Well said whataday. With no disrespect to the WPL competition, it is not anywhere near the standard of the Premier 1 Sydney comp. It would maybe go ok in Premier League 2 and would dominate State League, which is the FNSW third division. Every comp needs to start somewhere, and introducing 14 and 16 Girls divisions to WPL this season is a step in the right direction. Most people would be unaware that the only EJets team that plays in their correct age group is the 13 girls, hence they are winning their share of games. 15 Girls play in 17's and 17's play in First Grade. Many of the Sydney teams in the Women's division, are largely comprised of WOMEN, not 15,16 and 17 year old girls. They also boast current Matilda's, ex Matildas, ex FNSW Institute players, current and past W League players and established "name" players from the Sydney comp. Quite a few of these ladies are paid to play and are semi professional. EJets is comprised of school kids. FYI- Jets 17 girls beat Blacktown Spartans First Grade 1-0 Sunday in a fast paced game. You could put a team together from the best players in WPL and they would be competitive against EJets, but any of the Sydney teams (with the exception of Central Coast) would flog them. Sorry if that's harsh, but I've been involved in the Sydney competition for many years, and it's a no brainer. They have more players to choose from and less distance to be covered than we do in NNSW.
Do yourself a favour, anyone involved in WPL, get over to Speers Point in a couple of weeks time, and have a look at the EJets games. If you can put your hand on your heart, and tell me that they aren't a better standard of player, then you're living in fantasy land.
The Hunter girls also won the CHS State Titles for the first time in 24 years last week. The team was made up of mainly EJets girls, with a few of our better WPL girls thrown in, and I've been told they dominated the Sydney sides all week. We have also got 2 girls away with the Young Matildas at the moment, one of which scored the goal the other night to get the team into the semi finals. NNSW turns out some of the best female footballers around. The conspiracy theories have been around for years, as they are in Sydney with FNSW, but do you really think any "elite" program would ignore players with potential, particularly when the programs are judged on what players they produce to play at State and National levels? Really? Footyhead, you are clearly not aware of what goes on with these "elite" programs, or you wouldn't make that statement. Could it be more a case that your Club is telling girls they are better off staying with the Club than being involved in the EJets? Has that scenario ever crossed your mind? Worth tossing into the mix? Have you asked why the girls weren't nominated for the recent trials? Surely no coach, no matter what their "history" with NNSW is would begrudge their player having a shot?
Do the selectors get it right every time? Probably not...they are human after all, and I dare say that even your Club makes the wrong call sometimes Footyhead? Kids develop at different rates, cope with challenges differently, and some drop out very quickly. Some thrive and love every minute. That's life. That's what ensures that the tough and determined succeed and those that can't cope (for whatever reason) play at another level. There is nothing wrong with that, as not everyone is going to play for Australia, and we need different levels in football (and life).
I normally don't participate in these "discussions", hence the reason this is only my second,albeit rather lengthy post, but I hate to see a kid being cut down by an adult, that clearly has an axe to grind with NNSW and EJets. Let the girl from FMNC enjoy being selected in the team and keep your derogatory comments to your self. How would you like it if someone made those comments about your child? Even your apology is half hearted and you clearly begrudge the girl a spot in the team. And as whataday says, get the Club to make the call to NNSW, to have a look at your 16 girls players. That's if you are fair dinkum in wanting to see them progress to the "elite" level?
