Academy Open Mic
Crossfire Academy Night...open mic
I was invited to see the Academy train by Brian Klein. I actually arrived and just went to the study hall to see if kids were using it. As you enter the main building you will see a room to the left with computers. It was nice to see that there were kids in the room with books out actually studying.
They even had a father known to the boys as Mr. Rowe as a tutor/teacher. He's a HS teacher and I saw him help about 5 of the boys with issues with school work. It was refreshing to see some of the players taking advantage of it, especially when it just recently opened for them.
The goal is for most of the players to take advantage of it, and for those below a 3.0 GPA in the future it may be required. I like the idea of trying to set some sort of acedemic standard. At least they are setting up the things to help the players, the players have to step up and take advantage of it.......... The concept is all good in my book.
Brian Klein on GPA and Study Hall
It truly seemed from my one night they were serious about academics and helping these kids succeed off the field. It also seemed like Starfire has stepped up to help Crossfire with the study hall room setting up computers, and desks and providing a space to make it happen.
Brian Klein thanks Starfire for the Facilities and Study Hall
Next I went out to see some training and get a perspective of turn out of players and pace of practice. To my surprise there were plenty of boys at training. Typically as they get older they miss a practice here or there.
The older team had well over 20. The younger team close to as many if not the same. Both teams started together with some simple move and pass stuff with limited balls. After about 5 minutes of movement the groups split up onto seperate halfs of the field. I stayed with the older group to watch training.
Neil Megson was running the older boys, with Bill May working the keepers on the same side. Neil put the boys thru extensive dribbling and various moves in lines of 3 to 4. The boys were getting maximum touches and the pace was outstanding.
Then they went into some half field keep away type game, with a focus on limited touches and looking for that longer ball to switch the play. I saw a lot of focus and quick 2 and 3 touch play, with the occasional 35 yard ball switching the play. Again the pace and skill was high and I didn't see any kids not going 100%.
I have been told that typically there are 3 to 4 coaches at each session. Typically a goal keeper trainer 2 days a week. I was also told the coaches rotate so the training is always fresh and different, because they practice 4 days a week.
It was then time to get some kids impressions of the Academy and I was given freedom to pull kids out of practice. I apologize for not having all of the players names....
Players Audio Clips
This clip is of a 16 year old canadian goalkeeper who was at his second academy training session and trying out to maybe join in the future.
Canadian Keeper on Academy and Level of Play
I thought this was a great comment by a new player to Crossfire and the Academy. Nice to see his club was supportive.
Ex- Highline Heat players comment on Academy
One of the younger players who I have known for years, Jose Garibay gave me a perspective of the coaches and practices.
Jose talking about coaches and training
Alexander Klein and his perspective of Academy..........
This is just the first of these type of article I have planned. I had lots of other audio, and plan on doing more player follow ups. I personally want to thank all of the players, some not included in this article who also talked with me. Almost every player was excited to have the coverage and as you can tell from the audio they are very genuine in their answers and perspective. It was really great to be able to talk to them all.
In the future I will talk to the coaches, and I have already been invited back anytime with an open pass to players and coaches to do interviews.
To all of the readers please feel free to email me or pmessage me on the forum with comments. I would also like to add a call out to all of the clubs out there...........be the voice for your clubs and send in articles. WPS-Soccer is here for all of you. Articles or Stories Email WPS
