Soccer Food for Thought, No Need To Agree or Disagree With Me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One important thing that Europe gets right with their academies for basketball and soccer is the integrated approach where not just the sport is taught, but also the auxiliary necessities are covered.
My kids are fairly high level young basketball players and I end up playing the role of academy and it is a big ask. I have to make sure that their strength training is integrated with their sport and skill training, same for speed and agility work. Load management across the club and school games and practices, etc. I am actually fairly adept at this because I played at a national team level in Europe so I know what's needed, but would love to outsource most of it to an academy style setup where coaches actually work together. Surprised that we do not have it here in the states for basketball at least. Everyone seems to be running these little hustles instead.

There are some facilities that are primarily trainers that also field teams. The ones that I can think of are not very successful because the teams are only open to parents who can afford the training. I think we lack a lot of these things because we value participation over catering to the elite. The CBA forbids NBA teams from having academies even if they wanted to and the NCAA forbids colleges from doing it. That leaves just USA basketball and there are camps and training for basketball sponsored by USA basketball, but nothing full time and in a country with millions of kids playing, something that serves a few dozen doesn't get headlines.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One important thing that Europe gets right with their academies for basketball and soccer is the integrated approach where not just the sport is taught, but also the auxiliary necessities are covered.
My kids are fairly high level young basketball players and I end up playing the role of academy and it is a big ask. I have to make sure that their strength training is integrated with their sport and skill training, same for speed and agility work. Load management across the club and school games and practices, etc. I am actually fairly adept at this because I played at a national team level in Europe so I know what's needed, but would love to outsource most of it to an academy style setup where coaches actually work together. Surprised that we do not have it here in the states for basketball at least. Everyone seems to be running these little hustles instead.

There are some facilities that are primarily trainers that also field teams. The ones that I can think of are not very successful because the teams are only open to parents who can afford the training. I think we lack a lot of these things because we value participation over catering to the elite. The CBA forbids NBA teams from having academies even if they wanted to and the NCAA forbids colleges from doing it. That leaves just USA basketball and there are camps and training for basketball sponsored by USA basketball, but nothing full time and in a country with millions of kids playing, something that serves a few dozen doesn't get headlines.

Good points there. I was not aware that CBA forbids NBA teams from having academies. Seems misguided.
We have kids "participating" in these meaningless showcases instead of having an integrated plan to get better. I see AAU basketball kids playing 5 blowout games a weekend while practicing 2x a week and then wondering why kids have no basketball IQ.

[Anonymous]

Yeah the NBA has an interesting relationship with the NCAA. It wasn't too long ago that they had to change their policy to foribid kids from joining straight out of high school. Now you have to be 19 years and one year removed from HS graduation. They gave their reasons, but one could see how it would impact all the colleges as the trend was starting to nab folks out of HS... make of it what you will.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yeah the NBA has an interesting relationship with the NCAA. It wasn't too long ago that they had to change their policy to foribid kids from joining straight out of high school. Now you have to be 19 years and one year removed from HS graduation. They gave their reasons, but one could see how it would impact all the colleges as the trend was starting to nab folks out of HS... make of it what you will.

I think the G league is going to be a viable alternative to college within the next decade. The second pick in last year's draft was a g league player (first was international) an this year it looks like they may have a couple in the top 10. It's riskier for a kid because their is no nil money and you are playing against adults who are grinding and desperate for a chance rather than a bunch of 18-22 year old kids most of whom are enjoying college

[Anonymous]

There have also been a few who have gone the international pro route to wait out their one year... pause. Not sure how successful they were in the draft (don't follow the NBA closely), but I know there were more than a few that did it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I will put it to you all like this:

- 80% of travel players belong in rec teams but their parents are fooled into thinking their kids can play soccer either by the coaches or organization $$$.
- 80% of travel players want to join a travel club because their friends play there and they have been brainwashed by the clubs into thinking that if you do not belong to a travel team you are not getting the best experience and you are a loser.
- 80% of travel coaches are inexperienced and/or have lost the passion and only want the paycheck. Some do not even have the appropriate coaching licenses yet they say they do (check your coach online). https://learning.ussoccer.com/#!/directory most have just the grassroots coaching license and that's a joke.
- 80% of travel coaches are former "soccer" players who could not get past college soccer and we know college soccer is not even close to pro in Europe, Latin America or Africa.
- 90% of travel players are all white kids who lack the soccer IQ and athletic soccer talent. See for yourself at the next travel game or tournament. See the difference between the players and how they touch the ball, trap the ball and pass the ball. Most are weak players. Most is the result of poor coaching and training they receive.
- 90% of talented soccer players are minorities who cannot afford to pay the $3k+ fees.
- All these "non-profit" soccer clubs in our country are nothing more than businesses that do not pay taxes and pay all directors and coaches a nice income for rec-level soccer.

I could go on and on but I think I made my point here.

The reason kids leave Rec soccer by U8/U9 is because there are no kids left in Rec soccer by that age.

In Arlington, there are 6 travel teams in a boys age group at that age. Most of the counties soccer players.

If you stay in Rec you are playing against severely uncoordinated kids that don't want to be there and don't show up for more than 1/2 the games or practices.

So the lower level travel team becomes essentially the rec team at a high cost.

And, if you want to hold off until your kids are older to start travel you are kind of effed--because who are they playing against/with?? Also, the way this area is ---there is a lockdown with almost zero movement between teams for most years.

[Anonymous]

^County's

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I will put it to you all like this:

- 80% of travel players belong in rec teams but their parents are fooled into thinking their kids can play soccer either by the coaches or organization $$$.
- 80% of travel players want to join a travel club because their friends play there and they have been brainwashed by the clubs into thinking that if you do not belong to a travel team you are not getting the best experience and you are a loser.
- 80% of travel coaches are inexperienced and/or have lost the passion and only want the paycheck. Some do not even have the appropriate coaching licenses yet they say they do (check your coach online). https://learning.ussoccer.com/#!/directory most have just the grassroots coaching license and that's a joke.
- 80% of travel coaches are former "soccer" players who could not get past college soccer and we know college soccer is not even close to pro in Europe, Latin America or Africa.
- 90% of travel players are all white kids who lack the soccer IQ and athletic soccer talent. See for yourself at the next travel game or tournament. See the difference between the players and how they touch the ball, trap the ball and pass the ball. Most are weak players. Most is the result of poor coaching and training they receive.
- 90% of talented soccer players are minorities who cannot afford to pay the $3k+ fees.
- All these "non-profit" soccer clubs in our country are nothing more than businesses that do not pay taxes and pay all directors and coaches a nice income for rec-level soccer.

I could go on and on but I think I made my point here.

The reason kids leave Rec soccer by U8/U9 is because there are no kids left in Rec soccer by that age.

In Arlington, there are 6 travel teams in a boys age group at that age. Most of the counties soccer players.

If you stay in Rec you are playing against severely uncoordinated kids that don't want to be there and don't show up for more than 1/2 the games or practices.

So the lower level travel team becomes essentially the rec team at a high cost.

And, if you want to hold off until your kids are older to start travel you are kind of effed--because who are they playing against/with?? Also, the way this area is ---there is a lockdown with almost zero movement between teams for most years.

6 travel teams in one age is most of an entire counties' soccer players? That's absurd.

You sound very ignorant about rec soccer at the middle/high school levels. There are many talented players and many mediocre players, but all the kids want to be there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
6 travel teams in one age is most of an entire counties' soccer players? That's absurd.

You sound very ignorant about rec soccer at the middle/high school levels. There are many talented players and many mediocre players, but all the kids want to be there.

Lol...thanks for pointing that out. Hard to call everything out, there is so much cray. This is a good choice though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HS->College->Pro

In the US, Education is far more important than soccer. Do you ever think Argentina or Croatia will be a world power based on their soccer skills? Education is king.

Lol. Education. Pulisic has a degree from Hershey High school (and a 75 million dollar annual paycheck) We are talking about cultivating the tippy top - not any kid who kicks a ball. Any kid is focused on his education because that’s really his only choice.

The money is beginning to be there. Look at Philly Union and their Academy. They’ve sold almost 10 players for transfer fees as high as 6 million (Aaronson). It’s how Europe finances their academies. The virtuous cycle is not quite flourishing here.

Right now, I think it is the addiction to the pay to play model for the mediocre combined with MLS ‘owners’ like here in DC and their fixation with geo-fencing players through the home grown rule which is limiting growth and player development.

It’s changing. Places like Nashville see what Philly has done and are replicating the plan. Need to let players move for best MLS opportunity. The home grown rule needs a successful class action suit to break the MLS Trust.

Source for this stat?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HS->College->Pro

In the US, Education is far more important than soccer. Do you ever think Argentina or Croatia will be a world power based on their soccer skills? Education is king.

Lol. Education. Pulisic has a degree from Hershey High school (and a 75 million dollar annual paycheck) We are talking about cultivating the tippy top - not any kid who kicks a ball. Any kid is focused on his education because that’s really his only choice.

The money is beginning to be there. Look at Philly Union and their Academy. They’ve sold almost 10 players for transfer fees as high as 6 million (Aaronson). It’s how Europe finances their academies. The virtuous cycle is not quite flourishing here.

Right now, I think it is the addiction to the pay to play model for the mediocre combined with MLS ‘owners’ like here in DC and their fixation with geo-fencing players through the home grown rule which is limiting growth and player development.

It’s changing. Places like Nashville see what Philly has done and are replicating the plan. Need to let players move for best MLS opportunity. The home grown rule needs a successful class action suit to break the MLS Trust.

Source for this stat?

The kid flew on a private jet to his Senior prom .

The 75 million is what the CLUB PAID FOR HIM.

Pulisic has signed a four-year contract with Milan, ensuring he will stay with the club through June 2027. Pulisic is reportedly set to earn $4.45 million per year - a slight pay cut from his time at Chelsea. This equates to approximately $2,138.32 an hour, $85,536.16 per week and $370,656.66 per month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:One important thing that Europe gets right with their academies for basketball and soccer is the integrated approach where not just the sport is taught, but also the auxiliary necessities are covered.
My kids are fairly high level young basketball players and I end up playing the role of academy and it is a big ask. I have to make sure that their strength training is integrated with their sport and skill training, same for speed and agility work. Load management across the club and school games and practices, etc. I am actually fairly adept at this because I played at a national team level in Europe so I know what's needed, but would love to outsource most of it to an academy style setup where coaches actually work together. Surprised that we do not have it here in the states for basketball at least. Everyone seems to be running these little hustles instead.

THIS

+1. Desperately wish for integrated athletic trainers, PT specialists and sports psychologists. Sometimes feel like parents get short shift when they happen to have a talented kid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HS->College->Pro

In the US, Education is far more important than soccer. Do you ever think Argentina or Croatia will be a world power based on their soccer skills? Education is king.

Lol. Education. Pulisic has a degree from Hershey High school (and a 75 million dollar annual paycheck) We are talking about cultivating the tippy top - not any kid who kicks a ball. Any kid is focused on his education because that’s really his only choice.

The money is beginning to be there. Look at Philly Union and their Academy. They’ve sold almost 10 players for transfer fees as high as 6 million (Aaronson). It’s how Europe finances their academies. The virtuous cycle is not quite flourishing here.

Right now, I think it is the addiction to the pay to play model for the mediocre combined with MLS ‘owners’ like here in DC and their fixation with geo-fencing players through the home grown rule which is limiting growth and player development.

It’s changing. Places like Nashville see what Philly has done and are replicating the plan. Need to let players move for best MLS opportunity. The home grown rule needs a successful class action suit to break the MLS Trust.

Source for this stat?

The kid flew on a private jet to his Senior prom .

The 75 million is what the CLUB PAID FOR HIM.

Pulisic has signed a four-year contract with Milan, ensuring he will stay with the club through June 2027. Pulisic is reportedly set to earn $4.45 million per year - a slight pay cut from his time at Chelsea. This equates to approximately $2,138.32 an hour, $85,536.16 per week and $370,656.66 per month.

+1. Thanks for correction. Recent article has his total salary nearing 50 million euros. Would you like to update the audience on currency exchange rate?

Overall point stands: we are talking about the best and how to develop them. For the best, education takes a back seat because that’s killer money for a 24 year old whether the number is 75 million or 50 million.

He received crucial training at Dortmond from late teen years which he says was the key to his pro career. Maybe he could have received that level at Philly Union or Nashville. (Aaronson brothers certainly did). But clearly missing out on players not connected to Delaware Valley or Music City.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:HS->College->Pro

In the US, Education is far more important than soccer. Do you ever think Argentina or Croatia will be a world power based on their soccer skills? Education is king.

Lol. Education. Pulisic has a degree from Hershey High school (and a 75 million dollar annual paycheck) We are talking about cultivating the tippy top - not any kid who kicks a ball. Any kid is focused on his education because that’s really his only choice.

The money is beginning to be there. Look at Philly Union and their Academy. They’ve sold almost 10 players for transfer fees as high as 6 million (Aaronson). It’s how Europe finances their academies. The virtuous cycle is not quite flourishing here.

Right now, I think it is the addiction to the pay to play model for the mediocre combined with MLS ‘owners’ like here in DC and their fixation with geo-fencing players through the home grown rule which is limiting growth and player development.

It’s changing. Places like Nashville see what Philly has done and are replicating the plan. Need to let players move for best MLS opportunity. The home grown rule needs a successful class action suit to break the MLS Trust.

Source for this stat?

The kid flew on a private jet to his Senior prom .

The 75 million is what the CLUB PAID FOR HIM.

Pulisic has signed a four-year contract with Milan, ensuring he will stay with the club through June 2027. Pulisic is reportedly set to earn $4.45 million per year - a slight pay cut from his time at Chelsea. This equates to approximately $2,138.32 an hour, $85,536.16 per week and $370,656.66 per month.

+1. Thanks for correction. Recent article has his total salary nearing 50 million euros. Would you like to update the audience on currency exchange rate?

Overall point stands: we are talking about the best and how to develop them. For the best, education takes a back seat because that’s killer money for a 24 year old whether the number is 75 million or 50 million.

He received crucial training at Dortmond from late teen years which he says was the key to his pro career. Maybe he could have received that level at Philly Union or Nashville. (Aaronson brothers certainly did). But clearly missing out on players not connected to Delaware Valley or Music City.

That's one heck of a maybe.