Here's a topic I've heard discussed by players and parents once their kids have either officially or verbally committed to the colleges of their choice: How important is it for players to continue playing in college showcases once they've already committed? We all know the downside is the cost of the showcases, but are there pros? Other cons?
I really can't see any advantage to going to showcases once the kid has settled on a school. They cost money and there isn't any return. Some kids even drop out of their club programs to pursue higher level play such as women's leagues, or supplement club play with those leagues. Vancouver Whitecaps and Seattle Sounders have current recruits on their rosters. I'm sure Eastern leagues do the same. I suppose kids have to keep playing somewhere, but showcases are a waste.
I agree with you mainly because these showcases have become so expensive, but one of the hardest things to do between high school and starting college is staying in game shape for players. You can train individually all you want but it's not the same as playing in games. For some players, these showcases might be their only option. I wish it wasn't but I can see why some would have to continue playing in them.
Pro- To help the team that helped you go to the school you wanted to go to. Maybe you play less but they were there for you,you should be there for them and help make those kids better. Maybe its a striker who know plays RB so the RB can be showcased as an RM? Also to keep play high level games. Maybe select a couple showcases? Also so you don't become complacent.sp?Hopefully for the love of the game. To go out and just play the game not to be seen but to PLAY
I know of a recruit that is practicing with, as well as playing in, a Showcase with a rival club, and then will be playing in a Women's league with other college players. In fact, she has been playing in this Women's league for the last two years. In her first year, she helped them to win a championship, even scoring one of the goals to help them win.
It's good for players to continue to play at the level (with the club team) they are currently playing at even if they are committed. College coaches still travel to showcases not only to recruit but also to watch the girls they have already recruited. This is the problem that coaches are seeing lately is that players that are already committed becoming too complacent with the fact that they are already going to a college. We do not want to send that message, we want committed players to continue to play as though they aren't committed, because we want them to continue to grow as an athlete. And unfortunately this isn't achieved by simply playing league games. These showcase tournaments are not only showcasing to the college coaches to recruit, but showcasing the best talent. By sending your players to these events (even if committed) they are playing against players that they will be seeing in the college games, and it is a good experience for them; they will see what it is to play against players going to different colleges. Also, as a college coach it is always nice to show off the talent you are bringing into your school. As well as being able to see what other colleges are bringing in to see what you're up against.
What about a kid who was offered a roster spot, but not any scholarship? Should that player continue to play at showcases?
If that kid that was offered a roster spot thinks they are good enough to get a scholarship... why sell yourself short? You can always put your decision on hold and play more showcases and perhaps in doing that you can get offered the scholarship that you so rightly deserve. But if you don't feel you're scholarship worthy... you can give up your spot on that team.
If you haven't given a verbal commitment, I'd say go for it until you are satisfied you did as well as you could for yourself.