ACADEMY MODEL
In 2022 we first implemented a new approach to our program model and player pathway influenced by the academy model seen around the world in club soccer. For a more detailed explanation of what that means and why we made that change, see the first release of our explanation at the following link: 2022 Academy Model.
To summarize, we have moved to a much more player centric development model. This will influence how we manage all players at all levels, striving to put each individual in the best training and game environment to meet their development needs. Our new program model looks like below.
The main points of this approach are as follows:
- Player centric - Individually focused development
- We will focus on individual player development pathways, targeting the appropriate training environment and game competition for each player. This can mean that a player trains at one level but plays games at another. Ultimately this should lead to better development for each player, and we believe a more competitive training environment overall.
- Unified JV program
- All of our JV players will experience consistent training under a unified JV Academy coaching staff. There may be separate team training during certain periods of training sessions or during the regular season when the game schedule impacts practice consistency. However, in general all JV players will train together under our entire JV coaching staff, but structured in different ways.
- Fluid player movement
- We will be very open to moving players into different environments as necessary for each individual. This means a player may experience different training environments at different points in the season, or even different game competition. These decisions are not meant to punish or reward a player, but rather made in the best interests of each individual's development.
- In regards to our JV program specifically, we will use tiered JV game rosters that can be fluid throughout the season. With smaller game rosters players can expect more playing time per game. The fluid nature allows individuals to be placed in multiple tiers along with ongoing evaluations to determine the best individual game environment for each player, from tryouts to the end of the season.
- Untraditional “swing” players
- A goal of this model is to increase the amount of varsity opportunities for our best young players, whether it be just in training or in games. It is likely that some players will exclusviely practice with varsity but then will play in JV games - an untraiditonal approach to the "swing player" practice.
We had a resounding success in 2022 as we initially mostly targeted our JV program. Based on that positive experience we have expanded this management method to all levels and will continue to evaluate our model to make sure it best fits our program. We are excited about the potential long term impact for all players!
