US Soccer spent decades searching for coherence. It found something better
Summary
In the 1990s, U.S. Soccer brought in Dutch coach Rinus Michels to study how soccer was played across the country. Michels found that soccer varied widely by region and recommended creating a national training plan. This led to programs like Project 2010 and the Bradenton residency, which helped develop many players who now form the core of the U.S. men's national team.Key Facts
- In 1993, U.S. Soccer hired Rinus Michels to analyze soccer development in the U.S., not to coach the team.
- Michels identified that soccer styles differ across regions due to local climate and conditions.
- He pointed out that the Dutch soccer system had a unified style and method from youth to national levels.
- Following Michels’ work, coach Carlos Queiroz proposed building national training centers to nurture talent.
- Project 2010 started a full-time residency for under-17 players in Bradenton, Florida, beginning in 1999.
- The Bradenton program lasted 18 years and produced 33 players for the senior national team.
- The U.S. men's team now benefits from a wide variety of player development paths, including college soccer.
- Players like goalkeeper Matt Turner and captain Tim Ream spent several years in college soccer before turning professional.
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