#6 - Youth Development: A Conversation with Liam O'Connell, Sr. Director of Youth Development at United Soccer League
On this episode of "The Coach's Mind" I sit down with Liam O'Connell of the United Soccer League (USL) to discuss the recent details announced on the new USL Academy League set to roll out in the Spring of 2021.
We discuss the following:
[1] - The importance of creating a new pre-professional pathway for youth players, specifically in USL communities.
[2] - The research USL completed that influenced the development of this youth model and the different components they focused attention to.
[3] - The concept behind creating one "Academy Team" of top players in the U15-U19 age categories.
[4] - Minimum standards in USL Academies.
[5] - Aligning with the MLS professional Calendar and much more!
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