Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Through social media, I’ve noticed that there are a few local players who moved to academies outside of DC.

How did they do that? Did they reach out to those clubs when they were not scouted by DCU? Or did they move there from DCU? How would one get into those clubs without triggering interest from DCU? Or is that not possible? That is, those clubs are required to disclose to DCU that a player in their region is being considered at their club?

Boys or girls?

Boys

Re: Boys

Many of these destination academies have paid scouts. Charlotte and NCFC, like DC and Loudon FC have men’s pro teams (MLS and USL Championship leagues). Their scouting is a lot different from those like the Kickers in USL1 because the attached academies have more meaningful contract potential, with obviously DC United and Charlotte greater than London or NCFC. IMG also does this, but their model is a bit different, the ex-placement from youth is more NIL driven than contract / transfer / solidarity fee based.

The pro-clubs also tend to scout and poach from MLS Next clubs. MLS Next clubs still haven’t bridged the gap that MLS Academies have in terms of pathways to professional teams. And the pro-academies are free, vs the paid clubs.

Outside of that, lots of kids move because in another market they can play top team vs 2nd or 3rd team in their original market. That makes a huge difference in looks if the boy wants to play in college. Those moves are largely player driven, not scouting driven.

Just to add on this too, signing with a US Academy (like United, Atlanta, Charlotte, etc) kills US Boy’s chances to play overseas. So you might get a little FOMO for your kid when you see these “movers and shakers” getting recruited out of market. But you should know that signing / move likely closed 90% of the doors for that athlete.

Why would that kill a player’s chances? Wouldn’t it be easier because they’ve been vetted by a pro team?

Training fees, transfer fees and solidarity fees. Turns a $100k prospect into a $400k gamble.

So training or solidarity fees are still payable to a non-MLSNext Academy club but that would be a lot less since those clubs are a lower category? Does that sound right?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be more specific. Do you mean another MLS academy? Or a pay to play MLS next academy?

On the girls side, sometimes girls get scouted at national events and are invited to train with NWSL teams by invite only.

It possible, on the boys side, they are noticed at high level events and are invited to train at another academy with the intent to have them join their side.

The NWSL thing is interesting. Last year the NWSL changed the rules to allow 3 roster spots for under-18 players, outside the draft, that the club wants to develop. Clubs haven’t jumped on this yet with a lot of vigor for a number of reason, not least that the club has to take on a lot of “raising a kid” responsibility and they don’t have the infrastructure for that yet, much less an extra facility / locker room for only a couple of minor players.

They also aren’t sure how to best utilize the spots yet, because, like Gotham, they sign a 14 year old, they’re likely stuck for 4 years with that player - and can’t free up a spot until the contract expires or they age out.

I think as the NWSL continues to mature, and the academies grow (again, like NCFC and SD Wave), you’ll see them take advantage of this. And maybe as the NCAA clarifies is new? rules on Amateurism this will be an exciting place to watch youth girls talent shine. This pathway also gets sticky because of FIFA rules on minor transfers, but this is probably a way NWSL and UEFA-W start to bridge the talent pools.

SD Wave doesn’t have an academy. NC Courage (you said NCFC) is not connected to the nwsl team other than branding.

Reign does

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Through social media, I’ve noticed that there are a few local players who moved to academies outside of DC.

How did they do that? Did they reach out to those clubs when they were not scouted by DCU? Or did they move there from DCU? How would one get into those clubs without triggering interest from DCU? Or is that not possible? That is, those clubs are required to disclose to DCU that a player in their region is being considered at their club?

Boys or girls?

Boys

Re: Boys

Many of these destination academies have paid scouts. Charlotte and NCFC, like DC and Loudon FC have men’s pro teams (MLS and USL Championship leagues). Their scouting is a lot different from those like the Kickers in USL1 because the attached academies have more meaningful contract potential, with obviously DC United and Charlotte greater than London or NCFC. IMG also does this, but their model is a bit different, the ex-placement from youth is more NIL driven than contract / transfer / solidarity fee based.

The pro-clubs also tend to scout and poach from MLS Next clubs. MLS Next clubs still haven’t bridged the gap that MLS Academies have in terms of pathways to professional teams. And the pro-academies are free, vs the paid clubs.

Outside of that, lots of kids move because in another market they can play top team vs 2nd or 3rd team in their original market. That makes a huge difference in looks if the boy wants to play in college. Those moves are largely player driven, not scouting driven.

Just to add on this too, signing with a US Academy (like United, Atlanta, Charlotte, etc) kills US Boy’s chances to play overseas. So you might get a little FOMO for your kid when you see these “movers and shakers” getting recruited out of market. But you should know that signing / move likely closed 90% of the doors for that athlete.

Why would that kill a player’s chances? Wouldn’t it be easier because they’ve been vetted by a pro team?

Training fees, transfer fees and solidarity fees. Turns a $100k prospect into a $400k gamble.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Through social media, I’ve noticed that there are a few local players who moved to academies outside of DC.

How did they do that? Did they reach out to those clubs when they were not scouted by DCU? Or did they move there from DCU? How would one get into those clubs without triggering interest from DCU? Or is that not possible? That is, those clubs are required to disclose to DCU that a player in their region is being considered at their club?

Boys or girls?

Boys

Re: Boys

Many of these destination academies have paid scouts. Charlotte and NCFC, like DC and Loudon FC have men’s pro teams (MLS and USL Championship leagues). Their scouting is a lot different from those like the Kickers in USL1 because the attached academies have more meaningful contract potential, with obviously DC United and Charlotte greater than London or NCFC. IMG also does this, but their model is a bit different, the ex-placement from youth is more NIL driven than contract / transfer / solidarity fee based.

The pro-clubs also tend to scout and poach from MLS Next clubs. MLS Next clubs still haven’t bridged the gap that MLS Academies have in terms of pathways to professional teams. And the pro-academies are free, vs the paid clubs.

Outside of that, lots of kids move because in another market they can play top team vs 2nd or 3rd team in their original market. That makes a huge difference in looks if the boy wants to play in college. Those moves are largely player driven, not scouting driven.

Just to add on this too, signing with a US Academy (like United, Atlanta, Charlotte, etc) kills US Boy’s chances to play overseas. So you might get a little FOMO for your kid when you see these “movers and shakers” getting recruited out of market. But you should know that signing / move likely closed 90% of the doors for that athlete.

Why would that kill a player’s chances? Wouldn’t it be easier because they’ve been vetted by a pro team?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be more specific. Do you mean another MLS academy? Or a pay to play MLS next academy?

On the girls side, sometimes girls get scouted at national events and are invited to train with NWSL teams by invite only.

It possible, on the boys side, they are noticed at high level events and are invited to train at another academy with the intent to have them join their side.

The NWSL thing is interesting. Last year the NWSL changed the rules to allow 3 roster spots for under-18 players, outside the draft, that the club wants to develop. Clubs haven’t jumped on this yet with a lot of vigor for a number of reason, not least that the club has to take on a lot of “raising a kid” responsibility and they don’t have the infrastructure for that yet, much less an extra facility / locker room for only a couple of minor players.

They also aren’t sure how to best utilize the spots yet, because, like Gotham, they sign a 14 year old, they’re likely stuck for 4 years with that player - and can’t free up a spot until the contract expires or they age out.

I think as the NWSL continues to mature, and the academies grow (again, like NCFC and SD Wave), you’ll see them take advantage of this. And maybe as the NCAA clarifies is new? rules on Amateurism this will be an exciting place to watch youth girls talent shine. This pathway also gets sticky because of FIFA rules on minor transfers, but this is probably a way NWSL and UEFA-W start to bridge the talent pools.

SD Wave doesn’t have an academy. NC Courage (you said NCFC) is not connected to the nwsl team other than branding.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be more specific. Do you mean another MLS academy? Or a pay to play MLS next academy?

On the girls side, sometimes girls get scouted at national events and are invited to train with NWSL teams by invite only.

It possible, on the boys side, they are noticed at high level events and are invited to train at another academy with the intent to have them join their side.

The NWSL thing is interesting. Last year the NWSL changed the rules to allow 3 roster spots for under-18 players, outside the draft, that the club wants to develop. Clubs haven’t jumped on this yet with a lot of vigor for a number of reason, not least that the club has to take on a lot of “raising a kid” responsibility and they don’t have the infrastructure for that yet, much less an extra facility / locker room for only a couple of minor players.

They also aren’t sure how to best utilize the spots yet, because, like Gotham, they sign a 14 year old, they’re likely stuck for 4 years with that player - and can’t free up a spot until the contract expires or they age out.

I think as the NWSL continues to mature, and the academies grow (again, like NCFC and SD Wave), you’ll see them take advantage of this. And maybe as the NCAA clarifies is new? rules on Amateurism this will be an exciting place to watch youth girls talent shine. This pathway also gets sticky because of FIFA rules on minor transfers, but this is probably a way NWSL and UEFA-W start to bridge the talent pools.

SD Wave doesn’t have an academy. NC Courage (you said NCFC) is not connected to the nwsl team other than branding.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Through social media, I’ve noticed that there are a few local players who moved to academies outside of DC.

How did they do that? Did they reach out to those clubs when they were not scouted by DCU? Or did they move there from DCU? How would one get into those clubs without triggering interest from DCU? Or is that not possible? That is, those clubs are required to disclose to DCU that a player in their region is being considered at their club?

Boys or girls?

Boys

Re: Boys

Many of these destination academies have paid scouts. Charlotte and NCFC, like DC and Loudon FC have men’s pro teams (MLS and USL Championship leagues). Their scouting is a lot different from those like the Kickers in USL1 because the attached academies have more meaningful contract potential, with obviously DC United and Charlotte greater than London or NCFC. IMG also does this, but their model is a bit different, the ex-placement from youth is more NIL driven than contract / transfer / solidarity fee based.

The pro-clubs also tend to scout and poach from MLS Next clubs. MLS Next clubs still haven’t bridged the gap that MLS Academies have in terms of pathways to professional teams. And the pro-academies are free, vs the paid clubs.

Outside of that, lots of kids move because in another market they can play top team vs 2nd or 3rd team in their original market. That makes a huge difference in looks if the boy wants to play in college. Those moves are largely player driven, not scouting driven.

Just to add on this too, signing with a US Academy (like United, Atlanta, Charlotte, etc) kills US Boy’s chances to play overseas. So you might get a little FOMO for your kid when you see these “movers and shakers” getting recruited out of market. But you should know that signing / move likely closed 90% of the doors for that athlete.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Be more specific. Do you mean another MLS academy? Or a pay to play MLS next academy?

On the girls side, sometimes girls get scouted at national events and are invited to train with NWSL teams by invite only.

It possible, on the boys side, they are noticed at high level events and are invited to train at another academy with the intent to have them join their side.

The NWSL thing is interesting. Last year the NWSL changed the rules to allow 3 roster spots for under-18 players, outside the draft, that the club wants to develop. Clubs haven’t jumped on this yet with a lot of vigor for a number of reason, not least that the club has to take on a lot of “raising a kid” responsibility and they don’t have the infrastructure for that yet, much less an extra facility / locker room for only a couple of minor players.

They also aren’t sure how to best utilize the spots yet, because, like Gotham, they sign a 14 year old, they’re likely stuck for 4 years with that player - and can’t free up a spot until the contract expires or they age out.

I think as the NWSL continues to mature, and the academies grow (again, like NCFC and SD Wave), you’ll see them take advantage of this. And maybe as the NCAA clarifies is new? rules on Amateurism this will be an exciting place to watch youth girls talent shine. This pathway also gets sticky because of FIFA rules on minor transfers, but this is probably a way NWSL and UEFA-W start to bridge the talent pools.

Anonymous wrote:Be more specific. Do you mean another MLS academy? Or a pay to play MLS next academy?

On the girls side, sometimes girls get scouted at national events and are invited to train with NWSL teams by invite only.

It possible, on the boys side, they are noticed at high level events and are invited to train at another academy with the intent to have them join their side.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Through social media, I’ve noticed that there are a few local players who moved to academies outside of DC.

How did they do that? Did they reach out to those clubs when they were not scouted by DCU? Or did they move there from DCU? How would one get into those clubs without triggering interest from DCU? Or is that not possible? That is, those clubs are required to disclose to DCU that a player in their region is being considered at their club?

Boys or girls?

Boys

Re: Boys

Many of these destination academies have paid scouts. Charlotte and NCFC, like DC and Loudon FC have men’s pro teams (MLS and USL Championship leagues). Their scouting is a lot different from those like the Kickers in USL1 because the attached academies have more meaningful contract potential, with obviously DC United and Charlotte greater than London or NCFC. IMG also does this, but their model is a bit different, the ex-placement from youth is more NIL driven than contract / transfer / solidarity fee based.

The pro-clubs also tend to scout and poach from MLS Next clubs. MLS Next clubs still haven’t bridged the gap that MLS Academies have in terms of pathways to professional teams. And the pro-academies are free, vs the paid clubs.

Outside of that, lots of kids move because in another market they can play top team vs 2nd or 3rd team in their original market. That makes a huge difference in looks if the boy wants to play in college. Those moves are largely player driven, not scouting driven.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Through social media, I’ve noticed that there are a few local players who moved to academies outside of DC.

How did they do that? Did they reach out to those clubs when they were not scouted by DCU? Or did they move there from DCU? How would one get into those clubs without triggering interest from DCU? Or is that not possible? That is, those clubs are required to disclose to DCU that a player in their region is being considered at their club?

Boys or girls?

Boys

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Through social media, I’ve noticed that there are a few local players who moved to academies outside of DC.

How did they do that? Did they reach out to those clubs when they were not scouted by DCU? Or did they move there from DCU? How would one get into those clubs without triggering interest from DCU? Or is that not possible? That is, those clubs are required to disclose to DCU that a player in their region is being considered at their club?

Boys or girls?

Anonymous wrote:Through social media, I’ve noticed that there are a few local players who moved to academies outside of DC.

How did they do that? Did they reach out to those clubs when they were not scouted by DCU? Or did they move there from DCU? How would one get into those clubs without triggering interest from DCU? Or is that not possible? That is, those clubs are required to disclose to DCU that a player in their region is being considered at their club?