2025-10-12, 06:45 PM - Word count:
The final Gameday approaches, one final chance for Academy players to show SSL franchises their talents before the Draft. Now of course, there is a lot more to Draft Stock than simply on-pitch performance, in fact, that’s pretty low on a lot of Managers’ lists. But, at some point, a player is going to have to be able to show up and win the team some games, especially with the upcoming league restructuring plan, which involves essentially a 4-tier promotional system. While the Minors and Majors won’t interleave, franchises will surely hope to get both of their rosters in the top echelon of their division.
If a team wants to win games, there are a few non-negotiables, and Academy teams are already paying the price should they not be adhering to these standards. Players will be taking notes, and many will be hoping to prove they have what it takes, or can have what it takes, to win games at the highest level.
The first thing every player on every team need is running ability. Between sheer pace, acceleration, and agility, soccer is first and foremost a game of feet on the ground, not on the ball. Space, time, and positioning give room for weaker technique, and putting yourself in strong positions can cover a lot of other errors.
With that in mind, decision making is next. When given the time and space, are players able to choose the right course of action, even if they aren’t successful? A bad choice will always end badly, even if executed to perfection. A great choice could end badly, sure, but at least it has the ability to end well.
So we’ll be looking for players who can get themselves time and space, and can make strong decisions. At least in their final games here before their professional careers begin.
If a team wants to win games, there are a few non-negotiables, and Academy teams are already paying the price should they not be adhering to these standards. Players will be taking notes, and many will be hoping to prove they have what it takes, or can have what it takes, to win games at the highest level.
The first thing every player on every team need is running ability. Between sheer pace, acceleration, and agility, soccer is first and foremost a game of feet on the ground, not on the ball. Space, time, and positioning give room for weaker technique, and putting yourself in strong positions can cover a lot of other errors.
With that in mind, decision making is next. When given the time and space, are players able to choose the right course of action, even if they aren’t successful? A bad choice will always end badly, even if executed to perfection. A great choice could end badly, sure, but at least it has the ability to end well.
So we’ll be looking for players who can get themselves time and space, and can make strong decisions. At least in their final games here before their professional careers begin.
