Albion SC’s Noah Gins on What it Takes For A Player To Be Successful
Soccer is a dynamic game and no one likes to see their kid languishing on the bench. Often soccer parents want to know how to help their players achieve their best on and off the field and veteran of the soccer world, former professional player Noah Gins can help. CEO of Albion SC and ASC San Diego, Gins and is an expert on American youth soccer and has successfully developed youth soccer players to become professionals.
Noah Gins is recognized as one of the leaders in Amerian youth soccer. With decades of experience, he has overseen the development of thousands of players as the CEO of the San Diego based Albion Soccer Club.
In addition, Albion’s reach now extends to multiple youth soccer club affiliates across America. Gins is also the CEO of ASC San Diego which currently competes in the NPSL is proud to claim the title of Best in the West.
This year, ASC San Diego hoisted the 2019 NPSL Championship trophy for the first time in club history after a stunning 2-1 victory in the Southwest Conference, defeating rivals FC Arizona.
Here is an interview with Albion’s Noah Gins, who offers valuable answers for soccer moms and soccer dads.
Diane Scavuzzo: Parents often hear the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (DA) being discussed and positioned as the only way top players get attention. Is being the DA the only or really the best way to earn a collegiate roster spot?
Noah Gins: The youth soccer landscape can often be confusing for parents, and that is why we believe in educating our parents at Albion SC. The reason the U.S. Soccer Development Academy is often discussed on the sideline it that it offers is the highest level of soccer and a platform that college coaches know and trust.
Collegiate coaches know when they recruit a DA player that they are getting players that are committed to four days per week training and have self-discipline, are self-motivated and are able to compete at the highest level. College coaches are attracted to the DA showcases and are always interested in youth soccer players from DA teams.
Anyone outside the DA, players have opportunities to be seen through other vehicles like tournaments, college id camps, and of course, being very assertive to get in front of the school of their choice.
Albion SC has a fabulous track record of its players offered D1 college rosters spots.
Diane Scavuzzo: Does Albion SC have success gaining D1 roster spots on the boys’ side as well?
Noah Gins:Absolutely, in fact, Albion SC is one of the top producers in the DA for getting players committed to top universities and earning roster spots at top Universities.
Read: ALBION SC’S NOAH GINS ON WHAT SOCCER PARENTS SHOULD KNOW
Diane Scavuzzo: How valuable is it for a youth soccer player to train or compete abroad?
Noah Gins: Training abroad is one of the most important components for player development.
Training abroad brings forth mental maturity, a professional attitude, and gives players a different view of what it is they are trying to achieve as a player.
Being immersed in a soccer culture and testing your abilities abroad is a valuable experience.
Diane Scavuzzo: Can youth soccer clubs like Albion SC prepare kids to become a professional player?
Noah Gins: Not only can youth soccer clubs successfully prepare youth players to become professional players, Albion SC, as well as many other youth soccer clubs, have done this for decades.
Youth soccer clubs across America continue to place players on professional teams domestically and internationally.
Please keep in mind that most players are striving to play in college and earn a scholarship, so that is the majority of players we serve, but for the players who truly want to go the professional route, and have the ability, Albion SC has a proven track record of developing players to go pro.
We are very good at putting players on a professional pathway and helping them get placed.
A player that falls into this category will always have an intangible skill set and will be in a position more so because of who they are, and less due to any one club.
A player either has it or they don’t — and this is something that becomes apparent as the years go on.
Diane Scavuzzo: This year, the Boys Development Academy launched its 13th season and U.S. Soccer introduced a new DA Cup competition and restructured the program, especially for the U18/19 bracket. The U18/19 DA teams are split into two brackets with all 22 MLS Academies in the Red Tier. Albion SC, as well as several top clubs, are in the Blue tier. What are your thoughts on the new tiered system in the DA?
Noah Gins: I love the DA Cup, and the Blue/Red tiered system really does not impact anyone either way. It is just the opponent you are playing and it should be more evenly matched games. This only impacts the U18/19s, and while parents may wonder about it on the sideline, the games are very competitive and that is what is important.
The Cup games have made for an exciting component to the DA season and have raised the level of competitiveness within the DA, which has been healthy.
Diane Scavuzzo: How does ASC San Diego a valuable tool for your youth soccer players at Albion SC?
Noah Gins: ASC San Diego is the top of our in-house player development pyramid.
At Albion SC, we have ASC San Diego which allows us to push top talent into this competitive and professional environment. It gives our best players an opportunity to train and even play in games, preparing them at a higher level for college or professional contracts.
Any club looking to progress players needs an outlet beyond what currently exists inside a youth academy, even if it is a U.S. Soccer DA.
This is particularly important for their top 15-year-old and older players who need to be challenged to reach their potential.
Diane Scavuzzo: What advice do you want to share with soccer parents? What do they need to know?
Noah Gins: There is a lot that soccer parents should know, but the most important is that their kids should love playing the game and they should enjoy watching their kids play.
To work at its best, the anatomy of successful player development is a partnership with the player and the parents.
Being a positive force in a player’s success requires more than just enthusiastic encouragement but also choosing the right club and coach.
At Albion, we are in the business of developing the whole player – the child on the field.
The best soccer parents also know that their role is very important to their child’s success.
Soccer parents need to understand the role of a youth soccer club and its coaches have in the player’s success as well as help set realistic expectations. Parents of elite players who dream big also need to pay attention to their kids’ nutrition and conditioning as well.
More advice for youth soccer parents from Noah Gins in SoccerToday’s follow up article coming out soon.
Picture of Ari Lassiter courtesy of LA Galaxy
