soccerdad03,
When I read these posts regarding a 6th grader, I can't help think of a tragically comical scene from the movie "Parenthood" with Steve Martin...
Student 1 at College: Someone's gone to the roof of the bell tower with a rifle!
Dean at College: It's Kevin Buckman! His father totally screwed him up!
Student 2 at College: What's he yelling?
Kevin Buckman Age 21: YOU MADE ME PLAY SECOND BASE!
I'm just attempting a little humor here, but in all seriousness you might need to reel in your expectations. I speak from experience as my DS (a senior soccer player recruited by USAFA, USMMA, USMA and USCGA) has played at a cost free US Development Academy Club and he along with several others chose high school over club.
First off, most of the academies offer student guidelines for prospective candidates on their websites. Most start at 9th grade, but I found this on AFA website...
Advice for 6th - 10th grade students
While you are still too young to apply to the Academy, it is never too early to start preparing. As a matter of fact, the earlier you start, the better your potential to be accepted. There are four things we look for in a future Academy cadet:
Academics
Athletics
Leadership
Character
So how do you prepare for a future at the Academy?
Study hard. Get the best grades you can in all subjects — especially English, math and science.
Join a sports team. If your school does not have an after-school sports program, you can usually find one at your local community park or recreation center.
Become a leader. Join a scouting program like Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts or Civil Air Patrol. Or join another school or local club and go for a leadership position like club president or secretary.
Demonstrate character. Consider activities that help others. Get involved with church groups or other organizations that may be helping members of your community.
These activities will help you demonstrate your academic performance, athletic potential, leadership and character traits. Starting early and being prepared are your best shots for earning an appointment to the Academy. We hope to see you in a few years!
So beyond this basic good advice what can I tell you about soccer based on my personal experiences and that of others that I have observed. Parents seeking scholarships for their child is all too common especially in "Elite" soccer. Parents see their child achieving athletically at a very young age and just assume that they will only continue to improve and remain atop their game relative to their peers. This is just not the case.
My son participated in ODP (Olympic Development Program) here in Virginia for 3 years. He made the State Team, but not the Region or National Pool. This is still a nationwide program that is run by state US Youth Soccer. This is a very good alternative to USSDA and you can play high school. It also gave him the opportunity to travel to Spain and Portugal representing VA State ODP.
More to the point I wanted to make though. The best players at U12 are often not the best players at U15 and are almost most certainly not the best players at U18. That's a fact. That was one of the first speeches given to parents that I remember hearing when my son was trying out for State ODP. Players mature physically and mentally at different times. The 12 year old that is already 5' 10" 160 lbs and totally dominates most average sized peers will likely not always enjoy that physical superiority. Many of these players get frustrated as other begin to grow, but they are often more technically proficient. They could not have been more correct as I watched this play out.
Another club coach once said that you really can't determine a players potential until after his "boys" drop. Again, this varies widely from player to player. Point is, many of your sons current teammates will not likely be his teammates in 5 years. He will leave some in his dust and he will likely be left in other's dust.
Maybe what I'm really trying to say is that just simply deciding in 6th grade as to whether or not you will play HS or Club is silly. That decision might very well not be yours to make anyways. It is just way too far off in the future to concern yourself or DS in my opinion.
My DS also played for a Virginia Development Academy Club that was 100% cost free. That aspect was awesome, but the thrill and pride of wearing his school uniform and playing in front of his HS fans was more important. There were over 20 players between the Richmond Kickers and Strikers that chose to leave academy for HS soccer. Of those players, there are commits to VCU, WVU, Georgia Southern, USCGA, Navy, VMI and Longwood.
By the time your DS needs to worry about these things the USSDA may have been replaced by a new structure? High school soccer might be allowed again due to lawsuits or scheduling changes? Your DS could find he likes lacrosse or baseball? God forbid, injury derails the hopes and dreams of many young athletes.
My DS has played in the Summer and Winter Academy showcases. He has also played in the Jefferson Cup, CASL, Bethesda, FC Delco, etc.. tournaments. College coaches attend all of the top tournaments and recruit far more than just Academy players. More importantly, not all Academy players are recruited.
My DS will be accepting an appointment to USCGA. He will play soccer, but it is secondary to his passion to be challenged, lead and serve.
In my opinion, soccer should always be secondary to the academics. A fine coach and mentor to my son told him that soccer can always be taken away in an instant by injury or replacement by a better player. Make sure you are choosing the school, major and mission first. Imagine yourself being there without the sport.
My only other thought is to have DS participate in JROTC in HS. That's a great way to gain experience and show demonstrated interest.
Sorry for the long post. Best of luck and continued success.