Conclusion: PARADIGM SHIFT

The term "paradigm shift" has found uses in many contexts, representing the notion of a major change in a certain thought-pattern — a radical change in personal beliefs, complex systems or organizations, replacing the former way of thinking or organizing with a radically different way of thinking or organizing.

WEST MICHIGAN SOCCER

The landscape of youth soccer in West Michigan has changed over the last 17 years.  That shouldn't be too surprising.  Most things do change over time.  Change comes to us all eventually.

The question I have raised is simple. 

Are we really making progress in West Michigan or is it just an illusion?

I think we are making progress but like an iceberg, 90% of it isn't visible at a glance.

 

There are many, including me, that believe that having only one choice to choose from is having no choice.  Henry Ford built cars in black and said buy them or don't buy them...it's the only color.

That is why I believe that it is important for the individuals who run the clubs in Western Michigan to be aware of what is happening in the soccer world.  It is why I spend time trying to keep people informed.

It is hard to say with any certainty where all of this is going but one thing is sure.  The players of West Michigan are getting the best efforts of those in positions of power.

We do not always have to agree but we have to respect those that are taking the risk.

What happens next?

Parents no longer have to drive to Detroit anymore if they don't want to.  Some still will of course, chasing that elusive pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, a D1 college scholarship.  When they start, virtually none of them realize the sacrifices that will be required of their child, the rest of their family and themselves.

The Crew will continue to grow.  They want Academy Club status and ECNL Club status.  It appears as if they are looking to build in numbers to pay the bills and then use the numbers to build credibility until the quality catches up.  There are glimmers of light in this process as the U15 boys advanced to the Regional finals this week while the U18 boys advanced to the finals again.  They put 6 teams into the State Cup semi-finals and 4 teams in the finals.  While the numbers of teams from other clubs has temporarily fallen, this many teams from one club represents a major breakthrough.

The West Michigan Clubs that can offer quality training and organization for the Elite player will do so as they also attempt to form select teams to help defray the costs associated with paying for the Elite teams.

At this point, Alliance FC, PASS FC, SCOR and Michigan Fire Jrs in Grand Rapids and Lakeshore Premier along the lakeshore are clubs that offer equally capable coaching for the ELITE and upper level players in the age groups they offer.  These clubs have many positives and some negatives.  No two are alike and it is up to the parent to find the best fit. 

They do not have the sheer number of teams that the Crew has but I think that is not an issue.  Typically, once you get past the 2nd team in the U13-18 age groups or 3rd team in the U8-12 age groups; many of the players are there simply to be part of the fun.  Soccer is the new country club for these parents and everybody wants to fit in.

Scattered around the edges of Grand Rapids, GVSA clubs like LASSO, CATS, CASSA, Vardar West, TNT West, OLE SC, Galaxy FC, Rapids FC and Thornapple SC will offer up solid, consistent coaching for many players.  Occasionally, teams will form in one of these clubs that will stay together through the sheer willpower of a coach and parent group who will be very, very good.  These will be rare as the Elite level players will gravitate towards one of the clubs who can provide ELITE training across all the age groups.

The Holland area currently has 3 clubs in it, USA, TNT West and Costa United.  The Michigan Fire Jrs will be attempting to move into the area but that is for the future.  USA has hit the market correctly positioning themselves as the place to be, both fiscally and benefit wise.  They had 40 teams last years and their tryouts this year were up.

The Grand Haven / Muskegon area and points north is unique.  GVSA clubs Tri-Cities Strikers, Fruitport, West Michigan Storm (formerly Mona Shores), Muskegon Lakers and Reeths Puffer SC all overlap the recreational programs that belong to Great Lakes Coed Rec.  In addition, they have formed a partnership to offer ELITE level training through their own Premier Club, Lakeshore Premier

ON THE HORIZON

The Academy program (Boys), currently offered by 2 Detroit area clubs, VARDAR and WOLVES, will be expanding to include U14 this year.  This will further water down the MSYSA State Cup as the elite players in the state will be moving out of MSYSA, MSPSP and MRL competition at an earlier age, giving West Michigan teams that have success, a false sense of accomplishment.

The Academy will also be going to year round which means those players will NOT be playing in High School.  Since most of the Academy players are from the East side of the state, West Michigan High Schools will have an easier time of it in MHSAA competitions.

The ECNL (girls) is planning this as well.

Both of these programs are now viewed as the place to play for any player interested in playing at the highest levels which is why the Crew wants to gain entry.

As the programs gain stature and respect, they are shrinking the number of clubs in the system making it all the more difficult for new clubs to get in.  Interesting, clubs already in the system have some veto power over new entrants placing one more very big obstacle in the Crew path.