This may not apply as much to the DFW market as much. Considering there are four clubs that can, on paper, attract the top players.

But the DA's reach only applies to the larger metro areas. Only about half of the 50 states even have DA member clubs. Factoring in 55 state associations, it's less than half.

Too many players falling through the cracks. We aren't developing players, we are FILTERING players.

What about the smaller clubs? Player development can occur there as much as it can anywhere else.

The DA's main selling points are "more training" and fewer but more competitive games.

Besides that, what else? Restricting or forbidding ODP and now high school participation?

I mean, do we really need "national leagues" for our so-called top players? I just don't think it's necessary to spend 5-10K a year on travel in order to "develop" players.

Why can't the smaller clubs train players 4 or 5 days a week and achieve the same results? besides, the big clubs are generally in the business of recruiting players....not developing them.

If it was all about forming superteams and structured/competitive leagues we'd see a much higher % of players moving on to the highest levels.

Admittedly, given our culture, the vast majority of kids playing just don't have the desire (for whatever reason) to put in the work required.

You would think the NON-DA clubs would come up with a way to compete in this area.

Thoughts?

for the most part smaller clubs are no different than the bigger ones, just smaller. FCD is not in it for the good of soccer or your BB, they are in it for the money. They have the ability to make money of the back end of the development. Texans have the ability to use wins and performace to build a reputation that feeds and sells it's system and provides money. Where is the WIIFM for the smaller clubs? They will need a reason to pour money and resources into development. But an idea for your question:
1. They need an arrangement with say FCD that would allow them to send top players there at the highest level and if the players makes it and is sold on a transfer they would recieve a percentage. Develope as many players to send to the FCD 17/18 academy team as possible and use the success at sending players to that level to hold and attract talent. Use the 15/16 and pre academy ages to for a showcase team to travel to important tournament and "showcase" your product.

Ah, a fellow cynic!

Oh, I understand that there is little difference between the clubs. it's just that from a business standpoint they should at least have similar product offerings. In order to compete.

MLS teams have signed a few "homegrown" players. But did they develop them? Probably not.

Why aren't these non DA clubs offering more than the standard 2xweekly team session and maybe an optional 'skills' session?

I'm curious as to exactly how much these DA teams (especially the big 4 in DFW) are training and specifically the nature of the training? (Sharpening technique vs tactical prep for the next game)

Got a friend with a son at Shattuck St. Mary's. Told me they were training twice a day and 4x weekly...minimum! AM technical sessions before classes. Afternoon team sessions. Now that may be a 'preseason' only thing.

But that's a lot closer to what happens everywhere else in the world.

Laimport wrote:Ah, a fellow cynic!

Oh, I understand that there is little difference between the clubs. it's just that from a business standpoint they should at least have similar product offerings. In order to compete.

MLS teams have signed a few "homegrown" players. But did they develop them? Probably not.

Why aren't these non DA clubs offering more than the standard 2xweekly team session and maybe an optional 'skills' session?

I'm curious as to exactly how much these DA teams (especially the big 4 in DFW) are training and specifically the nature of the training? (Sharpening technique vs tactical prep for the next game)

Got a friend with a son at Shattuck St. Mary's. Told me they were training twice a day and 4x weekly...minimum! AM technical sessions before classes. Afternoon team sessions. Now that may be a 'preseason' only thing.

But that's a lot closer to what happens everywhere else in the world.

you want the "big 4" to give you their secrets to how they are WINNING!!! the race. u r crazy man...CRAZY!!!

You want smaller clubs to add one more practice per week and 4 to 8 more kids to their rosters? Add in twice the price for travel and you have covered all the difference from what I have heard.

So these academy and pa teams are only training 3 days a week then?

FCD does have a residency program in cooperation with Frisco HS. They try to get the players to live with families up in that area. The players work out in the morning, go to school, and then workout after school, too.

But a question is why would the small club even bother? What would they have to gain?

Prestige. More players. Money.

Of course there's no real incentive with the big clubs either.

It's a branding thing.

I'm convinced that the players pretty much develop themselves anyway.

Coaching is a small part of it. Competition is another part. Repitition is the most important component.

If anything, all this other stuff only messes them up.