captain , I will be in the tri cities(poco)It's called making decisions.....kids learn to choose what is the right thing to attend based on importance. Bettermirror, our high school team has played 20 games so far so there definitely aren't more games in the HPL and we have practiced once per week since the season has started. It is quite a commitment for the boys but is always right after school UNLESS it is a tournament.
Sid, we play at Enver Creek tomorrow at 3:00. Where are you looking to go watch a game? Where would you be?
CS - HS soccer is a shortened/crammed season so citing that you've played 20 games compared to the more minimal number of HPL games doesn't really apply. HPL is in a shortened 7 game warm-up season. BUT, this time next year the teams will be at the end of a comprehensive spring/summer/fall campaign....
For me, on my budget (if I had a greater budget it wouldn't be too much of an issue), $2500 is a big registration fee. So I'd not be even allowing my kid to play HS soccer for risk of injury and thus essentially tossing away the $2500 while playing for another team that's of a lower standard. Unless my kid was paying for it, in which case it'd be their choice no doubt.
I don't mean to take away from high school soccer or anything like that. HS sports are valuable! And I know the kids enjoy it. But based purely on the time commitment involved (February-November!) compared to Sept-Nov (HS) and the financial comparison there really is no choice as to which gets priority. Not to mention the scouting opportunities HPL provides in regards to Whitecaps, BCSA, and the Whitecaps college scouting tourney starting-up....
Again...HS sports are great! I just wonder why anyone would risk the $2500 unless they could truly afford it.....
As an HPL coach I am not going to get into the pros and cons of HPL players playing High School.A courtesy phone call would be nice to at least discuss expectations. Bottom line is the HPL coaches can very easily stop their players from playing High School.I have never done this myself,however, when I have counted on the High School coaches to manage these players while away at Tournaments I have found some Coaches really didn't seem to worried about the HPL teams that these players have made a first commitment too.This has been a much bigger issue for the girls as they have Provincial Cup concerns that conflict with the girls High School schedule at that time of the year. With the HPL season coming to an end next year in November for the boys with Provincials and possible Nationals on the line you will find a lot more coaches(HPL) not allowing their players to play High School soccer in Oct.,Nov. Might be easier for the girls in April ,May though.
I wish all the High School players the best of luck and hope they do have a positive and memorable experience!