Connect with us

College Soccer

Sounding Off on Soccer: Talking 21st Century college soccer model proposal with Pitt’s Jay Vidovich

There’s growing momentum, particuarly among Division I college soccer coaches to change the schedule from a Fall season, to a two-semester, Fall and Spring season schedule.

This endeavor has picked up steam again this Spring.

A proposal has made its way to the NCAA Division I Committee, which will vote on the proposal for the change. Among the biggest proponents of this initiative is University of Pittsburgh’s men’s soccer coach Jay Vidovich, who shared his thoughts and his desire to see this change with Pittsburgh Soccer Now.

As they await NCAA verdict, many college soccer coaches are determined to implement 21st Century Model

The NCAA Division I committe has received the proposal, and were set to vote on this in April, but it was tabled for a later meeting , which likely will come in June.

Looking at the larger scope of college athletics, the NCAA’s Transformation Committee has an Aug. 1 deadline to make recommendations on how college sports are structured and governed. Among the issues it is tackling is how to streamline the enforcement process and how to deal with NIL (name, image and likeness) legislation that allows athletes to be paid for the first time.

The end result is expected to be a diminished NCAA in terms of its power over conferences and schools.

This week, Jay Vidovich opened up more about these topics and made his case for the 21st Century College Soccer model proposal, gave his thoughts on the Transfer Portal and how some of his recent players are doing in the professional ranks on Pittsburgh Sports Live.

To further make their case, the coaches have created a website – https://www.21stcenturymodel.org/ – which outlines in detail the rationale for making the change.

 

 

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

Subscribe to PGH Soccer Now

Enter your email address to subscribe to PGH Soccer Now and receive notifications of new posts by email.

More in College Soccer