SC Soccer Forums SCSoccer.com Forums Club Soccer & ODP USSF Academy

Of Course “not all of the best players are playing Academy”. Nor are all the best playing premiere or ODP, for many different reasons. I reread my post to be sure and I didn’t see any reference concerning who the best were playing for? Also, I said cost (for the player). There were sponsors that helped out with some expenses, I do not know who. Bottom line, the trip was reasonably priced, a great experience and very much enjoyed. Sorry to upset you with that statement – not really.

I see your moniker was well selected....Paradox

Noone is upset...I just wanted to know how you can say it was cheaper, in theory if the same support existed for the trip to Raleigh/ Atlanta then it would not be cheaper.

Therefore, as you state - out of pocket for the player there is no difference. For the club on the other hand the need for sponsorship is increased. Thus there must be a "special" program that applies only to the academy player as the per player cost to the club is greater.

In the end I am happy to see Bridge perform, wish them luck in the season and still think if you are fielding a team in the "ACADEMY" you should not be losing 8-0 or in the case of Bridge winning 8-0. It is after all USSF's intention to increase competition....

I think a lot of people need to remember this is the first year of this new academy. I'm hoping many of the bumps in the road will smooth out and this academy will improve each year. Maybe I'm wrong, but I get the impression from some posters that they would be happy to see this academy fail. Only time will tell.

If you mean me....not fail... just disagree with the age groups... should be u14 and u16 IMO. But I have said that before.

Paradox: I for one like the Academy in theory and hope that it succeeds so as to put more pressure on what seems to me to be a moribund and at best misguided USYSA structure.

And I'm all for a club having a special program, or special sponsors, for part of their programs. CESA has had and advertised a women's fund for years now; there's no reason that a club and/or teams within the club shouldn't go after sponsorship money for special programs.

But you do yourself a disservice making vague claims that a trip to California costs less than a trip to a neighboring state and when asked about it waving your hands. You should be telling people exactly what you're doing -- so that we can get more people to jump on the bandwagon.

The principle of the Academy is the best program available for the players that want to player soccer at a higher level. Quality practices over just playing games.
Soccer has become a money making business, but the basic principle should still be about player development. The more good practices you have the better you should become; players growth would be exponential based on there talent level. I agree that the kids play too much meaningless games, and to some players the games are not as important as they should be. It’s taken for granted.
The Bridge was formed for that player wanting more than just playing games on weekends. By joining this league the Bridge has once again demonstrated they have a vision for elite player development. The Bridge took a calculated risk and I hope they get the return they deserve.
If you keep doing the same thing don’t expect a different result. People in South Carolina have been cultivated to accept second best. This attitude must change before we can achieve greatness in the state.

soccerislife... I agree as well the concept is good step forward, even if I disagree with some of the claims. To your point of developmenet I will reply with Hurst's signature line
"Kids play sports because they find it fun. Eliminate the fun and soon you eliminate the kid."

If you practice and never play you will eliminate the player.

16s won today...scored five goals..gave up 2 or 3
Good job!!

I thought a high scoring game (5-2) was not a good match up between teams. A well matched game between two teams would have lower scores. Your thoughts?