RICHMOND, VA - (Wednesday, July 4, 2007) – U.S. Soccer has accepted the Richmond Kickers into the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, bringing the total number of admissions to 31 youth clubs from across the country. With the launch of the new Development Academy, the U.S. Soccer Federation has taken the initiative in extending its National Team program and putting an emphasis on the development of the player by improving their daily environment.
“After reviewing Richmond Kickers application, we felt they fulfilled the qualifications of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and were a good addition to the program,” said U.S. Soccer’s U-17 Men’s National Team Coach John Hackworth. “We have every expectation that the participation by the Kickers in the Academy will only increase their past successes of developing elite youth players.”
“It is an honor and a privilege to be accepted into the US Soccer Academy,” comments Richmond Kickers Vice President, Soccer Programs Leigh Cowlishaw. “The technical staff feels this will be at the forefront of player development in the country. Our dedication to a long term player development philosophy and structure has been recognized and we are excited about being a member.”
The Development Academy concept is designed to shift the focus of the young elite player from an ‘overburdened, game emphasis’ model to a ‘meaningful training and competition’ model. The concept was unveiled by U.S. Soccer on June 4 and the response has been unprecedented.
• Player Development Academy Information - CLICK HERE!
“The inclusion of the Richmond Kickers only adds to the encouraging start of this new program,” said U.S. Soccer’s Director of Coaching Education Bob Jenkins. “The key component to the Development Academy is a focus from the clubs on doing what it takes to get their coaches and players focused on long term player development and we felt the Kickers will provide the right training environment to make this happen.”
Applications continue to come in and are under review with more decisions due in the coming weeks. Created to provide players with the best possible opportunity and environment to develop, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy is being initiated after a comprehensive review of player development systems in the United States and around the world.
“After completing an extensive review and discussion across the country, we feel that it is the right time for U.S. Soccer to lead a change in the sport at the youth level,” said U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati. “We need to shift the focus of our young elite players from an ‘overburdened, game emphasis’ model to a ‘meaningful training and competition’ model. This will ultimately lead to more success and will allow players to develop to their full potential.”
U.S. SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY – STRUCTURE
Objective: The focus of the Academy is on player development and providing players with the best possible opportunity to develop to the highest level they are capable of achieving
Standards: A minimum requirement of three training sessions and one rest day per week
Teams: The top youth soccer clubs in the U.S.
Selection: U.S. Soccer coaches will select qualified applicants on a rolling basis until Aug. 1
Age Groups: U-16 & U-18 teams (minimum roster of 22 players); providing opportunities for more than 2,000 players
Competition Format: Divided into conferences with each team playing between 30 and 38 home and away matches during an eight-month season. Each conference will be comprised of approximately 15-20 teams based on geographic proximity. The winner of each conference will play in the Academy Finals at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.
Teams: Below is a complete list of the Development Academy’s 31 current clubs representing 16 states and the District of Columbia.
California
• De Anza Force Soccer Club
• Mustang FC
• Nomads Soccer Club
Colorado
• Colorado Rush
• Real Colorado
Connecticut
• Oakwood Soccer Club
District of Columbia
• DC United
Florida
• Clearwater Chargers Soccer Club
• IMG Soccer Academy
• Kendall Soccer Coalition
Georgia
• Atlanta Fire United Soccer Association
Illinois
• Chicago Fire Soccer Player Development Academy
• Chicago Magic Soccer Club
• Chicago Sockers
Maryland
• Potomac Soccer
Massachusetts
• FC Greater Boston Bolts
Michigan
• Michigan Wolves
• Vardar
New Hampshire
• Seacoast United
New Jersey
• Players Development Academy
• New York Red Bulls
New York
• B/W Gottschee
• FC Westchester
North Carolina
• CASL – Capitol Area Soccer League
• Greensboro Youth Soccer Club
Pennsylvania
• FC DELCO
Virginia
• Richmond Kickers Soccer Club
• Richmond Strikers
• VA Rush Soccer Club
Washington
• Crossfire Premier Soccer Club
• Washington Premier FC
– ussoccer.com –
U.S. Soccer House 1801 S. Prairie Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60616
312-808-1300 fax 312-808-9566 www.ussoccer.com
