I'll start, since no thread has started yet on this, and since this is a bit of a #noonecares flyer, only one thread for the whole league.
Tidbits from various ASSs and other threads to discuss:
~Biggest: North Delta and @LION return to the FVSL, but under the Coastal banner. Having been able to chat w/ the main man himself several times over the last couple of years, I can see why this came full circle, primary reason being that I don't think the infrastructure at ND supported a continuous stream of young talent to draw from and into his teams there. Coastal offers more facilities, more financial support, more player support in terms of a potential tie to the BCPL program. Totally get this. Why the move to the FVSL instead of staying VMSL (where I'd presume they'd have to stay in Div. 1, win their way back up)? My hypothesis on this is that I bet it has a lot to do w/ the same reasons Surrey United made the move back to the Valley- shifts in economics and soccer power bases / infrastructure. Cost of living in the Valley vs. City forcing young guys w/ families out this way, etc. So, I said this was inevitable 15 something years ago, and stated then a Provincial FVSL Champ was only a matter of time...well...still waiting. This last year was a banner year, but still no champ (runner up and 2 teams in the semis is nice, though.). Overall, I agree with the line of thinking in that there is a slow shift in power bases in the mainland, geographically at least, to support a stronger FVSL, and weakening VMSL.
~Pomo Rangers fold, and Big Bag takes his best players to Surrey United to form a potential powerhouse. My take is that Surrey United is on the young side still, and added experience from the core coming over should help ramp forward the Surrey United program, back up to a level of play they've been accustomed to over the past 10+ years. POtentially a good merger. @Ballbaby?
~This may yet only be a rumor, but have heard Westcoast folded. Yes, folded. This came as a shock to me, I can't remember the FVSL not having a WCFC / Golden Ears team in Premier. With all those teams, all those players, you'd think they'd be able to sort their shite sorted out, so I'm really curious to see what's going on there if any....but as of now, still shown on the FVSL site as being in for the season, and they did win the 1st div last year, so maybe a fluid situation.
~BC Tigers Dasmesh A stay up. WTF? @knvb . I get why the need to stay at 10 teams, but what is going on there, have they made some moves to merge in w/ another squad to strengthen it to justify keeping them in Prem?
~With Burnaby coming up, that makes either 9 or 10 teams. Obviously, 10 teams is far better, optically.
~Masters Premier: Coastal boys move back into CAP under Surrey United. Last years Surrey United Prem boys take their demotion to 1st, Coastal relocates, perhaps a bit of a reshuffling of the players in terms of who wants to play at what level. I think I have it right. I see HOW this has occurred, what I'm missing is WHY. I remember the last time I was involved in a team moving clubs (LUYSA 1st div. Masters to LUFC for very petty differences some players had with a TD hiring at LUYSA. I don't care what you say, @robj, it was petty then, and still petty), and it was just plain weird. @knvb, @utah, any insight? I expect this:
~Temple with 2 teams in Masters Premier. Get your popcorn, can't wait to see that darby!
This is a huge year in the FVSL, to see if they can build on momentum created last year.
Comments, or just crickets?
Tidbits from various ASSs and other threads to discuss:
~Biggest: North Delta and @LION return to the FVSL, but under the Coastal banner. Having been able to chat w/ the main man himself several times over the last couple of years, I can see why this came full circle, primary reason being that I don't think the infrastructure at ND supported a continuous stream of young talent to draw from and into his teams there. Coastal offers more facilities, more financial support, more player support in terms of a potential tie to the BCPL program. Totally get this. Why the move to the FVSL instead of staying VMSL (where I'd presume they'd have to stay in Div. 1, win their way back up)? My hypothesis on this is that I bet it has a lot to do w/ the same reasons Surrey United made the move back to the Valley- shifts in economics and soccer power bases / infrastructure. Cost of living in the Valley vs. City forcing young guys w/ families out this way, etc. So, I said this was inevitable 15 something years ago, and stated then a Provincial FVSL Champ was only a matter of time...well...still waiting. This last year was a banner year, but still no champ (runner up and 2 teams in the semis is nice, though.). Overall, I agree with the line of thinking in that there is a slow shift in power bases in the mainland, geographically at least, to support a stronger FVSL, and weakening VMSL.
~Pomo Rangers fold, and Big Bag takes his best players to Surrey United to form a potential powerhouse. My take is that Surrey United is on the young side still, and added experience from the core coming over should help ramp forward the Surrey United program, back up to a level of play they've been accustomed to over the past 10+ years. POtentially a good merger. @Ballbaby?
~This may yet only be a rumor, but have heard Westcoast folded. Yes, folded. This came as a shock to me, I can't remember the FVSL not having a WCFC / Golden Ears team in Premier. With all those teams, all those players, you'd think they'd be able to sort their shite sorted out, so I'm really curious to see what's going on there if any....but as of now, still shown on the FVSL site as being in for the season, and they did win the 1st div last year, so maybe a fluid situation.
~BC Tigers Dasmesh A stay up. WTF? @knvb . I get why the need to stay at 10 teams, but what is going on there, have they made some moves to merge in w/ another squad to strengthen it to justify keeping them in Prem?
~With Burnaby coming up, that makes either 9 or 10 teams. Obviously, 10 teams is far better, optically.
~Masters Premier: Coastal boys move back into CAP under Surrey United. Last years Surrey United Prem boys take their demotion to 1st, Coastal relocates, perhaps a bit of a reshuffling of the players in terms of who wants to play at what level. I think I have it right. I see HOW this has occurred, what I'm missing is WHY. I remember the last time I was involved in a team moving clubs (LUYSA 1st div. Masters to LUFC for very petty differences some players had with a TD hiring at LUYSA. I don't care what you say, @robj, it was petty then, and still petty), and it was just plain weird. @knvb, @utah, any insight? I expect this:
~Temple with 2 teams in Masters Premier. Get your popcorn, can't wait to see that darby!
This is a huge year in the FVSL, to see if they can build on momentum created last year.
Comments, or just crickets?
