US Soccer presented its latest strategy for 2025 and beyond at the United Soccer Coaches convention in Chicago, and it’s called “The US Way.” The philosophy was presented in several sessions and lectures during the conference, a key event for U.S. soccer coaches, executives and stakeholders. American sports director Matt Crocker highlighted the work accomplished to develop the federation’s new strategy during his 18 months at the USSF.
The vision targets the areas of scouting and development of young players through more resources and infrastructure with a collaborative approach with clubs, and he explained at the convention that “The US Way” is also a playing philosophy which aims to place the player at the center of every decision.
“It’s not about us, it’s not about winning. It’s not about what’s good for me as a coach, it’s about what’s good for each player , and we want to make sure that all of our coaches start thinking in that mindset,” Crocker said during his conference presentation.
What is “the American way?” »
It is a multi-faceted strategy for U.S. Soccer that emphasizes player development and revamps the U.S. Soccer Federation’s perspective of serving the growth of soccer across the country.
“We want US Soccer to become the number one support service to assist you as clubs and coaches in player development. When you have a question or concern, we want your first instinct to be: ‘I can get help from US Soccer. “We want to be the number one place for your learning and development,” Crocker told coaches at the convention.
The philosophy has three main themes and each has targeted outcomes as well as resources to achieve various short- and long-term goals. Underlying the central themes is a club and country engagement model that focuses on US Soccer’s work serving members, clubs and leagues.
Here is a breakdown of the three main themes:
Scouting, talent identification and more development
Crocker further highlighted the role of vision in upcoming and future major international events such as the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. A key element is scouting and development . Crocker noted that 95% of player development happens at the club level and, although he presented it as a performance plan aimed at getting onto the podium, the ultimate goal is to ensure that links with players at the youth level be immediate, impactful and fun for the players. and their families.
More camps, better infrastructure and a shared national calendar to avoid conflicts between club and national team commitments are just some of the ways US Soccer wants to bridge the gap between national youth teams and national team teams. senior level. Improving player development through better resources, talent identification programs and a collaborative approach with clubs to balance with national team play is expected to begin in the summer of 2025, but we can already see the first concepts with the U.S. Women’s National Team “Camp of the Future” which will take place in January.
“We also want our overall youth national team system to act as a feeder system for our senior teams,” Crocker said. “So with Mauricio (Pochettino) now and Emma (Hayes) – and I’m delighted to have these two best coaches in the world setting our intentions for the future, but also the best human beings and the best leaders – that really valuing the individual and really respecting what we’re trying to do and seeing the power it can play in the overall ecosystem.
“We want to make sure that they have a significant influence on the evolution of age and developmental stage which are all interrelated and ultimately produce better, high-potential, experienced and experienced individuals. confident.” That when they join the senior team, they have all the tips and tools necessary to succeed in that environment. »
Looking forward
The new year has officially begun with January camps planned for both national teams. National youth teams and regional camps will have more opportunities to come together later this year. THE The USMNT is currently preparing for two friendlies during their January training camp. Pochettino’s side face Venezuela and Costa Rica to close out the month with the first match on Saturday.
USWNT manager Emma Hayes almost 50 players between two rosters participate in the January camp. Originally planned for Carson, California, the camp was moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, due to the wildfires in Los Angeles. No matches are scheduled for the big winter gathering, but the program will host Australia, Colombia and Japan in the SheBelieves Cup in February.
