It’s a program long overdue to help improve soccer in the United States, according to most coaches. But the creation of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy is set to significantly alter the boys club soccer landscape and create a new tier of elite teams that could leave some clubs on the outside looking in.
The initiative, announced earlier this month, creates a top-level nationwide group of 60-80 clubs, selected by U.S. Soccer coaches. Each will field teams in the under-16 and under-18 age groups that train in professional environments and compete solely against one another, with the goal of producing more technically sound players better prepared to represent the U.S. on the international stage.
But while Washington is a hotbed for club soccer, only a few area teams that apply for the league expect to be accepted — Potomac Soccer Club posted on its Web site that it has been accepted, although it is not official.
“That’s one of the fears of the entire club soccer community: Who’s going to be a part of the 60-80 clubs that U.S. Soccer deems appropriate?” said Prince William Soccer general manager Mike Yeatts, whose club also applied.
Meanwhile, due to its size and distinction as the area’s only major professional club, D.C. United is a lock, and this afternoon it has invited a group of local club directors and coaches to RFK Stadium to share information and reach out to those that could be the source of its future youth roster.
“We’re looking for the same support from the community that Manchester United or Boca Juniors would receive,” said United technical director Dave Kasper. “We’ve taken top college players and turned them into all-stars. We want to do the same with young players.”
While some club soccer coaches have expressed fears that United might try to block their acceptance, Kasper said they have had no influence on U.S. Soccer’s decision-making process for the academy. He also said the cost to players in D.C.’s program would be minimal, mainly for travel.
“The local clubs are still important. We want them to develop young players,” said Kasper. “[The Development Academy] is just another step in the process for the player.”
Rapids (4-6-3) at United (5-4-2)
» When: Tonight, 7
» Where: RFK Stadium
» TV: ESPN2
» Radio: WMET 1160 AM, SRN (1540 AM, 1390 AM, 1600 AM and 1350 AM)
