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Post by Futsal Gawdess on May 8, 2019 9:22:28 GMT -5
This week, the AU Academy Director TA began his annual state of the academy meetings with the respective Academy age groups. The theme of the talks this year can be summed up in one word - Solidarity!!! Based on discussions with those in attendance in the meetings, here are some of the highlights so far: Everyone has to sign the Solidarity Payments Acknowledgement forms. More info here | bit.ly/2VcQcDf It is your prerogative not to sign, however, you then cannot play in any MLS Academy. No exceptions. AU is looking to pour more resources and funding for training, tournaments (both domestic & International). The funding for Academy players is now called a Scholarship (100%). Change in term may be tied to the Solidarity initiative. @soccerhouse the new average cost for 4 years at AU will now be approx. $180K+ per player; **Retain/Release date aka cut-day is May 25th, 2019 So by then, you should know if you will be released and AU will work with you to find a suitable landing spot. Some teams will be 16-22, others will be a wee bit larger due to injuries and an enhanced schedule, especially with the GA Cup. Some numbers given: 30+ Academy players placed in college so far, all division 1 or Ivy League. All at 100% scholarship funding with the exception of a couple at 75%. The one exception is a player, who based on grades will do 2 years in JUCO and is already arranged to get an automatic transfer to a D1 school, upon completion of his academy requirements. 8 players from the Academy have been signed to either the MLS squad or the USL AU 2 squad. Which leads to the 5 pathways available for players currently in the Academy: Pathway 1 - College scholarship player. Self explanatory, says this is the pathway for 99% of the players; Pathway 2 - College player to professional. These players will go with the backing of AU and AU can still sign them to a homegrown before they complete their senior year; Pathway 3 - Pro Contracts. Self explanatory, think Bello and Carleton; Pathway 4 - International Professionals. An example would be Zyen Jones, but this time around AU/MLS could ask for Solidarity/Training compensation; Pathway 5 - Amateur Player. This person does not want to pursue soccer as a job or for college but instead is just a lover of the game. Think weekend warriors; Divisions AU will carry for the 2019-2020 season: U12(SCCL), U13(DA), U14(DA), U15(DA), U17x(DA), U17(DA), U19(DA) a more robust option for the "gap year at 16" will be implemented this upcoming year. More on that later...
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Post by Soccerhouse on May 8, 2019 9:27:49 GMT -5
Next will be MLS clubs asking for solidarity payments from university and colleges.....
Will be interesting to see what foreign clubs do when they are first asked to pay it given its been declined to date.
Are non-MLS clubs going to get united and get their act together on this?
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Post by soccernotfootball on May 8, 2019 10:04:34 GMT -5
Divisions AU will carry for the 2019-2020 season: U12(SCCL), U13(DA), U14(DA), U15(DA), U17x(DA), U17(DA), U19(DA) a more robust option for the "gap year at 16" will be implemented this upcoming year. More on that later... Remember the press release from Ga Soccer: "Georgia Soccer and Atlanta United are excited to announce that the Atlanta United Academy will play in the Georgia Soccer Academy Division." That's u12 as well, right? Will AU play the Juniors (2009/10s) up in the U12 Ga Soccer Academy division? Also, from the Ga Soccer press release: "This partnership among the professional academy and state organization will be strengthened by the state's facilitation of opponents for Atlanta United Academy players of all ages." What could that mean?
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Post by allthingsoccer on May 8, 2019 10:11:22 GMT -5
pretty sure Tony said not to release this information at the moment
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Post by soccerdad76 on May 8, 2019 10:42:58 GMT -5
Any ideas how they will pull players in for the u12/2008 SCCL team? My hunch would be the 6-8 (didn’t look it up) 2008/2009 players currently on the u12/2007 DA team will be retained, and then some/all of the rest pulled in from the Junior’s program. Some clubs weren’t as cooperative when the Junior’s program started last year, so wondering if there will be any trial/tryout period this month assuming AU has their eyes on any players not currently under their umbrella.
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on May 8, 2019 11:09:43 GMT -5
pretty sure Tony said not to release this information at the moment My apologies - You are probably right as i wasn't on hand, unfortunately those who shared the info with me, told me without any caveats or restrictions of not being able to share this info
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Post by Soccerhouse on May 8, 2019 12:28:34 GMT -5
What I read above is nothing propriety other than the investment in each kid. the solidarity payments has been a huge topic. I find this to be healthy communication -- either way - any good leadership should always immediately have a full plan of communication with these messages as we live in a world of social media.
People on the outside of AU want a glimpse of what is going on in that bubble. For most of us, the only information we get on AU is from this forum. Not sure if that is good or bad, but the information is always helpful to me to get a better understanding of the reality of running a youth academy at a huge MLS club.
I think what separates this place from most other forums, is we get a lot of quality insider honest knowledge. Thanks to everyone for their contributions. We have coaches, administrators, team mangers that participate regularly.
and and as always, we can remove any post as necessary so let us know if thinks need to be censored or removed.
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Post by atlsoccerdad on May 8, 2019 13:39:26 GMT -5
a more robust option for the "gap year at 16" will be implemented this upcoming year. More on that later... I am very interested in the "gap year" and what is will mean for Club level u17 boys...
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Post by allthingsoccer on May 8, 2019 16:01:56 GMT -5
What I read above is nothing propriety other than the investment in each kid. the solidarity payments has been a huge topic. I find this to be healthy communication -- either way - any good leadership should always immediately have a full plan of communication with these messages as we live in a world of social media. People on the outside of AU want a glimpse of what is going on in that bubble. For most of us, the only information we get on AU is from this forum. Not sure if that is good or bad, but the information is always helpful to me to get a better understanding of the reality of running a youth academy at a huge MLS club. I think what separates this place from most other forums, is we get a lot of quality insider honest knowledge. Thanks to everyone for their contributions. We have coaches, administrators, team mangers that participate regularly. and and as always, we can remove any post as necessary so let us know if thinks need to be censored or removed. Not knocking insider info but the guy did state please wait on announcing this information. (less than 12 hrs later) So out of respect of Tony I would at least wait a week or so.
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Post by allthingsoccer on May 8, 2019 16:03:08 GMT -5
a more robust option for the "gap year at 16" will be implemented this upcoming year. More on that later... I am very interested in the "gap year" and what is will mean for Club level u17 boys... Most go into ECNL if they dont make the U17 DA
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Post by allthingsoccer on May 8, 2019 16:06:32 GMT -5
pretty sure Tony said not to release this information at the moment My apologies - You are probably right as i wasn't on hand, unfortunately those who shared the info with me, told me without any caveats or restrictions of not being able to share this info was a great meeting. answered tons of questions and now can start seeing the pathway. love this club!!
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Post by Soccerhouse on May 8, 2019 16:36:46 GMT -5
So out of respect should we delete the post?
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Post by soccerworld on May 8, 2019 17:08:41 GMT -5
Still amazed at a club like AU - kids aren’t kept up to speed on where they stand throughout the season. Sometimes playing time doesn’t tell the entire story. I’ve seem kids that start 95% of games get cut! And they were told last minute. That’s BS in my opinion.
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Post by blu on May 8, 2019 17:13:12 GMT -5
Still amazed at a club like AU - kids aren’t kept up to speed on where they stand throughout the season. Sometimes playing time doesn’t tell the entire story. I’ve seem kids that start 95% of games get cut! And they were told last minute. That’s BS in my opinion. I have always been curious about the turnover at a club like this (player wise). How often are they bringing in new players, is it common or really only seen in the younger age groups?
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Post by Soccerhouse on May 8, 2019 17:15:39 GMT -5
The 03s and 02s probably took the biggest hit over the 3 years. But given how they performed in year 1 - it’s not surprising. Most of the other age groups seem much more stable.
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Post by atlsoccerdad on May 8, 2019 21:53:52 GMT -5
Still amazed at a club like AU - kids aren’t kept up to speed on where they stand throughout the season. Sometimes playing time doesn’t tell the entire story. I’ve seem kids that start 95% of games get cut! And they were told last minute. That’s BS in my opinion. I have always been curious about the turnover at a club like this (player wise). How often are they bringing in new players, is it common or really only seen in the younger age groups? It certainly has the reputation for being a "poaching" academy rather than a developmental program. The impact that getting cut has had on the poor kids that get "let go" is devastating... I wonder what other (professional European) programs do when they sign players. Do they commit to them for X number of years, or do they cut kids and recruit new blood every year?
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Post by GameOfThrow-ins on May 9, 2019 7:29:25 GMT -5
Will the Solidarity Acknowledgment help or hinder MLS clubs attracting and retaining top talent to their academies? Was there any mention of the captive recruitment area agreement ending this summer?
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Post by soccernotfootball on May 9, 2019 8:22:05 GMT -5
I have always been curious about the turnover at a club like this (player wise). How often are they bringing in new players, is it common or really only seen in the younger age groups? It certainly has the reputation for being a "poaching" academy rather than a developmental program. The impact that getting cut has had on the poor kids that get "let go" is devastating... I wonder what other (professional European) programs do when they sign players. Do they commit to them for X number of years, or do they cut kids and recruit new blood every year? atlsoccerdad article from 2017, it's a good read: www.nytimes.com/2017/10/20/sports/soccer/premier-league-youth-soccer.html
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Post by allthingsoccer on May 9, 2019 12:41:10 GMT -5
Its cut throat at AU but they are about player development not team development. Yes nice to win games but the bottom line they need to produce Pros. If that means they find a player scouting then so be it. It seems like the 15/16 year age group is the biggest development stage thats why you might see so much turn over. Not really sure cause I dont see any analytics of historic data.
I think AU is still trying to figure it out. We are only on year 3 of Academy so lots of trial and error.
I like the system that they are looking at doing next year and think it really could develop these players. Just have to wait and see.
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Post by Soccerhouse on May 9, 2019 12:50:53 GMT -5
One thing for sure that is a major major difference from the non mls academies. Even UFA who is top of the u17s standings. They were home not playing games during early April, yet Atlanta Uniteds 17s are at the generation adidas cup playing 5-6 games I'm sure in front of hundreds of coaches -- exposure exposure exposure.
Non MLS DA's need to figure out how to even the exposure paradigm. AU added all of these non-DA league games for their academy players, yet the NON-MLS DA's probably only played a few random friendlies here or there. Ultimately comes down to resources. AU has them, non-mls clubs do not! What is the incentive for a non-MLS club to invest in players? there is none
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Post by cantgetright on May 9, 2019 12:59:26 GMT -5
Sure there is incentive. Put forth a top team, it does really well and receives accolades. Ppeople come swarming to the program because of their reputation. Then they get tons of money from all of the other parents whose kids are on the lower teams. I have to imagine that the big clubs want to do well with their top teams to build a reputation. Build it and they will come.
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Post by atlsoccerdad on May 9, 2019 13:24:05 GMT -5
That was a fantastic read. Thank you. Now I know. For those that didn't read it: Yes, European academies in England are even more cutthroat about recruiting and releasing youth talent.
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Post by Soccerhouse on May 9, 2019 13:34:21 GMT -5
Sure there is incentive. Put forth a top team, it does really well and receives accolades. People come swarming to the program because of their reputation. Then they get tons of money from all of the other parents whose kids are on the lower teams. I have to imagine that the big clubs want to do well with their top teams to build a reputation. Build it and they will come. true, but then why aren't they also investing in the kids. Subsidizing costs, do everything possible to reduce fees etc. Player retention should be A priority -- kid gets offered spot at AU, you know what, maybe they are better off not going (for various reason, ignore exposure etc), more playing time with club etc -- say you know what, you can stay here and play and travel for free. We need you here. We want you here. etc. Money is a huge barrier for many for the game. The opportunity to play 100% free is almost impossible to turn down. other kids -- superstars, top talent, the MLS pathway is probably the better pathway for sure. I know I'm talking in circles, but at the end of the day kids want and need to play. Play 80% of every game here or, <35% there -- that is the ultimate choice for many.
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Post by atlsoccerdad on May 9, 2019 13:43:29 GMT -5
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Post by rifle on May 9, 2019 17:35:05 GMT -5
That was a fantastic read. Thank you. Now I know. For those that didn't read it: Yes, European academies in England are even more cutthroat about recruiting and releasing youth talent. Always interesting to hear how AU is doing it. First class organization from every angle. We’re fortunate to have them in GA. Regarding the rest. My takeaway is... duh. If you’re playing anywhere you are likely improving. Against better players you will sink or swim. ALL academies are about player discovery more than development. AU academy happens to be free and connected to a huge carrot so it’ll obviously have pick of the litter. There is zero reason for them to hold onto a player when a better player is discovered. It’s a dog eat dog world out of necessity.
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on May 10, 2019 7:56:54 GMT -5
[...Are non-MLS clubs going to get united and get their act together on this?] They can't since we the parents pay/paid for the training. The real question is can we as parents ask for training compensation? 🤣🤣 [...I am very interested in the "gap year" and what is will mean for Club level u17 boys] The 2004s & 2003s will be split into two teams based on skills, size, maturity etc. One will play the tougher opponents and schedule(e.g. GA Cup), the other will play the not so tough opponents. As the year goes on, players from both age groups will have the opportunity to move up/down as they advance is size, skills, etc. [...Will the Solidarity Acknowledgment help or hinder MLS clubs attracting and retaining top talent to their academies?] It will have a zero effect, since all MLS clubs are beholden to the agreement/acknowledgement. Also the opportunity to ask for training compensation only applies if you sign with a club outside of the US and Canada. […Still amazed at a club like AU - kids aren’t kept up to speed on where they stand throughout the season. Sometimes playing time doesn’t tell the entire story. I’ve seem kids that start 95% of games get cut! And they were told last minute. That’s BS in my opinion.] If this were true, I would agree with you wholeheartedly. As far as I know, I hear the club does as many as 4 reviews throughout the year. 2 in the fall and 2 in the spring. They tell you what you need improvement on and let’s be honest, if you’re not getting loads of playing time and are riding the bench more, you should know the writing is on the wall. I always say, short of disciplinary reasons, no coach or team benches their good players for the fun of it. Loved all the comments regarding AU and the non-MLS clubs like CF/UFA. I think the first thing we need to realize is MLS academies like AU have one mandate - develop a pipeline that creates professionals to fit in with the first team or have the opportunity to sell their rights to another team. So like @ allthingsoccer said earlier, they are looking to develop the individual and not the team. However, I also conversely believe that the non-MLS should and can attain the goal of providing fully funded programs for their highest teams. Look at Crossfire Premier in the shadow of the Seattle Sounders. They have found a way to fund their DA teams and that has led to their DA teams being able to keep up with and surpass some of the MLS clubs. That is the only way for non-MLS clubs to keep their players and really raise the level of play across the top level divisions and leagues. Plus, non-MLS clubs have the mandate of team development because if they win, then that leads to ever evasive side effect of Exposure 👍👍👍 File this under never going to happen, but another option I wish would occur, is to have the USSF fund ALL travel(except that for MLS clubs). They already set the crazy schedules, where you go to Florida for one game. I bet you if they were paying, there would be more thought put into the schedule. Still set a price for clubs to charge families for fees($1995), but all travel be funded from the coffers of the USSF. Till all or any of these occur, non-MLS clubs will keep on loosing good players to fully funded MLS club academies or worse yet, young players with potential will drop out and never realize their full potential.🤔⚽🤔 Info on Crossfire Premier - www.soccernation.com/how-do-they-do-it-crossfire-premier-fully-funds-their-top-da-teams/
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Post by atlsoccerdad on May 10, 2019 10:49:49 GMT -5
However, I also conversely believe that the non-MLS should and can attain the goal of providing fully funded programs for their highest teams. I could not agree with you more. This needs to be done, and could easily be implemented here in Atlanta. Shame on the big 5 clubs for not doing it already.
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Post by soccerworld on May 22, 2019 21:29:08 GMT -5
Silly question but if Atlanta united decides to release a player does the staff call UFA or Concorde for example to help the player find a suitable home if DA is still an option in there opinion?
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Post by atlsoccerdad on May 23, 2019 7:40:07 GMT -5
Silly question but if Atlanta united decides to release a player does the staff call UFA or Concorde for example to help the player find a suitable home if DA is still an option in there opinion? I have no idea, but I am guessing they would not do any formal work to find the player a home... but the rumor mill always works hard. Would love to hear from someone else with first-hand knowledge.
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on May 23, 2019 13:43:33 GMT -5
Silly question but if Atlanta united decides to release a player does the staff call UFA or Concorde for example to help the player find a suitable home if DA is still an option in there opinion? First and foremost, it all depends on the player and the parents to some degree. When you get cut, released, or you chose to leave, it's very similar to quitting, being fired or being laid off from a job. Emotions and your inner thoughts are high for both player and parents. You ask yourself a million questions why, and question what you could have done better. Inevitably, the question you have to answer is what next? Secondly, it depends on the timing. As someone else mentioned, did you realize that this was not the environment for you, or is the pressure getting to you so you feel the need to ask for a release to go to another club? In the case where you chose to leave on your own, TA will have a conversation with you and try to convince you to stay. If that doesn't work, he will give you a full release and will offer to talk to the particular club you may be interested in going to. In some situations, players do not want to return to the DA level just yet, but instead choose to go to a lower league to get their bearings. One thing I've personally noticed is, if and when you leave DA, it is truly difficult to return to that level. Finally, if you are released at the end of the season, AU tries to do this prior to the tryout season for other clubs. They will offer to speak with clubs but usually it is up to the clubs to take you or not. Unless the reason for your release is behavioral or criminal, most clubs have welcomed them with open arms.
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