The Kansas City Wizards will expand its player development program beginning this fall, to include boys teams in the U-15, U-16 and U-17 age groups. With the introduction of Major League Soccer's "Homegrown Protected List", which allows clubs the opportunity to retain the professional rights of players developed within its marketplace, the Wizards intend on investing significant resources in the identification and development of young players.
"We're lucky to have such a strong youth soccer system established in Kansas City and we intend on doing as much as we can to supplement that system," Wizards President Robb Heineman said.
Soccer development programs are a critical next-step for the sport to flourish in the United States. The best professional soccer leagues throughout the world concentrate on youth player development, providing younger players a direct avenue to the world of professional soccer.
"It is in our best interest to work with the clubs in our region to continue to develop high-quality players that wind-up within our program, and we intend on providing the incentive system, both economically and philosophically, that allows them to do so," said Heineman. "Obviously, we understand we can't operate such an important program in a vacuum. We will work with the existing clubs and players' parents and support systems to establish a program in which our players can be successful."
At the start of training on November 1, 2007, the Wizards teams will be made up of players from Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and Oklahoma. Tryouts will be held from June 18-20 at a site to be determined. For all tryout information and to register go to the Wizards website at www.kcwizards.com beginning next week.
The Wizards technical staff will work closely with the coaches and players involved in the youth player development program. This vertical integration of coaching philosophy will insure that Kansas City Wizards training methods and game preparation remains consistently excellent across all levels of development. Wizards development teams will wear Wizards uniforms, be highlighted on the team website, featured in the Wizards media guide and covered regularly by the Wizards media relations department.
"The key to the program is that the same technical, tactical, physical and mental training of the Wizards first team will be introduced to the younger players in the program," Heineman said. "There will be a real synergy among all the teams associated with the Kansas City Wizards."
The teams will compete in the USL Super Y league and the MRL (Midwest Regional League), as well as play in selected tournaments throughout the year.
As more Major League Soccer clubs add youth development programs, additional tournaments will allow MLS youth teams the chance to qualify for elite championship competitions. In the very near future, MLS youth development teams will have the opportunity to compete in the most prestigious international tournaments, against the world's very best youth club teams.
"Our primary objective in establishing this program is to see players go through the system successfully and become members of the senior squad, donning the Wizards uniform and playing Major League Soccer," Heineman said.
Youth Development FAQ
Q: Is the Wizards program affiliated with any existing clubs?
No. The Wizards program is part of the Kansas City Wizards and not affiliated with any other youth or amateur soccer club.
Q: How does the Kansas City Wizards youth player development program work in conjunction with other clubs?
Participants can join the Wizards program from any club or background. The program is for players who are committed to playing at a high level now and are passionate about taking their game to the next level. Players on existing youth clubs will not be given preferential treatment - players must make the squad based on their own merits.
Q: How many players will be on each team?
There will be an 18-man roster with alternates. The alternates will continue to play with their club team, but would be able to train on a set schedule with the Wizards youth team and would be available if needed to play in tournaments and games, with the chance to fill a permanent spot on the 18-man roster.
Q: What is the financial obligation for participants in the Kansas City Wizards youth player development program?
Participants in the Wizards development program will only be responsible for some travel expenses. Participants will not be required to pay for coaching fees, registration fees, uniform or equipment fees, league fees, or tournament fees. The Kansas City Wizards youth player development program will cover only actual and necessary expenses for participation in the program, and nothing more. Participants will be required to fundraise for the program through sale of tickets to Wizards senior-team matches.
Q: Who will oversee the Wizards youth player development program?
The Kansas City Wizards technical staff will oversee the youth player development teams.
Q: How does this affect the soccer landscape in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Iowa and Oklahoma?
The ultimate goal of the Wizards youth player development program is to improve the quality of soccer played within the five-state region. The senior club serves as an aspirational goal for young players seeking to improve their skills, and eventually play for the Wizards first team. In order to achieve this goal, the Wizards will work within and supplement the existing youth soccer framework. Together with the excellent clubs and coaches in all five states, the Wizards will work to increase opportunities for youth soccer players across the region.
Q: Are there any helpful web sites to look at for more information?
Kansas City Wizards: www.kcwizards.com
USL Super Y-League:http://supery.uslsoccer.com/
Major League Soccer:www.mlsnet.com
Official MLS Youth Development Release: http://web.mlsnet.com/news/mls_news.jsp?ymd=20061110&content_id=78269&vkey=pr_mls&fext=.jsp
