Wow...haven't been on the boards in a long time and fell right into this one...
Reyna stepped down to pursue a great opportunity with NYC FC...I'm sure most/many others would have done the same given the opportunity. Personally, I don't think that this move was a reflection of anything other than pursuing a great career opportunity. Unless you know the man (and I don't), I don't think that one can assume or insinuate that leaving the USSF post was anything other than that.
As a father of two boys that both play and love the game, it has been easy for me to see that there is a place for BOTH Academy and High School soccer. I have one playing DA who loves the experience and has no real desire to play HS soccer. This was his goal and dream, and he's pursuing it. DA is right for him and his decision. My other son is a good young player that has the same potential (yet not the same desires)...However, he LOVES playing for his high school and would never dream of giving that up. I have coached players that have chosen each path. In my mind, it is up to each player to decide what they prefer...
I think the real issue, as it applies to DA and HS soccer in SC, is the depth of DA level players. SC is not Dallas or Miami or LA or Washington DC and doesn't have the vast numbers of high level players that those areas have. As some of the older DA players leave the Academy to play HS soccer, those DA teams are weakened greatly. Once they get that offer, or sign their letter, I think many feel that they don't need the DA any longer and leave to play HS soccer with their schoolmates... They've achieved what they set out to achieve and feel that they don't 'need' the DA any longer. Does SC have the depth of talent to continue to support the DA if more start choosing HS instead? Should USSF look to find a way to allow both on a larger scale?
For me, I see the benefits of both...as it relates to my family. It will be interesting to see how DA and HS find ways to (or not to) coexist in the future.
