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Post by bogan on Mar 4, 2024 5:38:16 GMT -5
totalfootball1-produce or harvest talent? I have no inside view, but from the outside looking in it appears they take major talent but they do not appear to be developing it. Perhaps it’s as you stated-they simply need to do a better job at retaining players.
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Mar 4, 2024 6:22:37 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 In college, when you're not a traditional powerhouse, it's hard to attract the top players. When you don't play in a power conference and add in your brand of brash, take no prisoner style of coaching, you're not going to succeed. For TA specifically, you have the added benefit of ruffling feathers when you were top of the food chain backed by AU, you leave a lot of folks out of your corner. There were college coaches not in the power conferences that he would not allow on to the AU training grounds to watch, ID or chat with AU players. Specifically, those in the same conference he now plays in... |
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Mar 4, 2024 6:29:23 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. If you get a chance, he will gladly let you know how he feels about AU and specifically Frank de Boring (he officially cut Kratz). Side note, he is an extremely hilarious kind of guy too... |
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Mar 4, 2024 7:58:35 GMT -5
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. I agree with you that a certain director at the club only complicates things when it comes to signings. Respectfully, I would disagree with you on the 2007s being the most talented age group. For starters, there are/were a few good players on that 2007 team (current record 3-6-3), but, in the U16 age group, there are only a handful of MLS teams that fielded a U16 team, so the odds favored AU. In my years of following the academy, I think the most talented group where the 2005s, followed by the 2010s and the future is really bright with the rising 2013s or 2014s. The 2005s won the Man City Cup, came 2nd in the Real Madrid tourney, lost 2 games in their first years and lost 7 games overall in their regular season games, between DA, MLS-Next and UPSL. The only time they were not successful was when this same director split them up to feed a depleted older age group or the fledgling AU2 team... |
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Post by missionimpossible on Mar 4, 2024 7:58:36 GMT -5
In college, when you're not a traditional powerhouse, it's hard to attract the top players. When you don't play in a power conference and add in your brand of brash, take no prisoner style of coaching, you're not going to succeed. For TA specifically, you have the added benefit of ruffling feathers when you were top of the food chain backed by AU, you leave a lot of folks out of your corner. There were college coaches not in the power conferences that he would not allow on to the AU training grounds to watch, ID or chat with AU players. Specifically, those in the same conference he now plays in... I respectfully don’t think that’s it. He’s had good players and its harder to win in the ACC than Sun Belt Conference (USC mens’s soccer conference). I just don’t think he’s found the right formula for success, tactics and training. Just look at Kentucky, they are 38-10-8 over the last 3 years playing similar opponents. |
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Post by Soccerhouse on Mar 4, 2024 12:34:00 GMT -5
I still think that orignal u17 team was the cream of the crop -- GA United boys sprinkled with other top players around the city who never would join the DA until the fully funded MLS academy came around.
I think it has lust it's luster -- mostly because it's the MLS and also the youth program is out of sight out of mind. I've seen them ruin more kids than the handful that have been successful.
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Post by allthingsoccer on Mar 4, 2024 13:51:16 GMT -5
They arent successful because they arent a team.
The hype was team environment but unfortunately that is so far from the truth. Its all about WHO they think is worthy. Everyone else is just for show.
Lack of true leadership. All you get is the same old BS lies. After you hear it so many times, the trust is so gone.
Even after Academy, ... crickets...
I see way more club coaches care about an individual and their families than at AU. Yes AU is a pro business but it doesnt even act like one. Plenty of after academy players can go pro division 2,3, or 4th all over the world. But ZERO help from the club. They cant even get you the college looks.
I have spoken to many academy players after leaving, graduating, etc... and they said they would never go back an represent AU/AU2.
Personally, they need to get ride of everyone running the academy. New blood. New hope.
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Mar 4, 2024 17:37:49 GMT -5
They arent successful because they arent a team. The hype was team environment but unfortunately that is so far from the truth. Its all about WHO they think is worthy. Everyone else is just for show. Lack of true leadership. All you get is the same old BS lies. After you hear it so many times, the trust is so gone. Even after Academy, ... crickets... I see way more club coaches care about an individual and their families than at AU. Yes AU is a pro business but it doesnt even act like one. Plenty of after academy players can go pro division 2,3, or 4th all over the world. But ZERO help from the club. They cant even get you the college looks. I have spoken to many academy players after leaving, graduating, etc... and they said they would never go back an represent AU/AU2. Personally, they need to get ride of everyone running the academy. New blood. New hope. You hit the nail on the head with the "pro business" part of your post. Last I checked, they are a professional business who's aim is to make money and turn a profit. They abandon players as soon as they believe they won't go the pro route for AU. Like you mentioned, why not get them ready to be marketed to other teams in the MLSNextPro league or USL-C, USL-1, USL-2? Many players now have dual or tri citizenship. Why not try and get them to your sister club in the Scottish Premiership. There are avenues to make $$$ off of these players and recoup the costs of training but it seems AU is not interested in pursuing this. Did you know clubs get a "stipend" for having Nat'l Team Players on their roster, since they deal with the day-2-day training of said players. Finally, once these boys head off to college, AU almost washes their hands of them. 7 former players were involved in the College Cup and 4 were on the National Championship Clemson team. What did you hear from AU - Deafening sounds of Crickets. allthingsoccer like you, I too have heard from current and former players who all say, they'd rather quit playing than let AU exercise their slave-like rights to them as players...🤯⚽🤯 |
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Post by Upper90 on Mar 4, 2024 18:13:58 GMT -5
I know too many players who hope AU doesn’t hold the rights to them, so they can be completely free from AU.
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socks
Jr. Academy
Posts: 16
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Post by socks on Mar 4, 2024 18:48:20 GMT -5
This is such an interesting thread. Are there any parents of players in this forum community that might have, or want to offer a different perspective? My young sons participate in RDS and I'm sure would love an opportunity with ATL UTD, but from everything I've heard from folks IRL and seen here, I'd be inclined to keep them with their club and just foot the bill.
And yes, I realize getting an offer to play with them at all is a tremendous feat...
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rotgg
Jr. Academy
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Post by rotgg on Mar 5, 2024 8:32:54 GMT -5
This is such an interesting thread. Are there any parents of players in this forum community that might have, or want to offer a different perspective? My young sons participate in RDS and I'm sure would love an opportunity with ATL UTD, but from everything I've heard from folks IRL and seen here, I'd be inclined to keep them with their club and just foot the bill. And yes, I realize getting an offer to play with them at all is a tremendous feat... I do not think you will find the perspective you are looking for. As mentioned above there are only a hand full of player since the academy began that would have that opinion. We would decline for sure if we ever received an offer but we also know that's not going to happen. |
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Mar 5, 2024 8:44:25 GMT -5
This is such an interesting thread. Are there any parents of players in this forum community that might have, or want to offer a different perspective? My young sons participate in RDS and I'm sure would love an opportunity with ATL UTD, but from everything I've heard from folks IRL and seen here, I'd be inclined to keep them with their club and just foot the bill. And yes, I realize getting an offer to play with them at all is a tremendous feat... I can't speak for others, but for me, I think AU has dropped the bag in their intended and stated goal of developing and raising the level of players within their HG area. There is so much more they can be doing and have lived off of their lure for the last few years. It's time for a reset. I would say if your kid is lucky enough to be chosen, you should seriously consider taking the offer. Just make sure you go in with open eyes and fully informed. AU owns your rights once you go through their academy. To be honest, they own the rights to a finite number of lads who never go to AU too, since you live within their HG territory. FIFA and the MLS count the annual costs of training compensation in the MLS at upwards of $20k - $25k a year, so you'd be saving quite a bit of $$$. Colleges still drool over MLS academy players almost as much as International Players, so you do have that as a benefit. Finally, they have the Generation Adidas Cup - GA Cup, that imho is the best and most prolific boys youth tournament in North America. There is talk about changing the age groups, but currently it brings only, the U15s and U17s from professional academies from around the world to play in a 10 day tournament. In attendance are teams from Asia, Africa, South America, LigaMX, MLS, LaLiga, Bundesliga, EPL, Ligue 1, Serie A, and the Scottish Premiership to name a few. You can imagine the types of scouting across all platforms from college to the pros that are on hand to make offers from collegiate and professional teams. Keep in mind, AU does not develop players. You would have to ensure that regardless of what the AU programming is, you have to ensure your kid is getting the right training outside of AU to keep him there and to keep him growing. Wishing your kid loads of luck in his journey to join the AU Academy... On a side note, it looks like the AU leadership is starting to make some changes. The current Director of the Academy is being let's say moved to a newly created but different position - Individual Development Coach. A new French fella is already on-site evaluating how things are being run as he'll be taking over the running of the academy. From what I'm hearing, every facet of the academy program, is being looked at and he has been empowered to make changes that fall in line with the long term goals of the Prez Lagerwey... |
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Post by bogan on Mar 6, 2024 15:34:59 GMT -5
Job Posting Atlanta United: “Atlanta United is looking for a Director of Methodology who will be in charge of leading the development of coaches and players in the elite youth category. Streamlining a progressive curriculum for our academy players that is in line with our club philosophy, and preparing them to become professionals. Apply below 👇 lnkd.in/expsgtZq” |
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Post by rifle on Mar 6, 2024 17:34:21 GMT -5
Totally agree with Futsal Gawdess 100% true .We've received multiple reports from concerned parents about recent changes in policies, including requests for parents to cover expenses for international trips. There is also growing conversation around the program's emphasis on physical measurements, notably in relation to height peak velocity (HPV), and how these factors influence team selection. While the intent behind these measurements is not always transparent, it's understood that they play a significant role in decisions at the end of each season.Moreover, there are observations and discussions about the apparent emphasis on size and race, as seen through team compositions from 2009 to 2011. These practices have raised questions about the inclusivity and fairness of the selection process.The Future Program and its management, particularly noted are the actions and decisions attributed to the head scout, Michael Lynch, have been a point of contention. It seems there is a need for a more transparent and inclusive dialogue between the program administrators and the parents to address these concerns comprehensively do you really think Inclusivity and Parents have anything to do with team selection in a pro team’s Academy? I lean (duh) pretty liberal..not cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs liberal.. but to me that sounds.. absurd |
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Post by socceristhebest on Mar 7, 2024 0:19:58 GMT -5
Totally agree with Futsal Gawdess 100% true .We've received multiple reports from concerned parents about recent changes in policies, including requests for parents to cover expenses for international trips. There is also growing conversation around the program's emphasis on physical measurements, notably in relation to height peak velocity (HPV), and how these factors influence team selection. While the intent behind these measurements is not always transparent, it's understood that they play a significant role in decisions at the end of each season.Moreover, there are observations and discussions about the apparent emphasis on size and race, as seen through team compositions from 2009 to 2011. These practices have raised questions about the inclusivity and fairness of the selection process.The Future Program and its management, particularly noted are the actions and decisions attributed to the head scout, Michael Lynch, have been a point of contention. It seems there is a need for a more transparent and inclusive dialogue between the program administrators and the parents to address these concerns comprehensively Lynch still coaches there?  How is that possible. I wouldn’t even let him coach my 4 year old Dude single handed ruined an entire age group. Nor would I trust his opinion on talent. He came to evaluate and watch our team and our coach was flabbergasted at his opinions, to the point our coach at that point completely lost faith. The same as true with an old AU scout - he was looking for a stereotype. But I’ll be honest - I’ve lost touch with their current staff and the problem is the youth mls bias is real. Did you see the usynt announced today. All mls kids basically. |
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Post by missionimpossible on Mar 7, 2024 8:31:52 GMT -5
Totally agree with Futsal Gawdess 100% true .We've received multiple reports from concerned parents about recent changes in policies, including requests for parents to cover expenses for international trips. There is also growing conversation around the program's emphasis on physical measurements, notably in relation to height peak velocity (HPV), and how these factors influence team selection. While the intent behind these measurements is not always transparent, it's understood that they play a significant role in decisions at the end of each season.Moreover, there are observations and discussions about the apparent emphasis on size and race, as seen through team compositions from 2009 to 2011. These practices have raised questions about the inclusivity and fairness of the selection process.The Future Program and its management, particularly noted are the actions and decisions attributed to the head scout, Michael Lynch, have been a point of contention. It seems there is a need for a more transparent and inclusive dialogue between the program administrators and the parents to address these concerns comprehensively “… apparent emphasis on size and race, as seen through team compositions from 2009 to 2011.”. Its too bad selection can’t just be based on a player’s ability. |
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Mar 7, 2024 11:40:33 GMT -5
Totally agree with Futsal Gawdess 100% true .We've received multiple reports from concerned parents about recent changes in policies, including requests for parents to cover expenses for international trips. There is also growing conversation around the program's emphasis on physical measurements, notably in relation to height peak velocity (HPV), and how these factors influence team selection. While the intent behind these measurements is not always transparent, it's understood that they play a significant role in decisions at the end of each season.Moreover, there are observations and discussions about the apparent emphasis on size and race, as seen through team compositions from 2009 to 2011. These practices have raised questions about the inclusivity and fairness of the selection process.The Future Program and its management, particularly noted are the actions and decisions attributed to the head scout, Michael Lynch, have been a point of contention. It seems there is a need for a more transparent and inclusive dialogue between the program administrators and the parents to address these concerns comprehensively “… apparent emphasis on size and race, as seen through team compositions from 2009 to 2011.”. Its too bad selection can’t just be based on a player’s ability. Oh ma lawd, what a concept. Going with player's ability and not some pre-conceived set of criteria. (sorry my sarcasm is in overdrive today)... |
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Post by footballer on Mar 8, 2024 0:27:06 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... I hear you loud and clear on the issues plaguing the Atlanta United Academy. The player experiences, coaching concerns, and lack of a clear pathway all deserve attention.
Now, before we grab the torches and pitchforks, let's consider some other angles. Atlanta United Academy does offer a valuable alternative to the pay-to-play model, giving local players a professional environment to develop.
There's room for improvement, for sure. The pressure on the Academy leadership could be a catalyst for positive change.
International trips are an amazing experience for development, maybe consider players fundraising option or exploring alternative options to gain experience for development pathways.
The focus on physical attributes alone is a red flag for sure, particularly when they are u16 and younger . AU should champion a more balanced approach that prioritizes technical skill just as much. And that "Futures" program photo requirement? Definitely needs a rethink.
Instead of a clean slate, can we push for solutions that build on the Academy's foundation? Maybe bringing in experienced ex-pros as mentors for the young players? How about offering real support for players transitioning out of the Academy, whether it's helping with a percentage of the costs for new club fees for the players that get released, college placement or connections in lower leagues?
Let's not forget the bigger picture. The high costs of pay-to-play create barriers for talented players. Maybe by addressing these broader issues in youth soccer alongside Academy improvements, we can create a brighter future for Atlanta United and young players in our town. These same problems exist at most US clubs, pay to play or MLS academy. Maybe one of you lot can apply for the new vacant Director role at AU |
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Post by rifle on Mar 8, 2024 4:41:31 GMT -5
MLS actively suppressing and interrupting the growth of other “lower” organizations with aspirations to compete professionally is The problem.
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Post by footballer on Mar 8, 2024 9:29:06 GMT -5
This is such an interesting thread. Are there any parents of players in this forum community that might have, or want to offer a different perspective? My young sons participate in RDS and I'm sure would love an opportunity with ATL UTD, but from everything I've heard from folks IRL and seen here, I'd be inclined to keep them with their club and just foot the bill. And yes, I realize getting an offer to play with them at all is a tremendous feat... I can't speak for others, but for me, I think AU has dropped the bag in their intended and stated goal of developing and raising the level of players within their HG area. There is so much more they can be doing and have lived off of their lure for the last few years. It's time for a reset. I would say if your kid is lucky enough to be chosen, you should seriously consider taking the offer. Just make sure you go in with open eyes and fully informed. AU owns your rights once you go through their academy. To be honest, they own the rights to a finite number of lads who never go to AU too, since you live within their HG territory. FIFA and the MLS count the annual costs of training compensation in the MLS at upwards of $20k - $25k a year, so you'd be saving quite a bit of $$$. Colleges still drool over MLS academy players almost as much as International Players, so you do have that as a benefit. Finally, they have the Generation Adidas Cup - GA Cup, that imho is the best and most prolific boys youth tournament in North America. There is talk about changing the age groups, but currently it brings only, the U15s and U17s from professional academies from around the world to play in a 10 day tournament. In attendance are teams from Asia, Africa, South America, LigaMX, MLS, LaLiga, Bundesliga, EPL, Ligue 1, Serie A, and the Scottish Premiership to name a few. You can imagine the types of scouting across all platforms from college to the pros that are on hand to make offers from collegiate and professional teams. Keep in mind, AU does not develop players. You would have to ensure that regardless of what the AU programming is, you have to ensure your kid is getting the right training outside of AU to keep him there and to keep him growing. Wishing your kid loads of luck in his journey to join the AU Academy... On a side note, it looks like the AU leadership is starting to make some changes. The current Director of the Academy is being let's say moved to a newly created but different position - Individual Development Coach. A new French fella is already on-site evaluating how things are being run as he'll be taking over the running of the academy. From what I'm hearing, every facet of the academy program, is being looked at and he has been empowered to make changes that fall in line with the long term goals of the Prez Lagerwey... Definitely an interesting topic, shoutout to original poster! Here's the thing: It's clear many of us are passionate about seeing AU succeed and develop Atlanta's top young talent. While the GA Cup and avoiding pay-to-play are perks, my concern is that we're overlooking some deeper issues. I'm guessing that it's still probably the best option in town depending on the kids mindset, adaptability and having the physical attributes does help. Would love to see if any of the so called big 6 ECNL clubs will challenge AU by offering their top teams even if its just u15-u18 boys/girls team a free ride and based on ability. AU would have to improve at that point. someone also eluded to the structure pro/rel. |
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Post by missionimpossible on Mar 8, 2024 10:17:45 GMT -5
Best case would be 10 plus professional “clubs” in Atlanta. If we want to do it right… footyworld.org/which-team-dominates-london/“… there are seventeen(17) professional teams in London alone, not mentioning semi-professional ones because the number is much higher.” |
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Post by mamadona on Mar 8, 2024 11:10:43 GMT -5
I'm not an expert on English soccer but I have lived there so I know about the culture. Even the lower level teams have fans. People go to the games. It's so much fun! If a player is good on a lower level team, they have a chance to get noticed by a higher level team and given a better opportunity.
I looked up the pyramid there and it looks like in the top 4 levels (Premier League, Championship, 1, 2) there are 92 clubs! This is in a country of 60M people. So it seems like the chance of playing professional soccer there is much bigger than in the US. Here we have 26 US teams in the MLS in a country of 330M.
England chance of playing pro: (92*18)/30M = 0.00552% (18 is roster size, not sure if that's correct. Population half, as men only)
USA chance of playing pro: (26*18)/165M = 0.00028%
So around a 20 times bigger chance in England! This is simplified and not taking into account international players.
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rotgg
Jr. Academy
Posts: 90
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Post by rotgg on Mar 8, 2024 11:36:26 GMT -5
Best case would be 10 plus professional “clubs” in Atlanta. If we want to do it right… footyworld.org/which-team-dominates-london/“… there are seventeen(17) professional teams in London alone, not mentioning semi-professional ones because the number is much higher.” I talk to people all the time about this. This is the reason we will never catch them. All the top players in Atlanta would play for the equivalent of AU if they were in London. If you have not been over there its hard to understand. With kids here in US the dream dies to quickly. If they don't get picked by AU at 12yo some feel its over. This also puts in perspective about how they choose players. If in London they had only one pro academy they would take only the freakish players. Even now you can look at the academy rosters and they look very similar to AU.
They sure seem to be recruiting a lot of size and speed. Maybe the parents here in the Atl could teach them a thing or two about how to choose players. If your player is not a freak or doesn't get picked its not the end and it doesn't mean there is a problem with the process that entity is using. In our family we use this as motivation. Remember two of the GOATS were passed over Michael Jordan and Tom Brady.
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Post by rifle on Mar 8, 2024 12:48:01 GMT -5
I'm not an expert on English soccer but I have lived there so I know about the culture. Even the lower level teams have fans. People go to the games. It's so much fun! If a player is good on a lower level team, they have a chance to get noticed by a higher level team and given a better opportunity. I looked up the pyramid there and it looks like in the top 4 levels (Premier League, Championship, 1, 2) there are 92 clubs! This is in a country of 60M people. So it seems like the chance of playing professional soccer there is much bigger than in the US. Here we have 26 US teams in the MLS in a country of 330M. England chance of playing pro: (92*18)/30M = 0.00552% (18 is roster size, not sure if that's correct. Population half, as men only) USA chance of playing pro: (26*18)/165M = 0.00028% So around a 20 times bigger chance in England! This is simplified and not taking into account international players. No. You’re wrong. They can’t have fans at lower levels, they don’t have big enough stadiums. And the supporters all have to abandon their team when a club is relegated, according to MLS “journalists” (marketing). |
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Post by footyfan on Mar 8, 2024 12:53:03 GMT -5
I'm not an expert on English soccer but I have lived there so I know about the culture. Even the lower level teams have fans. People go to the games. It's so much fun! If a player is good on a lower level team, they have a chance to get noticed by a higher level team and given a better opportunity. I looked up the pyramid there and it looks like in the top 4 levels (Premier League, Championship, 1, 2) there are 92 clubs! This is in a country of 60M people. So it seems like the chance of playing professional soccer there is much bigger than in the US. Here we have 26 US teams in the MLS in a country of 330M. England chance of playing pro: (92*18)/30M = 0.00552% (18 is roster size, not sure if that's correct. Population half, as men only) USA chance of playing pro: (26*18)/165M = 0.00028% So around a 20 times bigger chance in England! This is simplified and not taking into account international players. No. You’re wrong. They can’t have fans at lower levels, they don’t have big enough stadiums. And the supporters all have to abandon their team when a club is relegated, according to MLS “journalists” (marketing). MLS, MLSNP, USL Championship, USL League 1, NISA are all professional leagues. Even with these additions, your point is still valid, Momadona & Rifle |
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Post by youthsoccerdad on Mar 8, 2024 13:11:33 GMT -5
For youth soccer, I remember, and understand the problems, but I miss Classic 1, Classic 2, Classic 3, etc.
The current system of everyone on the boy's side trying to be elite, but not realizing none of them are elite until they turn 17/18 and ask themselves, what have I been doing all this for? Some hold out a little longer but after freshman year of college, most of them are like, yep time to move on with life.
On the adult side, what is the point of leagues like USL?
Our second division behind MLS is college. That is how we do it in America. May not be right, may not be perfect, but we should just embrace it and stop stressing.
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Post by diamondmid on Mar 8, 2024 13:17:32 GMT -5
For youth soccer, I remember, and understand the problems, but I miss Classic 1, Classic 2, Classic 3, etc. The current system of everyone on the boy's side trying to be elite, but not realizing none of them are elite until they turn 17/18 and ask themselves, what have I been doing all this for? Some hold out a little longer but after freshman year of college, most of them are like, yep time to move on with life. On the adult side, what is the point of leagues like USL? Our second division behind MLS is college. That is how we do it in America. May not be right, may not be perfect, but we should just embrace it and stop stressing. USL is a pro league - 2nd division according to US Soccer. But without pro/rel, what's the point of divisions? USL teams can and do beat MLS teams frequently. That's one of the reasons MLS wants to kill US Open Cup. Too often MLS is exposed as the emperor that wears no clothes. |
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Post by rifle on Mar 8, 2024 13:49:23 GMT -5
For youth soccer, I remember, and understand the problems, but I miss Classic 1, Classic 2, Classic 3, etc. The current system of everyone on the boy's side trying to be elite, but not realizing none of them are elite until they turn 17/18 and ask themselves, what have I been doing all this for? Some hold out a little longer but after freshman year of college, most of them are like, yep time to move on with life. On the adult side, what is the point of leagues like USL? Our second division behind MLS is college. That is how we do it in America. May not be right, may not be perfect, but we should just embrace it and stop stressing. With an open pyramid we could have multiple levels (and regions of course) of professional teams. College soccer would be the consolation prize. Are you not inspired by Welcome to Wrexham? |
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Post by Futsal Gawdess on Mar 8, 2024 15:49:17 GMT -5
Definitely an interesting topic, shoutout to original poster! Here's the thing: It's clear many of us are passionate about seeing AU succeed and develop Atlanta's top young talent. While the GA Cup and avoiding pay-to-play are perks, my concern is that we're overlooking some deeper issues. I'm guessing that it's still probably the best option in town depending on the kids mindset, adaptability and having the physical attributes does help. Would love to see if any of the so called big 6 ECNL clubs will challenge AU by offering their top teams even if its just u15-u18 boys/girls team a free ride and based on ability. AU would have to improve at that point. someone also eluded to the structure pro/rel. Regrettably, even if the major five or six organizations were to collaborate, they couldn't rival the comprehensive support provided by AU in terms of financial backing. AU commits to rigorous training five days a week, rain or shine, often facilitated by multiple coaches, including a dedicated Goalie Coach. Each session is equipped with trainers, and a licensed physician attends weekly to address more serious injuries. Uniforms are routinely distributed, with additional senior kits possibly introduced midway through the year. Moreover, AU supplies essential gear such as gloves, boots, socks, and training equipment. Travel necessities ranging from polos to soccer backpacks are also provided, along with transportation to and from training facilities, either by luxury bus or air travel from Hartsfield. Access to a training room and on-site schooling is available for those in need. Annually, MLS Next events such as the Arizona Fest, IMG GA Cup, Maryland Flex, Dallas playoffs/showcase, and Ohio all-star tournament are attended by AU. The regular season schedule includes away games in various locations like Miami, Orlando, Maryland, NYC, Charlotte, Nashville, Holly Springs, Birmingham, and South Georgia. All expenses incurred during these activities are covered by AU... However, my concern with AU lies in their efficacy in maximizing the potential of the players they recruit. While it operates as a business, efforts to recoup investments in these players seem lacking. Questions arise regarding the facilitation of player progression to the national team. Notably, there are financial incentives tied to having Youth National Team (YNT) players within the academy, yet alternative pathways for professional development seem underutilized. Opportunities for profit exist in player transfers, including future transactions, yet premature dismissal of players followed by last-minute appeals undermines the process. Additionally, the coaching staff, predominantly comprising non-former professionals, raises doubts about their ability to cultivate future pros effectively. How can one train aspiring professionals without firsthand knowledge of the journey? It's akin to having college dropouts instructing college students. While AU remains a premier institution, there's untapped potential for improvement to a certain level that would attract talent from diverse backgrounds... |
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Post by rifle on Mar 8, 2024 17:28:12 GMT -5
I can see why some MLS operators (they’re not clubs) choose not to have an academy. That’s a lot of expenses.
I also do not misunderstand the Wrexham success follows an enormous truckload of money showing up. When you can earn $750k for a tweet.. it definitely helps.
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