Shawn Bailey with CJSA President Kathy Zolad
Shaun Bailey has served as the Director of Coaching for Connecticut Junior Soccer Association since December 2010. He previously has experience as coach at the town, premier, ODP and college level. He holds a USSF 'A' License, USSF National Youth License, NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma, and English FA Coaching Certificate.
Soccer Banter: What are your thoughts on the Development Academy moving to a 10-month season?
Shaun Bailey: I understand the thought process of implementing a 10-month season, and the Development Academy (DA) has a clear and structured path that enables the elite player to continue to grow in an environment that truly enhances player development.
I do, however, believe that it is important to look at this from not only the coaching perspective, but also from the perspective of the player, and the fact that they will ultimately need to make a major decision on which is the best route for them to take: Academy versus high school and maybe finding another Club. We are asking young individuals, or maybe the parent, to make a decision that in later life may be something they regret. It would be interesting to see in the coming years, if or how many of these young players will question the decision to not represent their High School.
Soccer Banter: Do you feel that the benefit of academy soccer far outweighs that of high school soccer?
Shaun Bailey: I believe both programs have their own merits, and I think that it depends on the needs or wishes of each individual.
The DA has minimum standards for their coaches, whereas there are no coaching credentials required to coach at a high school. The quality of the coach is important, but it is also important to remember that, contrary to believe, there are some very good high school coaches that have played a significant role in the development of their players. It seems as though there is a common tendency to "tar everyone with the same brush". It is essential that we remember there are quality coaches working in all levels of soccer.
Soccer Banter: What are your thoughts on the Development Academy moving to a 10-month season?
Shaun Bailey: I understand the thought process of implementing a 10-month season, and the Development Academy (DA) has a clear and structured path that enables the elite player to continue to grow in an environment that truly enhances player development.
I do, however, believe that it is important to look at this from not only the coaching perspective, but also from the perspective of the player, and the fact that they will ultimately need to make a major decision on which is the best route for them to take: Academy versus high school and maybe finding another Club. We are asking young individuals, or maybe the parent, to make a decision that in later life may be something they regret. It would be interesting to see in the coming years, if or how many of these young players will question the decision to not represent their High School.
Soccer Banter: Do you feel that the benefit of academy soccer far outweighs that of high school soccer?
Shaun Bailey: I believe both programs have their own merits, and I think that it depends on the needs or wishes of each individual.
The DA has minimum standards for their coaches, whereas there are no coaching credentials required to coach at a high school. The quality of the coach is important, but it is also important to remember that, contrary to believe, there are some very good high school coaches that have played a significant role in the development of their players. It seems as though there is a common tendency to "tar everyone with the same brush". It is essential that we remember there are quality coaches working in all levels of soccer.
The 10 month season is a carefully thought out plan, and there are many factors that this approach brings that need to be applauded. A well-planned season of training to games, with an emphasis on the right amount of competition, is hard to argue against. The DA has a solid structure in place that helps the identification process for the elite player. I would assume that there will be a very small percentage of these players going pro and bypassing the college experience. It will be interesting to see how long it will take in order to measure the "fruits of the labor" and to gauge how successful this has been.
There is much to be said for the high school season and how it helps develop the player not only on the field but off it too. The social aspect and the opportunity to represent your high school means a lot to some players, even some that are considered elite. There is also the thought process that the stronger players are not necessarily playing with a team that can help their development. I do understand this perception, but I also see how this can challenge a player to take more of a leadership role both on and off the field, and one that they may not come across in their club team.
Soccer Banter: Do youth players really miss out on that much development with high school soccer?.
Shaun Bailey: I think that it will come down to many factors. What do we perceive as a successful developmental process for a player?
Unfortunately for many people, the measure of success in youth soccer are the wins and loss records. There are various ways in which a coach can help develop their players, and I believe that there are many players playing at high levels that feel their high school coach had a tremendous impact on their developmental process both on and off the field. A high school coach's season is very similar to that of a college coach. Does a college coach have an impact on the development of their players in such a short season? If so, why can't a quality high school coach feel the same way?
More opinions on U.S. Soccer Development Academy moving to 10 month season:
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.
There is much to be said for the high school season and how it helps develop the player not only on the field but off it too. The social aspect and the opportunity to represent your high school means a lot to some players, even some that are considered elite. There is also the thought process that the stronger players are not necessarily playing with a team that can help their development. I do understand this perception, but I also see how this can challenge a player to take more of a leadership role both on and off the field, and one that they may not come across in their club team.
Soccer Banter: Do youth players really miss out on that much development with high school soccer?.
Shaun Bailey: I think that it will come down to many factors. What do we perceive as a successful developmental process for a player?
Unfortunately for many people, the measure of success in youth soccer are the wins and loss records. There are various ways in which a coach can help develop their players, and I believe that there are many players playing at high levels that feel their high school coach had a tremendous impact on their developmental process both on and off the field. A high school coach's season is very similar to that of a college coach. Does a college coach have an impact on the development of their players in such a short season? If so, why can't a quality high school coach feel the same way?
More opinions on U.S. Soccer Development Academy moving to 10 month season:
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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