Brian Tompkins just completed his 16th season on the sidelines in New Haven as the Head Men's Soccer Coach at Yale University. Hehas over 200 career wins as a Head Coach in Division I Men's Soccer. He has also been a regular contributor to Soccer Banter for the past six months.
Soccer Banter: What are your thoughts on the Development Academy moving to a 10-month season?
Brian Tompkins: It seems that the move to a virtual full-time playing and training calendar was the inevitable next step for the Academy; given that their goal is the development of the technical, tactical and competitive competencies of youth players in this country, it makes sense for the clubs to have access to their players for a greater period of time. For the die-hard player who is thoroughly committed to self-improvement and enhancing their play it will be a great opportunity to spend more time playing and training at a high level. It will be interesting to see how many players, and families for that matter, are as driven as they think they are because there will be limited downtime and the risk of physical and financial burnout may become a reality for a good number of players and families. It leads one to wonder whether the Academy will need to find creative ways to alleviate some of the additional expenses that families may have to endure with the extra time commitment.
SB: Do youth players really miss out on that much development with high school soccer?
BT: I believe it is a misnomer to think of high school soccer as a developmental environment. Like college soccer it is not necessarily designed or intended to put development above the proud representation of your school and winning. Typically the quality of play at the high school level is not on a par with the top youth club teams, but there are high schools throughout the country with outstanding talent and coaching who prove otherwise. As the Academy looks to de-emphasize the benefits, whatever they may be, of playing in high school, it may be instructive to reflect on a uniquely American cultural anomaly that will require some steering and re-teaching in a lot of communities across the country. The notion of high school pride and representation on athletic teams is held in very high regard in this country and, while it probably matters less in other parts of the world, being a leader within the school and community is something that many youngsters are brought up aspiring to. Additionally it may be difficult for a teenager, who has been a key figure on his high school team, to walk away and play exclusively in the Academy, without feeling that he is abandoning his friends and in some respects, letting down his community.
Soccer Banter: What are your thoughts on the Development Academy moving to a 10-month season?
Brian Tompkins: It seems that the move to a virtual full-time playing and training calendar was the inevitable next step for the Academy; given that their goal is the development of the technical, tactical and competitive competencies of youth players in this country, it makes sense for the clubs to have access to their players for a greater period of time. For the die-hard player who is thoroughly committed to self-improvement and enhancing their play it will be a great opportunity to spend more time playing and training at a high level. It will be interesting to see how many players, and families for that matter, are as driven as they think they are because there will be limited downtime and the risk of physical and financial burnout may become a reality for a good number of players and families. It leads one to wonder whether the Academy will need to find creative ways to alleviate some of the additional expenses that families may have to endure with the extra time commitment.
SB: Do youth players really miss out on that much development with high school soccer?
BT: I believe it is a misnomer to think of high school soccer as a developmental environment. Like college soccer it is not necessarily designed or intended to put development above the proud representation of your school and winning. Typically the quality of play at the high school level is not on a par with the top youth club teams, but there are high schools throughout the country with outstanding talent and coaching who prove otherwise. As the Academy looks to de-emphasize the benefits, whatever they may be, of playing in high school, it may be instructive to reflect on a uniquely American cultural anomaly that will require some steering and re-teaching in a lot of communities across the country. The notion of high school pride and representation on athletic teams is held in very high regard in this country and, while it probably matters less in other parts of the world, being a leader within the school and community is something that many youngsters are brought up aspiring to. Additionally it may be difficult for a teenager, who has been a key figure on his high school team, to walk away and play exclusively in the Academy, without feeling that he is abandoning his friends and in some respects, letting down his community.
I have discussed this very topic with a number of youngsters and families who feel torn by the tension between what they see as a great soccer opportunity with the Academy, or their sense of civic duty. For many it is an easy choice to opt for more Academy soccer, but loyalty and a sense of obligation are strong forces in American high school culture and it may prevent the mass exodus of players that is perhaps anticipated.
SB: Will this change benefit you as a college coach?
BT: The answer to whether college coaches will benefit from the change is a resounding maybe. It needs to be said that the Academy showcases are wonderful recruiting oases and there is little doubt that having so many talented players together in one place is an appealing and cost-effective benefit. However, given that the end-game for most kids, other than the small percentage of truly exceptional national team and professional prospects, is to be seen and secured by colleges as early as possible, there comes a point in the Academy cycle, particularly with the U-18’s, where college decisions are made and their participation drops off. At that point, usually, in the late spring or summer, the Academy’s benefit as a recruiting environment is no greater than many other tournaments or showcases. Perhaps the additional fall months of Academy play will hasten college decisions even more and create and redundancy in games that take place even in the early spring.
Although that may be a worst-case view, trends suggest that the majority of kids, although they aspire to play at elite levels, are more realistically in the Academy to enhance their college opportunities and the realities of the recruiting world are that colleges are looking to gain advantages by committing recruits earlier and earlier.
Change is hard and often brings turmoil before it brings benefit. It will be interesting to see where the various moving parts in this scenario finally settle over the next year or two.
More opinions on U.S. Soccer Development Academy moving to 10 month season:
Zach Samol - McLean Youth Soccer Academy Director
Shaun Bailey - CJSA Director of Coaching
Cole DeNormandie & Matt Keys - New England Revolution Academy
Eric Da Costa - Head Men's Soccer Coach at Quinnipiac University
Rob Jachym - Former MLS player and current Boys Soccer Coach at Wethersfield High School
Share your opinions on this historic change for boys youth soccer in America in comment section below.
SB: Will this change benefit you as a college coach?
BT: The answer to whether college coaches will benefit from the change is a resounding maybe. It needs to be said that the Academy showcases are wonderful recruiting oases and there is little doubt that having so many talented players together in one place is an appealing and cost-effective benefit. However, given that the end-game for most kids, other than the small percentage of truly exceptional national team and professional prospects, is to be seen and secured by colleges as early as possible, there comes a point in the Academy cycle, particularly with the U-18’s, where college decisions are made and their participation drops off. At that point, usually, in the late spring or summer, the Academy’s benefit as a recruiting environment is no greater than many other tournaments or showcases. Perhaps the additional fall months of Academy play will hasten college decisions even more and create and redundancy in games that take place even in the early spring.
Although that may be a worst-case view, trends suggest that the majority of kids, although they aspire to play at elite levels, are more realistically in the Academy to enhance their college opportunities and the realities of the recruiting world are that colleges are looking to gain advantages by committing recruits earlier and earlier.
Change is hard and often brings turmoil before it brings benefit. It will be interesting to see where the various moving parts in this scenario finally settle over the next year or two.
More opinions on U.S. Soccer Development Academy moving to 10 month season:
Zach Samol - McLean Youth Soccer Academy Director
Shaun Bailey - CJSA Director of Coaching
Cole DeNormandie & Matt Keys - New England Revolution Academy
Eric Da Costa - Head Men's Soccer Coach at Quinnipiac University
Rob Jachym - Former MLS player and current Boys Soccer Coach at Wethersfield High School
Share your opinions on this historic change for boys youth soccer in America in comment section below.
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