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Posted by Matt Weibe on 5/23/2007, 11:07 am RE: Report on US Soccer Development Academy Program Dear Dick, In mid-2006, U.S. Soccer established a technical committee in an effort to assess and analyze how to best excel player development in the men’s game. The initiative was charged with improving U.S. Soccer’s competitiveness at the international level. Recent findings in U.S. Soccer’s technical committee and specialized sub-committees have recognized a need for U.S. Soccer National Team Programs to connect more directly with professional and selected elite youth clubs around the country. Although the technical review of the committees is still ongoing, the formation of a US Soccer Development Academy program is the first project to be adopted, and will be announced shortly. As a participating individual of the US Soccer committee, I see this as a positive step forward to strengthen our national team programs and emphasize best practices for the development of players and coaches. USL believes that it is important to inform each of our clubs of this before it is announced to the public. The designated U.S. Soccer Development Academies will compete in a 36-38 match, league competition at the U15 and U18 boy’s levels. These clubs will forgo other soccer activities at these age levels, including other leagues, tournaments, cups, and other competitions. The academies will also adhere to U.S. Soccer’s best technical practices, such as proper training to match ratios. Through seeing many changes and progress within the sport at the youth level, continued evolution will guide our country to becoming a soccer nation and developing better players for the international stage. I also view this as an opportunity for USL to play a supporting role with existing members of the Super Y-League and other leagues in the USL system. Professional development now becomes a forefront initiative on the technical aspects of the sport and like Major League Soccer, we will encourage more of our professional clubs to develop comprehensive youth teams to become a part of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy program. While no criterion has been established on the designation of these clubs, we anticipate there will be an application and review process through U.S. Soccer. Since USL understands the complex issues surrounding elite youth players and clubs, and through being one of U.S. Soccer’s vital development members, we will offer as much support as possible to ensure this program has a successful launch. In relation to the Super Y-League, this as an opportunity to strengthen the league and provide a support base with the existing clubs, many of whom may be also involved in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy program. We understand that the U15 division of the Super Y-League may become a “reserve” division in relation to U.S. Soccer’s U15 program. However, because the US Soccer Development Academy program and the Super Y-League are closely connected to similar philosophies, we are confident that the Super Y-League will become stronger for clubs that want to provide the best development and competitive experience for their teams that compete outside of this US Soccer program. We plan to continue the assessment on how we can best support US Soccer through each of the Super Y-League Strategic Development Committees in the various divisions. USL also plans to work closely with U.S. Soccer on adopting certain technical components for the Super Y-League that will correspond with their efforts. Some of these items may include match to training ratios, encouraging clubs to compete in a more expanded league structure and for teams to focus less on multi-game tournament competitions. In addition, our ODP system will complement US Soccer’s search for talent as well as a more expanded role in collegiate scouting. Please circulate this message to your club leadership and coaches, and do not hesitate to contact Jeff McRaney or myself at the USL office if you would like to discuss further. Regards, Matt Weibe Managing Director, Club Development & Communications 813.963.3909 matt.weibe@uslsoccer.com
207.69.140.35
TO: Penns Forest
FROM: Matt Weibe, United Soccer Leagues
CC: Francisco Marcos, Tim Holt, Jeff McRaney, Melanie Fitzgerald
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