Dalrymple talks about the next generation of Whitecaps keepers and on youth development as a whole
Photo: Whitecaps FC
by Steven Agen
Vancouver Whitecaps Residency Technical Director Craig Dalrymple joined Radio Cascadia as the featured guest for Episode 27. Dalrymple began his career in England before coming to Canada in the 90’s. He speaks on Vancouver’s U-20’s at the CONCACAF Championships, WFC2 development, and much more on North America’s youth system as a whole.
Of particular interest to Whitecaps fans will be Dalrymple’s thoughts on the tussle for playing time between goalkeepers Nolan Wirth and Marco Carducci. Each has seen time in Jamaica representing their country this January, and each is a Whitecaps product. Carducci signed on with the first team, and Wirth decided to play college ball at Oregon State.
When asked if these differing destinations for the two youngsters is an indication of who the club favors, Dalrymple responded:
“Not every player is ready to jump from youth to senior. We design a development path, as much as it may change and evolve with time, but we do try and look two or three years out and try and find the best place for that player to one to get meaningful games, two get into a decent system that will continue his development, and three make sure that we can keep our hands on that player in terms of interaction and influence and monitoring and also that face to face contact.
“With Nolan, Marco signed his deal before Nolan graduated from our residency program. Nolan needed to get into a good environment [so]that he could continue his personal development, and stayed reasonably close to home and found a great spot in Oregon.”
Both goalkeepers are hot prospects with bright futures in MLS. Each will have a successful pro career. The Whitecaps will end up with the better of the two, and the other will land where he may. The situation is relatively easy to predict. The more interesting point is what this situation says about player development.
A quick musing: is there any other league in the world where players arrive at clubs via so many different mechanisms?
Sawatzky took over as Stars head coach this month
Photo: Sounders U 23s
We all know of the rules regarding allocation order, international roster spots, and the like. It’s complicated and tiresome. If you want to talk exhausting, think of an MLS GM trying to figure out where his young players will come from.
With academies, reserve teams, PDL sides, and the college game, one may sign a 19 year old player in myriad ways. USL Pro clubs with MLS branding are just showing up- there’s no telling just how influential the new system will be. However, it’s clear that there are more avenues for youth acquisition than a given club will be able to use effectively.
So there’s the question- we have college ball, PDL, USL Pro, academies, and discovery lists. What’s the future of MLS?
With all our options, which of these will be the primary method by which MLS develops the next generation? All the pieces are in place, and we’re about to find out.
Hear Dalrymple’s full interview on Episode 27 of Radio Cascadia.
Joining Dalrymple on the show will be the new head coach of the Tacoma Stars Darren Sawatzky who will also address youth development issues.
