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

totally agree...low scoring games show well balanced teams from the offensive side of the ball to the defensive side..I prefer a 1-0 result with one team taking advantage of another teams mistake..any score on the 18s match?

Futbol,

Look at all the professional leagues, developmental players are always practicing and learning their trade. The academy system also mandates this concept of practice and games.
The younger players at Barcelona, Manu are not playing two games every weekend. They practice four to five time per week and play one meaningful game one the weekend. They take that chance with both hands; play with passion, commitment and have fun impressing.

U-18s tied at 3-3. I was not there, but heard it was very very heated, to say the least.

I support Bridge's decision to grab a so called niche in the club soccer ranks. I think the program can be a succes but I would be concerned placing my son in this type of program's first year.

I am curious as to how the Academy clubs will handle any NCAA regulations? What I mean by that is some people sated there were special funds available for these elite playes through sponsors. When does the contribution of sponsors become excessive and then causes eligibilty issues for the players?

I am not ttying to pick on Bridge as this applies to all of the development clubs and can even be taken further as it relates to club soccer as a whole. I am sure someone out there knows the NCAA regulations and how they can be interpretated on this issue.

Things may appear to some to be very much up in the air for the Elite player with the introduction of the Academy program. I expect to see some very lopsided scores within USYSA Region play as well as the Academy as Clubs have moved players and teams for any number of reasons. Could be good, could be bad. Time will tell.

Soccer 16,

Nike and Adidas funds have flowed into AAU basketball for years. In my view, one should assume that since they may be driving a similar strategy within youth soccer that all of the same issues regarding eligibility have already been raised and addressed.

Given the resources both companies have at their disposal to impact a market, it shouldn't take too long to see how it all shakes out. Competition is always good for the the consumer and in this case it will probably be good for the player. As an example, I've noticed a slight increase in how USYSA has stepped up their marketing of the ODP program in the face of competiton for replacement players pulled away from ODP by the Academy.

Personally, I think we'll end up with an Adidas vs Nike model benefiting Elite players. Which model will college coaches support? Interestingly, the boys of two notable SC D1 coaches both remained in the Premier League this season.

Change is often good. One just has to look for the opportunities to capitalize on them.

Good point redcard. I didn't think that Nike and Adidas were financially supporting the Academy program at the same financial level that they invest in AAU youth basketball.

I agree Redcard... I browsed through Bridge's website - http://www.bridgefa.com/ussocceracademy/index_E.html
and did not find any sponsorship reference. I would have thought that a sponsor would be prominently displayed, unless Lloyd's soccer shop has been doing some brisk business lately.

I think any business that steps up to help these teams should be recognized, it is not a cheap program (as some have you think).

While I am at it, congratulations to Nestor for being selected to the US U14 national development team ( http://www.bridgefa.com/home/195763.html ).

This Lexington County native has impressed from a young age.

If you look deep enough into the decision USSF made to create the Academy program you will likely find Nike influence as they are the sponsor of the National Team. On the other side of the coin Adidas has their ESP program.

Given the fact that Academy players aren't allowed to play anywhere other than in the Academy and for their High School, I for one seriuosly doubt Adidas will quitely give up on having access to some of the top players in the country. How will they handle it? The two companies will influence clubs within the Premier League and the Academy in an effort to build programs designed to attract top talent their way.

Make no mistake, both of these companies are involved in what appears to be a new divide of Elite soccer in the US.

I don't think we'll see local retailers involved from a branding standpoint. What you'll see is a fight for control of access to players through clubs participating in specific leagues. Ultimately, the winner will be the players as companies compete for their business.

Reference this link for the Adidas program:
http://www.adidas-esp.com/Home/Index.asp