I think people fail to realize that USC over the years has tried to help all the clubs. Golan, Rowell, Allison, Adair and Heiklia to some extent all went to the directors of coaching of all clubs and offered their services of training teams (not sure if McDonough ever did). The problem was that most of the clubs couldn't establish a regular training rhythum. Plus, most of the upper level players play during the college season, making the irregular training patterns that much more difficult.
The USSF has attempted before to establish regional training centers (similar to the system in France). Berson, Adair and Lundy were all involved in those discussions but who knows where that idea has gone. ODP in this state is generally a nightmare. I know that Golan tried for three or four years to take teams in the state, but couldn't cut throught the SC BS to make it work.
Berson and Golan had discussions with Irmo, NECSA and Congaree about forming some elite teams, but too many egos got in the way. Too much money at stake. I wish we could keep the best players here and attract players from across the state to get top teams in Columbia, maybe one day we can. But some people are going to have to change their views.
As for USC's practice fields as a site...That will never happen due to liability concerns by the University. Berson's son's team couldn't practice there for a long time.
Maybe someone should look at the former Henly Homes site and develop some fields or go in with Richland One and develop a training park. With the new Dreher coming on line, they will need some playing facilities.
Good discussion.
