Aiming to End Pay-for-Play; Introducing the Stockade FC Youth Project

As you may know, my name is Dan Hoffay and I work for Stockade FC as the Director of Player Personnel. My role with the club revolves around soccer operations and I wrote my first blog post on what we needed to do to put a team on the field for our inaugural season and beyond. For those who do not know, Stockade FC is a semi-professional soccer team playing in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in division 4 of the current US Soccer Pyramid. Stockade FC is based in Kingston, New York and represents the entire Hudson Valley, which is ~2 hours north of New York City. Our main focus is transparency in everything that we do in hopes that we can inspire others.

Dab session from our first-ever Youth Clinic (Nov. 11, 2017 — Photo: Tim Hetrick Photography)

The club has been built on the idea of community and building the Hudson Valley, on and off the field. We have used our NPSL roster as a way to provide a platform for the talent in our area. After playing one season with Stockade FC in 2016, Monroe-Woodbury product Dylan Williams signed a professional contract in Australia with Launceston City FC (D-2, NPL). The day Dylan signed his contract was one of my proudest Stockade FC moments. He continues to amaze us with his success abroad.

Dylan Williams (Photo Credit: Launceston City FC)

Recently, goalkeeper David Giddings went on trial in Sweden and eventually signed a professional contract with Värnamo Södra in the 3rd division! Big things coming for DG12!

Giddings in his away kit after a 4–1 win (via @dgiddings1 on IG)

Following our 2016 season, we were able to send two of our players to the NPSL Player Showcase held in Los Angeles. Midfielder Matt Koziol and Defender Matel Anasta represented Stockade FC in front of scouts on the NPSL East team with other players from our region. I am sure we will be able to send more players from this year’s squad to the 2017 NPSL Player Showcase. This platform is a great way for U.S. and Foreign scouts to get a look at the best up and coming talent in the NPSL.

Matel Anasta (left) and Matt Koziol (right) at the 2016 NPSL Player Showcase in L.A.

Oh, and by the way, we won the NPSL Northeast Atlantic White Conference Championship outright in 2017 and are awaiting word on a possible U.S. Open Cup bid. These last 2 years have shattered all expectations.

July 15, 2017- Nick Hoffay, Lead Scout, (right) and I after winning the Conference Championship [Photo Credit: Derek White // DWhite Visuals]

Captain Jamal Lis-SImmons (left) and I at the end-of-season BBQ at Keegan Ales.

So, what’s next? How do we build from here?

One of my biggest goals for this club is to continue to show that the Hudson Valley is a hotbed for soccer talent. For those who have been around our club, they know that Stockade FC is more than just a team, it’s a tight knit community who supports one another and looks out for the best interest of the whole. It’s becoming a way of life.

As our NPSL players continue to shine on the biggest stages, we are also looking towards the future for ways to grow our game through our youth. One of my biggest projects has been creating the Stockade FC Youth Academy. The goal is to work with the Hudson Valley local soccer community (i.e. Kingston Youth Soccer, Red Hook, Poughkeepsie, etc.) and build competitive, skills-based academy teams to provide a platform for the young players in the Hudson Valley and one day fill our Stockade FC NPSL side with Stockade FC homegrown players! Sure, there are other programs in our area. What will make the Stockade FC Youth Academy any different from them? For starters, no annual tuition.

Now let’s talk about the three words that have been holding soccer in the United States back for many years — “Pay-for-play.” For those of you who do not know, pay-for-play is a common term used in the sports community to denote payment in order to participate in a program or be on a team. Many soccer programs across our country use this model to offer training programs, uniforms and a more advanced level of play in exchange for an annual tuition per player. In some instances, this yearly burden placed on families can be in excess of $3,000 +. Through the use of sponsorship, donations and some merchandise revenue, Stockade FC will look to reverse the trend of pay-for-play in this country and create a model for programs everywhere in the USA to recreate.

Former USMNT and MLS forward Taylor Twellman once said:

In order to make this statement become a reality, and improve the level of our national teams, we have to address the issues of pay-for-play and the education of our coaches — to make the game more accessible and our coaches, more knowledgeable.

So how does Stockade FC help do this?

Stockade FC has begun to create amazing connections with the youth soccer community in our area. Players and coaches have been guests at team practices, clinics and camps. These young athletes are recognizing their on-field heroes and enjoying learning from them. This is something I can not wait to build on while we work to make youth soccer affordable and accessible to all families in the Hudson Valley, and beyond.

There are 3 steps in this grand Stockade FC Youth Project that we aim to execute over the next 2–3 years:

Step 1: Stockade FC Youth Clinics Step 2: The Stockade FC Affiliate Program Step 3: The Stockade FC Youth Academy

Let’s dive into what each of these steps will look like.

Step 1: Stockade FC Youth Clinic presented by Ulster Savings Bank

Some of the biggest news this fall for Stockade FC is that we hosted our first Youth Clinic on November 11, 2017 at Dietz Stadium. Huge thank you to Ulster Savings Bank who sponsored this event!! Within 24 hours of opening registration, over 100 young athletes were signed up. After 48 hours, we closed registration with 187 kids! These 7–14 year old players rotated through 7 stations run by our Stockade FC players and crafted their skills in passing, technical abilities, dribbling, shooting and game play.

Record low temperatures in the Hudson Valley caused for some cancellations, but the clinic went off without a hitch with 149 kids present. Rather than a fee to participate, we asked for families to contribute if they were able via a $5 donation. Some were able to contribute, and some did not. The goal is to make sure the game is accessible to all kids, no matter their financial situation.

Goalkeeper training with Steve Skonieczny and TJ Zehner (Nov. 11, 2017 — Photo: Kathy Cassens Photography)

A small look into our giant group warm-up. (Nov. 11, 2017 — Photo: Kathy Cassens Photography)

Of the 149 up-and-coming Hudson Valley superstars, 98 (66%) were boys and 51 (34%) were girls. We were able to collect $785 from our ‘suggested donations’ which averaged out to ~$5.27 per player. Ulster Savings Bank kindly sponsored this event (and spring Clinic) for $500 towards our t-shirt expenses. Our friends at T-Source did a great job designing and creating our clinic t-shirts which cost $972 for 200 shirts (Thx Jeff and Chris!). All-in-all, with our $300 Dietz Stadium rental, our total expenses for this clinic were $1,272. The revenue from the event brought in $1,285 (Ulster Savings Bank sponsorship+ $5 suggested donations) and the club was able to make a few hundred dollars in merchandise sales. Don’t forget that 100% of proceeds from our Stockade FC *international edition* t-shirts go to funding our youth program! You can click here to buy one and support our future youth efforts!

One of our young athletes in a game-worn Stockade FC kit during relay races (Nov. 11, 2017 — Photo: Kathy Cassens Photography)

Our first clinic was an enormous success and I’m so thankful to all of the families for their support of this project! I truly hope all of the kids had a blast and were able to learn from our players. If it wasn’t for the support of our Stockade FC volunteer staff, this project would not have been possible! The club, and community, is so grateful to them! Lastly, thank you to our amazing players who gave up their Saturday morning to work with the kids! Eventually, we will work with sponsors to find ways to financially compensate them for their time, but until then, a nice new knit winter hat will have to do!

Our Starting XI for the day! (L-R Back: Dennis Crowley, Scott Zobre, Tom Steigerwald, Juan Gatti, Michael Creswick, TJ Zehner, Jamal Lis- Simmons. L-R Front: Steve Skonieczny, Dan Hoffay, Matt Koziol, Nick Hoffay) (Nov. 11, 2017 — Photo: Tim Hetrick Photography)

Our clinic staff. (Nov. 11, 2017 — Photo: Kathy Cassens Photography)

We will be hosting another clinic in the spring presented by Ulster Savings! Be on the look out for information and updates at stockadefc.com/youth and follow the program on twitter @stockadefcyouth.

Step 2: The Stockade FC Youth Soccer Affiliate Program

Throughout the last year, our players and staff have been visiting local practices and games and interacting with the youth clubs around the area. It has been amazing to see the response that has come from this. Over the course of the next year, we are going to begin our Stockade FC Affiliate Program. The goal of this program is to work directly with every local soccer club in the Hudson Valley and have Stockade FC players at practices and games all over our community. Not only will our club benefit from the exposure across the region, but our youth will see the high-level soccer players they hope to be one day.

Defender Matel Anasta (center — in blue) visits with Kingston Area Soccer League’s (KASL) u14 Fire and u11 Arsenal.

Defender Scott Zobre , goalkeeper Stephen Skonieczny, midfielder Victor Guirma, forward David Nkansah-Siriboe and forward Bruce Jeter (front L-R) work with players at a soccer camp in New Paltz.

Myself (left), goalkeeper Stephen Skonieczny (middle), defender Tom Steigerwald (middle) and midfielder Matt Koziol (right) work with KASL players.

Step 3: The Stockade FC Youth Academy

In the world of soccer, youth academies are the driving factor behind the success of the biggest clubs in the world. Players like the USMNT’s Christian Pulisic have proven their success in the academy ranks and gone on to have major roles with big name clubs. Our goal is to provide a competitive platform for our best young athletes to preform, and most importantly, become the greatest players they can.

Academy based programs often force players to choose between playing with their school/hometown travel friends or find a way to play at the highest level with their soccer future in mind. My question is — why not do both?

In the Hudson Valley, most of our travel youth soccer teams operate under the East Hudson Youth Soccer League (EHYSL). In this league, teams travel to towns up to an hour or so away and compete against other local teams. Don’t get me wrong, I love local youth soccer. I, personally, am a 20 year local soccer product and continued as a coach and board member for my home club, Highland United FC, until 2016; but the competition at young ages needs to vastly improve across our nation.

US Club Soccer is an organization that promotes growth and development of soccer clubs throughout the United States. Within US Club Soccer, there are a number of programs; including the id2 and Professional Development(PDP) programs which help identify future USMNTers and USWNTers at an early age and get them playing and training at the highest level to maximize their potential! For our purposes, the program we will focus on is the National Premier Leagues (NPL). These leagues are nationally recognized youth leagues that showcase the best area talent on a regional and national level. Our local New York league is known as the New York Club Soccer League. (Anyone know the record for most acronyms in one paragraph?)

The NPL is home to many teams in our area such as Everton America CT, NY Elite FC, the Brooklyn Italians and local clubs like Quickstrike FC and Soccer Plus Academy (I smell a Hudson Valley derby or two in the near future!). NPL, and US Club Soccer as a whole, is a great opportunity for high level competition in the Stockade FC Youth Academy. The one kicker here: you have to enter at least 3 teams into the league so keep that in mind as you glance over the financials below.

Okay. Let’s dive into the #s!

Cost/Budget:

U9

Player Registration = $18/player = $324/team x 2 seasons= $648

Spring 2017 Team Registration Fee= $300/season

Fall 2017 Team Registration Fee= $300/season (estimate based on Spring cost)

Referee Fees (1 ref) (NY)= $40/game= $20/team/game

Schedule shows- Spring= 7 games (min)- 10 games x $20 ref fee = $200/season.

Fees= $1,448/year

Equipment/Uniforms (~$1,500.00/team or ~$80/ player)

Field Rental (TBD/*see below*)

Tournament Fees (optional)

Travel = BYOM (Bring Your Own Minivan)

U10

Player Registration = $18/player = $324/team x 2 seasons= $648

Spring 2017 Team Registration Fee= $375/season

Fall 2017 Team Registration Fee= $375/season (estimate based on Spring cost)

Referee Fees (2 refs) (NY)= $90/game= $45/team/game

Schedule shows- Spring= 7 games (min)- 10 games x $45 ref fee = $450/season.

Fees= $1848/year

Equipment/Uniforms (~$1,500.00/team or ~$80/ player)

Field Rental (TBD/*see below*)

Tournament Fees (optional)

Travel = BYOM (Bring Your Own Minivan)

U12

Player Registration = $24/player = $432/team x 2 seasons= $864

Spring 2017 Team Registration Fee= $375/season

Fall 2017 Team Registration Fee= $375/season (estimate based on Spring cost)

Referee Fees (3 refs) (NY)= $106/game= $53/team/game

Schedule shows- Spring= 7 games (min)- 10 games x $53 ref fee = $530/season.

Fees= $2,144/year

Equipment/Uniforms (~$1,500.00/team or ~$80/ player)

Field Rental (TBD/*see below*)

Tournament Fee (optional)

Travel = BYOM (Bring Your Own Minivan)

U16

Player Registration = $24/player = $432/team x 2 seasons= $864

Spring 2017 Team Registration Fee= $400/season

Fall 2017 Team Registration Fee= $400/season (estimate based on Spring cost)

Referee Fees (3 refs) (NY)= $140/game= $70/team/game

Schedule shows- Spring= 7 games (min)- 10 games x $70 ref fee = $700/season.

Fees= $2,364/year

Equipment/Uniforms (~$1,500.00/team or ~$80/ player)

Field Rental (TBD/*see below*)

Tournament Fee (optional)

Travel = BYOM (Bring Your Own Minivan)

U18

Player Registration = $24/player = $432/team x 2 seasons= $864

Spring 2017 Team Registration Fee= $400/season

Fall 2017 Team Registration Fee= $400/season (estimate based on Spring cost)

Referee Fees (3 refs) (NY)= $160/game= $80/team/game

Schedule shows- Spring= 7 games (min)- 10 games x $80 ref fee = $800/season.

Fees= $2,464/year

Equipment/Uniforms (~$1,500.00/team or ~$80/ player)

Field Rental (TBD/*see below*)

Tournament Fee (optional)

Travel = BYOM (Bring Your Own Minivan)

Okay, what does all this mean? It means we can put a team on the field with an estimated start-up cost of $5,000. With 18 players on a team, the annual cost per player would be less than $300 (not sure what all $3,000 of your annual tuition goes to at these academy programs but I could write a whole post on that so we’ll move on). Fees of $300 per year seems like a great price for families to have their athletes playing soccer in the spring and fall seasons. However, the goal is cost-free.

There are some variables in the financials. Working with our friends at T-Source in New Paltz, NY, we will have access to a variety of apparel options to outfit our academy. This is the company that provides training gear for our NPSL team’s practices and pre-match warm-ups. The S&S Activewear tops that we currently wear cost ~$10 including printing. The biggest variable will be field space for academy training sessions and matches. Field space can be very costly. To keep this cost down, we will be working with local clubs, and schools, to provide camps and clinics for their athletes in exchange for field space. Maybe one day we will have our own facility!

Sponsorship:

In order to cover the costs per player, we will begin with two options. Option 1: full team sponsorship. Every soccer team in the world has a kit sponsor (and even the NBA now!), why not our u8 academy team as well? Option 2: individual player sponsorship. Local businesses will gladly step in to help make athletics a cost-friendly activity for their community. At $300 or so, every business in the area will likely be interested in supporting the youth.

If interested in sponsoring a team or player — feel free to email me at dan/at/stockadefc/dot/com

Design by Shauna Keating // Moonfarmer

Coaching:

As I mentioned before, another enormous piece to the puzzle is coaching. In a recent article, entitled A fundamental problem with parents coaching youth soccer in America, from Howler, writer Travis Timmons stated:

“Youth development at its earliest levels is made difficult when volunteer coaches don’t have the tools necessary to start kids off on the right foot.”

This quote has really stuck with me. Youth soccer coaching has been on a serious decline as of late and we need to find ways to improve the quality. We need to find ways to give our coaches / volunteer coaches the tools they need to put our young players in positions to be successful. The Stockade FC Youth Academy will use professional development to improve the quality of our coaches. We have to train our coaches on how to train our players. To get the best out of our players in the Hudson Valley, we must first get the best out of their coaches.

Why is this our next step?

This community is so important to our Stockade FC family. We want to do our part to make the Hudson Valley the best it can possibly be. With that being said, we also want to better the United States of Soccer. Let’s face it, it is nowhere near perfect and recent events have most certainly proven that. I can tell you that Tuesday October 10, 2017 will go down as one the most emotional nights of my life. I never want to experience this heartbreak of missing the World Cup ever again and I am sure millions of Americans agree with this sentiment. I am not going to claim that I can fix US Soccer but we can sure try our best to help improve it.

Anytime I have conversations about youth soccer in the US, I always use the comparison to basketball in the US. No one can deny that the US is hands-down the best basketball country in the world. It’s not even close. Why is that the case, yet we struggle to compete on the soccer pitch? The simple answer is accessibility. Local basketball programs such as CYO, and more competitive programs like AAU, are available for every young athlete. Maybe it isn’t just the cost of participation but it is most certainly a huge factor. I know that AAU isn’t exactly cheap. But compared to $3,000- $4,000 for the empty promises of an academy program, it is definitely a more reasonable and a more accessible option for families in America. Especially those middle class families that aren’t buying their kids the latest Nemeziz boots or whatever LeBron James happens to be wearing this month.

In 2015, NBC News — NUSA measured that over 24 million Americans played soccer at some level in this country. That statistic is only second to China. With 24 million of the most premier athletes in the world, how are we not able to put together competitive 25-man rosters at the National Team level (well…USMNT at least). It is clear we have the participation. It is clear that we have the viewership of the sport in the United States. In order to make this game more accessible in the United States, we need our young players learning from elite, well trained coaches and pay-for-play must die.

The Stockade FC model of open-source, transparent soccer will continue with the Stockade FC Youth Academy with the goal that we can one day lay the blueprint for how millions of young Americans can be exposed to the most competitive version of the beautiful game.

If interested in getting involved, or contributing to our program, support us by purchasing the Stockade FC *international edition* t-shirt or a Stockade FC Season Ticket!

If you have questions about how to support the Stockade FC Youth Program, please feel free to reach out to me on twitter @d4nh0ffay or via email at dan/at/stockadefc/dot/com.

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