Being that i was an older player, and not playing youth soccer when this was started, i think that its a great idea, and i wish i could have been a part of i and played in it. It seems that things are much more organized and the reason for playing is much more geared toward getting players to play in college than it was before. Most of the recruits that our school gets now have played in the academy. It looks like as the main recruiting tool for the coaches, it is working quite well. What does everyone think about it from the perspective of someone who played usysa soccer instead of the new development academy?

I definitely agree. The academy makes it SOOOO much easier to get recruited and play in college, and from what i hear even play professionally. Does anyone know if its true... i heard that this weekend in NC at the showcase there are gonna be european scouts there???

Who knows, probably. I think that the Academy is SO helpful in getting recruited but getting on an academy team is half the battle. Is the players to watch list really THAT helpful in getting seen by college or pro scouts?? im having some doubts and thinking that it really doesnt at all. waht does everyone think? is it really helpful or accurate at all?

It can only help. With the academy and things like the top 100, it just makes it that much easier for good players to be seen

Im sure the DA makes it SO much easier to be seen by college coaches, but is that realy what youth plaeyrs should be looking for? Do you think the next level of soccer for youth players should be the college game or possibly pursuing a professional career either in the US or in Europe?

Having the chance to play in the academy has opened up so much more for me as a player. Not only through the college game but also in the realm of European scouts, as many come to watch our games. Even in its young age, it is opening up doors for players that they didnt even know existed.