U.S. soccer dev program adding clubs in oregon

[Unregistered]

Is dilution really bad? Since it's not practical to train and travel each week to Seattle or CA with a consolidated group of the top talent, wouldn't it be better to spread them out and have them lead teams that play against each other throughout the year?

What is the benefit of creating a super team and beating up on non-super teams? Does super team goalie get better by saving 0-1 shots on goal each game? The same goes for every position really. To maximize growth and development I'd think you'd want to put kids in situations where they're struggling to succeed most of the time.

That's an easy fix. Our club plays against older teams all of the time

[Unregistered]

they've always been feeders for pro teams, and they're not exactly pretending they won't be in this system. they all know they're not getting a U14 academy side in the future, and that the best thing for them, in terms of publicity, would be for them to get the most u12 players from their team into the u14 timbers squad. this is the way it should be. or, those not serious about making the u14 timbers, and then the u16 and 18s, and senior team, should just play for fun.

The best thing in terms of publicity for any of these seven clubs would be, having a documented history of fielding top state level and regional level teams. Accomplished coaches with a track record of developing collegiate and professional players. Since none of that is evident in Oregon at the moment, the best thing would be to figure out how to do it.

Missed the boat, guys!

[Unregistered]

Missed the boat, guys!

and it seems like you're really determined to be on that other ship we passed in the night.

[Unregistered]

Why not? If they follow the outlined curriculum, then why can't they be considered Development Academies? They're not promising to produce the best tournament teams in the state. It seems they're simply creating a plan to maximize the development of young players.

Of course there will be more teams at the younger age as there are more players who are interested in testing the limits of their genetics and will to succeed. As those limits are found, players will gravitate towards the opportunities that best suit them.

Since they are not USDA Clubs in the real word, you can consider calling them anything you want. That's the beauty of Oregon youth soccer insanity. No one cares.

You have the ability to create whatever label you want and hope no one digs into the details.

It's awesome!

[Unregistered]

and it seems like you're really determined to be on that other ship we passed in the night.

Nope didn't sign up for the cruise package with all the bonus excursions.

My ship has long sailed pass.

Now it's just fun to watch Mchale's navy from banks of the Willamette and Columbia.

[Unregistered]

Since they are not USDA Clubs in the real word, you can consider calling them anything you want. That's the beauty of Oregon youth soccer insanity. No one cares.

You have the ability to create whatever label you want and hope no one digs into the details.

It's awesome!

...but if you take the time to 'dig into the details' of the proposed program, then it plainly tells you what to expect. It appears to be a very sound plan to develop young players.

Is your problem with it that it's not exclusive enough? What part(s) of the plan would be bad for an aspiring young player?

[Unregistered]

Since they are not USDA Clubs in the real word, you can consider calling them anything you want. That's the beauty of Oregon youth soccer insanity. No one cares.

You have the ability to create whatever label you want and hope no one digs into the details.

It's awesome!

they're collectively called feeder clubs. just like a couple of clubs you probably never heard of, gremio, newell's old boys, andorinha, brimsdown rovers -clubs like that.

[Unregistered]

my main question for Rene is, if you're pooling with FCP, why not do the right think and merge with them. quit diluting and consolidate already. Same to all the Crossfire teams, just officially become one club, streamline it.

There are advantages to having feeders to feeders.

This forum mostly ignores rec soccer, but there are probably 10x the rec players and clubs as classic. Which is fine. Rec serves its purpose, and one of the nice parts of rec is that you generally don't have to drive very far for practice or games. Of course, the soccer is generally poor, but for most kids, it's good enough. Not everyone has pretense at becoming elite.

Depending on who you ask, and some break it down even finer, there seem to be five levels of competitive youth soccer. (Level 0 is rec).

1) "Bronze"/"Founders Cup"/"Division 2": Lowest level of classic soccer, may include semi-classic clubs like LYS (or even skilled rec clubs, particularly in communities that can't support classic soccer). Tryouts exclude kids who are manifestly unsuited for competitive sports, but these clubs are hardly elite, and may include many kids who aren't great athletes, or who have limited training, or noticeable deficiencies in skill. Top 90-95th percentile of organized soccer players (with the other 90% being in rec), 98th percentile of kids overall. Portland area can probably support several dozens of such teams at U11-U14 age groups; less at older groups as HS kids specialize more.

2) "Silver"/"Presidents Cup"/"Division 1": Far greater levels of skill--all kids here can play the game well, are good athletes, are fundamentally sounds, and should be able to play tactically-organized soccer (no bootball, no thugball, no reliance on athletic superiority). 95th-98th percentile of organized soccer players or so. Portland area can probably support 2 dozen teams in U11-U14.

3) "Gold"/"State Cup"/"Premier". Excellent players. Like silver, but willing to endure far more intense training and travel requirements. May be elite players in terms of physical ability and skill. Able to consistently play game at fast place. Top 1-2% of organized soccer players. Probably a dozen legit teams in this category--though many more teams compete in OYSA premier, a lot of them probably would be better off in Division 1.

4) "Platinum"/ECNL/DA/ODP: Elite players. Exceptional physical ablities, exceptional emotional maturity, exceptional technique, exceptional knowledge of game. Top 0.1% of organized soccer players at age level. (And even given that, only a tiny fraction of these will ever play for money, scholarships, or international glory). Right now there are 6 U12/U13 DA teams planned, which I suspect might be too many if these are to be elite teams.

5) "Diamond"/National teams/academies. Regional academies and the national team pool; academies of the world's top pro clubs (no, Portland Timbers do not count). Top 0.01% of organized soccer players, so top 0.001-002% of age group overall. Uber-elite players on whom large bets are being placed as to their future success. May receive compensation for play even as children (though NCAA rules limit this in the US).

The point is--the youth soccer pyramid is a pyramid, and the higher up you go, the fewer teams there are, and the further you can expect to travel. There are Level 4 teams in Portland, but no Level 5 opportunities--that sort of training requires travel to California or Florida or Europe or wherever else the truly elite academies are located.

People accept the division between Level 0 (rec) and 1 (classic), and the division between 4-5. The division between 3-4 is more contentious, and is the source of many flamewars here, especially on the girls' side. (That ECNL is reportedly expensive, and doesn't provide many opportunities for elite players that can't afford thousands in club fees and travel, exacerbates the problem). But the divisions between 1-3 seem to be less clear-cut; with many smaller clubs trying to compete in State Cup with a limited player pool (the only clubs that have much success seem to be those which provide subsidized training to elite players and simply cut everyone else and don't bother to field low-level teams--LASC/ADF comes to mind); and conversely, a few trophy-hunting clubs will occasionally go "smurfing" in D1/D2. But there are probably many local clubs that would be better off focusing solely at levels 1 and 2, and referring elite talent to a smaller number of clubs which can field elite teams at levels 3/4 (and which might get compensated for such referrals). And perhaps large regional clubs like Westside, Eastside, or Wash Timbers should spin off their Level 1/2 teams and focus on elite players.

[Unregistered]

People accept the division between Level 0 (rec) and 1 (classic), and the division between 4-5. The division between 3-4 is more contentious, and is the source of many flamewars here, especially on the girls' side. (That ECNL is reportedly expensive, and doesn't provide many opportunities for elite players that can't afford thousands in club fees and travel, exacerbates the problem). But the divisions between 1-3 seem to be less clear-cut; with many smaller clubs trying to compete in State Cup with a limited player pool (the only clubs that have much success seem to be those which provide subsidized training to elite players and simply cut everyone else and don't bother to field low-level teams--LASC/ADF comes to mind); and conversely, a few trophy-hunting clubs will occasionally go "smurfing" in D1/D2. But there are probably many local clubs that would be better off focusing solely at levels 1 and 2, and referring elite talent to a smaller number of clubs which can field elite teams at levels 3/4 (and which might get compensated for such referrals). And perhaps large regional clubs like Westside, Eastside, or Wash Timbers should spin off their Level 1/2 teams and focus on elite players.

the second half of your paragraph is an argument for consolidating all the rec and semi classic teams under one division. and yest the large clubs should focus on only putting their (not actually) "elite" players in the dev academy. put everybody under one umbrella have dad volunteer to coach at the base levels, but give that base team a clear direction to a different level. if those players want to go to a different level, if not everybody is rec, as they are now, but without pretense, and with fewer dull cookies mucking things up.

[Unregistered]

There are advantages to having feeders to feeders.

This forum mostly ignores rec soccer, but there are probably 10x the rec players and clubs as classic. Which is fine. Rec serves its purpose, and one of the nice parts of rec is that you generally don't have to drive very far for practice or games. Of course, the soccer is generally poor, but for most kids, it's good enough. Not everyone has pretense at becoming elite.

Depending on who you ask, and some break it down even finer, there seem to be five levels of competitive youth soccer. (Level 0 is rec).

1) "Bronze"/"Founders Cup"/"Division 2": Lowest level of classic soccer, may include semi-classic clubs like LYS (or even skilled rec clubs, particularly in communities that can't support classic soccer). Tryouts exclude kids who are manifestly unsuited for competitive sports, but these clubs are hardly elite, and may include many kids who aren't great athletes, or who have limited training, or noticeable deficiencies in skill. Top 90-95th percentile of organized soccer players (with the other 90% being in rec), 98th percentile of kids overall. Portland area can probably support several dozens of such teams at U11-U14 age groups; less at older groups as HS kids specialize more.

2) "Silver"/"Presidents Cup"/"Division 1": Far greater levels of skill--all kids here can play the game well, are good athletes, are fundamentally sounds, and should be able to play tactically-organized soccer (no bootball, no thugball, no reliance on athletic superiority). 95th-98th percentile of organized soccer players or so. Portland area can probably support 2 dozen teams in U11-U14.

3) "Gold"/"State Cup"/"Premier". Excellent players. Like silver, but willing to endure far more intense training and travel requirements. May be elite players in terms of physical ability and skill. Able to consistently play game at fast place. Top 1-2% of organized soccer players. Probably a dozen legit teams in this category--though many more teams compete in OYSA premier, a lot of them probably would be better off in Division 1.

4) "Platinum"/ECNL/DA/ODP: Elite players. Exceptional physical ablities, exceptional emotional maturity, exceptional technique, exceptional knowledge of game. Top 0.1% of organized soccer players at age level. (And even given that, only a tiny fraction of these will ever play for money, scholarships, or international glory). Right now there are 6 U12/U13 DA teams planned, which I suspect might be too many if these are to be elite teams.

5) "Diamond"/National teams/academies. Regional academies and the national team pool; academies of the world's top pro clubs (no, Portland Timbers do not count). Top 0.01% of organized soccer players, so top 0.001-002% of age group overall. Uber-elite players on whom large bets are being placed as to their future success. May receive compensation for play even as children (though NCAA rules limit this in the US).

The point is--the youth soccer pyramid is a pyramid, and the higher up you go, the fewer teams there are, and the further you can expect to travel. There are Level 4 teams in Portland, but no Level 5 opportunities--that sort of training requires travel to California or Florida or Europe or wherever else the truly elite academies are located.

People accept the division between Level 0 (rec) and 1 (classic), and the division between 4-5. The division between 3-4 is more contentious, and is the source of many flamewars here, especially on the girls' side. (That ECNL is reportedly expensive, and doesn't provide many opportunities for elite players that can't afford thousands in club fees and travel, exacerbates the problem). But the divisions between 1-3 seem to be less clear-cut; with many smaller clubs trying to compete in State Cup with a limited player pool (the only clubs that have much success seem to be those which provide subsidized training to elite players and simply cut everyone else and don't bother to field low-level teams--LASC/ADF comes to mind); and conversely, a few trophy-hunting clubs will occasionally go "smurfing" in D1/D2. But there are probably many local clubs that would be better off focusing solely at levels 1 and 2, and referring elite talent to a smaller number of clubs which can field elite teams at levels 3/4 (and which might get compensated for such referrals). And perhaps large regional clubs like Westside, Eastside, or Wash Timbers should spin off their Level 1/2 teams and focus on elite players.

Very good summary of how things are and also how parents don't want to believe the truth.

[Unregistered]

no one's saying there are six squads worth of future pros. (which i think you have come around to.) we are saying, it would be nice to have six teams worth of players who DON'T SUCK. that's what extra training and relatively fewer, more meaningful, games is aiming at.

my main question for Rene is, if you're pooling with FCP, why not do the right think and merge with them. quit diluting and consolidate already. Same to all the Crossfire teams, just officially become one club, streamline it.

I am curious about this too for the big question on the mind of some...fields and who has them?

[Unregistered]

you are basically taking a group of kids out of the sh!tty environment that we as parents put our kids in. Playing in tournaments where our kids play 5-6 games in 48 hours is completely retarded. In the DA kids will practice more and play more meaningful games with no results. I have to say as a parent I am most excited about no posting of results. But I'm sure the crazies out there will have a fit.

Kids will not be allowed to do the stupid sh!t that you allow your child to do. So no more stupid tournaments.

Seems like you have been brainwashed. So you are telling me that when BSC get thumped by all the DA teams the players will be OK because they do not count the score? You have ben brainwashed. Our kids don't play a lot anyway. It's still the same Sh!tty coaches!

[Unregistered]

Let's keep this simple. None of the clubs who are fielding teams for the Oregon '04' boys USDA league have instantly become Development Academy 'Clubs' in Oregon.

There is only 1 USDA club in Oregon at present the 'PORTLAND TIMBERS' and they field teams at u14, u16 & u18. Yes, it's likely they will soon field a u12 team in the near future and their sister arm the 'PORTLAND THORNS' in 2017 will take the mantle for Oregon's entry into the G DA at the respective G DA age groups.

I digress, next years version for these 7 clubs registered, at the '04' age group, will feature a league were they get to play each other 4x each over the course of the year (with no outside play allowed) what a shock to the system for the hoodwinked clubs who actually thought they were errrrrr.. 'Academy' club....

This has nothing to do with development or what's best for the 04 age group in Oregon, it's a sham, like all the other acronym dependent leagues (FWRL, ECNL, WCDA etc,...) no sizzle and no steak. Just the stupid DOC's jumping at a chance for club prominence disguised in a label, it's all we can do to pump up our dismal on field product.

Hook, Line & Sinker!

When it does, if ever evolve into an 'Academy' like league there will be only one Academy Club (PORTLAND TIMBERS) from Oregon getting the top players and the other 7 clubs will again go back to their established role as providers of players to the only program that can teach them the game to this generation of future Pros.

Enjoy Oregon!!

Beautifully put. What you DA parents do not understand is that you still have the same crappy coaches. They are not going to suddenly turn into great coaches now you have a DA program. Even THUSC have been invited for goodness sake! A lot of you just don't get it but like telling your neighbors that little chuck is in a DA. Pathetic!

[Unregistered]

Let's keep this simple. None of the clubs who are fielding teams for the Oregon '04' boys USDA league have instantly become Development Academy 'Clubs' in Oregon.

There is only 1 USDA club in Oregon at present the 'PORTLAND TIMBERS' and they field teams at u14, u16 & u18. Yes, it's likely they will soon field a u12 team in the near future and their sister arm the 'PORTLAND THORNS' in 2017 will take the mantle for Oregon's entry into the G DA at the respective G DA age groups.

I digress, next years version for these 7 clubs registered, at the '04' age group, will feature a league were they get to play each other 4x each over the course of the year (with no outside play allowed) what a shock to the system for the hoodwinked clubs who actually thought they were errrrrr.. 'Academy' club....

This has nothing to do with development or what's best for the 04 age group in Oregon, it's a sham, like all the other acronym dependent leagues (FWRL, ECNL, WCDA etc,...) no sizzle and no steak. Just the stupid DOC's jumping at a chance for club prominence disguised in a label, it's all we can do to pump up our dismal on field product.

Hook, Line & Sinker!

When it does, if ever evolve into an 'Academy' like league there will be only one Academy Club (PORTLAND TIMBERS) from Oregon getting the top players and the other 7 clubs will again go back to their established role as providers of players to the only program that can teach them the game to this generation of future Pros.

Enjoy Oregon!!

Thorns will never get girls DA, unless they move the franchise to SoCal or Texas. No history of development, college placement, or even any success on the field. Not to mention that the DA won't have any clubs in the NW for several years, if ever. Travel costs are too high and there is too much competition from the 6 ECNL clubs in OR/WA/ID.

[Unregistered]

Thorns will never get girls DA, unless they move the franchise to SoCal or Texas. No history of development, college placement, or even any success on the field. Not to mention that the DA won't have any clubs in the NW for several years, if ever. Travel costs are too high and there is too much competition from the 6 ECNL clubs in OR/WA/ID.

Are you trying to say the DA has higher standards thwn the ECNL