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En Route: Chatting With Some Development Academy Coaches
How the new tacticians see the game.
Aug 11, 2010 5:41:00 PM
By J.R. Eskilson
Coast to coast, some of the best coaches in this country are plying their trade in the Development Academy. Goal.com interviewed six of the finest managers in the youth ranks about player growth, the benefits of the Development Academy, the future of youth soccer in the U.S., and much more. Here are their responses:
David Costa - Indiana United, Butler University Assistant Coach
2009-2010 Central Conference Coach of the Year U18
What do you think are the most important elements of player development?
DC- At a young age, it is important to develop a strong technical base. It is part of having a great first touch and understanding how to break pressure with a great first touch.
Also, most breakdowns happen in 1v1 situations. So for the team, it is helping to eliminate those situations and how do we create those situations.
What formation do you prefer to use?
DC- This season, I typically played: 4-2-3-1. (The formation) gives us a lot of balance. I played it as a player one year and used that experience to teach it.
The change in the Academy rules with the limited substitutions plays against teams that run, run, run. This formation gives you good numbers with pressure. It is demanding of the wide and target players. It does push numbers into attack and it worked really well for the guys. (Author’s note: Indiana United finished division play 9-0-1 allowing four goals and scoring 43.)
From a coaching stand point, what kind of benefits does the Development Academy offer?
DC- Constant feedback is the biggest one. One thing for me is I always try to grow as a coach. After the showcases you get a breakdown of your team from one of the Development Academy scouts. It also provides a more competitive environment on the daily basis. They send U.S. Soccer staff to our practices. It is a great to have that direct communication with the national federation.
Jared Embick - Internationals, Akron Associate Head Coach
2009-2010 Central Conference Coach of the Year U16
From a coaching standpoint, what are some of the benefits of the Development Academy?
JE- The best part is a better level. U.S. Soccer takes it very seriously. They give grades to everybody. They push everyone to push their game higher. The required amount of training every week is excellent for development. It has been a very good thing for three years now.
What do you think the U.S. soccer needs to reach the next level?
JE- Development Academy is a step in the right direction. Making the MLS academies residential would probably be the next step. For example, Columbus Crew should be able to bring in players from wherever they want and then house them. Hope a couple (of those academy players) could join the pro team.
Larry Sunderland - Chicago Fire Coach and Director of Player Development
2010 Development Academy National Champions U16, 2009 PDL Finalist
What has influenced your coaching philosophy?
LS- I think my coaching philosophy has been influenced by my playing career, the experiences I have had coaching and those I have watched coach, along with incorporating various management styles and strategies I have witnessed or tried to read up on.
I have certain qualities that I look for in a player that are required such as honesty (hard working, consistent, etc), coachability, fitness, sound technical and tactical bases, and strong mental attitude. From there I tend to specialize according to position, needs, availability etc.
As a coach, I try to understand the individual characteristics of each player. Over time, I tend to get a pretty good feel of what they need from me and I do my best to provide that and blend it into a group. Over time, they understand what I demand of them (individual/team) and I’ve been fortunate as a coach that often they provide back.
What do you believe the U.S. youth system needs to take the next step?
LS- First off, I think we are slowly making some of the right moves. The Academy system, MLS placing a greater emphasis on younger players…it’s better. We need to improve the environment, getting more time on the field, better competition, place the players in more demanding situations. I believe MLS has to take a greater role in shaping the future as it becomes a business – there is an economic impact and investments made in each youth player. This would significantly change the way things are done. In order for that to be effective we should tier the Academy program as a start. That would jump-start and serve to separate the layers so it is clear where to find the best players and who is accountable for developing them.
Aside from that I believe we are a bit soft on our players. If we are really going to develop players that can win at the professional and international levels we have to demand that our players perform. In my mind that means becoming/developing a more professional attitude at a younger age. In all ways, on and off the field our younger players need to mature earlier.
Can you talk about the success of implementing Coach Carlos de los Cobos’ style through all the Fire teams?
LS- First, Carlos has been fantastically supportive of all the development programs. He has welcomed both Academy teams to first team pre-season trips, has guys in and out of training and certainly keeps his eye on all of the players in the system. Being a part of the first team staff has allowed me to take Carlos’s ideas on what the game should look like and share them with the younger players. Many of the messages he is trying to get across to the pros we repeat throughout the youth programs. Certainly, I think in the short term implementing coach’s ideas and message has helped us this past year but, more importantly I believe the pay-off will come down the line as he settles on what the first team will look like and we begin moving some of the younger players into those roles.
Lars Ritchers - Michigan Derby County Wolves Coach
2008-2009 Development Academy Coach of the Year U16
What do you believe are the most important elements of player development?
LR- I would have to say in my experience the player’s passion for the game. If a player is passionate about soccer . . . if it is in his heart, all things are possible. Another piece would be being around coaches and mentors at the critical ages (of development). And what that player does on his own. The players who are going to develop to their fullest are going to be the ones out there on their own.
From a coaching standpoint, what are some of the benefits of the Development Academy?
LR- It is a lot of fun to coach in that environment. The professionalism in that league makes it a enjoyable coaching environment: everything from the substitution rules to the refereeing. As a coach, you have to be prepared every week.
Also, it has been a really good ground for players to develop. For the few years I have been involved, the professional environment where players are training has been excellent. I am really thankful for when the Development Academy came along; it has given young players a great place to grow.
What do you think U.S. soccer needs to get to the next level?
LR- I feel it is going in the right direction. There are no quick fixes or automatic ways to improve. Putting the players in better everyday environments is a start. Also, improve what coaches do, expand the player pool, and move away from the hefty pay-to-play model.
Marc Nicholls - Greensboro Youth Soccer
2009-2010 South Conference Academy Coach of the Year U18
What do you believe are the most important elements of player development?
MN- The most important thing is for players to enjoy the experience. So make sure it is a positive, enjoyable environment that is conducive to learning. The quality of the coach, the facility, etc. all attribute to the environment for the player. Also, players develop at different rates so treat them as such.
What formation do you prefer to use?
MN- It is typically dictated by the personnel on the team. I try to keep up with the trends of the game as it is constantly evolving. A few years ago, we were talking about the importance of the dribbler. If you look at the World Cup and Spain over the last few years, it is a lot about the passer and retaining possession. 'Why are these teams successful and how have they evolved game?'
So this season, we changed formation a bit, and ran a 4-2-3-1. Next year, we may run a 4-2-1-3, which is a bit like Spain.
What do you believe the U.S. youth system needs to take the next step?
MN- Leadership. It needs a central figure. I know Claudio Reyna is now the technical director and I hope that is the answer. It needs a systematic approach. There has always been the excuse, ‘It is a big country with different styles and vast geography.’ We need to get over that. Clubs need to be accountable for the academy approach from the ground up.
Leadership from someone who grabs it and says this is my job, and this is what I am going to do. That said, there are too many competing bodies. All of these leagues muddy the water a bit. A sense of pooling resources and heading in one direction would be a step in the right direction.
Steve Klein - PA Classics
2009-2010 Development Academy Coach of the Year U18
What do you believe are the most important elements of player development?
SK- At the Academy level, the first thing we look for is the player’s attitude. Part of that is the respect a player shows: respect of the game, respect of the referee, etc. Some of these players were raised with a bit of a silver spoon and we are looking for the players that take responsibility.
From a coaching standpoint, what are some of the benefits of the Development Academy?
SK- Manage game. No re-entry. Meaningful minutes. If you have two games on the weekend, you have to manage your roster. With no re-entry and substitution rules, teams can’t just ‘run, run, run’ and change players every five minutes.
What do you believe the U.S. youth system needs to take the next step?
SK- I would say that the Development Academy is a step in the right direction, but the Academy should be started at a younger age (say U14). Going national at the U14 level is a bit difficult with the travel and finances, but it is a more appropriate age for technical development.
J.R. Eskilson is the youth editor at Goal.com. Follow him on Twitter @NCAAsoccer and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
David Costa - Indiana United, Butler University Assistant Coach
2009-2010 Central Conference Coach of the Year U18
What do you think are the most important elements of player development?
DC- At a young age, it is important to develop a strong technical base. It is part of having a great first touch and understanding how to break pressure with a great first touch.
Also, most breakdowns happen in 1v1 situations. So for the team, it is helping to eliminate those situations and how do we create those situations.
What formation do you prefer to use?
DC- This season, I typically played: 4-2-3-1. (The formation) gives us a lot of balance. I played it as a player one year and used that experience to teach it.
The change in the Academy rules with the limited substitutions plays against teams that run, run, run. This formation gives you good numbers with pressure. It is demanding of the wide and target players. It does push numbers into attack and it worked really well for the guys. (Author’s note: Indiana United finished division play 9-0-1 allowing four goals and scoring 43.)
From a coaching stand point, what kind of benefits does the Development Academy offer?
DC- Constant feedback is the biggest one. One thing for me is I always try to grow as a coach. After the showcases you get a breakdown of your team from one of the Development Academy scouts. It also provides a more competitive environment on the daily basis. They send U.S. Soccer staff to our practices. It is a great to have that direct communication with the national federation.
Jared Embick - Internationals, Akron Associate Head Coach
2009-2010 Central Conference Coach of the Year U16
From a coaching standpoint, what are some of the benefits of the Development Academy?
JE- The best part is a better level. U.S. Soccer takes it very seriously. They give grades to everybody. They push everyone to push their game higher. The required amount of training every week is excellent for development. It has been a very good thing for three years now.
What do you think the U.S. soccer needs to reach the next level?
JE- Development Academy is a step in the right direction. Making the MLS academies residential would probably be the next step. For example, Columbus Crew should be able to bring in players from wherever they want and then house them. Hope a couple (of those academy players) could join the pro team.
Larry Sunderland - Chicago Fire Coach and Director of Player Development
2010 Development Academy National Champions U16, 2009 PDL Finalist
What has influenced your coaching philosophy?
LS- I think my coaching philosophy has been influenced by my playing career, the experiences I have had coaching and those I have watched coach, along with incorporating various management styles and strategies I have witnessed or tried to read up on.
I have certain qualities that I look for in a player that are required such as honesty (hard working, consistent, etc), coachability, fitness, sound technical and tactical bases, and strong mental attitude. From there I tend to specialize according to position, needs, availability etc.
As a coach, I try to understand the individual characteristics of each player. Over time, I tend to get a pretty good feel of what they need from me and I do my best to provide that and blend it into a group. Over time, they understand what I demand of them (individual/team) and I’ve been fortunate as a coach that often they provide back.
What do you believe the U.S. youth system needs to take the next step?
LS- First off, I think we are slowly making some of the right moves. The Academy system, MLS placing a greater emphasis on younger players…it’s better. We need to improve the environment, getting more time on the field, better competition, place the players in more demanding situations. I believe MLS has to take a greater role in shaping the future as it becomes a business – there is an economic impact and investments made in each youth player. This would significantly change the way things are done. In order for that to be effective we should tier the Academy program as a start. That would jump-start and serve to separate the layers so it is clear where to find the best players and who is accountable for developing them.
Aside from that I believe we are a bit soft on our players. If we are really going to develop players that can win at the professional and international levels we have to demand that our players perform. In my mind that means becoming/developing a more professional attitude at a younger age. In all ways, on and off the field our younger players need to mature earlier.
Can you talk about the success of implementing Coach Carlos de los Cobos’ style through all the Fire teams?
LS- First, Carlos has been fantastically supportive of all the development programs. He has welcomed both Academy teams to first team pre-season trips, has guys in and out of training and certainly keeps his eye on all of the players in the system. Being a part of the first team staff has allowed me to take Carlos’s ideas on what the game should look like and share them with the younger players. Many of the messages he is trying to get across to the pros we repeat throughout the youth programs. Certainly, I think in the short term implementing coach’s ideas and message has helped us this past year but, more importantly I believe the pay-off will come down the line as he settles on what the first team will look like and we begin moving some of the younger players into those roles.
Lars Ritchers - Michigan Derby County Wolves Coach
2008-2009 Development Academy Coach of the Year U16
What do you believe are the most important elements of player development?
LR- I would have to say in my experience the player’s passion for the game. If a player is passionate about soccer . . . if it is in his heart, all things are possible. Another piece would be being around coaches and mentors at the critical ages (of development). And what that player does on his own. The players who are going to develop to their fullest are going to be the ones out there on their own.
From a coaching standpoint, what are some of the benefits of the Development Academy?
LR- It is a lot of fun to coach in that environment. The professionalism in that league makes it a enjoyable coaching environment: everything from the substitution rules to the refereeing. As a coach, you have to be prepared every week.
Also, it has been a really good ground for players to develop. For the few years I have been involved, the professional environment where players are training has been excellent. I am really thankful for when the Development Academy came along; it has given young players a great place to grow.
What do you think U.S. soccer needs to get to the next level?
LR- I feel it is going in the right direction. There are no quick fixes or automatic ways to improve. Putting the players in better everyday environments is a start. Also, improve what coaches do, expand the player pool, and move away from the hefty pay-to-play model.
Marc Nicholls - Greensboro Youth Soccer
2009-2010 South Conference Academy Coach of the Year U18
What do you believe are the most important elements of player development?
MN- The most important thing is for players to enjoy the experience. So make sure it is a positive, enjoyable environment that is conducive to learning. The quality of the coach, the facility, etc. all attribute to the environment for the player. Also, players develop at different rates so treat them as such.
What formation do you prefer to use?
MN- It is typically dictated by the personnel on the team. I try to keep up with the trends of the game as it is constantly evolving. A few years ago, we were talking about the importance of the dribbler. If you look at the World Cup and Spain over the last few years, it is a lot about the passer and retaining possession. 'Why are these teams successful and how have they evolved game?'
So this season, we changed formation a bit, and ran a 4-2-3-1. Next year, we may run a 4-2-1-3, which is a bit like Spain.
What do you believe the U.S. youth system needs to take the next step?
MN- Leadership. It needs a central figure. I know Claudio Reyna is now the technical director and I hope that is the answer. It needs a systematic approach. There has always been the excuse, ‘It is a big country with different styles and vast geography.’ We need to get over that. Clubs need to be accountable for the academy approach from the ground up.
Leadership from someone who grabs it and says this is my job, and this is what I am going to do. That said, there are too many competing bodies. All of these leagues muddy the water a bit. A sense of pooling resources and heading in one direction would be a step in the right direction.
Steve Klein - PA Classics
2009-2010 Development Academy Coach of the Year U18
What do you believe are the most important elements of player development?
SK- At the Academy level, the first thing we look for is the player’s attitude. Part of that is the respect a player shows: respect of the game, respect of the referee, etc. Some of these players were raised with a bit of a silver spoon and we are looking for the players that take responsibility.
From a coaching standpoint, what are some of the benefits of the Development Academy?
SK- Manage game. No re-entry. Meaningful minutes. If you have two games on the weekend, you have to manage your roster. With no re-entry and substitution rules, teams can’t just ‘run, run, run’ and change players every five minutes.
What do you believe the U.S. youth system needs to take the next step?
SK- I would say that the Development Academy is a step in the right direction, but the Academy should be started at a younger age (say U14). Going national at the U14 level is a bit difficult with the travel and finances, but it is a more appropriate age for technical development.
J.R. Eskilson is the youth editor at Goal.com. Follow him on Twitter @NCAAsoccer and join Goal.com USA's Facebook fan page!
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