Timbers Academy

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OYSA and the Timbers

Nice article on OYSA and Portland Timbers on the OYSA web site. Seems to me if the MLS Timbers are going to partner with OYSA and the DA, we all should.

We might want to reconsider the OPL

[Unregistered]

Nice article on OYSA and Portland Timbers on the OYSA web site. Seems to me if the MLS Timbers are going to partner with OYSA and the DA, we all should.

We might want to reconsider the OPL

Thanks Chuck!!!

[Unregistered]

Doing the Chucky dance

You know Chuck is doing the Ya Ya dance. The OPL failed to meet most of its goals.

1. No ODP option. When the Timbers came calling the OPL didn't have an answer and the Timbers sought out the best option for quality soccer in Oregon, OYSA.

2. The OPL did not fix the scheduling issues, infact they were worse than OYSA

3. Champions League vs State Cup for the younger U-12 to U14 (remeber if you were in the NWCL you couldn't do the OPL Directors Cup) NWCL was a joke. My guess is the NWCL won't even be back next year. What will the kids be playing for next year???? No State Cup????

3. The OPL did meet one of its goals. It diverted money into the pockets of the 8 founding partners. THUSC, FC, WSM, FC, ESU, OSSA, PCU and OSA. This money in no way found its way back into Oregon Youth Soccer.

Every team outside the OPL should be running back to OYSA, the Portland Timbers did.

[Unregistered]

This message was paid

You know Chuck is doing the Ya Ya dance. The OPL failed to meet most of its goals.

1. No ODP option. When the Timbers came calling the OPL didn't have an answer and the Timbers sought out the best option for quality soccer in Oregon, OYSA.

2. The OPL did not fix the scheduling issues, infact they were worse than OYSA

3. Champions League vs State Cup for the younger U-12 to U14 (remeber if you were in the NWCL you couldn't do the OPL Directors Cup) NWCL was a joke. My guess is the NWCL won't even be back next year. What will the kids be playing for next year???? No State Cup????

3. The OPL did meet one of its goals. It diverted money into the pockets of the 8 founding partners. THUSC, FC, WSM, FC, ESU, OSSA, PCU and OSA. This money in no way found its way back into Oregon Youth Soccer.

Every team outside the OPL should be running back to OYSA, the Portland Timbers did.

For by the over paid staff at OYSA!!

This is so full of lies and half truths it is truly embarrassing..

NWCL was not a joke, far from it.

State Cup is in the spring and the OPL has not had a chance to run their's yet.

Director's Cup was for the lower teams in the fall, not spring....OYSA had their own version of this...DOH!!!

Scheduling issues...examples? none of course.

Dude, get a grip

[Unregistered]

Filtering down to reality

You know Chuck is doing the Ya Ya dance. The OPL failed to meet most of its goals.

1. No ODP option. When the Timbers came calling the OPL didn't have an answer and the Timbers sought out the best option for quality soccer in Oregon, OYSA.

2. The OPL did not fix the scheduling issues, infact they were worse than OYSA

3. Champions League vs State Cup for the younger U-12 to U14 (remeber if you were in the NWCL you couldn't do the OPL Directors Cup) NWCL was a joke. My guess is the NWCL won't even be back next year. What will the kids be playing for next year???? No State Cup????

3. The OPL did meet one of its goals. It diverted money into the pockets of the 8 founding partners. THUSC, FC, WSM, FC, ESU, OSSA, PCU and OSA. This money in no way found its way back into Oregon Youth Soccer.

Every team outside the OPL should be running back to OYSA, the Portland Timbers did.

With all the background noise from the Pro OPL/OYSA individuals, it can sometimes be hard to get a clear grasp of a situation. In this case we have a third party, The Timbers, making a clear action that Soccer in Oregon is better in a united state. Forget the arguments about personalities or old insults that cant be forgotten, The Timber Academy focus is on finding the best players, and continuing their growth.

Gavin has been on-board with OPL since it was first thought of,

“We have a deep passion for developing the sport of soccer in Oregon,” said Timbers general manager/technical director Gavin Wilkinson. “With OYSA, we feel that we have created a model that will both identify gifted players and help strengthen the overall infrastructure of the sport at the youth levels. The ability to start developing home-grown players who will have the opportunity to one day play for the Timbers in MLS is special.”

Enough bickering already, lets put the hatchets down, and figure out what is needed to make this state work in a unified manner.

[Unregistered]

Thanks Chuck!!!

Your welcome John

[Unregistered]

What will actually take place

Right now there are no plans for a 'Timbers' USDA sanctioned boys team until Later 2012

What is being promoted today is the 'Timbers' via their partnership with the OYSA ODP program. A first step of branching out to 6 regional ODP/Timbers training centers for next year. OYSA cant pay it's technical director or ODP manager with it's current revenue shortfall. Merrit Paulson extended a life line to let these 2 gentlemen stay employed with the hopes of promoting Timbers and increasing ODP membership under an new brand name. Smart business and public relations move. You need to remember the timbers are in the business of selling their product to the soccer community so they can have paying fans in the newly renovated PGE park. This will be one aspect of the OYSA staffers re inventing the broken down Oregon ODP ...the bigger job for these two guys will be promoting Timbers youth camps all summer/possibly year .A significant Revenue stream that they can capture the soccer newbies into enjoying a week long fun camp. Makes em money, fans and spreads the word about the timbers.

The goal with the ODP/TImbers partnership is to generate a buzz for the timbers via a model that will have many non Academy level players participating--much like the current ODP system. Same ole Same ole..but rebranded as a 'Timbers' enterprise.

If and when the USDA teams are formed and registered by the USSF into the D.A. structure the ODP/Timbers will still hopefully still be partners as a potential feeder for some players to the USDA.
You need to realize that USDA players are not allowed to play in the 2nd tier ODP system. Unless they get cut for the USDA program.

When the Actual USDA teams are fielded for competition the best players will just show up and play whether or not they played in the Timbers/ODP will not be a concern. John Spencer and crew will identify the top players and have them commit to the Academy. The beauty is there is no competition for getting these players, no other USDA teams in our area. MONOPOLY of Oregon's best 15 to 18 year old boys. The real question is will Oregon be able to produce more Danny Mwanga's, Nate Jaqua, Chad Barret and Ryan Cochranes?

If not then don't be surprised to see players imported from other states or countries that actually have a chance of playing in the MLS...other wise the Timbers Acadmey will be subzidizing potential college players not MLS players...

Copying the Sounders models looks good in print...but the on field quality will be the true litmus test. Sadly Oregon doesn't have a population base that would field Sounders/Crossfire type of teams and players. Oregon sends 1 player every 10 years to the ACC or PAC 10 on a full ride/3/4 ride. Washington sends 8 to 15 players to these top NCAA soccer schools every year.

Suggestion for portland follow the Real Salt lake model for the top youth in the area.

[Unregistered]

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The OPL has one motive to make or take your money. For the crap organization that OYSA is at least they invested in Oregon soccer by giving money to ODP, loans to clubs and they helped with travel cost. The OPL, not.

Actually the OPL gave $1000 to both teams who went to Nationals to help with travel costs. Having the Timbers Academy run through OYSA really doesn't matter. Once the boys are old enough to be on a travel team with the Timbers they'll belong to the Timbers anyway.

[Soca lova]

When the Actual USDA teams are fielded for competition the best players will just show up and play whether or not they played in the Timbers/ODP will not be a concern. John Spencer and crew will identify the top players and have them commit to the Academy. The beauty is there is no competition for getting these players, no other USDA teams in our area. MONOPOLY of Oregon's best 15 to 18 year old boys. The real question is will Oregon be able to produce more Danny Mwanga's, Nate Jaqua, Chad Barret and Ryan Cochranes.

Wow, nice exposition, clearly this poster has broad familiarity with different MLS Programs. That said, the quote above is disturbing, DA is for U-16s and up. When you look at that end of the funnel the elite player pool has through attrition gotten smaller and smaller. ODP is a promising offering for
U12-U15. Unlike the posters claim, the DA players have to come from somewhere. They don't just rise from the earth as U16 DA players. It is unfortunate the poster has such a negative view of what the Oregon soccer community offers.

[Unregistered]

I would like to add that the DA teams nationwide produce MANY college players (see the Academy website for all the college signings) and a few MLS talents for the parent club or other pro teams. If you look at the current group of Oregon DA aged boys there is A LOT of top talent. There may even be a few pros in there--Doholis, Munger, Miller, Sanchez are some that come to mind at the oldest age level.
I think this is a huge win for Oregon and Oregon will have no problem fielding competitive teams with Seattle, Salt Lake and NorCal. It's very exciting and I have no doubts about it's success.

[Unregistered]

It's very exciting and I have no doubts about it's success.

If for no other reason than the mentoring that can/will take place.

[Unregistered]

Right now there are no plans for a 'Timbers' USDA sanctioned boys team until Later 2012

What is being promoted today is the 'Timbers' via their partnership with the OYSA ODP program. A first step of branching out to 6 regional ODP/Timbers training centers for next year. OYSA cant pay it's technical director or ODP manager with it's current revenue shortfall. Merrit Paulson extended a life line to let these 2 gentlemen stay employed with the hopes of promoting Timbers and increasing ODP membership under an new brand name. Smart business and public relations move. You need to remember the timbers are in the business of selling their product to the soccer community so they can have paying fans in the newly renovated PGE park. This will be one aspect of the OYSA staffers re inventing the broken down Oregon ODP ...the bigger job for these two guys will be promoting Timbers youth camps all summer/possibly year .A significant Revenue stream that they can capture the soccer newbies into enjoying a week long fun camp. Makes em money, fans and spreads the word about the timbers.

The goal with the ODP/TImbers partnership is to generate a buzz for the timbers via a model that will have many non Academy level players participating--much like the current ODP system. Same ole Same ole..but rebranded as a 'Timbers' enterprise.

If and when the USDA teams are formed and registered by the USSF into the D.A. structure the ODP/Timbers will still hopefully still be partners as a potential feeder for some players to the USDA.
You need to realize that USDA players are not allowed to play in the 2nd tier ODP system. Unless they get cut for the USDA program.

When the Actual USDA teams are fielded for competition the best players will just show up and play whether or not they played in the Timbers/ODP will not be a concern. John Spencer and crew will identify the top players and have them commit to the Academy. The beauty is there is no competition for getting these players, no other USDA teams in our area. MONOPOLY of Oregon's best 15 to 18 year old boys. The real question is will Oregon be able to produce more Danny Mwanga's, Nate Jaqua, Chad Barret and Ryan Cochranes?

If not then don't be surprised to see players imported from other states or countries that actually have a chance of playing in the MLS...other wise the Timbers Acadmey will be subzidizing potential college players not MLS players...

Copying the Sounders models looks good in print...but the on field quality will be the true litmus test. Sadly Oregon doesn't have a population base that would field Sounders/Crossfire type of teams and players. Oregon sends 1 player every 10 years to the ACC or PAC 10 on a full ride/3/4 ride. Washington sends 8 to 15 players to these top NCAA soccer schools every year.

Suggestion for portland follow the Real Salt lake model for the top youth in the area.

You sound really hurt over this new relationship that the Timbers have with OYSA and it's ODP Program. Did it take money out of your pocket ? If not, and your just here beating your chest (and sharing just your opinion) in angst your words were well written.

Regardless, the program will bring soccer more unified in Oregon, at least for the higher level players. With their year round training centers throughout Oregon and SW Washington (much like the younger age ODP players are experiencing now), it should increase the overall skill level of those players participating and offer a greater opportunity for players to be seen nationally and their results to be promoted.

I only wish (since I have one) that the program was being offered on the girls side as well. Mine is young enough that maybe before HS ends, she will have this same opportunity and be able to add it to her resume of sorts.

Great Job Merritt, Gavin, Mike and Erik for putting this all together and giving this State the greatest opportunity so far.

[Unregistered]

You sound really hurt over this new relationship that the Timbers have with OYSA and it's ODP Program. Did it take money out of your pocket ? If not, and your just here beating your chest (and sharing just your opinion) in angst your words were well written.

Regardless, the program will bring soccer more unified in Oregon, at least for the higher level players. With their year round training centers throughout Oregon and SW Washington (much like the younger age ODP players are experiencing now), it should increase the overall skill level of those players participating and offer a greater opportunity for players to be seen nationally and their results to be promoted.

I only wish (since I have one) that the program was being offered on the girls side as well. Mine is young enough that maybe before HS ends, she will have this same opportunity and be able to add it to her resume of sorts.

Great Job Merritt, Gavin, Mike and Erik for putting this all together and giving this State the greatest opportunity so far.

To get the girls side going will have to come from USSOCCER. I'm not sure there has been much problem developing female talent in the USA that can go and compete and win at the international level. Different needs on the boys/men side--there needs to be much more focus on the development--hence the creation of the USDA.
Since boys and girls youth soccer share so much, it kind of nice, and it makes sense, to have this emphasis on the boys side where it is truly needed.

[Unregistered]

To get the girls side going will have to come from USSOCCER. I'm not sure there has been much problem developing female talent in the USA that can go and compete and win at the international level. Different needs on the boys/men side--there needs to be much more focus on the development--hence the creation of the USDA.
Since boys and girls youth soccer share so much, it kind of nice, and it makes sense, to have this emphasis on the boys side where it is truly needed.

Im curious why it is that you think that only USSOCCER (assuming you mean US Club Soccer, correct me if Im wrong) is the only organization to provide such development on the girls side ?

USYS has been doing a pretty good job so far and I believe that AYSO also has a development/identification program with direct connection to the US DA as well dont they ? If so, what is it about US Club's programs that makes it superior to the others ?

[Unregistered]

Im curious why it is that you think that only USSOCCER (assuming you mean US Club Soccer, correct me if Im wrong) is the only organization to provide such development on the girls side ?

USYS has been doing a pretty good job so far and I believe that AYSO also has a development/identification program with direct connection to the US DA as well dont they ? If so, what is it about US Club's programs that makes it superior to the others ?

USSOCCER is the organizing body for our National Teams. I think they wanted greater control over boy's youth development so they formed the DA. Any of the groups that you mentioned could create a similar system for the girls, not just USSOCCER. My personal opinion is that USYSA, US Club, ODP, and NCAA have been more than adequate for developing female players for international competition. There doesn't seem to be a need for a female DA. And like I said, just my opinion.