In a conference call on April 23, U.S. Soccer announced that it will not launch a Development Academy League for the U-14 age group in 2009-10. While disappointed, we certainly appreciate that it should not launch the league if there are still important logistical issues that could not be addressed in the appropriate amount of time to allow clubs to enter the tryout cycle. (Several clubs have already had tryouts for the 2009-10 year.)
The Northeast and Southeast have decided to move forward with a U.S. Club Soccer Pre-Academy League this fall and several clubs in our Region are interested in discussing the concept. The Columbus Crew has taken the lead on the project for our Region and we have expressed our interest in the discussion. Depending on who joins the League travel will be very similar to the Midwest Regional League - Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Columbus - with travel outside the Region for tournaments only, not League games.
At this time, we have decided to reserve a decision regarding the program pending further discussion. While I believe that programming for high school freshmen capable of playing at the level of the Academy should exist, I have reservation about taking that stand for the 2009-10 year without legitimate support from enough capable players and other clubs to make the programming worth their while.
The majority of high school freshmen should play high school soccer. This would be for serious soccer players ONLY and those with a long-term goal of playing in the full U.S. Soccer Development Academy.
More to come...
