Independent Teams on the rise?

Alright, I admit - I probably shouldn't be allowed to post. I don't have a catchy nick name (I'm stupid and use my real name) and my DD doesn't play in the LHGCL! I'm truly not part of the group, however I do enjoy reading the topics you all post! Most of all I enjoy reading about the success North Texas soccer has nationally! I really liked reading about the recent Sting success!

Yesterday, I got the list of teams playing in Plano and was surprised to see the number of independent teams.

My question to the "All Mighty Wise Ones" ... is this normal as the girls get older or is there a movement happening in North Texas? I know it will be years before we see an independent team playing D1 (if it even happens), however there were a couple of independent teams that tried out for D3 this season.

I'm also taking suggestions for a new catchy code name for anyone that would like to make a suggestion!

(The blue indicates the team does not have to qualify for the D1 in Plano)

Aces 96 Chili Peppers	U15G
Amarillo Lightning 96G	U15G
Barcelona 96G	U15G
Blue Eagles 96G	U15G
CD Independiente 96G	U15G
Dallas Juventus 96G	U15G
DFW Tornados 96 Red	U15G
Dynasty United 96G	U15G
Fusion FC 96G	U15G
Genesis Elite FC 96 G	U15G
Indians 96G	U15G
Liverpool 96 Girls	U15G
Liverpool 96G Gold	U15G
Manchester SC 96G	U15G
Mutiny FC 96 G	U15G
North Texas Strikers 96G	U15G
North Texas Strikers 96G White	U15G
Pumas Elite 96G	U15G
Texas Spirit 96G	U15G
TFC 96G	U15G
Triumph F.C 96G Denton	U15G
Triumph FC 96 Girls	U15G
Wichita Falls Xpress 96G	U15G

My definition (which may differ from yours) of an independent team is what your Prestonwood team was. Once you add a 2nd team or an academy group I don't think of them as independent anymore. By that definition, I just don't see very many independent teams out there. Small clubs...yes, independent teams...no. Even on your list, aren't the vast majority from clubs? I'm not familiar with all of them listed but aren't there only a few that are truly independent teams?

There are a lot of reasons it proves very difficult for an independent team to make it...much as your Prestonwood team. I was disapopinted to hear the team didn't survive, it was a great story.

In hopes of your question drawing some additional feedback, I'll let other posters share their input. Sadly, I don't really see the expansion of independent teams you're referring to, nor do I see them making it to a level beyond a Plano or an Arlington league. I just think they're facing a stacked deck.

My suggestion for a user name.... I would drop the "Kennedy" and just be "Brad. Brad dares to stand alone....Brad dares to be Brad. Brad...yeah, I like that.

Plus..."check out the big brain on Brad!!!" Sorry...couldn't help myself.

This could be your avatar for 'Brad" (see who recognizes this one):

Brad Majors

Dammit Janet!

Please explain why the teams in blue do not have to qualify for Plano DI.

BradTheBold,
As the other poster suggested, the true independents (one team only / not part of a club) tend to fizzle out pretty quickly. They normally begin as over-achieving rec teams which stick together and even make some decent showings in local less-challenging tournaments. But the better players get picked off pretty quickly, and the teams find themselves struggling in Plano or Arlington. It is indeed too bad. So many parents want a middle ground - one without the ridiculous time commitments and expense of select but a bit more serious and better coached than the average rec team. Since the vast majority of these kids won't play in college and are just looking to be good enough to play on their high school teams (i.e. enjoy the sport), it's unfortunate there aren't more independent teams that stand the test of time.

goalfc wrote:Please explain why the teams in blue do not have to qualify for Plano DI.

Per the PYS Placement Game rules:

• Priority used in issuing the BYES will be:
  

• 1^st-4^th in PPL Division 1
  
• Teams moving from Classic/Lake Highlands to Plano, they will be determined by points in the Challenge games or Lake Highlands Qualifier.
  
• 5^th-6^th place team in PPL
  
  
  
  • Again only 4 BYE’s will be issued