The concept of a U-14 age group for the U.S. Soccer Development Academy has been discussed over the past year, but for the first time now appears to be inevitable.
While the specifics have much to be determined, the concept received unanimous support in a conference call on Wednesday, January 28 with the Federation and representatives from the Development Academy clubs in our Conference (OESA, Crew Jr., Carmel, Gallagher, Sockers, Chicago Magic, Metro, Empire, Vardar, Wolves, Chicago Fire, etc...). The Northeast has already started their own U-14 League through US Club Soccer this spring.
Again, the specifics (schedule, travel, etc...) will be determined over the next couple months, but the general principles I expect the League to utilize are: a limited travel schedule as compared to the U-16 and U-18 and therefore lower expenses; no "National Championship"; National and Regional Showcases in conjunction with National Team programming; and, withdraw from all US Youth competition, including ODP, MRL and State Cup as the older age groups do.
Two things are of particular interest to me.
First, as a former State Director of Coaching it is now clear to me that on the boy's side ODP as we know it is for the most part done. Until now the end was gradual, but the introduction of the U-14 age group will change the program from one of identification perhaps back to its origin of development. There are still many, many quality players around the country that either have chosen not to participate in the DA or otherwise don't have the opportunity, but the number of kids brought into National teams program through USYS ODP will drop significantly.
The second thing that jumps out is the conflict between club and high school. The Development Academy utilizes calendar year in determining the roster versus the August 1-July 31 year. Thus, the U-14's in 2009-2010 will be players born in 1995 and younger, the majority of whom will be high school freshmen in the fall. This would only affect U-14 players that are freshmen in high school as the U-16 and U-18 teams will continue to schedule after the high school season concludes. There is no expectation that this will move forward to include older players in future years.
The debate about players forgoing high school is one that has been discussed ad nausea. However, until now the debate has been limited to the girl's side of the game. The Chairman of one prominent area club indicated that offering such a program is irresponsible. I can only assume then that his club will not be applying to the Federation for Development Academy status, since it will offer a program that forces players to choose and one in which Academy members will field a team largely comprised of high school freshmen during the high school season.
I welcome the opportunity. It's one thing for a high school senior or junior to participate in high school athletics, but I can think of no value for a high school freshman. If he is good enough to play on the varsity then his physical, emotional and social health is placed at risk. If not, he plays on a JV or Freshman team. And while there are many fine high school coaches, there are very few JV or Freshmen coaches who can provide kids the proper environment. Even the best coaches would struggle to coach the best kids when the range of talent is so large.
But what about playing for your school and in front of all those fans? First of all, he'll have 3 more years to play for his school. Secondly, when is the last time you went to watch a JV or Freshman soccer game that your relative or BFF wasn't playing in. While some high schools will attempt to punish kids "for not supporting the program", even the most selfish coach should recognize that in the long run his/her program will be better off for a freshman participating in club soccer during his freshman year.
The Development Academy itself is a very good program that continues to improve in year number two. Most Technical people have openly questioned why if it's about development do we wait until 16 years old to provide such a program. Quite frankly, logistics and costs are the primary reason and now that the League is on firm footing it appears that they are now comfortable and capable of expanding into the age group that in my opinion will most benefit from principles of the League.
Call me irresponsible, but I say it's about time.
