U.S. Soccer Development Academy explained

In part one of a five-part series examining the structure and organization of the U.S. Soccer Federation and its youth programs, SoccerNet.com\'s Jeff Carlise re-introduces the reasons for creation of the United States Soccer Federation Development Academy.

Some key quotes:

"On the national staff, we would talk about some habits, or talk about reactions, and where those habits and reactions get instilled," said Hackworth. "They get instilled in young players when the game doesn\'t really meet the demands. What it basically means is that we needed to have these players not only play less games, but we needed them to play meaningful games, so the competition would hold them accountable, and make them play out of their comfort zone."

To that end, the USSF insists that academy teams have a minimum practice to game ratio of 3-to-1, the better to hone skills and address weaknesses in a non-game setting. Playing multiple games in a day, a staple of youth tournaments across the country, is prohibited. Having players participate in outside competitions, like a State Cup or the Olympic Development Program (ODP), is also forbidden.

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Yet those connected with traditional powers are just as enthusiastic. For Ficken, the Development Academy is "probably the best idea since I\'ve been involved in the game of soccer."

Ficken is in a position to know. He was a youth player in the U.S. during the 1960s and has been a youth coach for more than three decades. Ficken said he has seen improvement in his players "overnight," and this was just minutes after watching his side fall 2-0 to their counterparts from the Chicago Fire.

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"What I\'m trying to do is have a much simpler process for the players, the parents and the coaches," said Hackworth. "To have a place where [the players] could truly develop to the best of their ability and not have to go to these different organizations, or wear four different jerseys over the course of the year. They wear one jersey, they play for one club, and now they have every opportunity to reach the level they are capable of playing."

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[+ full article on SoccerNet.com]