I had a crisis in citizenship over the weekend thinking about the Development Academy. I personally think the DA is a fantastic idea. I also am completely against it running 10 months. It would be one thing if these players were in the pipeline to turn pro when they are 18 and enter a 10 month season. They are not; plus DA sells itself as a way to college. I think players of the caliber who play DA could play for college whether they played DA or not. I worry they are going to be burnt out by the time they reach college (I was burned out from club when I got to college, after travelling up one side of North Carolina to another for four springs).

But my crisis came from realizing the USSF, and the DA, by moving to a 10 month season, seem to be actually working AGAINST high school soccer. Sure, there will still be plenty of fantastic players who play high school, but will they be the best? And if they get better will they leave high school and play for the DA? Would high school coaches then only want players who are very good, but not quite so good as to play Academy. A ten month season creates a conflict for coaches who perhaps have trained players since they were little, hoping they might one day play for the high school, only to find that they might have a player who excels (which you want as a coach) who then will not play for you at the high school level. That's a tough place to be because you want the best for the players - but you hate to lose how much you've also invested in the player (I'm just being honest).

So does this mean the USSF is against high school soccer? Does it mean it is against me and all the others like me who pour blood, sweat and tears into their high school program? Whether they mean to or not, I think that is the message. They are asking for my loyalty and my faith; but I'm not sure I can give it, and I don't see why I should.

The problem is resolved by keeping the seasons seperate they way are.

Just one high school coach's thoughts. I'm Todd Robinson and I approve this message.

Last edited by T Robinson; 02/07/12 04:58 PM.