Excuse my ignorance - is the idea here for NYCFC to ultimately develop their own young players, who would bypass the MLS draft entirely? Are there any other teams with similar setups?
Actually both Galaxy and LAFC have acted pretty indifferent about the high quality Chivas USA academy players.Yes. It is strongly encouraged by the league. I think the time frame may already be in place for every club to have a development academy within the next couple of years.
RSL actually has an academy in Arizona. The Chivas academy was apparently pretty good. Not sure if it occurred, but LAG was rumored to be absorbing whatever they hadn't already poached. The Chivas academy coach is/was apparently a really sharp coach, but a bit of a (okay, a massive, per various internet sources) prick.
Actually both Galaxy and LAFC have acted pretty indifferent about the high quality Chivas USA academy players.
Which is sad since several of those players are on US national teams.
Read more here: http://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2015/01/29/chivas-usa-academy-future
This is how you build a club.
For many the first team is what we focus on, but the best way to build a club is through youth development. This enables you to connect with the players and supporters of the future.
World Class FC, Beachside, Manhattan SC, New York SC, Met Oval, all fly the USSDA badge on their websites.
Important to note this could end up being our first home grown player. He is an England native and is committed to play for Wake Forest next season.