Players and parents often fail to understand the long-term approach to preparing the individual player to be recruited by college coaches or for that matter earn a spot on their high school team. Too often, success is defined specifically by the results of the team versus the growth of its individual players. A college coach has never requested a team resume, much less cared about a tournament result at U-12. Results cannot be ignored and learning to win is an important part of player development, but there are three far more important facts to consider...
The single most important fact for players and parents to understand is grades! There are more recruitable student-athletes than opportunities. If the student-athlete fails to put in the required effort in the classroom his abilities on the field likely will not matter.
Second, preparing the player to be successful beyond club soccer requires programming that challenges the players within the team and provides them with exposure opportunities to college coaches and scouts. This obviously requires some resume building by the team, but also necessitates organizational relationships between our staff and tournaments, leagues and other organizations. We understand and accept this responsibility.
(In 2012-13, the Academy teams will attend the College Cup Championships Showcase, Disney Soccer Showcase, Ohio Elite Showcase, Jefferson Cup and Crossroads Showcase. The Gold teams will attend the Galaxies Showcase, Germantown Invitational Showcase, Ohio Elite Showcase, St. Louis Scott Gallagher Showcase and Crossroads of America Showcase.)
The third fact is the reality that student-athletes tryout for their respective high school teams and are recruited INDIVIDUALLY by college coaches. Teams are not recruited, they are merely the vehicle for development and exposure. The college recruiting process illustrates our 'Player First' philosophy in the player development model from U-8 to U-18.
The PROCESS of selecting a school of higher learning is ultimately the responsibility of the student-athlete. Parents, coaches, teachers and counselors are advisors. We assist.
Even though high school soccer is during the fall season, work on behalf of our players continued. Meetings, emails and texts with players and parents help us understand the goals of the student-athlete and we can help advise him on the appropriate level for his abilities.
Since the beginning of the school year our staff has been in contact with dozens of college coaches at all levels (NCAA Division I, II, III and NAIA) on behalf of our players. With our first major event on the horizon, advising our student-athletes and communicating with college coaches continues. We are proud to celebrate the abilities and character of our players with prospective college coaches.
Final thought... kids need to choose what is best for them. It sounds like simple advice but parents and kids can be competitive and some focus on the process of someone else. Pick the school based on the factors important to YOU, including academics, size, geography and soccer program. Division I soccer isn't for everyone. I would submit it isn't for most!
