MLS Academies Balance Winning and Player Development

Philadelphia Union’s MLS academies face a unique challenge: building a winning culture while nurturing the next generation of stars.

MLS Academies: Striking a Delicate Balance

MLS academies, including the Philadelphia Union and FC Dallas, operate at the intersection of two sometimes competing ideals: winning matches and developing young talent. For clubs like the Union, this balancing act is almost scientific. Every Wednesday, a key group—head coach, sporting director, second team manager, and academy director—meticulously review every squad in the organization. Their mission is clear: determine how many minutes each player at every level should earn, ensuring both immediate results and long-term growth.

The Weekly Planning Process

Head coach Bradley Carnell spearheads these meetings, mapping out first-team strategies and highlighting promising prospects from the Union’s MLS Next Pro and academy ranks. From there, the staff moves methodically down the ladder—first team, reserve squad, then youth teams. Academy Director Jon Scheer then relays these decisions, allocating playing time and fixtures to academy sides. This process ensures each player’s development is closely monitored, while competitive edge remains sharp, week after week.

Challenges Across MLS Clubs

This process is not unique to Philadelphia. Across MLS, clubs face the same dilemma. The first team is built to win, but below that, the emphasis often shifts. Modern football demands the creation of technically and mentally strong professionals who can fit the club’s profile. But the drive to develop does not always align with the pressures and culture of winning.

Why Winning Still Matters in MLS Academies

Jon Scheer, the Union’s Academy Director, emphasizes that winning is fundamental to developing future professionals. “Winning matters a lot in the sense that you need to build professionals; they have to be competitive. And it does matter, and it should matter,” Scheer explains. The underlying philosophy is that competitiveness and the ability to handle pressure situations are essential traits for players aspiring to reach the highest level.

Creating the Next Cavan Sullivan

The emergence of prodigies like Cavan Sullivan underscores the importance of this approach. MLS academies want to craft players who are not just skilled, but also equipped to thrive in competitive environments. Balancing game minutes, personalized development, and high-stakes matches is central to molding such players.

The Universal Truth of Sport

At every level, from grassroots to professional, the fundamental goal remains: keep score and strive for victory. While development is crucial, the universal truth of sport is competition. MLS academies are working to ensure that neither value is sacrificed. They are constantly fine-tuning their methods, seeking the best blend of nurturing talent and fostering a will to win.

The Broader Impact on US Soccer

By maintaining this balance, MLS academies are helping to raise the overall standard of soccer in the United States. As more homegrown talent emerges and moves into first teams, the league’s quality and reputation grow. This approach not only benefits the clubs but also contributes to the national team’s future success.

Looking Ahead

The challenge for Philadelphia Union, FC Dallas, and all MLS academies is ongoing. They must continue navigating the tightrope between individual growth and team achievement. Their meticulous processes set the stage for both immediate success and sustained player development.

Opinion: A Model Worth Emulating

Philadelphia Union’s approach should serve as a model for youth academies around the world. By blending measured player development with an unwavering commitment to winning, they’re laying the groundwork for both team and individual triumphs. The lessons learned in these environments will benefit players long after they leave the academy. For more news and in-depth football coverage, visit for more news.