Crew Soccer Academy Player Development FAQs
Q: What is the Crew Soccer Academy?
A: The CSA is the highest level of the Columbus Crew's commitment to youth player development, specifically involving U16 and U18 teams that will participate in the new US National Team program, the US Soccer Development Academy.
Q: What are the costs for CSA players?
A: Participation in the Crew Soccer Academy will be free of fees and travel expenses — one of the few programs in the country that are fully funded. Coaching salaries, travel, meals and hotels will all be provided free of charge. CSA teams seek the best players, regardless of economic status.
Q: Which age groups are allowed to compete in the US Soccer Development Academy?
A: The program will identify and develop top players from U14-U18.
Q: How many players will be selected for the CSA teams?
A: 25-30 players will be invited to participate in each player pool in year one.
Q: How will players be selected?
A: Players will be identified and selected using a variety of methods, ranging from our affiliate relationships and network throughout Ohio to invitation only tryouts.
Q: Have 2007-2008 teams been formed?
A: Yes. CSA 16s and 18s include 5 US National Team pool players, 6 All Americans, 9 All Midwest, 14 All Ohioans, and the Ohio high school Division I, II, and III players of the year.
Q: Have 2008-2009 tryout dates, times and locations been finalized?
A: Please refer to the "News" section of Crew Youth Development for announcements and updates.
Q: How will the CSA experience differ from a typical club setting?
A: This National Team affiliated program is designed to create the best environment for player development, and to eventually replicate the experience at Bradenton. It will offer top caliber instruction, competition and facilities, along with exposure to a far greater network of collegiate, regional and national team coaches.
Q: What is Premier Soccer Academies, and how is it connected to the Crew Soccer Academy?
A: PSA is Brad Friedel's world class residency program based in Lorain, Ohio. In addition to camps and 5v5 tournaments, the central piece of the partnership is the shared commitment to providing the highest level of player development in the United States. Critically, neither PSA nor CSA are fee based, and are therefore focused entirely on the players and their growth.
Q: Who will coach the CSA teams?
A: CSA teams will be under the direction of the Crew's VP of Soccer Business Development and Technical Director. U16 & U18 coaches include Billy Thompson, Eric Nichols and PSA based Roberto DaSilva and Everett Palache. All coaches must have an USSF "A" license or equivalent.
Q: Who will CSA teams compete against?
A: Crew Soccer Academy teams will compete in the Great Lakes region in the US Soccer Development Academy - the highest level of competition in the country. Please refer to www.ussoccer.com for a full list of the top clubs that are participating.
Q: Can CSA players play for other clubs or their high school teams?
A: Per US Soccer rules, other club participation is not allowed. Players may play for their high schools during the 2007-08 Development Academy season.
Q: Can CSA players participate in ODP?
A: No. The US Soccer Development Academy is an extension of the US National Team program and will provide the highest level of exposure to players.
Q: What is the MLS Youth Development Initiative?
A: At the 2006 MLS Cup, the Youth Development Initiative was launched. Each team is required to establish a youth program that will give talented players with professional aspirations the best opportunity to pursue their dreams, stay close to home, and continue their education. Players registered for at least 24 months in an MLS youth program become eligible to sign a professional contract with that team without entering the MLS Super Draft. Every player in Crew youth programs will have the best opportunity to advance to their full potential and level.
In addition, MLS will host a Youth Cup each summer that will allow for competition between the youth systems of the various organizations.
Q: Where will CSA teams train?
A: Primarily at the Obetz Training Center and in Crew Stadium. CSA teams will also have access to PSA's world class facilities.
Q: When will CSA teams begin to train?
A: Training will begin in November as high school seasons conclude.
Q: When will matches begin?
A: CSA teams will kick off their seasons in an invitation only showcase hosted by D.C. United on December 1-2. The US Soccer Development Academy season begins February 9-10.
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