Thursday, October 23, 2008

U.S. Soccer Development Academy Conference Call

As we enter year number two of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy the Federation continues to adapt to "our world" as youth soccer professionals. One of the positive additions to the League is the monthly conference calls with clubs and the DA leadership. All areas are covered: administrative, technical, and referees.

Here are some highlights from the October 22, 2009 call:

  • A U14 schedule has been developed in the Northeast by the clubs. U.S. Soccer supports this practice, but does not have an official position yet. Clubs are encouraged to put together a U14 spring season as part of their current Development Academy schedule. U.S. Soccer will help support player registration in the near future and is strongly considering bringing the U14's into either the Spring or Summer Showcase. This serves two purposes: (1) a precursor to formalizing a regional league (limited travel) for the U14 age group in 2009-2010. (2) provide a forum for scouting of the U14 age group for the National team program

  • Demosphere is hosting all the league schedules and player profiles. Each player will be able to login and update their profile in real time for college coaches

  • Teams should have received their shipment of Gatorade and Nike balls

  • The Development Academy has become the number one focus for finding National pool players. The other ODP programs will continue to operate and be scouted by USMNT staff, but most players are expected to be identified through the DA

  • U.S. Soccer strongly supports positive sideline behavior by players and coaches and expects clubs to respond accordingly

  • Referee evaluations is an important step in the League for this year and has gone well through the first few weeks of the season