. The Kepner Cup winners advance to the USYS Presidents Cup Regionals and then Nationals (CASL hosted the President's Cup Nationals in 2009).
Through USYS, there is also the Region III Premier League. The top teams in each Region III (11 states and 12 state associations (Texas has two a North and a South)) state send representatives to play in this league. CASL has teams that compete in this league and have been playing against the other Region III eastern states of FL, GA, SC and NC. The Under 15-18 play this competition in the fall and the Under 14's play in the spring. The top teams in this league get automatic advancement to the Region III Regional tournament. This league will be changing its format, soon, so stayed tuned to see what those changes will be. Top teams in the Regional Leagues can also be selected to play in an even higher league, the USYS National League (CASL has hosted many events for the National League). This league sends its winners straight to the USYS National championships.
Also, CASL has teams playing in the United States Soccer Federation Developmental Academy. The USSF Developmental Academy has two age brackets, the Under 16 and Under 18 group. This league's ages are determined by using January 1 as the cutoff birthdate instead of August 1 (the birthdate used by USYS and therefore NCYSA). The Academy is based on Regional Leagues, cross regional play, showcases and a national tournament. At the end, there are eight teams invited to the national championship at both age brackets. In the first three years of the tournament, CASL has been the benchmark for qualifying teams for the all expenses-paid (by US Soccer) finals. Out of a possible 6 opportunities to qualify, CASL has qualified 5 times with only one team missing out. The next best club has only qualified their teams 3 times out of the possible six opportunities. CASL is very proud of their success in this great national league. The Academy system has many rules, as dictated by USSF, that affect how the development of the players should be accomplished. There are rules about practice opportunities, rules to eliminate the playing of too many games, substitution rules, etc. USSF Developmental Academy players are restricted to play only at that level with the exception of up to 10 designated developmental players. Those players, however, can play in only six Academy games throughout the year.
This year will mark the advent of the Under 14 Pre-Academy League governed by US Club Soccer. The inaugural year will be a regional based concept. This will include conference games, cross conference games, showcase events and a national championship. Players are allowed to play in this Pre-Academy League and also in USYS leagues and competitions, however, North Carolina teams have decided that their top 16 players would only participate in the Pre-Academy. Play begins this fall for a 10 month season.
As you can see, there is a great deal to keep up with in this level of soccer. It is, also, an ever changing landscape. Therefore, the CASL staff must keep up with the changes and make decisions as to what leagues and competitions to compete in on a yearly basis. Discussions occur weekly as to this topic amongst the CASL staff. It is the goal of the CASL staff to do what is best for the development of all players. Hence, the multiple leagues and competitions that CASL participates in.
Charlie Slagle
Through USYS, there is also the Region III Premier League. The top teams in each Region III (11 states and 12 state associations (Texas has two a North and a South)) state send representatives to play in this league. CASL has teams that compete in this league and have been playing against the other Region III eastern states of FL, GA, SC and NC. The Under 15-18 play this competition in the fall and the Under 14's play in the spring. The top teams in this league get automatic advancement to the Region III Regional tournament. This league will be changing its format, soon, so stayed tuned to see what those changes will be. Top teams in the Regional Leagues can also be selected to play in an even higher league, the USYS National League (CASL has hosted many events for the National League). This league sends its winners straight to the USYS National championships.
Also, CASL has teams playing in the United States Soccer Federation Developmental Academy. The USSF Developmental Academy has two age brackets, the Under 16 and Under 18 group. This league's ages are determined by using January 1 as the cutoff birthdate instead of August 1 (the birthdate used by USYS and therefore NCYSA). The Academy is based on Regional Leagues, cross regional play, showcases and a national tournament. At the end, there are eight teams invited to the national championship at both age brackets. In the first three years of the tournament, CASL has been the benchmark for qualifying teams for the all expenses-paid (by US Soccer) finals. Out of a possible 6 opportunities to qualify, CASL has qualified 5 times with only one team missing out. The next best club has only qualified their teams 3 times out of the possible six opportunities. CASL is very proud of their success in this great national league. The Academy system has many rules, as dictated by USSF, that affect how the development of the players should be accomplished. There are rules about practice opportunities, rules to eliminate the playing of too many games, substitution rules, etc. USSF Developmental Academy players are restricted to play only at that level with the exception of up to 10 designated developmental players. Those players, however, can play in only six Academy games throughout the year.
This year will mark the advent of the Under 14 Pre-Academy League governed by US Club Soccer. The inaugural year will be a regional based concept. This will include conference games, cross conference games, showcase events and a national championship. Players are allowed to play in this Pre-Academy League and also in USYS leagues and competitions, however, North Carolina teams have decided that their top 16 players would only participate in the Pre-Academy. Play begins this fall for a 10 month season.
As you can see, there is a great deal to keep up with in this level of soccer. It is, also, an ever changing landscape. Therefore, the CASL staff must keep up with the changes and make decisions as to what leagues and competitions to compete in on a yearly basis. Discussions occur weekly as to this topic amongst the CASL staff. It is the goal of the CASL staff to do what is best for the development of all players. Hence, the multiple leagues and competitions that CASL participates in.
Charlie Slagle
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
What leagues and competitions are CASL classic players competing in? Part 1-the girls
This is a loaded question and I'll thank Alex Snotherly, one of my faithful blog readers (not sure how many of those that there are....) for constantly giving me blog ideas, including the genesis for this one!
I'll start with the girls and what kind of opportunites that CASL is taking advantage of for the betterment of its female players at the classic level. The vast majority of the players are playing in the NCYSA (North Carolina Youth Soccer Assn.) leagues. NCYSA has a statewide Premier Division and then regional first and second divisions. The Premier Division starts forming after the players begin playing 11 v 11 at age 14. There is a promotion and relegation component to reward teams for great play and to keep all teams at their competitive level. The Under 13 and 14 age brackets play in the fall and spring and the Under 15-18 only play in the fall allowing the high school age players to play for their respective high school teams. NCYSA puts on two State Cups for ages Under 13 and older. The top division teams play in the USYS (United States Youth Soccer) tournament that leads to Regionals (CASL hosted the 184 team/6 day event in 2008 along with Wilson, NC) and Nationals at age Under 14 and older. The winner of that national competition is considered the USYS national champion at that age bracket. Also, the Kepner Cup (named after long time NCYSA president, Bob Kepner, who continues to do great things for soccer in NC at the adult level and on the NC Soccer Hall of Fame level) is for the teams that are not in the top level. The Kepner Cup winners advance to the USYS Presidents Cup Regionals and then Nationals (CASL hosted the President's Cup Nationals in 2009).
Through USYS, there is also the Region III Premier League. The top teams in each Region III (11 states and 12 state associations (Texas has two a North and a South)) state send representatives to play in this league. CASL usually has a team in every age bracket in this league and have been playing against the other Region III eastern states of FL, GA, SC and NC. The Under 15-18 play this competition in the fall, for reasons stated above, and the Under 14's play in the spring. The top teams in this league get automatic advancement to the Region III Regional tournament. This league will be changing its format, soon, so stayed tuned to see what those changes will be. Top teams in the Regional Leagues can also be selected to play in an even higher league, the USYS National League (CASL has hosted many events for the National League). This league sends its winners straight to the USYS National championships.
Also, CASL has teams playing in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). ECNL is a US Club soccer property. The ECNL has its own championship and teams in this classification can not compete for a USYS championship at any level including the state (NCYSA) level beginning in the fall 2011. However, it may be possible for some players to be rostered on ECNL and USYS teams. Any decision, in this regard, will be decided by the CASL coaching staff. This year, the 3 year old league is moving to a more regionalized approach after hosting just showcases (which CASL has hosted) in their first couple of years. This format will allow teams to play home games which is good for all concerned. The ECNL is a club league as stated in its name. Therefore, each club that belongs to ECNL will have 5 teams playing in the league, one each in the Under 14-18 age brackets.
As you can see, there is a great deal to keep up with in this level of soccer. It is, also, an ever changing landscape. Therefore, the CASL staff must keep up with the changes and make decisions as to what leagues and competitions to compete in on a yearly basis. Discussions occur weekly as to this topic amongst the CASL staff. It is the goal of the CASL staff to do what is best for the development of all players. Hence, the multiple leagues and competitions that CASL participates in.
Tomorrow, I will outline what CASL does on the boys side in regards to affiliations in leagues!
Charlie Slagle
I'll start with the girls and what kind of opportunites that CASL is taking advantage of for the betterment of its female players at the classic level. The vast majority of the players are playing in the NCYSA (North Carolina Youth Soccer Assn.) leagues. NCYSA has a statewide Premier Division and then regional first and second divisions. The Premier Division starts forming after the players begin playing 11 v 11 at age 14. There is a promotion and relegation component to reward teams for great play and to keep all teams at their competitive level. The Under 13 and 14 age brackets play in the fall and spring and the Under 15-18 only play in the fall allowing the high school age players to play for their respective high school teams. NCYSA puts on two State Cups for ages Under 13 and older. The top division teams play in the USYS (United States Youth Soccer) tournament that leads to Regionals (CASL hosted the 184 team/6 day event in 2008 along with Wilson, NC) and Nationals at age Under 14 and older. The winner of that national competition is considered the USYS national champion at that age bracket. Also, the Kepner Cup (named after long time NCYSA president, Bob Kepner, who continues to do great things for soccer in NC at the adult level and on the NC Soccer Hall of Fame level) is for the teams that are not in the top level. The Kepner Cup winners advance to the USYS Presidents Cup Regionals and then Nationals (CASL hosted the President's Cup Nationals in 2009).
Through USYS, there is also the Region III Premier League. The top teams in each Region III (11 states and 12 state associations (Texas has two a North and a South)) state send representatives to play in this league. CASL usually has a team in every age bracket in this league and have been playing against the other Region III eastern states of FL, GA, SC and NC. The Under 15-18 play this competition in the fall, for reasons stated above, and the Under 14's play in the spring. The top teams in this league get automatic advancement to the Region III Regional tournament. This league will be changing its format, soon, so stayed tuned to see what those changes will be. Top teams in the Regional Leagues can also be selected to play in an even higher league, the USYS National League (CASL has hosted many events for the National League). This league sends its winners straight to the USYS National championships.
Also, CASL has teams playing in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL). ECNL is a US Club soccer property. The ECNL has its own championship and teams in this classification can not compete for a USYS championship at any level including the state (NCYSA) level beginning in the fall 2011. However, it may be possible for some players to be rostered on ECNL and USYS teams. Any decision, in this regard, will be decided by the CASL coaching staff. This year, the 3 year old league is moving to a more regionalized approach after hosting just showcases (which CASL has hosted) in their first couple of years. This format will allow teams to play home games which is good for all concerned. The ECNL is a club league as stated in its name. Therefore, each club that belongs to ECNL will have 5 teams playing in the league, one each in the Under 14-18 age brackets.
As you can see, there is a great deal to keep up with in this level of soccer. It is, also, an ever changing landscape. Therefore, the CASL staff must keep up with the changes and make decisions as to what leagues and competitions to compete in on a yearly basis. Discussions occur weekly as to this topic amongst the CASL staff. It is the goal of the CASL staff to do what is best for the development of all players. Hence, the multiple leagues and competitions that CASL participates in.
Tomorrow, I will outline what CASL does on the boys side in regards to affiliations in leagues!
Charlie Slagle
Monday, May 9, 2011
What watching options are available for girls to watch good soccer in the near future?
There are plenty of options to watch girls and women's soccer over the next few weeks. The high school playoffs begin this week and there are many local teams in the playoffs. My hat goes off to the teams that won regular season and/or tournament championships in the area. Cardinal Gibbons, Ravenscroft, Green Hope, Wakefield and Leesville Road all took crowns!
Next Wednesday, May 18th, the US Women's National Team will play Japan at WakeMed Soccer Park. This will be the next to last tuneup for the US Women before heading to Germany for the 2011 FIFA World Cup! Come see the #1 ranked team in the world with all their players in attendance take on the Japanese National Team!
Also, the NCYSA State Cups are going on! A great day to see great soccer is Saturday May 21st as that will be semifinal day. All the semis for all the participating age groups will play at Bryan Park in Greensboro. This will be an all day affair with semis being held for Challenge, the President's Cup and the USYS levels. There should be plenty of CASL teams to cheer on!
A great way to help a young player's development is to allow her/him to watch as much soccer as possible. It is always good to have the player see better levels of play, especially levels that the player aspires to play at that level in the future. Take in a Game or two--you'll enjoy it and the player's game will benefit from the experience!
Charlie Slagle
Next Wednesday, May 18th, the US Women's National Team will play Japan at WakeMed Soccer Park. This will be the next to last tuneup for the US Women before heading to Germany for the 2011 FIFA World Cup! Come see the #1 ranked team in the world with all their players in attendance take on the Japanese National Team!
Also, the NCYSA State Cups are going on! A great day to see great soccer is Saturday May 21st as that will be semifinal day. All the semis for all the participating age groups will play at Bryan Park in Greensboro. This will be an all day affair with semis being held for Challenge, the President's Cup and the USYS levels. There should be plenty of CASL teams to cheer on!
A great way to help a young player's development is to allow her/him to watch as much soccer as possible. It is always good to have the player see better levels of play, especially levels that the player aspires to play at that level in the future. Take in a Game or two--you'll enjoy it and the player's game will benefit from the experience!
Charlie Slagle
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Who is on Back of the Net Saturday?
There is a real treat on the "Back of the Net" Show on Saturday from 7-8 am on 99.9 the Fan. The new men's head coaches at both UNC and NC State will be on. Carlos Samoano from UNC and Kelly Findley from NCSU played together in the Houston, TX area as youth players. I will speak to each coach separately and then talk to them together to get the "scoop" on things from their youth and how coaching rival schools will affect their personal relationship!
Also, Martin Rennie will be on the show! The Railhawks are undefeated in their last 3 games after an opening day loss. Etienne Barbara has scored a goal in each game. They play at Tampa this weekend and then return home vs Fort Lauderdale next Wednesday! It is always good to hear the Railhawks coach's insights into the game and his team!
Charlie Slagle
Also, Martin Rennie will be on the show! The Railhawks are undefeated in their last 3 games after an opening day loss. Etienne Barbara has scored a goal in each game. They play at Tampa this weekend and then return home vs Fort Lauderdale next Wednesday! It is always good to hear the Railhawks coach's insights into the game and his team!
Charlie Slagle
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
What to Believe?
It is always interesting at this time of year to hear what people think that CASL is going to do, going into a new soccer year. I hear, through the grapevine, that we are only going to have two teams at a certain age group, or that there will be a new coach for a certain team, or....... We also hear, once again through the grapevine, that this player or that player, who have played for CASL for years, are not going to play this year for CASL. We also hear, through the grapevine, that certain players are coming over from other clubs to tryout for CASL. Plus, we hear other rumors about various other topics.
My advice to CASL members that have questions is, believe this or not, to ask your question. That is what do here as a staff. You can e-mail a staff member that you know, you can e-mail me at charlies@caslemail.com or post a question on this blog. If you want to know an answer, please ask and if the answer is available, it will be answered. We will not look negatively upon the question-asker or react negatively due to the question being asked. An organization gets better when it hears what its members are thinking and then responds to those questions or suggestions.
Therefore, ASK and WE SHALL TELL!
Let's all make it out of State Cup competitions and tryouts unscathed!
Charlie Slagle
My advice to CASL members that have questions is, believe this or not, to ask your question. That is what do here as a staff. You can e-mail a staff member that you know, you can e-mail me at charlies@caslemail.com or post a question on this blog. If you want to know an answer, please ask and if the answer is available, it will be answered. We will not look negatively upon the question-asker or react negatively due to the question being asked. An organization gets better when it hears what its members are thinking and then responds to those questions or suggestions.
Therefore, ASK and WE SHALL TELL!
Let's all make it out of State Cup competitions and tryouts unscathed!
Charlie Slagle
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Will the Champions League Visitors be able to pull it off?
The UEFA Champions League is down to the nitty gritty-the 2nd leg of the semifinals. Today at 2:45, Barcelona hosts Real Madrid and Real needs to make up a two goal deficit. That game is on Fox Soccer Channel. Can Messi and company be denied a spot in the Wembley Final? I don't think so. Messi had two last week and if Barca gets one today, it is over!
Tomorrow, also at 2:45 and on Fox Soccer, Manchester United hosts Schalke. Man U has a two goal lead, as well! Schalke is not of the same quality as the other three semi-finalists and it will be a mountain to climb......However, Man U may be distracted....due to a 0-1 loss to Arsenal last weekend and a match this Sunday with Chelsea, Man U's huge lead in the English Premier League would be gone if they lose to the Blues. It would be a dead even tie with tie-breaker, goal differential, being very close with only two matches remaining. I don't think that Manchester will be distracted enough to lose a two goal lead but goal number 1 in this game is vitally important to both sides.
Man U's Wayne Rooney has become a complete player and he is a joy to watch in his recessed striker position. When you watch Lionel Messi and Rooney play, please note their unbelievable work rate off the ball on both offense and defense.
Have fun viewing live or using that DVR.
A Manchester United final versus Barcelona in Wembley Stadium in London will be quite a show! We'll see what happens in the next two days!
Charlie Slagle
Tomorrow, also at 2:45 and on Fox Soccer, Manchester United hosts Schalke. Man U has a two goal lead, as well! Schalke is not of the same quality as the other three semi-finalists and it will be a mountain to climb......However, Man U may be distracted....due to a 0-1 loss to Arsenal last weekend and a match this Sunday with Chelsea, Man U's huge lead in the English Premier League would be gone if they lose to the Blues. It would be a dead even tie with tie-breaker, goal differential, being very close with only two matches remaining. I don't think that Manchester will be distracted enough to lose a two goal lead but goal number 1 in this game is vitally important to both sides.
Man U's Wayne Rooney has become a complete player and he is a joy to watch in his recessed striker position. When you watch Lionel Messi and Rooney play, please note their unbelievable work rate off the ball on both offense and defense.
Have fun viewing live or using that DVR.
A Manchester United final versus Barcelona in Wembley Stadium in London will be quite a show! We'll see what happens in the next two days!
Charlie Slagle
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