Raising the girls' game
The problem: When the club soccer and high school seasons overlapped in the fall, it created a dilemma for many top girls' players because the Minnesota State High School League does not allow athletes to play high school and club sports at the same time. Last season, 54 top girls' players left their high school teams so they could play club soccer.
The solution: The Elite Clubs National League pushed back its start to Oct. 18, after most high school teams have finished their seasons.
The result: Of 73 girls who make up Minnesota Thunder Academy's four teams for U18, U17, U16 and U15, all but a handful are playing for their high school team this season. Their return has elevated competition levels and improved the quality of play, high school coaches said.
