Elliott Pratt, CEO for the FC Greater Boston Bolts, announced that the Bolts will be joining other clubs in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Program in providing a ten-month schedule starting in September 2012. In doing so, they will join 28 current programs, as well as 48 others, making the same effort across the United States.  Brian Ainscough, Director of Coaching, further announced that FC Greater Boston is committed to continuing to provide a top-tier 6 Month Program for those soccer players who are unable to make the 10-Month Program commitment.

Ainscough continued “As always, the 6 Month Program will offer talented and committed soccer players the opportunity to be coached by the top coaches in the region; to participate in selective tournaments and showcase events; and to access our college planning program. We feel strongly that by offering two options, FC Greater Boston will continue to be able to attract and retain the best soccer players in the region, while giving players and families some flexibility in their choices.  We are extremely excited about the opportunities that this change will bring for our players in the years ahead and look forward to continuing to welcome top talent to the Bolts.”

Collectively, Development Academy clubs have taken action to focus on player development for the United States National Team and other professional opportunities.  Development Academy clubs will continue to provide the best environment for player development through meaningful competition and consistent team training. By implementing this format, clubs will be able to:

-Spend an increased amount of time with their players & focus on development both individually and within a team format

-Implement a singular coaching style following the U.S. Soccer Curriculum and Best Practices

-Travel for elite domestic and international tournaments throughout the entire year

-Follow a consistent cadence in the Academy schedule and focus on single fixture dates

“Going to a 10-month season is an important step in the evolution of elite player development,” said U.S. Soccer Youth Technical Director Claudio Reyna. “The format provides the ideal platform to place an increased emphasis on the value of training on a regular basis, and offers the opportunity to play in quality, competitive games throughout an extended season. This schedule puts our elite players in line with kids in their age group internationally, and places the appropriate physical demands at this stage in their development.”

Coach Ainscough will meet directly with Bolts teams in the weeks ahead to discuss the programs and provide additaional information which should help families decide the best option for their individual player.

Click Here to Read the US Soccer Development Academy Press Release

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