WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR CHANGE?

PLAYING SEASON COMPRESSION...

LEADING TO OVERUSE AND INJURY…

ACADEMIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS DUE TO AN UNBALANCED LIFESTYLE…

AND A LACK OF OPPORTUNITY FOR QUALITY TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION.

(Click Here to Read More about the Problem with the Current Model...)

(Click Here to Read More Supporting Data and Documents...)

What is the 21st Century Model?

REDUCTION OF COMPETITIONS:

• From 25 to 23 Total Regular Season and Exhibition Games

REDISTRIBUTION OF COMPETITIONS:

• 6 Fewer Matches in the Fall, 4 Additional Matches in the Spring.

• Post Season Moved from November/December to May/June.

REDUCTION OF MIDWEEK GAMES:

• Maximum 3 midweek games through the academic year vs 6-8 midweek games in ONE semester.

(Click Here to Read More About Model Structure)

Injury Prevention

• The 21st Century Model decreases stress and overuse through match decongestion.

• Match decongestion allows more time to recover between games and reduces rate of injury significantly.

Re-Injury Prevention

• Allows more time to recover from injury and discourages rushed return from injury.

  • In the current model, with such a compact season, student athletes can miss up to 20% of the regular season competitions if out with injury for just a two weeks. ​

Balanced Lifestyle Reduces Psychological Pressure

• Reduces psychological pressure on student athletes in the fall

  • Overstressed academically and athletically in the current model.

• 21st Century Model allows more time to acclimate to college in first semester

• Consistent balance of academics, athletics, and student life promotes improved mental health. ​

Reduced Missed Classes

• Reduced mid-week games and distribution of missed classes over two semesters.

Graduation Retention

• Discourages mid-year and early departure for MLS draft or other professional opportunities.

• Students encouraged to use 4 years to complete their degree instead of rushing to complete in 7 semesters.

Enhanced Athletic Experience

• Quality training and quality matches due to decompression of schedule.

• Improved playing conditions at championships.

• Balanced Schedule Reduces Fall Pressure Points and Allows for Development Throughout the Year.

• Consistent Team in Fall and Spring Promoting Better Team Chemistry and Better Quality Performance.

Improved Championship Experience

• May/June weather conditions conducive to quality playing surface and increased attendance.

More Community Engagement and Enhanced Fan Experience

• Weekend matches allow for more community engagement opportunities as well as attendance.

• Improved quality of play enhances fan experience.

MODERNIZES PERIODIZATION TO RESEMBLE ALL OTHER LEAGUES IN THE US AND AROUND THE WORLD

• 1 game per 6-8 days aligns with almost all other competitive leagues around the world, youth and adult.

• Allows enough time to recover from previous match, train with intensity, and prepare for next match.

• Proper ratios allow improved performance resulting in a more positive athletic experience.

Aligns College Soccer with the Growth of the Game

• The game has grown drastically in this country.

• The 21st Century Model helps align College Soccer with best practices around the world.

(Click Here to See a Full List of Benefits)