We live in a world where facts sometimes mean little and people are left to sift through what is real and what is not. Youth soccer mirrors the world I am speaking of and sometimes is worse. Misinformation, propaganda and spin continue to attempt to mislead people in the world of youth soccer. This is most definitely the case in our community.
It's gone even farther these days. There is an obvious and very calculated effort to cause confusion by spreading misinformation. It is one thing to have an opinion about something. It is very different to present misinformation as fact. Making statements like Ohio Elite is getting kicked out of the U.S. Development Academy is irresponsible and without basis. Claiming Ohio Elite does not support high school soccer and threatens our players into playing for our fall team is another example of what I am talking about. Worse yet is speculating on the future employment of people who have chosen soccer as their profession. Finally, the lowest of the low are those who talk directly about individual kids. Those who make these type of statements should be embarrassed by this behavior.
Many of the people making these statements hide in anonymity on message boards and public forums. These forums can be a great avenue for discussion. They can also be destructive. Their presence will continue to allow gutless anonymous posters to recklessly spread information about organizations and individuals that is far from true. It empowers those who have no real voice in the soccer community. Unfortunately it also overshadows the posters that understand the real intention of these forums which I believe is healthy opinion and discussion.
I have always had the utmost respect for the people and organizations who work hard making their product the best it can be. I try to have a policy of not talking about other organizations and focus on what I think is great about what we do. I also know that Ohio Elite is not for everyone. That's perfectly okay. Bottom line is that if you do a great job your players will stay and new players will come, period. I think that we are very successful in that regard and I also think there are other organizations out there doing a great job.
When selecting a team and club for your child I encourage you to do your homework. Beware of those who bash others. They are often afraid you will find out the truth. Like the opinions in this blog or not at least you know who they are coming from.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Understanding the Club's role in Player Development
I am often asked about the Development Academy and Elite Clubs National League. Certainly the top players should be in these leagues, but as important as playing in the league is the question of why Ohio Elite is the only member of either and the only NIKE Premier Club in Cincinnati .
Is it our Infrastructure? Coaching? Connections? Politics? Knowledge of the various processes? The simple answer is yes and it is equally important to consider when determining the club your child should play for. Tim is on the US Club BOD, Doug is the V.P. of the ECNL and I was an original member of the MRL Commission (all volunteer positions btw). These are not coincidence.
While training and coaching are the most important and the best parts of our job we spend an equal amount of time away from the field ensuring these opportunities for our players. When proper programming doesn't exist, Tim, Doug and myself have a proven record of helping to create them. The EPL was the first league in Cincinnati to have small-sided games while myself and other area directors worked with other league administrators to adopt it a year later.
Ohio Elite was the only club in Cincinnati to apply for the Development Academy when U.S. Soccer announced it was accepting applications during the spring of 2007. While other clubs made the decision not to apply (I personally made such a decision) or took a wait and see approach, Ohio Elite was once again the leader with its acceptance into a League. U.S. Soccer continues to show a commitment to the inaugural clubs and accepted only 5 clubs out of a pool of 250 applicants for year number three.
There are many qualified trainers in Cincinnati, each with his/her own strengths, but clubs have a responsibility to its membership off the field to help create the right environment for its players on the field. The game is evolving with technical people having a greater influence in policies and programming. In a two-week period in the middle of May, Tim, Doug and I were involved in nearly 30 conference calls and meetings - local, regional and national - directly related to League play and programming.
Membership in these Leagues and the opening of the new 30-acre facility confirm Ohio Elite's commitment toward meeting ALL the demands of players development.
Is it our Infrastructure? Coaching? Connections? Politics? Knowledge of the various processes? The simple answer is yes and it is equally important to consider when determining the club your child should play for. Tim is on the US Club BOD, Doug is the V.P. of the ECNL and I was an original member of the MRL Commission (all volunteer positions btw). These are not coincidence.
While training and coaching are the most important and the best parts of our job we spend an equal amount of time away from the field ensuring these opportunities for our players. When proper programming doesn't exist, Tim, Doug and myself have a proven record of helping to create them. The EPL was the first league in Cincinnati to have small-sided games while myself and other area directors worked with other league administrators to adopt it a year later.
Ohio Elite was the only club in Cincinnati to apply for the Development Academy when U.S. Soccer announced it was accepting applications during the spring of 2007. While other clubs made the decision not to apply (I personally made such a decision) or took a wait and see approach, Ohio Elite was once again the leader with its acceptance into a League. U.S. Soccer continues to show a commitment to the inaugural clubs and accepted only 5 clubs out of a pool of 250 applicants for year number three.
There are many qualified trainers in Cincinnati, each with his/her own strengths, but clubs have a responsibility to its membership off the field to help create the right environment for its players on the field. The game is evolving with technical people having a greater influence in policies and programming. In a two-week period in the middle of May, Tim, Doug and I were involved in nearly 30 conference calls and meetings - local, regional and national - directly related to League play and programming.
Membership in these Leagues and the opening of the new 30-acre facility confirm Ohio Elite's commitment toward meeting ALL the demands of players development.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Too Much Emphasis on State Cup
As I sat through, and ran between State Cup games this weekend I started thinking about the State Cup tournament. Specifically as it relates to what we do at Ohio Elite or more importantly what we are trying to do. My main thought was how much emphasis is put on State Cup. Of course we all want to win and be successful, but is a one and out tournament like State Cup really a good gauge of success?
I say this after we advanced six teams to the final weekend on the girls side second only to OP who has seven. Next closest Cincinnati club was CUP with four. Having said that, isn't a greater indicator of success a team competition that lasts over an extended period of time like the Midwest Regional League or the new Elite Clubs National League. This is where you play the top competition in the region and nation everytime out. Our U18 girls won MRL for the fifth time and the U15 and U16 girls still have a legitimate chance at the wild-card to regionals.
Individually, I look at the kids we have going to the next level (college/pro) as an indicator. I am happy to say every one of our U18 players (Academy and Gold) is going to play in college. Now that's something to be proud of. How are our players doing when they leave us for college, high school and US National Team duty? We have seen great success from Ohio Elite girls players in all of these arenas.
Unfortunately, we do and probably will continue to live in a world of youth soccer that rewards short term success and often fails to see the big picture. Good luck to all of our teams this weekend in the State Cup semi-finals and finals. We will be working as hard as we can to win as many as we can, but it won't be the end of the world if we don't.
Monday, May 4, 2009
U.S. Soccer Delays U-14 Development Academy League
In a conference call on April 23, U.S. Soccer announced that it will not launch a Development Academy League for the U-14 age group in 2009-10. While disappointed, we certainly appreciate that it should not launch the league if there are still important logistical issues that could not be addressed in the appropriate amount of time to allow clubs to enter the tryout cycle. (Several clubs have already had tryouts for the 2009-10 year.)
The Northeast and Southeast have decided to move forward with a U.S. Club Soccer Pre-Academy League this fall and several clubs in our Region are interested in discussing the concept. The Columbus Crew has taken the lead on the project for our Region and we have expressed our interest in the discussion. Depending on who joins the League travel will be very similar to the Midwest Regional League - Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Columbus - with travel outside the Region for tournaments only, not League games.
At this time, we have decided to reserve a decision regarding the program pending further discussion. While I believe that programming for high school freshmen capable of playing at the level of the Academy should exist, I have reservation about taking that stand for the 2009-10 year without legitimate support from enough capable players and other clubs to make the programming worth their while.
The majority of high school freshmen should play high school soccer. This would be for serious soccer players ONLY and those with a long-term goal of playing in the full U.S. Soccer Development Academy.
More to come...
The Northeast and Southeast have decided to move forward with a U.S. Club Soccer Pre-Academy League this fall and several clubs in our Region are interested in discussing the concept. The Columbus Crew has taken the lead on the project for our Region and we have expressed our interest in the discussion. Depending on who joins the League travel will be very similar to the Midwest Regional League - Chicago, St. Louis, Detroit, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Columbus - with travel outside the Region for tournaments only, not League games.
At this time, we have decided to reserve a decision regarding the program pending further discussion. While I believe that programming for high school freshmen capable of playing at the level of the Academy should exist, I have reservation about taking that stand for the 2009-10 year without legitimate support from enough capable players and other clubs to make the programming worth their while.
The majority of high school freshmen should play high school soccer. This would be for serious soccer players ONLY and those with a long-term goal of playing in the full U.S. Soccer Development Academy.
More to come...
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Swine Flu Affects Development Academy
After careful consideration and after several conversations with U.S. Soccer and the Columbus Crew it was with little hesitation that we have decided to cancel our trip to San Antonio and Austin to play Lonestar and Classic Elite in U.S. Soccer Development Academy matches this weekend.
U.S. Soccer fully supported the collective decision made by Ohio Elite and the Columbus Crew who is our travel partner in the Development Academy.
The uncertainty regarding the threat of the Swine Flu outbreak in Texas as well as the actions of local officials to close several schools and cancel all school athletics until May 11 weighed heavily in our decision. The risks of going far outweighed the cancellation fees assessed by the airlines and any logistical inconvenience.
U.S. Soccer fully supported the collective decision made by Ohio Elite and the Columbus Crew who is our travel partner in the Development Academy.
The uncertainty regarding the threat of the Swine Flu outbreak in Texas as well as the actions of local officials to close several schools and cancel all school athletics until May 11 weighed heavily in our decision. The risks of going far outweighed the cancellation fees assessed by the airlines and any logistical inconvenience.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Become a FAN of Ohio Elite on Facebook
In recognition of the growing trend of social networking, Ohio Elite Soccer Academy has created a profile on Facebook. Facebook is recognized as the largest social networking website in the world. To become a fan of Ohio Elite go to www.facebook.com or link from our website at www.ohioelite.com.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Dealing with Players Returning from Injury Responsibly
It is a fact of life that players will suffer injuries during the course of a season. With limited roster sizes and a crowded schedule of games coaches can feel pressure to rush players back to playing. It can be difficult to watch your teams struggle when the addition of a couple of key players out injured could make the world of difference.
I come at this strictly from a coaches perspective. I have played and coached at the college and youth level and have gained some experience on this subject. I have had short-term and long-term injuries myself. I have also talked to doctors, trainers and players about injuries and how to deal with players returning from them. I try to have an in or out policy. If you can participate in training you can do so at 100% with no restrictions. If you can not participate at 100% with no restrictions you should be limited to running or work on the side if permitted. For me there is no "I can play for 10 minutes" or at 50%, etc...
I look at injuries in two catagories.
1. Short-term Injuries - strains, sprains, mild concussions, etc...
2. Long-term Injuries - broken bones, ligament tears and other serious physical injuries
In the case of short-term injuries I have found that when a player feels 100% they should wait another week or two before they enter training. When first coming back players from muscle strains, sprains and mild concussions players will feel good, but need that additional week or two to help combat a re-aggravation of the injury. It is important that the player gets meaningful full speed training in before returning to game action.
In the case of long-term injuries it is important that you require the player to train for 4-6 weeks at 100% with no restrictions before introducing them into a game situation. This is for physical and mental reasons. Cleared does not mean ready to play. Cleared means ready to return to training. Players should look comfortable and confident before playing in a game. When dealing with female players, ACL and serious knee injuries are a major issue. Re-injury happens, but can be minimized by a proper plan in integrating the player back into your team.
It is the responsibility of coaches in the case of both types of injuries to look out for the long-term well being of the player and not the short-term gain of the team. Finally, I encourage players to be responsible and mature enough to be honest about their injuries and their ability to play at 100%. Unfortunately, sometimes as coaches all we have is the word of the player and the parents to make our decision.
I come at this strictly from a coaches perspective. I have played and coached at the college and youth level and have gained some experience on this subject. I have had short-term and long-term injuries myself. I have also talked to doctors, trainers and players about injuries and how to deal with players returning from them. I try to have an in or out policy. If you can participate in training you can do so at 100% with no restrictions. If you can not participate at 100% with no restrictions you should be limited to running or work on the side if permitted. For me there is no "I can play for 10 minutes" or at 50%, etc...
I look at injuries in two catagories.
1. Short-term Injuries - strains, sprains, mild concussions, etc...
2. Long-term Injuries - broken bones, ligament tears and other serious physical injuries
In the case of short-term injuries I have found that when a player feels 100% they should wait another week or two before they enter training. When first coming back players from muscle strains, sprains and mild concussions players will feel good, but need that additional week or two to help combat a re-aggravation of the injury. It is important that the player gets meaningful full speed training in before returning to game action.
In the case of long-term injuries it is important that you require the player to train for 4-6 weeks at 100% with no restrictions before introducing them into a game situation. This is for physical and mental reasons. Cleared does not mean ready to play. Cleared means ready to return to training. Players should look comfortable and confident before playing in a game. When dealing with female players, ACL and serious knee injuries are a major issue. Re-injury happens, but can be minimized by a proper plan in integrating the player back into your team.
It is the responsibility of coaches in the case of both types of injuries to look out for the long-term well being of the player and not the short-term gain of the team. Finally, I encourage players to be responsible and mature enough to be honest about their injuries and their ability to play at 100%. Unfortunately, sometimes as coaches all we have is the word of the player and the parents to make our decision.
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