Why are we merging?
This is a long-winded answer, but here goes:
- We feel there needs to be a greater collaborative presence in the heart of Gwinnett County; soccer and business professionals should be working TOGETHER instead of against one another to offer the best experiences for our youth!
- It’s very easy to want to offer elite programming; it is, however, very difficult to actually offer it and even more difficult to sustain it. By working together, we can field teams annually that compete for national titles.
- Gwinnett County is the best county in the southeast; it’s youth soccer programs should reflect that excellence
- Some players, in the past, have had to leave Gwinnett County to find appropriate programming; this is poor for quality of life in general in Gwinnett – we ALL have to evolve together.
- Improves experience for mid-low level programs with healthier roster sizes and better balance of abilities due to increased player pool. We also gain more flexibility of “club-passing” players by registering under one club. Ever had a goalkeeper break his/her arm the first week of practice? That’s a difficult situation for any club; with a larger pool of players we have more opportunities to assist in circumstances such as this (that’s just one example).
- Evolution of the soccer climate: What’s next?! Strength in numbers to overcome unforeseen future obstacles, and still retain a culture of excellence within youth soccer.
- Any business or industry that does not look to evolve with the climate and culture will eventually become obsolete. This strategic merger will guarantee a safe, developmentally appropriate environment for generations to come. Think about the evolution of many of the businesses outside the “soccer world”. How many of those have resisted change and still exist today?
“It's all about the group: Cooperation and mutual aid work better than competition and rugged individualism”
Why GSA? Why Dacula? Why not another/other clubs?
Geographically the two organizations make the most sense in terms of being able to share resources: field space, players, coaches, administrators, leadership, etc. We are only about 25 minutes away from each other (park to park). With a couple fields “in the middle” at Rhodes Jordan Park in Lawrenceville this makes it even more realistic. Both clubs are progressive thinking clubs that share a similar mission and values, and both clubs complement each other in a variety of ways.
Why now? This seems to be a quick decision?
Actually, this is has been an ongoing discussion for several years now. Much like any other relationship, a certain amount of time must elapse, experiences must be shared, and trust must be built before you take “that next step” (similar to a marriage or any other meaningful relationship). We recognize the magnitude of this decision, and felt it our responsibility, as leaders of the clubs, to take our time throughout this process. Literally, hundreds of hours have been invested in this process.
How will the recreation programs be impacted?
Families can choose which location they prefer to play at: South (Lilburn) or North (Dacula). We hope to add a Lawrenceville option soon. Registration, team formation, etc. will be similar to what you’ve always experienced at each park. As time marches on, we will blend best practices from both parks to improve our already outstanding recreation programs.
Will fees be increased?
Although fees are always subject to change each season, fee structures will remain relatively consistent at each location. Fees for all programs will be announced prior to registration opening as usual.
What will we be called?
Keeping with the identity of “who we are”, we felt it was important to focus our club’s name around our “Gwinnettian” identity. Gwinnett Soccer Academy will be the name of our NEW GSA. Specific team names/hierarchies will be announced closer to tryouts (for Academy/Select programs). For park based programs such as recreation programs, academy programs, and most Select teams, we will use GSA South and GSA North to distinguish between the two main locations, Lilburn and Dacula.
What about uniforms?
All players regardless of current affiliation will need to purchase a new uniform. The new uniform will be good through Spring of 2019. We realize some players recently purchased new uniforms, but there is no way to avoid this part of the transition. Both organizations will be offering fundraising opportunities to help alleviate those costs. Soccer is one of the most affordable team sports in the world, and we strive to keep it that way!
Does this mean our existing Select team is getting split up?
We will not dictate to any teams or coaches in the Select program that they HAVE to split up. There will be opportunities for many players in the Select program to be placed on a team that might make more sense for their development and goals in soccer, but those decisions will be left to individual players/families. If you are happy playing where you are, then you are welcome to continue. It’s important to note that there is always some movement each year at tryouts. We anticipate that most teams will see little change initially.
What about the Academy programs? How will we handle tryouts and team placements?
Both locations will offer stand-alone Academy programs that will be park based much as they are now. We will be able to allow more players to guest play with other teams, but players will try out at the park they wish to play at for the year. Both clubs use an age group “pool” methodology, so the fluidity of rosters will be similar to what you’ve experienced in the past.
Will there be opportunities to get to know some of the staff and players that may be blended before we head into tryouts?
Absolutely! We are going to hold a series of Combine Camps on the dates (tentative) below. This series of combine camps will be free to existing DSC/GSA Academy and Select players in the noted age groups, and will be open to teams we believe could be more impacted by the change. Please look for more information coming soon to your inbox and social media feeds! Please remember that the purpose of these camps is to gain further insight into which teams may be blended/impacted. This is not an elite training program, rather it is a fact finding mission to produce answers to certain questions BEFORE tryouts.
Girls Combines Camp (2005s thru 1999s):
April 24: 05s
April 25: 04s
April 26: 03s
May *7: 02s, 01s, and 00s
May *14: 02s, 01s, and 00s
Boys Combine Camp (2005s thru 1999s):
March 19: 05s, 04, 03s, and 02s
April *30: 05s, 04s, 03s, and 02s
May *14: 02s, 01s, and 00s
*Denotes dates that the camps are open to players not currently a member of DSC or GSA. Must pay a fee.
You mention that the lower level teams will likely not feel much of an impact initially, should my son or daughter still attend the Combine Camp?
The combine camp will primarily be by invitation only because we don’t anticipate there being much movement (beyond what is normal) below the 1st team level at each club. The coaches at each location would be the best point of contact to see if this is something you should plan on attending.
How can we learn more about ECNL?
We will be holding combines and informational presentations regarding the Elite Clubs National League throughout the Spring season. Check our social media feeds and website for more information. Information regarding the ECNL will also be relayed directly to the players and teams it will impact. You can also check the ECNL Website (CLICK HERE) to learn more.
Will there be directors at each park?
Yes, most of the faces you are used to seeing at your specific park will be the same points of contact after the merger. Over time directors and staff will transcend all locations, but for the time being, you’ll still hear from the usual suspects.
Who will my Academy/Select coach be next year?
Staff assignments will be announced prior to tryouts as always. The directors are working diligently to ensure as much consistency in staff as possible.
Legally, how will the club be structured?
The NEW GSA will still be a not-for-profit 501(c)3 charitable organization with a board of directors and an executive team to oversee all day to day operations of the soccer club that will be a blend from both current organizations. We will still rely heavily on volunteers both in leadership positions and in all programs. We will form advisory boards/panels for interested parties who wish to invest more time, energy, and skills into the club. More information on this will be provided at a later date.
What brand of uniforms will we have?
Although both clubs have had a past relationship with adidas, we have decided to move forward with the Puma brand. We are excited about this extension of our programming. As a Puma Elite club we receive certain benefits that only a few clubs in the world have. From unparalleled uniform support to player exposure and coaching education/club development opportunities with academies overseas (at no cost to the players or the club), we are blessed to benefit from Puma’s commitment to grass roots soccer! More information on uniforms will be provided closer to Fall registration and tryout dates.
Will the websites be different?
The website will be re-branded and tweaked to reflect our new club. More information on setting up a new account will be sent once everything is fully operational.
How can I help?
Just keep doing what you’re doing! Enjoy your family’s soccer experience, and join us in a new chapter of soccer in Gwinnett! We are aggressively seeking community partners and sponsors for a variety of projects, so if you are connected with anyone that may want to be a part of the beautiful game at the grass roots level, we’d love to hear from them. For more info contact Drew Prentice at [email protected] for more details!
Have other questions? Did we miss something important?
Fill out this brief online form, and we’ll get back to you! Remember, we are working very hard to make sure there is no breakdown in your current service while we transition into Fall of 2017! We are very busy, so expect a slight delay from what you are used to as we work through responding to your questions.
https://goo.gl/forms/T7qrIRNs19B5Wc8B3