This Just In…

US Soccer plans to host its first US Soccer Youth Development Academy Winter Showcase in Dallas. I will most certainly be there. Any latitude south of Chicago during February is very appealing. I fondly remember a bike ride last February on a -5 degree day. Anyhow, if you’re not familiar with the US Soccer Youth Development Academy — whew, that’s a mouthful — it’s the federation’s attempt to streamline and improve the youth development system. Here’s how they describe it:

“In a broad move designed to improve the development environment for players throughout the country, the U.S. Soccer Federation has taken the initiative in formalizing the nationwide development academy. Created to provide players with the best possible opportunity to develop, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy was initiated after a comprehensive review of player development systems in the United States and around the world.

“The showcase matches are part of a nine-month season in which 122 teams will compete in more than 1,800 matches in conference play. With 2,440 players, 244 coaches and more than 200 referees participating in individual conference games, travel partner weekends and showcase weekends, the Academy boasts the most comprehensive platform for youth competition in U.S. Soccer history.”

As with everything of this ilk, there have been a wide range of opinions. And here and here. While I’m all for a system that builds American talent and continues our takeover of the Premiership there are some red flags:

1) Cost: The costs associated with youth soccer are already exorbitant. I’ve heard of families spending tens of thousands of dollars each year between club fees, ODP, and travel. That’s just an outrageous amount. Are people going to have to dig even further into their pockets? And what are the implications for families that are less well off?

2) Adult Involvement: We can’t ever forget that youth soccer is about young people. It’s not about parents, coaches, or US Soccer. It’s not about grown ups living vicariously through youth players. It’s about the kids themselves. Everything that’s done should be done in their best interest.

3) High School Soccer: This issue always creates a firestorm of controversy. People have been trying for years to dismantle the high school system, but isn’t playing for your school and your friends an integral part of growing up as an athlete? Emphasizing high school soccer isn’t going to win us the World Cup, but perhaps undermining it will really undermine the youth soccer experience at large.