Has anyone heard of new accepted DAP teams ? Other the KC wizards jrs (only one I heard already accepted).
decisions won't be until April. The u14 academy won't be a set up like the 16/18s. There are current discussions to keep it more regional and let the 'divisions' come up with something that is suitable for their own region.
As mentioned above, KC Wizards, I believe are in, Houston Dynamo are in....may be some reshuffling with the Colorado teams...rumor is that they will move back to their neck of the woods and a new division (Frontier) will be created with Arizona, Utah, Idaho?, etc. Also, with Colorado moving out Shattuck-St Mary's and Minnesota Thunder Academy would be added. Again, these are just rumors and conclusions, NOT facts except for the MLS groups...Thx
I hope they do move into the U-14 age group in some way, hell they need to have some type of involvement down to U-littles. The earlier we develop players the right way, the better.
A U14 and U15 league for academies is being held in the Northeast, put together by some of the Academy clubs. If this works, it may be a model for other regions of the country
From what I have heard, there may be some teams dropped for not adhering to Academy principles/policies, and teams will be added to take their place. One or two might be added to fill a large geaographical hole. My understanding is that US Soccer likes the number of teams in the program now, and is in no hurry to expand significantly.
Yes, adding more teams will just increase the costs to US Soccer. This program is already extremely expensive and more teams will mean more cost.
I heard a rumor that the San Juan Lightening (Sacramento, CA) might be added, but I agree with the earlier poster about not many more teams being added in the future. Also, per MLS mandate, I believe the San Jose Earthquakes will be adding a team by the end of this year.
Yes, the clubs are under evaluation each year and there is always the potential for clubs to be dropped for not adhering to Acadamey principles/policies. I know that they haven't been pleased with the NorCal DAP Clubs who have taken time off for the players to play high school. From my understanding, it will be mandated that clubs who participate can't take time off for HS soccer.
That goes against every presentation the people from us soccer have made regarding the academy & high school. Now, a club can say the kids can't play high school, but us soccer has not come out saying that.
They have the same thing going on in So Cal too. Most of the Academy teams are off for the High School season.
Back on topic, has anyone heard anything definite on clubs being added or dropped (involuntarily/voluntarily) from the DAP ?
Is it early March or late March when they announce ? Are their any other MLS teams that do not have one, when will Seattle announce theirs ?
latest word is over 175 applications for only about 7-10 spots. notifications are supposed to be done by early April.
some clubs are currently being notified that they did not get in. Word is the # of clubs getting in will be 5-6 and us soccer will try to hold steady at around 80.
When do you see them dropping some of the original clubs that have remained at the bottom in their regions and at the showcases?
So.... Let's look at the Chicago contigent in the Academy. I will be the first to say that collectively, Chicago has the most talent in the U/16 and probalby also U/18 in the nation. I can not wait to see thes 3 teams play each other. At U/16, Fire and Soccers have so many offensive weapons, and the Magic 16s have as good a Back 4 and keeper in the USDA. BTW, last year at this time, the Chicago contigent had all sorts of going on about the best teams. Let's rumble!.... Or not
if clubs are not invited back, it will have more to do with admin issues, facilities and coaching behaviors. Big IF though.