Cole DeNormandie and Matt Keys both graduated from the New England Revolution Academy in 2011, while each enjoyed successful high school careers. DeNormandie was a two-time NSCAA High School All-American at Lincoln-Sudbury. This past Fall as a freshman at the University of Cincinnati he was named to the Big East All-Rookie Team. As a senior at King Philip Regional High School, Keys was named an NSCAA All-American as a defender. In 2011 he started every game as a freshman for UMass and was named to the Atlantic-10 All-Rookie Team.
Soccer Banter: What are your thoughts on the Development Academy moving to a 10-month season?
Cole DeNormandie: I like the idea of the academy moving to a ten-month season. I think it’s a step that US soccer needs to make if it wants to compete with other countries.
Matt Keys: I feel that by moving the Academy to 10 months it will definitely improve soccer in America. Kids who are playing in the academy will be exposed to the best competition possible, as well as coaching and facilities; something that they don’t get in high school. Overall, I feel that it is a good move by the Academy.
SB: As a player how did playing in the Academy program help you develop?
CD: The academy gave me the exposure I needed; I wish I had joined my sophomore year of high school instead of when I was a junior. The academy is exclusive, you're playing the best players you can every practice and game. Playing against the best competition is the biggest part of developing as a player.
MK: While playing in the Academy I saw my foot skills, decision-making, and speed of play improve. The coaches, at least at the Revolution academy, focused on all three of those aspects of the game and would not accept anything below their expectations of perfect. With a highly competitive atmosphere they created, it made it challenging for all players. Playing against the best kids in the nation, the academy provided me preparation for the college level.
Soccer Banter: What are your thoughts on the Development Academy moving to a 10-month season?
Cole DeNormandie: I like the idea of the academy moving to a ten-month season. I think it’s a step that US soccer needs to make if it wants to compete with other countries.
Matt Keys: I feel that by moving the Academy to 10 months it will definitely improve soccer in America. Kids who are playing in the academy will be exposed to the best competition possible, as well as coaching and facilities; something that they don’t get in high school. Overall, I feel that it is a good move by the Academy.
SB: As a player how did playing in the Academy program help you develop?
CD: The academy gave me the exposure I needed; I wish I had joined my sophomore year of high school instead of when I was a junior. The academy is exclusive, you're playing the best players you can every practice and game. Playing against the best competition is the biggest part of developing as a player.
MK: While playing in the Academy I saw my foot skills, decision-making, and speed of play improve. The coaches, at least at the Revolution academy, focused on all three of those aspects of the game and would not accept anything below their expectations of perfect. With a highly competitive atmosphere they created, it made it challenging for all players. Playing against the best kids in the nation, the academy provided me preparation for the college level.
SB: How did High School soccer help you as player?
CD: High school soccer allowed me to relax and it was probably the most fun I have ever had playing soccer. I saw a lot more success in high school soccer and that was nice to receive. Playing against players who were three or four years older than me when I was a freshman or sophomore was challenging; it teaches you how to use your body against bigger stronger players.
MK: I think the benefits of playing high school soccer are team spirit and unity. High school soccer does a good job of showing players how to be part of a team and demonstrating school spirit. Also, it gives you confidence… as most academy players are highly successful at the high school level.
SB: If faced with the decision that high school age players will now be dealing with, would you have chosen to play in the Academy system and miss out on High School soccer or played with a non-academy club program?
CD: If I had been faced with the decision to play academy or high school I would have chosen academy. It is hard to go from one season to another taking a two-month break in between. You lose your form and have to start all over again. The academy going to a ten-month season is a great step for the program.
MK: If faced with the decision to choose between Academy and High school soccer I would have to choose Academy. For players who want to play at the college level, as I did, this is a no brainer. The Academy gives players exposure all around the country that high school can’t do. Also the level of training and competition of the academy makes you a better player. Overall, if faced with this decision, the academy program is the best asset to a player to succeed at the college level.
More opinions on U.S. Soccer Development Academy moving to 10 month season:
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.
CD: High school soccer allowed me to relax and it was probably the most fun I have ever had playing soccer. I saw a lot more success in high school soccer and that was nice to receive. Playing against players who were three or four years older than me when I was a freshman or sophomore was challenging; it teaches you how to use your body against bigger stronger players.
MK: I think the benefits of playing high school soccer are team spirit and unity. High school soccer does a good job of showing players how to be part of a team and demonstrating school spirit. Also, it gives you confidence… as most academy players are highly successful at the high school level.
SB: If faced with the decision that high school age players will now be dealing with, would you have chosen to play in the Academy system and miss out on High School soccer or played with a non-academy club program?
CD: If I had been faced with the decision to play academy or high school I would have chosen academy. It is hard to go from one season to another taking a two-month break in between. You lose your form and have to start all over again. The academy going to a ten-month season is a great step for the program.
MK: If faced with the decision to choose between Academy and High school soccer I would have to choose Academy. For players who want to play at the college level, as I did, this is a no brainer. The Academy gives players exposure all around the country that high school can’t do. Also the level of training and competition of the academy makes you a better player. Overall, if faced with this decision, the academy program is the best asset to a player to succeed at the college level.
More opinions on U.S. Soccer Development Academy moving to 10 month season:
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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