November 2005

PAGE 11

Chalk Talk

At a Crossroads

listen to and meet the needs of these clubs as they con-

Many associations and clubs now have Directors of

tinue to evolve.

Coaching who have established developmental goals

There are distinct differences between recreational

for their coaches and players. In this same vein, they

By Dave Schumacher

and premier programs. However, they are both linked

also have specific needs to reach these developmental

WSYSA Coaching Director &

US Soccer National Staff Coach

by a common bond - players. As players grow and

goals. Since Washington is such a large and diverse

develop through recreational soccer, some fall in love

state, there are some that are concerned and even

n last month's article I paid tribute to Leanne Ehnat

I

with the game and elect to devote more time and ener-

threatened by this trend. We must recognize that this

and shared with you the vision and focus that she had

gy to it. This devotion and commitment to the game has

trend has been taking place across the entire country;

for the players and coaches in Washington. In it I men-

spurred the growth of players seeking to play at a high-

Washington is actually behind the curve with respect

tioned the many discussions we had about the direc-

er level. Many players in Washington seek clubs that

to this progress.

tion of our State Tournaments and Premier League in

can support the year-round desire to pursue their

We are at a crossroads because our current struc-

general. Leanne believed that it was time for a change

dreams of playing soccer at the highest level.

ture of league play, qualification process, and season

in both. She believed in this so much she asked me to

I have asked several Directors of Coaching of these

schedule are not keeping up with the needs of these

organize a special meeting with club and association

clubs to share with you their thoughts and ideas regard-

clubs. Unless we take the time to understand these

Directors of Coaching to explore changes to our cur-

ing the challenges ahead. It is my hope that WSYSA will

needs and explore change, there is a great likelihood

rent format. Leanne was dedicated to moving forward

take the necessary steps to hear these needs and ulti-

that we could lose these clubs to other programs such

with the times and change was part of this movement.

mately take the appropriate steps to ensure that these

as US Club Soccer and the Y-League. The emergence of

The landscape of soccer is taking on a new face.

clubs are able to provide the best quality environment

Premier clubs within Washington are expending time,

these other programs around the United States is a

energy, and resources to professionalize programs.

for our players to learn and enjoy the game. s

result of US Youth Soccer organizations not willing to

Premier Development in Washington

Warrants Discussion

Brought forth by coaches around the state, the following is a compilation of issues that should be addressed in order to meet the current and future needs of the game.

1. Some districts allow their teams to play in other

3. There is a high level of turnover in this age

By Bryan Yorke

group. Too many players run from one team to the next

districts to encourage competition and development

Coaching Director - F.C. United Premier

or quit because the developmental environment does

because they know they cannot provide "like talent";

not provide enough challenge, reward, or fun. As I said

other districts do not. As a result, you have 2-3 teams at

he game of soccer is a growing and ever changing

T

earlier, the leagues do not have eight similar teams.

the top of each level of district play destroying every-

environment. The model for development today is

They are unequally balanced and as a result there are

one else. And there are 2-3 teams at the bottom of each

likely to be completely different 3-5 years from now as

unbalanced scores. Kids want to have fun. If you are on

league facing an unfair match up week in and week

the expertise and resources available to the players

the bottom end of the 10-0 result too often it is not fun.

out. This does not set an appropriate developmental

increase. The opportunities that the state, region, and

As a result, players quit or run to what they think will

atmosphere. It is my belief that players of like ability

nation, along with the development that the Club struc-

be a better environment only to find that they are still

should be playing with and against each other. This

ture can provide has really changed the face of youth

not receiving the development they are looking for.

applies to all levels of ability. By doing this you allow

soccer as we know it.

However at least it is more fun because they are not los-

As this change occurs it is vital that the local asso-

players and teams of all levels to compete, develop, and

ing 10-0 every game. Stability provides the best devel-

ciations, districts, and state organizations work hand in

grow in an environment that is both challenging and

opmental environment. If players of like ability can stay

hand with their local Clubs to continue to provide the

rewarding at the same time. These district barriers

together as a group and compete against teams of like

best developmental environment possible for players of

should be broken down and teams of like ability should

ability in an environment where good coaching is pro-

all levels. WSYSA is at a crossroads. The environment

always be competing against each other.

vided, the result will be a higher level of player devel-

we work in today was very innovative and user friend-

2. Often times a Club will ask to be placed in a

opment and a lifelong love of the sport.

ly when it was created in the late 70's and early 80's but

certain level of league competition but will not be

U13

fear of change and the unknown has taken a great idea

placed in that league. Each year there is a struggle

The U13 year is first taste of "Premier soccer" that

and turned it into a hindrance for youth soccer devel-

between Clubs and District Commissioners about

players and families have. Unfortunately the WSPL is

opment because the needs of today's player and the

where teams should be placed. The Club, who has a

still a "sign up" league and although it pares things

opportunities they have available to them are com-

working knowledge of the team based on day to day

down to four divisions it does not provide a develop-

pletely different from those of 20 years ago.

training and games, may ask that a team be placed in

mental environment where players and teams of like

Below are some thoughts that outline the problems

the Gold Titanium league because they know that,

talent are playing with and against each other. While

and offer some solutions to help move WSYSA forward

developmentally, that is the best place for those play-

writing this, I looked over the U13 divisions in our

as it continues to be one of the leaders in youth soccer

ers. The District, which has limited working knowledge

youth league and found some remarkable statistics. In

development.

each of the four divisions the first place team had yet to

of the teams, will often place teams in leagues that are

U11 & U12

lose a game. All four teams were either 6-0 or 7-0 and

either too difficult or too easy because the numbers

As you well know, the U11 and 12 age groups in

between the four of them there were a total of 136

don't work. You need 8 teams not 9 in a league. You

our state sign up for leagues. Each coach, team or Club

goals for and 19 against. In each of the divisions there

also have the individual coach that may unintentionally

has the opportunity to sign their team up in the league

was a combined total of one win between the last four

sign his team up in a league that is too challenging or

that they feel will best provide competition, success,

place teams. When added together, there were only 13

too easy simply because he is trying to do his/her best

and development to the players. In theory, that is a very

goals for and 103 goals against for all four of the last

but is ignorant of the level. Regardless of the reason,

good idea but the reality is that the leagues do not pro-

place teams. Obviously, this is not a good developmen-

unfortunately it does not provide a good developmen-

vide the best opportunity for development for the fol-

(continued on next page)

lowing reasons.

tal environment.