NSCAA has launched an evaluative process focusing on youth soccer organizations that is designed to raise the standards and expectations for coach and player development. Since the late 1990’s, soccer has seen exponential growth in the number of registered players and the communities that it is reaching.  Conservative estimates suggest there are now well over 10,000 organizations in the United States operating youth soccer programs, including those affiliated with national organizations and through town recreation, YMCA and community centers.

The phenomenal growth in soccer participation is not presently being supported by a more sophisticated approach to player and coach development.  Youth organizations will be evaluated on their current performance in Coaching Development, Player Development and Administration. There will be 3 levels of evaluation:

1)  Preliminary – free online self-assessment survey

2)  Intermediate – data collection and detailed report written by an NSCAA Consultant

3)  Advanced – data collection, site visit and detailed report written by an NSCAA Consultant

Participation in the preliminary assessment is free and all organizations will receive benefits provided by the project sponsors and partners.  Organizations will receive a ‘participant logo’ to proudly display on their website and will also be recognized on NSCAA.com.

“The Project is consistent with the NSCAA goals to be the primary source of information for coaching and player development and to offer benefits and services to our members that we believe are the most important,” stated NSCAA CEO, Joe Cummings.

The Club Standards Project is built on the foundations of the Youth Soccer Assessment Tool (Y-SAT) created by David Newbery and former USA Women’s National Team Coach, NSCAA Academy Staff Coach/Goalkeeping Academy Director and Hall of Fame Coach, Tony DiCicco. 

 “We believe assessing organizations and providing them with critical feedback to help them improve while developing a ‘National Standard’ for all organizations to compare themselves against will be a key to the health and longevity of soccer in the next 10 years,” said David Newbery, NSCAA Club Standards Coordinator. “The Project will provide youth organizations the opportunity to draw on expertise and good practice from around the country.”

“Simply, we have to expect more … we need to get serious about player development,” said Tony DiCicco.

To learn more, visit NSCAA.com/clubstandards.

Contact: David Newbery, NSCAA Club Standards Coordinator, dnewbery@nscaa.com, tel: 860-501-1165

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