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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Feb 28, 2024 19:37:51 GMT -5
Today, Liverpool FC, substituted on a 16 year old - Trey Nyoni (remember that name) in the win over Southampton in the FA Cup. This made me think of the recent debates across the soccer sphere regarding the youth development domestically and more importantly locally. In the pay-2-play model, one cannot expect true development. So one has to turn to the pro-academies like Atlanta United. Surely, Atlanta United has a vested interest in developing their Academy products, right? If not for the first team, then for Atlanta United 2 or better yet, it is a business, so maybe to sell their rights to a myriad of leagues and clubs worldwide. The title asks a simple question, yes, but there are definitely lots of complicated routes to answering that question...
Just before the pandemic hit, I remember the glee and awe you experienced by saying, player X is an Atlanta United player. Many young lads in the metro Atlanta area and beyond aspired to play for the five-stripes-crest. They would go on the road and other Pro Academy products and their families would strike up conversations with the players and parents about the awesomeness that was playing for Atlanta United. Today, the experiences of the academy players is so vastly different. Last week, I had a parent tell me that their kid doesn't want her sharing with others, that he plays for Atlanta United...
It may be time to address the harsh reality facing our beloved Atlanta United Academy. The once-promising experience has lost its luster, with players leaving in droves, players turning down contracts, and some even resorting to managing their own pro and college recruitment efforts. There is no programming that mentors the Academy with the Pros. There is a revolving door of coaches coming and going. What's worse, is the quality of coaching retained, has declined, leaving aspiring athletes without proper guidance and development. All, this, while the Academy leadership is under pressure to make changes within the next year, or else...
But it doesn't end there. The pathway to the first team has become a distant dream for many, with no clear route for advancement. In an effort to challenge players, the programming has determined that going to international tournaments and friendlies is the pathway to a better product out of the academy. However, players are now being asked to share in the bill for trips, with costs soaring upwards of $2k. But perhaps most concerning is the recent revelation that players are being judged not just on their skills, but on their current and future appearance. Hearing that the academy's focus has shifted to recruiting the big, tall, and fast players, neglecting some talent (smaller players) and potential in favor of those with the physical attributes. Saw an email recently, where, The Futures program now requires players to submit photos of themselves and their families, prioritizing superficial qualities over true talent and dedication...
It's definitely time for change. The Atlanta United Academy Brand is not what it used to be. Not sure what it would take to return to the core values that once made the Atlanta United Academy a beacon of hope for aspiring soccer stars. Our players, fans and supporters, deserve better, and it's up to the AU ownership and management to try to save this sinking ship and restore the Luster and Shine to the AU Academy...
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Post by footyfan on Feb 28, 2024 21:39:40 GMT -5
Was it always just about Tony? His connections and knowledge of the area? Gone now that he is? AUFC just another MLS tentacle without him connecting your kids to a once memorable club?
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Post by rifle on Feb 28, 2024 22:03:37 GMT -5
Like most things MLS..
All hat and no cattle.
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Post by futbolhero on Feb 28, 2024 22:34:33 GMT -5
It’s a minor league pro league. Exactly what’s the attraction?
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Post by rifle on Feb 29, 2024 6:24:40 GMT -5
Was it always just about Tony? His connections and knowledge of the area? Gone now that he is? AUFC just another MLS tentacle without him connecting your kids to a once memorable club? I’m a little surprised that Tony hasn’t exactly found success coaching men’s college soccer. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_AnnanHas some stats |
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Post by soccermama on Feb 29, 2024 9:09:48 GMT -5
Can confirm Futures did indeed require full length photos of the child AND the parents and siblings. Let’s be a little more obvious about profiling the kids 😂
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Post by mightydawg on Feb 29, 2024 9:27:42 GMT -5
But if you don’t have monster sized athletes on the soccer field, how can you win?
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Post by atlantagray on Feb 29, 2024 9:33:06 GMT -5
But if you don’t have monster sized athletes on the soccer field, how can you win? Paul Pogba won't admit it, but he agrees |
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rotgg
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Posts: 90
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Post by rotgg on Feb 29, 2024 10:13:50 GMT -5
I find it amusing that people in soccer think that size doesn't matter. Size and length of limbs have direct advantage especially in certain positions in soccer. We can always find players that are exceptional despite their physical attributes. If the Hawks or the Falcons were recruiting players at U12 the size that they will be in the future is extremely important its the same for soccer. Do you think the Hawks would invest ton of money and time into a 12yo who is technically gifted, extremely athletic and even large do to early development if they estimate he will be 5'10" when he is grown? No way. Do you think the soccer academies in Europe are not looking for size strength and speed? If you don't like to be measured poked prodded and told you will never amount to anything the Pro Sports Business is not for you. That is what ATL U is Pro Sports Business.
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Post by atlantagray on Feb 29, 2024 10:41:03 GMT -5
I find it amusing that people in soccer think that size doesn't matter. Size and length of limbs have direct advantage especially in certain positions in soccer. We can always find players that are exceptional despite their physical attributes. If the Hawks or the Falcons were recruiting players at U12 the size that they will be in the future is extremely important its the same for soccer. Do you think the Hawks would invest ton of money and time into a 12yo who is technically gifted, extremely athletic and even large do to early development if they estimate he will be 5'10" when he is grown? No way. Do you think the soccer academies in Europe are not looking for size strength and speed? If you don't like to be measured poked prodded and told you will never amount to anything the Pro Sports Business is not for you. That is what ATL U is Pro Sports Business. With soccer, the ball is typically played along the ground and/or with the feet. Because of this, shorter players in soccer have a distinct advantage with a lower center of gravity that doesn't apply to other sports- similar to wrestling, for example. Larger size/more height has obvious advantages too, but it's certainly worth noting that there are loads of top tier soccer superstars who are 5'8" and shorter- Messi is a clear example. So, no- it's not the same for soccer as it is in basketball or football. You can see this in the average height of basketball and/or football players vs soccer players. |
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socks
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Post by socks on Feb 29, 2024 11:28:44 GMT -5
I find it amusing that people in soccer think that size doesn't matter. Size and length of limbs have direct advantage especially in certain positions in soccer. We can always find players that are exceptional despite their physical attributes. If the Hawks or the Falcons were recruiting players at U12 the size that they will be in the future is extremely important its the same for soccer. Do you think the Hawks would invest ton of money and time into a 12yo who is technically gifted, extremely athletic and even large do to early development if they estimate he will be 5'10" when he is grown? No way. Do you think the soccer academies in Europe are not looking for size strength and speed? If you don't like to be measured poked prodded and told you will never amount to anything the Pro Sports Business is not for you. That is what ATL U is Pro Sports Business. With soccer, the ball is typically played along the ground and/or with the feet. Because of this, shorter players in soccer have a distinct advantage with a lower center of gravity that doesn't apply to other sports- similar to wrestling, for example. Larger size/more height has obvious advantages too, but it's certainly worth noting that there are loads of top tier soccer superstars who are 5'8" and shorter- Messi is a clear example. So, no- it's not the same for soccer as it is in basketball or football. Correct take. I grew up playing basketball and football. We could walk onto the field or court and almost always size up a team for their skill level/degree of competitiveness based appearance and warmups. Once my son started soccer, it was almost immediately made apparent that I could throw all of that out of the window with this sport. |
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Post by mightydawg on Feb 29, 2024 13:31:53 GMT -5
I find it amusing that people in soccer think that size doesn't matter. Size and length of limbs have direct advantage especially in certain positions in soccer. We can always find players that are exceptional despite their physical attributes. If the Hawks or the Falcons were recruiting players at U12 the size that they will be in the future is extremely important its the same for soccer. Do you think the Hawks would invest ton of money and time into a 12yo who is technically gifted, extremely athletic and even large do to early development if they estimate he will be 5'10" when he is grown? No way. Do you think the soccer academies in Europe are not looking for size strength and speed? If you don't like to be measured poked prodded and told you will never amount to anything the Pro Sports Business is not for you. That is what ATL U is Pro Sports Business. Trae Young called and confirmed that yes, the Hawks invested tons of money in a player that is very small 6’0.5” for a basketball player. They thought his skills were more important than his height. |
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socks
Jr. Academy
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Post by socks on Feb 29, 2024 16:34:30 GMT -5
It may be time to address the harsh reality facing our beloved Atlanta United Academy. The once-promising experience has lost its luster, with players leaving in droves, players turning down contracts, and some even resorting to managing their own pro and college recruitment efforts. There is no programming that mentors the Academy with the Pros. There is a revolving door of coaches coming and going. What's worse, is the quality of coaching retained, has declined, leaving aspiring athletes without proper guidance and development. All, this, while the Academy leadership is under pressure to make changes within the next year, or else... But it doesn't end there. The pathway to the first team has become a distant dream for many, with no clear route for advancement. In an effort to challenge players, the programming has determined that going to international tournaments and friendlies is the pathway to a better product out of the academy. However, players are now being asked to share in the bill for trips, with costs soaring upwards of $2k. But perhaps most concerning is the recent revelation that players are being judged not just on their skills, but on their current and future appearance. Hearing that the academy's focus has shifted to recruiting the big, tall, and fast players, neglecting some talent (smaller players) and potential in favor of those with the physical attributes. Saw an email recently, where, The Futures program now requires players to submit photos of themselves and their families, prioritizing superficial qualities over true talent and dedication... Are players really declining to join and/or voluntarily leaving the academy? Is AU really having parents foot the bill for international trips? Yes, from this description it sounds like things need to change. I had a conversation with a parent of a current player in a younger age group and it seems the camaraderie that you get at a pay to play club is almost totally absent there. I can understand that a little bit since they are competing for roster spots, but it seems like that could lead to a miserable experience for players so young. I asked the question in another thread if they are considering further nixing the younger teams, but based on the feedback and this thread, it seems that isn't the case. |
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Post by rifle on Feb 29, 2024 16:58:39 GMT -5
There is no question that athleticism matters. NOBODY says it doesn’t. It could even be the key factor that separates CR7 and Messi from other simply “great” players. At the highest level, for the most part the athletes are all technically gifted, mentally gifted and extremely hard working and dedicated to their craft. The .01% athletes (like the guys named above) have all those attributes AND they are athletic freaks.
If AU thinks it’s a cheat code to only select “big” .. then I guess they just aren’t up to the task of developing players.
Related?….. I would love to know what Kevin Kratz thinks of AU academy. After growing up in Germany and playing professionally then playing and then coaching for AU and then leaving to direct Roswell Soccer Club.
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Post by youthsoccerdad on Feb 29, 2024 18:07:15 GMT -5
Today, Liverpool FC, substituted on a 16 year old - Trey Nyoni (remember that name) in the win over Southampton in the FA Cup. This made me think of the recent debates across the soccer sphere regarding the youth development domestically and more importantly locally. In the pay-2-play model, one cannot expect true development. So one has to turn to the pro-academies like Atlanta United. Surely, Atlanta United has a vested interest in developing their Academy products, right? If not for the first team, then for Atlanta United 2 or better yet, it is a business, so maybe to sell their rights to a myriad of leagues and clubs worldwide. The title asks a simple question, yes, but there are definitely lots of complicated routes to answering that question... Just before the pandemic hit, I remember the glee and awe you experienced by saying, player X is an Atlanta United player. Many young lads in the metro Atlanta area and beyond aspired to play for the five-stripes-crest. They would go on the road and other Pro Academy products and their families would strike up conversations with the players and parents about the awesomeness that was playing for Atlanta United. Today, the experiences of the academy players is so vastly different. Last week, I had a parent tell me that their kid doesn't want her sharing with others, that he plays for Atlanta United... It may be time to address the harsh reality facing our beloved Atlanta United Academy. The once-promising experience has lost its luster, with players leaving in droves, players turning down contracts, and some even resorting to managing their own pro and college recruitment efforts. There is no programming that mentors the Academy with the Pros. There is a revolving door of coaches coming and going. What's worse, is the quality of coaching retained, has declined, leaving aspiring athletes without proper guidance and development. All, this, while the Academy leadership is under pressure to make changes within the next year, or else... But it doesn't end there. The pathway to the first team has become a distant dream for many, with no clear route for advancement. In an effort to challenge players, the programming has determined that going to international tournaments and friendlies is the pathway to a better product out of the academy. However, players are now being asked to share in the bill for trips, with costs soaring upwards of $2k. But perhaps most concerning is the recent revelation that players are being judged not just on their skills, but on their current and future appearance. Hearing that the academy's focus has shifted to recruiting the big, tall, and fast players, neglecting some talent (smaller players) and potential in favor of those with the physical attributes. Saw an email recently, where, The Futures program now requires players to submit photos of themselves and their families, prioritizing superficial qualities over true talent and dedication... It's definitely time for change. The Atlanta United Academy Brand is not what it used to be. Not sure what it would take to return to the core values that once made the Atlanta United Academy a beacon of hope for aspiring soccer stars. Our players, fans and supporters, deserve better, and it's up to the AU ownership and management to try to save this sinking ship and restore the Luster and Shine to the AU Academy... Atlanta United's operating income is six million off of 80 million in revenue. That is single digit margins. Considering that the youth program is probably all expense, they are going to make cuts... I thought the early years everyone was living in fantasy land boosted by a winning franchise and packed stadium. It would make sense then that the rumors are true and they are trying to cut costs. For the commitment level and lack of movement to the pros I dont know, I guess at least you can get a descent college scholarship at a big school if you play there. Regarding other people and size/speed/athleticism. The book Outliers covers this well, and the down hill impact of these traits. I always chuckle at the excuses parents make for their kids that were a foot taller than everyone else or faster and played top team but by U15 they are struggling, feel defeated, and don't understand what happened. My opinion on the success of smaller players is that they are forged in fire, that there lower center of gravity can be an advantage, but you miss that 90% of them are never given a chance and to be successful they have to overcome so much. |
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rotgg
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Post by rotgg on Mar 1, 2024 8:31:10 GMT -5
I find it amusing that people in soccer think that size doesn't matter. Size and length of limbs have direct advantage especially in certain positions in soccer. We can always find players that are exceptional despite their physical attributes. If the Hawks or the Falcons were recruiting players at U12 the size that they will be in the future is extremely important its the same for soccer. Do you think the Hawks would invest ton of money and time into a 12yo who is technically gifted, extremely athletic and even large do to early development if they estimate he will be 5'10" when he is grown? No way. Do you think the soccer academies in Europe are not looking for size strength and speed? If you don't like to be measured poked prodded and told you will never amount to anything the Pro Sports Business is not for you. That is what ATL U is Pro Sports Business. Trae Young called and confirmed that yes, the Hawks invested tons of money in a player that is very small 6’0.5” for a basketball player. They thought his skills were more important than his height. I didn't know they signed Trae Young at 12yo thanks for enlightening me on this. What was the number one knock on Trae Young hmmmm maybe size lol. He like many other small athletes was able to over come that despite all the naysayers. If your a coach at an academy and you are trying to find talent that will make it at the level you must try an hedge your bets. There are thousands of 5'8" technical guys out there but not many 6'4" freak guys. Again this is just the business that's all. |
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rotgg
Jr. Academy
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Post by rotgg on Mar 1, 2024 8:35:42 GMT -5
I find it amusing that people in soccer think that size doesn't matter. Size and length of limbs have direct advantage especially in certain positions in soccer. We can always find players that are exceptional despite their physical attributes. If the Hawks or the Falcons were recruiting players at U12 the size that they will be in the future is extremely important its the same for soccer. Do you think the Hawks would invest ton of money and time into a 12yo who is technically gifted, extremely athletic and even large do to early development if they estimate he will be 5'10" when he is grown? No way. Do you think the soccer academies in Europe are not looking for size strength and speed? If you don't like to be measured poked prodded and told you will never amount to anything the Pro Sports Business is not for you. That is what ATL U is Pro Sports Business. With soccer, the ball is typically played along the ground and/or with the feet. Because of this, shorter players in soccer have a distinct advantage with a lower center of gravity that doesn't apply to other sports- similar to wrestling, for example. Larger size/more height has obvious advantages too, but it's certainly worth noting that there are loads of top tier soccer superstars who are 5'8" and shorter- Messi is a clear example. So, no- it's not the same for soccer as it is in basketball or football. You can see this in the average height of basketball and/or football players vs soccer players. Question what drug did Messi need to play? and why was he taking it? Maybe Diego Maradona would have been a better example he was just on coke and drinking lol. |
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Post by atlantagray on Mar 1, 2024 8:44:06 GMT -5
With soccer, the ball is typically played along the ground and/or with the feet. Because of this, shorter players in soccer have a distinct advantage with a lower center of gravity that doesn't apply to other sports- similar to wrestling, for example. Larger size/more height has obvious advantages too, but it's certainly worth noting that there are loads of top tier soccer superstars who are 5'8" and shorter- Messi is a clear example. So, no- it's not the same for soccer as it is in basketball or football. You can see this in the average height of basketball and/or football players vs soccer players. Question what drug did Messi need to play? and why was he taking it? Maybe Diego Maradona would have been a better example he was just on coke and drinking lol. I have to assume most of all top euro league players are taking some kind of PED. They're running marathons+ 5 days a week year round. Pogba is just one who recently "got caught" |
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Post by bogan on Mar 1, 2024 8:57:15 GMT -5
With soccer, the ball is typically played along the ground and/or with the feet. Because of this, shorter players in soccer have a distinct advantage with a lower center of gravity that doesn't apply to other sports- similar to wrestling, for example. Larger size/more height has obvious advantages too, but it's certainly worth noting that there are loads of top tier soccer superstars who are 5'8" and shorter- Messi is a clear example. So, no- it's not the same for soccer as it is in basketball or football. You can see this in the average height of basketball and/or football players vs soccer players. Question what drug did Messi need to play? and why was he taking it? Maybe Diego Maradona would have been a better example he was just on coke and drinking lol. I believe Messi was on HGH if I’m not mistaken. He would have been 4ft 11 otherwise… |
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Post by atlantagray on Mar 1, 2024 9:02:19 GMT -5
Question what drug did Messi need to play? and why was he taking it? Maybe Diego Maradona would have been a better example he was just on coke and drinking lol. I believe Messi was on HGH if I’m not mistaken. He would have been 4ft 11 otherwise… oof- taking that HGH was a mistake. He would've had an even more distinct low center of gravity advantage. |
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darp
Jr. Academy
Posts: 48
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Post by darp on Mar 1, 2024 9:07:17 GMT -5
Question what drug did Messi need to play? and why was he taking it? Maybe Diego Maradona would have been a better example he was just on coke and drinking lol. I have to assume most of all top euro league players are taking some kind of PED. They're running marathons+ 5 days a week year round. Pogba is just one who recently "got caught" I think they are referring to Messi taking HGH when he was younger. As for the debate at hand. Absolutely size matters much less than sports like football and basketball. Basketball is probably the most extreme is example in major sports around the world, where size almost trumps everything. If basketball is a 10. Then football is like an 8, and soccer is like 5.5 or 6. Size still matters a ton though. How many 5'6" keepers do you see walking around in any pro league box? Defensive players definitely have more of a premium on size. Just because it doesn't matter as much for the most offensively gifted players, doesn't mean it doesn't matter a lot. And like someone said earlier, if you have two players that are of similar skill and athleticism, the taller/longer player is almost always going to be more effective. No matter what position you're talking about. |
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Post by bogan on Mar 1, 2024 9:08:35 GMT -5
I believe Messi was on HGH if I’m not mistaken. He would have been 4ft 11 otherwise… oof- taking that HGH was a mistake. He would've had an even more distinct low center of gravity advantage. Perhaps, but Barca and his parents felt differently… |
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Post by missionimpossible on Mar 1, 2024 13:30:35 GMT -5
Was it always just about Tony? His connections and knowledge of the area? Gone now that he is? AUFC just another MLS tentacle without him connecting your kids to a once memorable club? I’m a little surprised that Tony hasn’t exactly found success coaching men’s college soccer. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_AnnanHas some stats He hasn’t faired well at all in his first 3 seasons but looks to be pretty consistent hitting the 30-percent winning percentage mark. Men’s college soccer is pretty crazy. The season is short and flies by and teams change rosters and coaches quite a bit from year to year. The ACC is the most consistent winning but on any given year D1s, D1 mid majors, and top D2 programs can all field very competitive teams and really anybody can beat anybody on a given year. 6-9-3 this past season with a 0-4 loss against South Carolina Upstate, who hasn’t been that good, doesn’t sound like a program on the rise. |
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Post by rifle on Mar 1, 2024 18:29:58 GMT -5
Question what drug did Messi need to play? and why was he taking it? Maybe Diego Maradona would have been a better example he was just on coke and drinking lol. I have to assume most of all top euro league players are taking some kind of PED. They're running marathons+ 5 days a week year round. Pogba is just one who recently "got caught" Yeah those six mile marathons are not easy. |
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Post by oraclesfriend on Mar 1, 2024 20:12:48 GMT -5
Question what drug did Messi need to play? and why was he taking it? Maybe Diego Maradona would have been a better example he was just on coke and drinking lol. I believe Messi was on HGH if I’m not mistaken. He would have been 4ft 11 otherwise… Ok this HGH story is real but there is a difference between taking HGH when your expected height based upon familial size and your lack of growth for several years running combined with abnormalities in laboratory and bone age (x-ray) findings and someone who is just going to be short because their family is short. He took it because he was needing it medically. Soccer, like American football, has size that is helpful big and smaller depending on position. Do we want our center back to be like Messi or Ngolo Kante? No. But can they be great midfielders or even outside backs or wingers? Of course. Do we want our midfielders to be like Romelu Lukaku? Probably not. Is he an effective striker? Yes. Size matters but it is not an absolute. We talk too much in absolutes in the US. Too small! Forget him! Too heavy and slow! He can’t make it, forget about the fact the he (or she) might be the smartest and best passer you have and great and breaking the lines or hold up play or something that is needed. Who knows? Just saying we discard players too quickly without giving players time. |
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Post by bogan on Mar 2, 2024 19:51:32 GMT -5
I believe Messi was on HGH if I’m not mistaken. He would have been 4ft 11 otherwise… Ok this HGH story is real but there is a difference between taking HGH when your expected height based upon familial size and your lack of growth for several years running combined with abnormalities in laboratory and bone age (x-ray) findings and someone who is just going to be short because their family is short. He took it because he was needing it medically. Soccer, like American football, has size that is helpful big and smaller depending on position. Do we want our center back to be like Messi or Ngolo Kante? No. But can they be great midfielders or even outside backs or wingers? Of course. Do we want our midfielders to be like Romelu Lukaku? Probably not. Is he an effective striker? Yes. Size matters but it is not an absolute. We talk too much in absolutes in the US. Too small! Forget him! Too heavy and slow! He can’t make it, forget about the fact the he (or she) might be the smartest and best passer you have and great and breaking the lines or hold up play or something that is needed. Who knows? Just saying we discard players too quickly without giving players time. I mean Barry Bonds needed it medically too, right? Only kidding, but I do think there is a lot of pressure on athletes at the top level to find a competitive advantage. In soccer, the best advantage in my mind would be to recover faster and/or to have more endurance. I agree that in the US if a kid isn’t superior in height/athleticism/etc by U-15 they get relegated. Gareth Bale was almost cut at the academy age too for being too small and slow…but they had patience. I think that’s something that’s lacking in American sports.but I digress … What was this thread about? Oh yeah-I think that the primary purpose of the AU academy is to cultivate a following/fanbase/supporters. I don’t believe that they really want to develop players. But that’s just one guy’s opinion… |
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Post by missionimpossible on Mar 3, 2024 11:49:57 GMT -5
Ok this HGH story is real but there is a difference between taking HGH when your expected height based upon familial size and your lack of growth for several years running combined with abnormalities in laboratory and bone age (x-ray) findings and someone who is just going to be short because their family is short. He took it because he was needing it medically. Soccer, like American football, has size that is helpful big and smaller depending on position. Do we want our center back to be like Messi or Ngolo Kante? No. But can they be great midfielders or even outside backs or wingers? Of course. Do we want our midfielders to be like Romelu Lukaku? Probably not. Is he an effective striker? Yes. Size matters but it is not an absolute. We talk too much in absolutes in the US. Too small! Forget him! Too heavy and slow! He can’t make it, forget about the fact the he (or she) might be the smartest and best passer you have and great and breaking the lines or hold up play or something that is needed. Who knows? Just saying we discard players too quickly without giving players time. I mean Barry Bonds needed it medically too, right? Only kidding, but I do think there is a lot of pressure on athletes at the top level to find a competitive advantage. In soccer, the best advantage in my mind would be to recover faster and/or to have more endurance. I agree that in the US if a kid isn’t superior in height/athleticism/etc by U-15 they get relegated. Gareth Bale was almost cut at the academy age too for being too small and slow…but they had patience. I think that’s something that’s lacking in American sports.but I digress … What was this thread about? Oh yeah-I think that the primary purpose of the AU academy is to cultivate a following/fanbase/supporters. I don’t believe that they really want to develop players. But that’s just one guy’s opinion… Spot on…. “Oh yeah-I think that the primary purpose of the AU academy is to cultivate a following/fanbase/supporters. I don’t believe that they really want to develop players.” |
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Post by rudy on Mar 3, 2024 11:52:38 GMT -5
I mean Barry Bonds needed it medically too, right? Only kidding, but I do think there is a lot of pressure on athletes at the top level to find a competitive advantage. In soccer, the best advantage in my mind would be to recover faster and/or to have more endurance. I agree that in the US if a kid isn’t superior in height/athleticism/etc by U-15 they get relegated. Gareth Bale was almost cut at the academy age too for being too small and slow…but they had patience. I think that’s something that’s lacking in American sports.but I digress … What was this thread about? Oh yeah-I think that the primary purpose of the AU academy is to cultivate a following/fanbase/supporters. I don’t believe that they really want to develop players. But that’s just one guy’s opinion… Spot on…. “Oh yeah-I think that the primary purpose of the AU academy is to cultivate a following/fanbase/supporters. I don’t believe that they really want to develop players.” I think you make a great point. The AU academy sure hasn't developed a player that has made a huge impact. Bello was already at the level he displayed on AU prior to the AU Academy. |
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Post by totalfootball1 on Mar 3, 2024 20:32:08 GMT -5
Spot on…. “Oh yeah-I think that the primary purpose of the AU academy is to cultivate a following/fanbase/supporters. I don’t believe that they really want to develop players.” I think you make a great point. The AU academy sure hasn't developed a player that has made a huge impact. Bello was already at the level he displayed on AU prior to the AU Academy. To add some insight, the AU 07 age group (current U17s) have been AUs most talented age group. Several of them play successfully with the AU2 and they even won their national championship for MLS academies. However, two of the starting players already left voluntarily to go play professional somewhere else and there another player who left this winter after training with AU1, AU2, mvp of last season. The academy isn’t doing great and the coaches and academy scouts should do better. But they still produce talent, it just get wasted or scared away once they need to negotiate contracts with one certain director of the club. |
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Post by rifle on Mar 3, 2024 20:33:31 GMT -5
Has anything been won by AU academy since the U15/16 DA national championship in 2017?
..won by Georgia United’s team and staff having been newly folded into Atlanta United
Edit: I see the post directly above mine stating a recent championship. I had not heard about that.
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