2026 Strategic Initiative | North Dallas
THE INDEPENDENT
PROTOCOL
THE TIME EQUATION
OPTIMIZING THE RATIO: TRAVEL VS. TRAINING
In the traditional model, the ratio of "Windshield Time" to "Ball Time" is fundamentally broken. Families routinely invest 10+ hours of driving and sacrifice 48 hours of their weekend for a single match where a player might be in possession of the ball for less than 60 seconds.
This is a structural barrier to development. We trade the highway for the court, converting those wasted travel hours into high-density technical repetitions. We stop confusing activity (driving) with progress (training).
OF TOTAL LEAGUE INVESTMENT
(TIME & MONEY) IS CONSUMED BY TRAVEL
(Driving, Hotels, & Logistics vs. Actual Player Development)
THE 3 PILLARS
TECHNICAL DENSITY
We invert the model. We prioritize high-frequency Futsal & Small-Sided environments over low-value minutes.
Standard: ~40 touches/game
Independent Model: 250+ Purposeful Touches/Match
SUPER WEEKENDS
We consolidate competition into Higher-Quality, Value-Based Tournaments. We play only when it offers a specific developmental challenge rather than random league opponents.
RESULT: 4 FULL MATCHES / MONTH.
MARKET EXPOSURE
We actively seek Specific Showcases. College scouts prioritize Concentrated Exposure Events over dispersed league games.
We optimize our calendar to attend major tournaments like Dallas Cup, Surf Cup, and IMG Academy.
THE 11v11 VOLUME REALITY
Parents fear losing "Game Time." But when you look at the monthly calendar, the volume is identical. The only difference is the efficiency.
TRADITIONAL MONTH
INDEPENDENT MONTH
SAME GAME VOLUME. 75% LESS DRIVING.
We also add weekly Futsal matches, meaning our total "Game Minutes" actually exceed the league model.
THE COMPOUND EFFECT: 2-YEAR TRAJECTORY
Interactive Visualization: Projecting the "Technical Surplus" over a 2-Year Development Cycle.
TOUCH CALCULATOR
Adjust "Traditional Model" inputs:
INDEPENDENT MODEL (FIXED):
- 4 Days/Week Technical Sessions
- 1 Day/Week Futsal Match (Saturday)
- +4 Monthly 11v11 Matches (Super Weekend)
• Independent: ~10 touches/min (Technical Training) & ~5.0 touches/min (Futsal Matches).
• Traditional (11v11): Est. ~0.6-0.8 purposeful touches per minute.
• Volume Logic: ~60 mins high-intensity "Active Ball Time" per session.
ADDITIONAL TOUCHES (2 YRS)
It would take a Traditional player approx. 0 YEARS to achieve the ball contact volume that an Independent player achieves in just 24 months.
THE ACCELERATION METRICS
Peer-reviewed studies (Manchester United Academy, Liverpool University) quantify the tactical density of Small-Sided Games (SSGs) compared to standard 11v11 formats.
More shots on goal per player.
Increased individual confrontation.
More opportunities to beat opponents.
Higher frequency of distribution.
*Source data compiled from Manchester United Academy Study (4v4 vs 8v8 comparisons) and Liverpool University research (7v7 vs 11v11).
SQUAD ARCHITECTURE: THE ANTI-CUTOFF MODEL
While the federation fractures teams based on arbitrary August birthdates, we unify them based on ability. We utilize the European Dual-Year Tier System to ensure players are placed by competence, not just the calendar.
ALEVIN TIER
FOUNDATION PHASE
Cognitive speed and technical mastery in tight spaces. (Typical Range: U11-U12)
INFANTIL TIER
FORMATION PHASE
Tactical immersion and transition to full-sided complexity. (Typical Range: U13-U14)
CADETE TIER
PERFORMANCE PHASE
High-performance competition and collegiate pathway prep. (Typical Range: U15-U16)
SOLVING THE "AUGUST CUTOFF" TRAP
The recent shift back to Grade-Level (August) cutoffs creates a "Lost Generation" of late-born players (e.g., late 2012s) being forced to play down with younger cohorts regardless of their skill.
We reject rigid age segregation. We utilize Bio-Banding and Meritocracy. If a player is technical enough and physically ready, they play in the environment that challenges them, regardless of an arbitrary cutoff date. You play where you belong.
TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP
ELITE PROGRAMMING REQUIRES ELITE PEDAGOGY.
Parents often ask: "Without a league, who is holding the standard?"
The Pilot Program is being architected by a collective of Career Development Specialists and experienced academy staff who are exiting the traditional system to focus purely on player development.
We guarantee a professional environment at every level. Every session is executed by a career specialist dedicated to maximizing individual technical mastery.
THE COACHING PROFILE
✓ Proven Methodology: Training designed around high-performance European standards.
✓ Academy Experience: Staff with backgrounds at MLS NEXT / ECNL / International levels.
✓ Cognitive Focus: Environments designed to accelerate decision-making speed and game intelligence.
THE SUPER WEEKEND PROTOCOL
We treat every event like a Professional Residency. We do not just "show up to play"; we arrive to perform. This is the difference between a soccer trip and a business trip.
ELITE PREPARATION
We arrive early. Players undergo activation training sessions and tactical walk-throughs on-site before the first whistle. We prepare the mind and body before the competition begins.
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS
The tournament is a classroom. Coaches conduct player sit-downs to evaluate performance and set specific goals for the next match. We utilize team reviews and film assessments (where applicable) to adjust tactics in real-time.
TEAM CULTURE
Cohesion is built at the dinner table. We mandate team dinners, structured team-building events, and group reflection sessions. Players connect as people, not just teammates.
RESOURCE ALLOCATION
A streamlined financial model focused on the player.
| Cost Center | Traditional Model | Independent Model |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Tuition | ~$3,750 | ~$3,500 |
| Uniform Kit Package | ~$500 | ~$500 |
| Small-Sided / Futsal Fees | ~$500 (11v11 Only - Futsal/5v5 Extra) | ~$275 (Futsal Included) |
| League Travel (Fall & Spring) | ~$4,500 (8-15 Trips @ $400-$800/ea) | $0 (Local Futsal/Games) |
| Tournament Travel & Entries | ~$4,500 (National Events + Coach Fees) | ~$2,800 (3 Strategic Events) |
| DOMESTIC TOTAL EST. | $13,750+ | ~$7,075 |
TRADITIONAL TRAVEL REALITY:
Austin, Houston, Tulsa, OKC (~9 Trips)
Gas/Hotels/Meals: ~$4,500
ECNL/MLS Events (CA, FL, AZ)
3 Major Events: ~$4,500
INDEPENDENT STRATEGIC PLAN:
Example: Surf Cup / IMG
Flight/Hotel/Entry: ~$1,800
Example: Austin Labor Day
Hotel/Gas/Entry: ~$800
Example: Dallas Cup
Fees/Parking: ~$200
STRATEGIC ALLOCATION
The Roadmap below outlines the complete circuit of qualified targets. We do not attend every event; we attend the right events.
Our financial model is built on 3 Major Tournaments (~$2,800). Attempting the full circuit would cost families $10,000+ in travel alone. We reject the "pay-and-pray" volume approach in favor of a surgical, high-value schedule.
*Traditional Model Estimates sourced from U14 MLS Next/ECNL (Non-Affiliated) 2025-26 Average Travel Costs data. Traditional League Travel reflects 8-15 overnight/away trips. National Events range $2,000-$4,000 per event. Note: We have used conservative estimates for the Traditional Model; actual costs often exceed these figures. The Independent Model investment may be higher should players choose to take advantage of additional optional opportunities.
INTERNATIONAL PATHWAY OPTION
We offer an optional International Residency in June (Spain/Europe) for approx. $2,500 (including flight). Even with this world-class addition, the total annual investment (~$9,575) remains significantly lower than the standard domestic league season (~$13,750).
2026/27 SEASON ROADMAP
A strategically periodized calendar designed for neuromotor consolidation, competitive stress, and maximum exposure.
*Target Circuit: Teams typically select 3 Major Events per season from this menu. Local Dallas options provided for non-travel months.
Training + SSG Block. Zero Travel. Futsal/5v5 loading.
Conditioning without competitive dilution. No major travel.
TRAVEL: Austin Labor Day Cup (Austin, TX)
LOCAL: Plano Labor Day Invitational (Dallas)
TRAVEL: SLSG Fall Festival (St. Louis, MO)
LOCAL: U90C Fall Fest / Generals Cup (Dallas)
TRAVEL: Copa Rayados Internacional (Houston)
LOCAL: Dallas Texans Fall Festival (Dallas)
TRAVEL: Disney Soccer Showcase (Orlando)
LOCAL: Bobby Rhine Memorial (Dallas)
TRAVEL: IMG Boys College Showcase (Bradenton, FL)
LOCAL: Classic League Qualifiers
LOCAL MAJOR: Scott Dymond College Showcase (Dallas)
Decompression, evaluation, and technical preparation for next cycle. No major travel.
THE FILTER
We are not building a mega-club. We are building a distinct competitive advantage.
Rosters are intentionally limited to strictly maintain the technical density standard.
We are not for everyone. We are for the obsessed.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Addressing the shift from the traditional model.
JOIN THE EVOLUTION
We are currently identifying the Founding Families for the 2026/27 Pilot Program.
(Non-Binding · No Commitment Required)