Very telling things about the current state of college soccer

Maybe some will shift to starting to emphasize more domestic students?

There's probably a decent amount of schools talking about closing in 2020 or 2021. There will most definitely be major budget cuts to a lot of programs across the country too.

 

Big state university is reporting almost $100M loss this year according to leadership.

 

I think that if you look at in two ways the dichotomy is clear. State schools don't need enrollment and private schools do. For a great many private schools, especially enrollment driven ones, they need these "Olympic" sports to help fill bed spaces. 9.9 scholarships plus academic aid plus expenses (salary and operational) still leads out in most cases to a net profit for these school.

State schools by contrast aren't totally tuition driven. They are subsidized by the state in some form so for them, it is a cost effective way to reduce expenses. New Mexico was bleeding money, successful or not, it came down to one less mouth to feed. Bye.

The real crux of it is until 2025 all enrollment is expected to decline. 2026 the enrollment will start to increase again. This is across the board not just soccer. That said, it will still face the casualties in school closings and dropped programs because until there are more students there is less demand. Also, I would guess that the burgeoning online space is cutting revenue.

Bottom line is if the pandemic persists it will drastically change the college landscape and those schools without resources won't make it. Just my opinion.

 

The whole school? The athletics program? Men's soccer (I jest, obviously)?

 

school...

 

Many state schools athletic Dept are only subsidized by their states 4-6%. State budgets will no doubt take a hit. Schools may be only receiving 1-2% as education/athletics are usually a low priority. Private schools will probably start to merge. If more schools go online, athletics at schools 750-1200 enrollment will most likely end. IMHO

 

Now, let’s start the discussion again...how will college soccer be impacted when the DA gets terminated?

 

I've read rumors that it will be cancelled including the recently-instituted girls side, which hasn't been doing all that well in competition with ECNL. Do you know something official?

 

Rumors abound --

-it's over
-It's over except for the teams supported by MLS clubs
-It's over except for the teams supported by MLS clubs and NASL clubs
-It's just a poorly-worded announcement of an end to the current season
-It's just DA haters wishing

Take your pick

 

There could be an announcement today.

I've heard from multiple sources that it's a done deal. That doesn't necessarily mean that the MLS entities won't keep their youth setups in their own league though. Just the current format of the DA is done.

 

https://www.soccerwire.com/resource...-u-s-soccer-to-shut-down-development-academy/

 

Cincinnati just shut down their men's soccer program.

 

But I played against Cincinnati. I scored against Cincinnati. But that was ages ago, no reason to give up on soccer now.

https://gobearcats.com/news/2020/4/14/uc-discontinues-mens-soccer-program.aspx

"The men's soccer program dated to 1973 with an all-time record of 385-408-84. The Bearcats were 5-11-1 in 2019 and longtime head coach Hylton Dayes stepped down following the season."

 

Would UC have shut down a program that they expected to take the field in August? I doubt it. Maybe they sit out this year and bring it back when things look a bit more stable...in '21 hopefully. Maybe they--Div.1-- play this year and maybe not.

 

Don't let a good pandemic got to waste for an easy out on cost-cutting.

 

Nope. They are done. It's happened before and will happen again.

SUNY Buffalo did the same. Valpo. New Mexico. All were late or semi-late cuts.

 

It's crazy when you look at the EADA report with how much they are spending on Football, Basketball and golf they could have easily saved it if they wanted to....

 

My youngest son's school is having weekly online team meetings, and last nights meeting was all about budgets.

The coaches told the players that they have been asked to submit multiple budgets showing anywhere from 10% to 40% cut scenarios. Possible playing only conference games and or no other overnight travel.

Fortunately, no talk of cutting program, but coaches may not know that at this time.

 

I've heard a lot of this talk. Mainly due to a possibility of a shortened season -- late start preparation. I also do know that there's talk of schools/conferences wanting an increased preseason (earlier move-in) IF things are back to normal before August.

 

My son's team is also having weekly zoom meetings. Interestingly today they were told that the team is getting 3 more roster spots.

 

So 3 more full-pay kids for the school. One can only assume that a similar percentage of roster spots will be required by all teams in that department to keep Title 9 #'s in line. That school is looking to drive enrollment by dangling a carrot.

 

How about another?

DII in Texas, St. Edwards.

https://gohilltoppers.com/news/2020...ponse-to-economic-impacts-of-coronavirus.aspx