Purely from a games-played perspective, I know numerous kids who, from July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2012, will play 60 or more high school and/or Academy/club matches -- including many on back-to-back days, or (in one case) four in five days.
This type of schedule does not make kids better players. To the contrary, it REDUCES training time and arguably INCREASES injury risk.
During the high school season, when kids pack as many as 34 matches and full scrimmages into a (roughly) 90-day period, the chances of enhancing technical skill, fitness, etc., are substantially diminished.
This is NOT to say I favor club/Academy over high school, or vice versa. I see benefits in both, dependent on an individual's specific needs/goals, and the specific high school resources available to him. I favor kids being allowed to play BOTH, if the various adults involved can agree to act in a kid's best interests.
Toward THAT end, I'd suggest capping the number of games scheduled in a calendar year. Let's say, no more than 18-20, plus showcase/playoffs -- a TOTAL of 24 -- for club/Academy, and perhaps 20, plus state playoffs -- no more than 25 -- for high school.
Mandate that no kid dress for more than 48-50 games in a calendar year.
Focus on TRAINING at all levels.
