Girls Development Academy

[pulguita]

Good catch. I didn't know that. Thanks for clarifying.

With the winner getting an all expense paid trip to Gothia Sweden for the World Championship. Really sucks that they do not play this tournament anymore. I am sure ECNL, DA, whatever totally hosed this up. Nike gets more out of ECNL and DA than they were getting from Manchester.

Little Flea, if you understood the true purpose of US Soccer (not stated, but through actions), you might not get so upset. US Soccer has demonstrated that their only goal is to grow the income base, not necessarily the player base (GDA as an example) but if player base grows, it is merely a side benefit. Your passion for the sport has clouded your vision. Do you not see the posts on this board of all the parents praising the GDA and all its achievements? Really quite impressive when you consider that, for all real purposes, it hasn't even started yet. Having watched the implementation of Boys DA and seen what a disaster the results are, I fear that the USWNT, who was so dominant for so long, will continue it's decline on the world stage. What makes the rise of the European teams that much more impressive is that they are still years away from their culture fully buying into girls soccer. Yes, girls have been playing there for years but on average, the buy in is nothing like here in the states. I have yet to see a girls European U8 club circuit, but I digress.

To cite an example of your point about who calls the shots...didn't Schalke 04's refuse to release three American players (U20s, I think) for our Olympic qualifiers?

US Soccer continues to look for ways to get more dollars from the public's wallet without having to deliver results. What a business model. I don't expect to see that change anytime soon.

I thought I have revealed exactly what US Soccer is. That's why it would be fascinating to watch someone kick them in the teeth.

 

[pulguita]

As a parent in today's soccer we better all know the main object is money. That's why we act as our kids agents and find them the best club for their development on the road to riches (scholarships, pro team, yada yada).

As a life time sales rep I just don't know if I agree US Soccer believes they don't have to show results to get the AMOUNT of money they want. With both my kids playing DA now there has been a very clear move to producing a high level product (players playing productive, winning and beautiful soccer) with HUGE investments coming in at the club level. Now that may be the clubs (lucky us) we have chosen/been chosen by, but I'm seeing a movement towards this with the competitors also.

Another factor is competing federations are starting to snatch up our "not as marketable" higher level talent on the girls side. With these other federations starting to see success with American born/raised players and the players being open to going, it is changing the playing field a bit. No longer does US Soccer have to put all it's top talent on the US teams to show it is building / developing productive high level players that are international worthy.

Many of my kids teammates have opportunities outside the US. So many can play for the Philippines, Mexico, Nigeria, Sweden, Jamaica, Costa Rica, etc.... And are doing that at the youth level teams (this is the girls as the boys are too young). More power to them. If your kid can play in the Olympics and World Cup and the US doesn't want them, oh well. Get in where you fit in.

My point is this is a win win for the players and US Soccer when we play it right and stay focused on the long term goals of college scholarships and keeping these damn kids out of trouble so they can have productive adult lives. Some of us know who the big pimps on the block are. US Soccer, NCAA, ECNL, the Clubs. We are navigating the red light district the best we can without being used and abused ourselves.
You are missing the boat. Do the players want a lucrative professional playing career for the next 10-15 years or do they want to just try to help the US win a world cup
Thing is, this is the system we have. I can hate it, but my kids love the game and are playing at the higher levels so I have to buy in, but with open eyes. See the pitfalls, listen to the vets and get them to the finish line wherever that ends up.

As a parent in today's soccer we better all know the main object is money. That's why we act as our kids agents and find them the best club for their development on the road to riches (scholarships, pro team, yada yada).

As a life time sales rep I just don't know if I agree US Soccer believes they don't have to show results to get the AMOUNT of money they want. With both my kids playing DA now there has been a very clear move to producing a high level product (players playing productive, winning and beautiful soccer) with HUGE investments coming in at the club level. Now that may be the clubs (lucky us) we have chosen/been chosen by, but I'm seeing a movement towards this with the competitors also.

Another factor is competing federations are starting to snatch up our "not as marketable" higher level talent on the girls side. With these other federations starting to see success with American born/raised players and the players being open to going, it is changing the playing field a bit. No longer does US Soccer have to put all it's top talent on the US teams to show it is building / developing productive high level players that are international worthy.

Many of my kids teammates have opportunities outside the US. So many can play for the Philippines, Mexico, Nigeria, Sweden, Jamaica, Costa Rica, etc.... And are doing that at the youth level teams (this is the girls as the boys are too young). More power to them. If your kid can play in the Olympics and World Cup and the US doesn't want them, oh well. Get in where you fit in.

My point is this is a win win for the players and US Soccer when we play it right and stay focused on the long term goals of college scholarships and keeping these damn kids out of trouble so they can have productive adult lives. Some of us know who the big pimps on the block are. US Soccer, NCAA, ECNL, the Clubs. We are navigating the red light district the best we can without being used and abused ourselves.

Thing is, this is the system we have. I can hate it, but my kids love the game and are playing at the higher levels so I have to buy in, but with open eyes. See the pitfalls, listen to the vets and get them to the finish line wherever that ends up.

Here it is in a nutshell. Do the players want to enjoy a lucrative professional soccer career for the next 12-15 years (tip MLS and NWSL aren't it) playing a game they love or do they want to help the US win a world cup or do better once every 4 years? Everywhere else in the world the clubs develop players to either sell and make money or strengthen their 1st team. The players in those systems are there to be a professional and make $. If they get to the national team it is icing on the cake. The US is the only soccer country that is backwards.

 

[NoGoal]

As a parent in today's soccer we better all know the main object is money. That's why we act as our kids agents and find them the best club for their development on the road to riches (scholarships, pro team, yada yada).

As a life time sales rep I just don't know if I agree US Soccer believes they don't have to show results to get the AMOUNT of money they want. With both my kids playing DA now there has been a very clear move to producing a high level product (players playing productive, winning and beautiful soccer) with HUGE investments coming in at the club level. Now that may be the clubs (lucky us) we have chosen/been chosen by, but I'm seeing a movement towards this with the competitors also.

Another factor is competing federations are starting to snatch up our "not as marketable" higher level talent on the girls side. With these other federations starting to see success with American born/raised players and the players being open to going, it is changing the playing field a bit. No longer does US Soccer have to put all it's top talent on the US teams to show it is building / developing productive high level players that are international worthy.

Many of my kids teammates have opportunities outside the US. So many can play for the Philippines, Mexico, Nigeria, Sweden, Jamaica, Costa Rica, etc.... And are doing that at the youth level teams (this is the girls as the boys are too young). More power to them. If your kid can play in the Olympics and World Cup and the US doesn't want them, oh well. Get in where you fit in.

My point is this is a win win for the players and US Soccer when we play it right and stay focused on the long term goals of college scholarships and keeping these damn kids out of trouble so they can have productive adult lives. Some of us know who the big pimps on the block are. US Soccer, NCAA, ECNL, the Clubs. We are navigating the red light district the best we can without being used and abused ourselves.

Thing is, this is the system we have. I can hate it, but my kids love the game and are playing at the higher levels so I have to buy in, but with open eyes. See the pitfalls, listen to the vets and get them to the finish line wherever that ends up.

Don't mistaken Christian Pulisic rise and credit it to the US Soccer DA system. His parents knew better and applied for Croatian dual citizenship (Croatian heritage), so their son could get training at 15/16 years old with Borussia Dortmund's Academy (arguably Germany's best youth boys academy). As for the other young men, it is difficult for US only teenage boys to play for a European Development Academy, because of FIFA bylaws. Refer to Ben Lederman.

 

[NoGoal]

Here it is in a nutshell. Do the players want to enjoy a lucrative professional soccer career for the next 12-15 years (tip MLS and NWSL aren't it) playing a game they love or do they want to help the US win a world cup or do better once every 4 years? Everywhere else in the world the clubs develop players to either sell and make money or strengthen their 1st team. The players in those systems are there to be a professional and make $. If they get to the national team it is icing on the cake. The US is the only soccer country that is backwards.

Past their prime Euro players can make good retirement money in the MLS, LOL. See: Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard, Pirlo, Villa, etc

 

[C.A.M.]

Past their prime Euro players can make good retirement money in the MLS, LOL. See: Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard, Pirlo, Villa, etc

Now don't kill me for this, but here is my reasoning. Ok She is 14 this month and he is 11.5. If they were to go pro before college (don't go there ) I have 4 years and 7 years before they are done with high school. If they can make 60k+ per diem as pro athletes that's better than what most people are getting in this job market. Decent living to play the game you love and be in supreme shape. Low on the professional scale. If they go overseas and play they may bump that income up another 10-25% depending on the exchange rate and standard pay. He is a keeper with the backing of coaches connected in the EPL. The Championship in England pays pretty damn good compared to the MLS.

If they can get more it only makes it sweeter. The leagues have time to grow the fan bases and $ investments. They look way better than I do so endorsements could always net more than the salary.

My idea is this - have them be the best they can be and ready to take advantage of the positive opportunities that come their way. Keep them out of the hands of the soul snatching crap coaches and have them grow, grow and grow.

 

[NoGoal]

Now don't kill me for this, but here is my reasoning. Ok She is 14 this month and he is 11.5. If they were to go pro before college (don't go there ) I have 4 years and 7 years before they are done with high school. If they can make 60k+ per diem as pro athletes that's better than what most people are getting in this job market. Decent living to play the game you love and be in supreme shape. Low on the professional scale. If they go overseas and play they may bump that income up another 10-25% depending on the exchange rate and standard pay. He is a keeper with the backing of coaches connected in the EPL. The Championship in England pays pretty damn good compared to the MLS.

If they can get more it only makes it sweeter. The leagues have time to grow the fan bases and $ investments. They look way better than I do so endorsements could always net more than the salary.

My idea is this - have them be the best they can be and ready to take advantage of the positive opportunities that come their way. Keep them out of the hands of the soul snatching crap coaches and have them grow, grow and grow.

Nothing wrong with aiming for the stars. Just know your DD better be the #1 or #2 player in her birth year and retains her ranking throughout her development including college and is being fast tracked to the Sr WNT. If not, good luck to her trying to make 60K playing NWSL as a professional player, the average is 25K a season.

 

[C.A.M.]

Nothing wrong with aiming for the stars. Just know your DD better be the #1 or #2 player in her birth year and retains her ranking throughout her development including college and is being fast tracked to the Sr WNT. If not, good luck to her trying to make 60K playing NWSL as a professional player, the average is 25K a season.

That's today's average. I'm accounting for inflation and the sports growth.

 

[NoGoal]

That's today's average. I'm accounting for inflation and the sports growth.

Like I said, good luck with that. Especially if you think in 10 yrs the NWSL average salary will more than double in salary. The NWSL clubs can't even pay their US WNT players salaries on their own.

 

[C.A.M.]

Like I said, good luck with that. Especially if you think in 10 yrs the NWSL average salary will more than double in salary. The NWSL clubs can't even pay their US WNT players salaries on their own.

I know. Not necessarily tlthinking NWSL. Her game fits how the Euro women play and the financial backing from those leagues SEEMS better. Like I said - get as good as possible and explore the options available. She wants to be a plastic surgeon so the pro game isn't the end all be all for her. I know she would do it if available though.

 

[MakeAPlay]

Now don't kill me for this, but here is my reasoning. Ok She is 14 this month and he is 11.5. If they were to go pro before college (don't go there ) I have 4 years and 7 years before they are done with high school. If they can make 60k+ per diem as pro athletes that's better than what most people are getting in this job market. Decent living to play the game you love and be in supreme shape. Low on the professional scale. If they go overseas and play they may bump that income up another 10-25% depending on the exchange rate and standard pay. He is a keeper with the backing of coaches connected in the EPL. The Championship in England pays pretty damn good compared to the MLS.

If they can get more it only makes it sweeter. The leagues have time to grow the fan bases and $ investments. They look way better than I do so endorsements could always net more than the salary.

My idea is this - have them be the best they can be and ready to take advantage of the positive opportunities that come their way. Keep them out of the hands of the soul snatching crap coaches and have them grow, grow and grow.

I would never kill somebody for optimism. Out of curiosity are you a former or current professional athlete?

 

[MakeAPlay]

I know. Not necessarily tlthinking NWSL. Her game fits how the Euro women play and the financial backing from those leagues SEEMS better. Like I said - get as good as possible and explore the options available. She wants to be a plastic surgeon so the pro game isn't the end all be all for her. I know she would do it if available though.

Only the highest of the high level US players get lucrative offers to play overseas. Most of the players that go overseas weren't desirable enough to get offers to play in the NWSL although there are exceptions. I like the plastic surgery idea as plan "A" and the pro soccer as plan "B". If your dd is thinking about pro soccer abroad she better be on the YNT by U18. Good luck to you and both of your players.

 

[C.A.M.]

I would never kill somebody for optimism. Out of curiosity are you a former or current professional athlete?

No, but was surrounded by high level athletes. D1 and pro athletes came out of my neighborhood and school. I played the wrong sports from that, but watching them go through the process taught me a lot. Plenty of pros in basketball, football and baseball.

Best friend was D1 in water polo and played on the national teams. Me being his road dog showed me the ropes. We actually discuss and plan for my kids since no one expected me to have the ballers.

 

[C.A.M.]

Only the highest of the high level US players get lucrative offers to play overseas. Most of the players that go overseas weren't desirable enough to get offers to play in the NWSL although there are exceptions. I like the plastic surgery idea as plan "A" and the pro soccer as plan "B". If your dd is thinking about pro soccer abroad she better be on the YNT by U18. Good luck to you and both of your players.

Education first always. One bad play can end any career right? Thank you.

We are realistic that even if she is 5x better and he is a stud, his prospects are much better. American keepers have more overseas opportunities than field players. Pro athletics is a pipe dream. Thing is, the streets are flooded with product so we can all get high.

 

[chargerfan]

Now don't kill me for this, but here is my reasoning. Ok She is 14 this month and he is 11.5. If they were to go pro before college (don't go there ) I have 4 years and 7 years before they are done with high school. If they can make 60k+ per diem as pro athletes that's better than what most people are getting in this job market. Decent living to play the game you love and be in supreme shape. Low on the professional scale. If they go overseas and play they may bump that income up another 10-25% depending on the exchange rate and standard pay. He is a keeper with the backing of coaches connected in the EPL. The Championship in England pays pretty damn good compared to the MLS.

If they can get more it only makes it sweeter. The leagues have time to grow the fan bases and $ investments. They look way better than I do so endorsements could always net more than the salary.

My idea is this - have them be the best they can be and ready to take advantage of the positive opportunities that come their way. Keep them out of the hands of the soul snatching crap coaches and have them grow, grow and grow.

Your daughter is 03? I can think of 2, maybe 3 03's where this is maybe an option. Realistically, your daughter has a better shot at becoming president. Focus on grades.

 

[C.A.M.]

So where are all your kids in the process? Are they at universities? Are they looking at going pro? How are they feeling about their soccer careers when looking back!

 

[NoGoal]

So where are all your kids in the process? Are they at universities? Are they looking at going pro? How are they feeling about their soccer careers when looking back!

My DD is reporting to her college team next Sunday. She knows her college education comes first and to also enjoy the experience and have fun. To keep soccer in perspective, my wife and I explained to her she should treat her athletic scholarship has a salary and her college coaches are her manager and supervisors. To listen and do as they ask of her. She is not even thinking about playing professionally.

 

[C.A.M.]

Your daughter is 03? I can think of 2, maybe 3 03's where this is maybe an option. Realistically, your daughter has a better shot at becoming president. Focus on grades.

One thing I learned from being around all those pros - many of the ones who made it weren't the ones people thought they would be. The ones who made it were above average kids whose growth in the game exploded after 16 years old. My view of what makes a solid pro who can play for years is different than what most think.

Kind of like how the best defensive ends in the NFL are usually just really good college guys that surpass what the highly projected players do. Why, because these guys were ironing out their flaws and working to be consistent at the high level. Pro and D1 coaches value certain things in a player that is overlooked by coaches at the lower levels. That's why the term "the ultimate professional" exists.

Talent matters, but talent isn't only physical.​

 

[C.A.M.]

My DD is reporting to her college team next Sunday. She knows her college education comes first and to also enjoy the experience and have fun. To keep soccer in perspective, my wife and I explained to her she should treat her athletic scholarship has a salary and her college coaches are her manager and supervisors. To listen and do as they ask of her. She is not even thinking about playing professionally.

Very happy for you all. It's awesome to hear about this type of success.

 

[NoGoal]

One thing I learned from being around all those pros - many of the ones who made it weren't the ones people thought they would be. The ones who made it were above average kids whose growth in the game exploded after 16 years old. My view of what makes a solid pro who can play for years is different than what most think.

Kind of like how the best defensive ends in the NFL are usually just really good college guys that surpass what the highly projected players do. Why, because these guys were ironing out their flaws and working to be consistent at the high level. Pro and D1 coaches value certain things in a player that is overlooked by coaches at the lower levels. That's why the term "the ultimate professional" exists.

Talent matters, but talent isn't only physical.​

At least you have a plan.

True cautionary tale. I heard of a parent a few years back. She had a U12/13 DD who was a GK and had a son playing club soccer too. The parent got so caught up and lost all perspective. She had both kids home schooled, so they could have more time training on their soccer game. I never heard what happened to those kids, but I did know at the time they were both "NOT" YNT players. She was a poster on the old forum format.

 

[chargerfan]

One thing I learned from being around all those pros - many of the ones who made it weren't the ones people thought they would be. The ones who made it were above average kids whose growth in the game exploded after 16 years old. My view of what makes a solid pro who can play for years is different than what most think.

Kind of like how the best defensive ends in the NFL are usually just really good college guys that surpass what the highly projected players do. Why, because these guys were ironing out their flaws and working to be consistent at the high level. Pro and D1 coaches value certain things in a player that is overlooked by coaches at the lower levels. That's why the term "the ultimate professional" exists.

Talent matters, but talent isn't only physical.​

Well that is even more of a unicorn situation. what percentage of the uswnt wasn't identified as a top player by the age of 16?