U.S. Soccer Federation
1801 S. Prairie Ave. Chicago, IL 60616
312-808-1300 (Phone) 312-808-1301 (Fax)
www.ussoccer.comDate: August 31, 2011
From: Claudio Reyna, U.S. Soccer Federation, Youth Technical Director
Re: Ten Month Programming for Development Academy Clubs
On behalf of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Program, please let this letter serve to acknowledge that the clubs in the Development Academy Program have decided as a cohesive unit to proceed with a ten-month schedule. The schedule will take effect in September 2012 and run through June 2013. This programming will exclude any other outside soccer activities, including but not limited to high school soccer. These clubs join 28 current programs as well as 48 others making the same effort across the United States.
Collectively, these clubs have taken action to further focus on player development for the United States National Team and other professional opportunities by focusing solely on providing the best environment through meaningful competition and consistent, focused training as a team. By implementing this format, clubs will be able to:
* Spend an increased amount of time with their players & focus on development both individually and within a team format
* Implement a singular coaching style following the U.S. Soccer Curriculum and Best Practices
* Travel for elite domestic and international tournaments throughout the entire year
* Follow a consistent cadence in the Academy schedule and focus on single fixture dates
Everyone recognizes the impact of this change. We ask that you show the same support for this decision by allowing each individual player and Academy club to enforce their programming standards without penalizing or holding opinion of such decisions.
Please feel free to contact Development Academy Program Manager, Melissa Biniewicz, with any questions. She may be reached in the office at (312) 528-1228 or via email at [Email]mbiniewicz@ussoccer.org.[/Email]
Regards,
Claudio Reyna
Youth Technical Director
CC: Dan Flynn, Chief Executive Officer Brian Remedi, Chief Administrative Officer Melissa Biniewicz, Development Academy Program Manager Greg Fike, Staff Attorney