Richmond, VA – (Wednesday, October 3, 2007) – The Richmond Kickers U-16 and U-18 US Soccer Development Academy teams are set to travel to the Home Depot Center in Carson, California, training headquarters for the USSF National teams, for this weekend’s Fall Showcase, October 6-8. Thirty-eight teams from 18 elite clubs and the US Youth National Team will participate in a three-day event, which includes teams at the U-15/16 and U-17/18 age groups, to kick off the inaugural season of the Development Academy.
A total of 38 matches will be played during the weekend showcase, which is expected to draw college coaches and scouts from across the country. Additionally, national staff coaches will use the Fall Showcase to identify players for places in upcoming national team camps. The Richmond Kickers U-16 and U-18 Academy teams are slated to face Miami FC Kendall on Sunday, October 7th and the US Youth National Teams on Monday, October 8th.
“We have been impressed so far with the commitment and dedication U.S. Soccer has shown to their new Development Academy League,” comments Leigh Cowlishaw, Richmond Kickers Vice President, Soccer Programs. “Finally, we have a system that creates a pipeline directly to US Youth National Team scouts and coaching staff. What better way for our players to be identified than to compete against the current players from U.S. Soccer’s residency program and to be observed by Youth National Team Coaches. More importantly, the matches and environment at the showcase will be extremely competitive and I know our teams are looking forward to the challenge immensely.”
Referee training will be another key component to the Showcase Weekend, with top members of the U.S. Soccer Referee Department overseeing the matches. Esse Baharmast (Director of International and Professional Referee Development), Alfred Kleinaitis (Manager of Referee Training and Development) and Paul Tamberino (Manager of Professional Assignment and Assessment) will be in Los Angeles to perform referee evaluation and instruction.
About the US Soccer Development Academy
The Development Academy teams will compete in three different types of game weekends – individual conference games, travel partner weekends and showcase weekends to provide them with the optimum balance of playing rhythm, economy of travel and exposure to scouts. The competition component of the Academy will feature 60 clubs, representing 23 states and the District of Columbia, plus teams from the US Soccer’s Residency Program, playing at the U-15/16 and U-17/18 age levels.
In a move designed to improve the development environment for players throughout the country, the U.S. Soccer Federation has taken the initiative in formalizing a nationwide development academy. Created to provide players with the best possible opportunity 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. For more information on the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, log on to ussoccer.com.
