Academy Note - Tab Ramos

From a recent Soccer America article...

SA: What impact has the U.S. Soccer Development Academy had on the U-20 national team program?

TAB RAMOS: It plays a big role. We had players from the [2011] Development Academy champions Pateadores and the runner-up FC Dallas. … I think it’s playing a vital role for the development of these players. [Before the Academy] after U-17 residency these guys would go back to playing club ball where you’re playing four or five games in a weekend and training once or twice a week. Now it’s different. Now it’s more professional.

[Editor’s Note: Of the 20 players on the qualifying tournament roster, 17 have ties to Academy clubs.]

In theory, the DA is a step in the right direction. (More training, fewer games, etc.)

I say "in theory" because there is still too much emphasis on team results and playing overly direct.

The reason so many DA players are being called into the ynt's is a simple one.

First, the DA is USSF's 'baby'. Second, that's where the scouts are looking.

After watching the u17's play Haiti...I was left scratching my head with the overall lack of technique and the team's style. Sure a couple of players admittedly stood out.

But are these really our best 96-born players?

They might be the best 'athletes' that are available from the scouted player pool that is DA.

If everyone agrees that daily training is better, then why aren't the clubs outside of the DA adopting this practice? What is keeping the clubs from adopting these 'best practices'?

Probably money. A club coach can make more money (at least on an hourly basis) with 4 teams training twice a week.

And when you get down to it, financial considerations are the driving force at 99% of the clubs in this country.

The DA claims to be in the business of developing players. But what are they developing them for? (Mostly) kick and run college soccer?

Seems the lucky few that finish their development overseas are the ones that benefit the most.

Just aren't nearly enough getting the opportunity.

Laimport wrote:In theory, the DA is a step in the right direction. (More training, fewer games, etc.)

I say "in theory" because there is still too much emphasis on team results and playing overly direct.

The reason so many DA players are being called into the ynt's is a simple one.

First, the DA is USSF's 'baby'. Second, that's where the scouts are looking.

After watching the u17's play Haiti...I was left scratching my head with the overall lack of technique and the team's style. Sure a couple of players admittedly stood out.

But are these really our best 96-born players?

They might be the best 'athletes' that are available from the scouted player pool that is DA.

If everyone agrees that daily training is better, then why aren't the clubs outside of the DA adopting this practice? What is keeping the clubs from adopting these 'best practices'?

Probably money. A club coach can make more money (at least on an hourly basis) with 4 teams training twice a week.

And when you get down to it, financial considerations are the driving force at 99% of the clubs in this country.

The DA claims to be in the business of developing players. But what are they developing them for? (Mostly) kick and run college soccer?

Seems the lucky few that finish their development overseas are the ones that benefit the most.

Just aren't nearly enough getting the opportunity.

Thgere are 80 DA teams so that is a pool of over 2000 players vieing for 20 NT slots. Of course they have to develop for college or most would not bother when 99% will not ever see the national team.

my2cents wrote:

Laimport wrote:In theory, the DA is a step in the right direction. (More training, fewer games, etc.)

I say "in theory" because there is still too much emphasis on team results and playing overly direct.

The reason so many DA players are being called into the ynt's is a simple one.

First, the DA is USSF's 'baby'. Second, that's where the scouts are looking.

After watching the u17's play Haiti...I was left scratching my head with the overall lack of technique and the team's style. Sure a couple of players admittedly stood out.

But are these really our best 96-born players?

They might be the best 'athletes' that are available from the scouted player pool that is DA.

If everyone agrees that daily training is better, then why aren't the clubs outside of the DA adopting this practice? What is keeping the clubs from adopting these 'best practices'?

Probably money. A club coach can make more money (at least on an hourly basis) with 4 teams training twice a week.

And when you get down to it, financial considerations are the driving force at 99% of the clubs in this country.

The DA claims to be in the business of developing players. But what are they developing them for? (Mostly) kick and run college soccer?

Seems the lucky few that finish their development overseas are the ones that benefit the most.

Just aren't nearly enough getting the opportunity.

Thgere are 80 DA teams so that is a pool of over 2000 players vieing for 20 NT slots. Of course they have to develop for college or most would not bother when 99% will not ever see the national team.

Don't you think you are oversimplifying this a bit?

I don't disagree with the numbers.

But, the reality is that first, it's a global game. While there may be 'limited' spots on the national team and even in our domestic pro leagues, players should still be trained to the highest standard.

Second, we can and should be doing better.

So where does ODP fit in? I've heard as much bad as good concerning the program. And if what you say about DA being the preferred program, are any players chosen out of ODP anymore?

hunden97 wrote:So where does ODP fit in? I've heard as much bad as good concerning the program. And if what you say about DA being the preferred program, are any players chosen out of ODP anymore?

Very, very few. At the youngest ages, the percentage is a little higher due to the DA age groups not having an impact at 13/14.

ODP, good or bad, sure as hell ain't the main path to the youth national teams anymore.

Out of curiosity, where does the ID2 program fit in with DA and ODP?