The National Team concept is an interesting one and in my estimation is here to stay. There are several teams such as Dukes and True that seem to be garnering both attention and success. While the merits of aggregating star players from disparate geographical areas is beyond refute their success is what will ultimately validate both the model and standard. A club like Dukes foundationally depends on a venerable name and despite the new leadership that assumed the mantle of both the name and the prestige; their long term success is questionable as the majority of the feedback seems tepid at best with an occasional salvo from the director vehemently decrying foul against any negative comments.
The True model is an interesting one. Multiple states fielding decentralized club teams aggregating under a single Team to win a couple of championships at the end of the traditional tournament season while unfurling a National Team Banner that serves a multitude of purposes. Not the least, being good cocktail banter that always illicits praise from family and friends along the lines of, "Wow, Johnny plays on a National All Star Team, you must be so proud!" In our frenzied hyper-competitive world I have a sneaking suspicion this may provide the majority of the impetus for parents with children on these teams. Having played against several of these types of teams it seems the caliber of lacrosse is diminished greatly; but the teams prevail because they have bigger faster kids. It is like watching the NBA All Star game. An annual rite that draws an audience but certainly isn't lauded as being quality basketball.
The UA All American game in Maryland seems like a great game and a ton of fun and an example of an All Star Team that is worth pursuing. In fact it seems more like a joyous celebration that ushers in collegiate careers while closing the youth chapter of endless hours and playing for the love of the game.
In my estimation the National Teams are here to stay. It seems that Dukes initial success will be short lived and their model unsustainable. The teams that they are pulling players from have the infrastructure, the stature, and Darwinian resilience to adjust. There are many large clubs with multiple state franchises such as 91, Madlax, and Roughriders, to name a few that will abbreviate their tournament season and then field National Teams in the latter half of July.
Food for thought. After all it is survival of the fittest.
