Soccer Families: Join Live Chat About National Decision that may Prevent High School Play

Earlier this month, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy announced a move that could alter the landscape of high school soccer programs around the country. The academy, which is backed by the U.S. National team, announced it is moving to a 10-month training schedule, effective this fall. The decision means players who want to be in the U.S. Soccer structure will not be able to play at the high school level.

In a statement announcing the move, the Academy said: 

Moving to a 10-month season means players can focus on training together three or four times per week and play meaningful games on the weekend nearly year-round. Fewer games and an extended season will allow for the addition of a substantial number of extra training sessions, which are the primary vehicle for player development.

U.S. National Team officials indicated the switch will help the United States develop talent the way many other countries do, but Chaminade College Prep Boys Coach Mike Gauvain told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the plan goes too far.

“If they were going to target the top 60 or 80, or even 100 top kids in an age group, and work to develop them, maybe that’s something I could understand,” Gauvain said. “But the scope of this is just too big. The Academy system has something like 72 teams nationwide; there’s just no way there are that many elite-level players out there for a system like this.” 

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Patch will host a live chat on Thursday (Feb. 16 at 4 p.m. Central) featuring local high school soccer coaches from around the area. Patch also reached out to representatives from Scott Gallagher Soccer and elsewhere to weigh in on the debate which may now be facing athletes, their parents and coaches. We encourage your participation, too. 

Look for a story entitled "LIVE SOCCER CHAT" to be posted on Thursday afternoon.

Would you like to be a panelist on the chat? Email Gregg.Palermo@patch.com