Pre-Academy starting with 2001s in the fall?

Just read in the general section that the 4 big clubs (DT, FCD, Solar, Andro) will start Pre-Academy League for 2001s -this fall. Has anyone heard about this? This seems like pretty big news, especially for some top teams. Could DTS, FCD-Goncalves, Solar Red Crushers, ect, be seeing some major changes as their top players born in 2001 go with a Pre-Academy team? Parents of strong 01 boys on 02 teams, will you consider leaving your team to do Pre-Academy next season?

I would expect this to have quite an impact on the 02 boys. Top teams that lose key players just ahead of select qualifying are going to have some big holes to fill. It could make the next few months even more interesting with more player movement than normal.

This will have a huge effect on the 02's. The current top teams will more than likely lose a lot of players and the clubs that do not have PRe-Academy will step to the front of Classic League.

My kid is not at this level, but those who do have a kid that would consider this, what is the upside? The 02 division has some great competition already so there is no need to travel each weekend to find good teams. From other posters who are already in it, it does not seem to be much different than playing with a good club team in Classic. Why destroy the good club teams by taking all of their players and putting them in PRe-Academy.


U11 seems too young for this.

I've had coaches pitch the pre-acad to me but we'll stick to Classic League,my boy has some great teammates that are sticking to the same plan.

02boys wrote:I've had coaches pitch the pre-acad to me but we'll stick to Classic League,my boy has some great teammates that are sticking to the same plan.

Stay firm. Coaches can be like car salesmen, they'll weaken you with options. Not worth going pre-academy at 01, they're just way too young. I wouldn't do it before they're at least U13, and even then....I'd ask for that dual rostering to get adequate playing time somewhere. In order to develop, you sort of have to play.

It is a great thing....., for the clubs. 26 man roster, no pesky CL fees. parents pay all travel expenses. Thats about 20-25k more profit per team.

A very curious development, indeed.

My bb has an early 2001 DOB. Most of his current teammates have 2000 dates. This would split him from most the team. It is what it is.

A combination of the best 2000 kids on the top 2 squads in the club will create a REALLY good possession team. A fascinating proposition.

The Texans & FCD, by default of having many more squads, will have an initial headstart. But Andromeda and Solar will suck in excellent talent from the tier two teams as a result of the change, too.

Who will coach the U11 and U12 pre-academy teams will be something to watch, too.

Independent teams will move up in the Classic League pecking order.

Not everyone has trepidation on this subject.

Going the pre Academy way also means no school sports either which makes no sense at this age.....

PG-Boy wrote:A very curious development, indeed.

My bb has an early 2001 DOB. Most of his current teammates have 2000 dates. This would split him from most the team. It is what it is.

A combination of the best 2000 kids on the top 2 squads in the club will create a REALLY good possession team. A fascinating proposition.

The Texans & FCD, by default of having many more squads, will have an initial headstart. But Andromeda and Solar will suck in excellent talent from the tier two teams as a result of the change, too.

Who will coach the U11 and U12 pre-academy teams will be something to watch, too.

Independent teams will move up in the Classic League pecking order.

Not everyone has trepidation on this subject.

You have to realize that many kids playing in the 00 age bracket have actual 00 dates of birth. The change in age recognition from Aug to July to Calendar year is going to take some 'stars' and turn them into kids that cannot make the roster. That is likely the biggest impact. Having kids go from N TX association dates of birth to Olympic dates of birth is a big deal.

Anyone else see the irony in the late 01 birthdays that are 02's in NTX and thus making the jump to select soccer this summer.

If they choose this route, they will go from Academy soccer to Pre-Academy soccer.

I'm not sure I have the energy to explain that to 10 year olds, and mine would be quite perplexed about the terminology.

Ace70 wrote:Going the pre Academy way also means no school sports either which makes no sense at this age.....

That's not necessarily true. Pre-Academy players can play high school sports.

soccergrinder wrote:

Ace70 wrote:Going the pre Academy way also means no school sports either which makes no sense at this age.....

That's not necessarily true. Pre-Academy players can play high school sports.

Maybe it is team based ? We know a player that was told by his coach to either choose pre academy soccer or other middle school sports but that he was not allowed to do both.

Ace70 wrote:

soccergrinder wrote:

Ace70 wrote:Going the pre Academy way also means no school sports either which makes no sense at this age.....

That's not necessarily true. Pre-Academy players can play high school sports.

Maybe it is team based ? We know a player that was told by his coach to either choose pre academy soccer or other middle school sports but that he was not allowed to do both.

maybe you didnt get the whole story?