Raising the Bar in U.S. Youth Soccer Development
s one of the most respected figures in American youth soccer, Shaun Tsakiris has spent his career shaping the future of the game. From coaching the U.S. U16 and U17 Boys’ National Teams to his current role as Technical Director of Los Gatos United, Tsakiris continues to influence how young talent is developed.
In this exclusive SoccerToday interview, Tsakiris calls for a critical shift in American soccer: the creation of non-negotiable standards for youth soccer clubs nationwide. With deep experience at the national level and a passion for grassroots development, Tsakiris shares his thoughts on how raising expectations across the board is essential to elevating the game in the U.S.
For coaches, parents, and club leaders, this interview provides a candid look at what’s missing in the current system—and how establishing clear benchmarks for player development can help American soccer compete on the global stage. 
SoccerToday Diane Scavuzzo’s Interview with Shaun Tsakiris
Diane Scavuzzo: What should be the end game for a youth soccer club’s DA?
Shaun Tsakiris: It is essential to take care of people. This piece can be overlooked and often is. We are developing different at the MLS DA level than at the club level.
A youth soccer club DA should be trying to maximize their players, and that core value should be the same. If you want to develop pros, you still have to develop people.
THE GOAL FOR A YOUTH SOCCER CLUB SHOULD BE TO MAXIMIZE WHO A PLAYER IS ON AND OFF THE FIELD.
Diane Scavuzzo: What does developing the whole player mean? I hear those words often when I interview top directors from around the world.
Shaun Tsakiris: Recently, when I was on the soccer field, I watched a kid spit on another player — twice. The ref didn’t see it, but everyone else saw it, and nothing was done.
Is that a player that should represent a good club? For me, being a good dude is non-negotiable. You know what that means.
THERE ARE CERTAIN NON-NEGOTIABLES THAT CLUBS HAVE TO STAND FOR.
Diane Scavuzzo: Can you give me another example of standards that a good club should maintain?
Shaun Tsakiris: Of course. Greeting people is another example. When you come on the field, you acknowledge everyone you see. It might be a staff member who is not your coach but is part of the club. You should greet them.
There are just certain standards that have to be maintained.
1% of our players end up playing pro, and the rest are going to become part of the workforce. There are certain qualities and characteristics that are important to develop in our young players to have.
THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF DEVELOPING THE PERSON AND NOT JUST THE FOOTBALLER.
Diane Scavuzzo: Please tell me about your new club…
Shaun Tsakiris: We are at the beginning stages of developing an exciting program. I am excited.
We are proud to be a small club and support everyone in the area.
I GENUINELY WANT TO HELP THE SPORT IN OUR AREA, YOUTH SOCCER IN OUR AREA HAS BECOME SO TOXIC. I AM SAD FOR THE SPORT.
Everyone is in such competition that they have lost sight of why we do what we do and I want to try to change that. I want to try to correct this. Everyone needs to make a living, but that cannot be the reason we get up in the morning.
Diane Scavuzzo: If you had a talented player, would you push them up to an MLS academy?
Shaun Tsakiris: Absolutely and I have already talked to the clubs about this. It is important to me that we work with the clubs in our community.
When I agreed to do this, the first thing I did was call all the area clubs and let them know what we were doing, and that we wanted to work with them. We are here for the players.
We are not interested in coaches leaving other clubs and bringing teams over to us.
We want players to come here because they understand our goal is to create a fun, enjoyable, challenging environment as we develop our players’ love for the game through competition at all levels.
WE ARE HERE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND HAVE PRIDE IN OUR COMMUNITY
LOS GATOS UNITED will be offering Summer Soccer Camps for players of all levels starting in June. For more information, please visit Los Gatos United
