AYS Players and Families:
The Alaska Development Program has new changes for the 2025 cycle which we are excited to share with everyone. I know and understand that change can be difficult, but the purpose of these changes is to provide an improved player experience for your child. Additionally, the Coaches will also be held to a higher standard and their experience. This is our first cycle. Once complete we will reflect and improve the Program each year. Please provide us some grace as there will be some bumps along the way, however, I do believe that as we continue to all work together, Alaska kids in Soccer will positively benefit wit this path forward.
2025 Player Selection Process
The former tryout process of one tryout and a trip to select players, will be replaced by a scouting development network between the ADP Age Group Coach, Club Coaches, and Club Technical Leads. The new selection process comes with no cost to our you. Players will be notified once selected and the selection process will extend from June to September. ADP Coaches will have the final selection and are not limited by Club Coach identifications. The player pool will then be treated like a “National Team” player pool.
Highlights
● More training and playing events.
● Zoom meetings for player education and team building.
● Sub-Regional event with Far West and National team coaches training and scouting.
● US Club ID2 identification- more coming on this partnership.
● Partnership with ECNL clubs for quality events and guest playing opportunities.
● Overall less program and travel cost than previous years, even with one additional trip.
● ADP Coaches work with club coaches in their team’s age to identify players. *ODP Coaches are not limited to Club recommendations.
● June - State Cup: ADP Coaches scout players at leagues and events; as players are identified as potential team players they will be asked to register for the August camp.
● Late August: 20-22 (14-16 for 2014) players selected to comprise the 2025 team.
ADP STAFFING
The Coaches selection process went through 3 phases from small group, large group, and then acceptance. We are a small state and fortunate to have so many Coaches that love the game and want to be involved. As we rebuild the program, there will be more opportunities for new Coaches to get onboard. It was difficult, but I am confident is no Staff that encompasses the range of experience of playing and coaching than who is identified below. We have assembled a Coaching team that has agreed to participate to make the changes necessary to push our players and program forward.
ADP Directors:
● John Oliver, AYS Executive Director, oversees all aspects of coach and player development as well as program specifics
● Danny Reynolds, AYS Board Member, Technical Director for ADP as well as scouting for The Talent Projekt in Germany.
● Dan Rufner, AYS Admin Director, ADP Logistics Coordinator. *main contact for ODP
Coaching Staff:
2014 Boys: Scott Hickox 2014 Girls: Carly Williams
2013 Boys: Mike Montgomery 2013 Girls Jeremy Johnson
2012 Boys: Matt Froehle 2012 Girls Barat Killian
2011 Boys: Laef Eggan 2011 Girls Rachel Stahl
2010 Boys: Chris McKay 2010 Girls Felipe Abreau
2009 Boys: Tony Sadiku 2009 Girls Brad Horton
2007/8 Boys: Justin Racette 2007/8 Girls Matt Dusenberry
PROGRAM DATES:
● August 12: Final invites sent to 24-28 players to participate in tryout/sub-regional camp.
● August 22-24: Tryout Camp/Sub-Regional in Anchorage.
○ Far West Region/National staff coaches for each age group to work with ADP coaches on player development, selection, and increase chances for Alaska players selected to ODP camp and events.
○ $100 registration for three days; includes AYS travel tee.
○ Bus will be provided to and from Fairbanks at no additional cost; subsidies for selected players flying from Southeast.
● August 26: Team selections made; player registration for the year; new uniform order.
● September 12 - 14 AND October 3-5: Team training in Anchorage
○ One session Friday evening, two sessions Saturday, one session Sunday morning. Combination of team training and competitive games
○ Home-stays with Anchorage-based players; possible travel assistance for players more than 3 hours from Anchorage (i.e. Fairbanks bus, flight stipend)
● November 7-9 (2014-2011): Training, games, and connecting with ECNL teams at local colleges in Salem, Oregon partnered with Capital FC.
● Late Nov/Early Dec (2007/8-2010): College Showcase event TBD.
● December 12-14 (all): Training, games, and connecting with ECNL teams at local colleges in Tacoma, WA partnered with Washington Premier.
● January 1-5 (2009-2014, ODP Championships in Phoenix with 18 selected players (14 for 2014s).
● TBD Showcase event for 2007/8s and possible select 2009s.
● Mid January: Coaches hold Zoom sessions to review game film
● February: Individual evaluations with coaches in-person or Zoom.
● May: Identification of players for 2026 players begins.
PARTICIPATION FEE:
● Still TBD but expect 10-15% less than previous years while including more.
○ We will do our best to work with every family to include players with financial difficulties.
● All programming/training costs built into the fee.
● Travel costs will be covered for out of Anchorage Area players for Anchorage training events.
● Costs for three trips included in the registration fee.
○ Participants will purchase airfare, lunch, and will need spending money for each trip.
○ If team members are not included on a trip they will receive a $250 refund of registration fee per trip not attended; players are expected to participate in all.
● Uniforms (new for 2025) included in the registration cost.
