No Gallagher, no Irvine, each of which had previously been announced as some version of an academy. But maybe a different version? At any rate, I bet that the original vision of the academy is being revised and that we see something rather different in the autumn.
The problem here and probably elsewhere is the timing. Since it is not up and running yet it will be hard to upset the existing arrangement when it is so close to the final date for rosters for '07-'08. Had there been more time and if they add more teams next year then the numbers might approach what they have in mind. It is too hard for kids to change on faith with only two weeks left until signing date.
As I don't profess to be an expert at any of this, I've asked several European coaches who now reside in the US and train, what the academies are like over there, and what it takes to become an academy over in Europe. From what I've been told, it's very rigorous and held to a very high standard. Many have stated an opinion of...."Just because you call yourself an academy here in the US, doesn't mean you are one. Just changing your name without the proper backing/leadership/training, doesn't mean anything." So, I guess we all need to do our homework if considering an academy style club for our children and make sure they are what they say they are.
I'd be interested as to the whole process of applying and the process of accreditation. Does anyone know what it entails?
There's an application form. It's obviously geared to clubs that have been around for a while, that is how many professionals have you developed, DI college players, and so forth.
Does the USSF then subsidize these clubs for player scholarships, etc? Or is this just an accreditation thing?
I believe that the credential coaching issue may play an integral part in choosing. With the 5 to 1, how many are "A", "B", etc. I wonder how much they will enforce that?
One would hope that the USSF would have sent some folks to tour and talk with the best in class academies, learn from their experiences, and come back with a set of best practices to share with these clubs. Or maybe the clubs will do that on their own, even partner up with some top flight European clubs.
From what I've read that's what makes this initiative unique is that USSF are setting up standards and best practices in terms of coaching, facilities, and training. USSF sets standards to be followed and the clubs puts together an application for the USSF to approve or deny. This endeavor is not just changing their name it's for lack of a better word an accredidation program to ensure they are who they say they are and not doing things outside the infrastructure.
And I personally believe this is what is so great about the entire idea. An accredidation system to hold accountable the elite clubs in this nation. How could it be a bad thing for a "D" or "C" Level coach to go back to school/training to attain his "A" or "B"?? I know it's difficult, but maybe this is what the elite player in this country needs. We expect the elite player in this country to take it to the next level, but how can they do that when they don't have an experienced coach to teach them? There are some great pro ideas about what USSF is attempting to do, but I also believe (IMHO) that some plans need to be ironed out, including NCAA, potential pro signings, etc. But the standards to be followed that USSF has setup for a club to become part of the academy league could only be for the best for our players.
One wonders why Nomads is the only CalSouth club to sign on thus far. I'm sure a lot of it has to do with the fact that all the Los Angeles area based clubs play in the Coast Soccer League Premier League competition, and none of those DOCs are ready yet to upset the status quo, whereas Nomads has decided to stay put in Presidio, so there's no established order that they'd be bucking by moving into the National Academy competition. I'm sure USSF really can't be too concerned with just the CSL clubs. After all, it is a big country. Nevertheless, considering that CSL is among the strongest soccer leagues in the nation, it might be worth the Fed's time and interest to arrange some meetings with CSL clubs and see if they can work out some mutually agreeable arrangement. It would be ironic to have the proposed national competition final at HDC without any CSL clubs ever participating.
http://www.soccertimes.com/wagman/2007/jun19 USSF takes first step to improve youth program. By Robert Wagman - SoccerTimes
I'm hearing that the USSF will be working things out to allow the academies to play CSL Premier along with the Academy schedule. Probably why only the Nomads have been named so far.
Along with? So USSF will change it's rules? Or will CSL Premier be the Academy League on the West Coast? What then happens to FWRL? And how did they say it would work with some of the teams in CSL Premier being Academy League teams and some not? Will the Premier bracketing then change?
So how does this program mesh with MLS youth devlopment squads? Which programs vary quite a bit between individual clubs.