U.S. Soccer Development Academy
 |
|
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Other club(s) from | Canada |
| Confederation | USSF |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Conferences | 3 |
| Number of teams | 149 |
| Current champions |
FC Dallas (U17/18) |
| Website | http://www.ussoccerda.com |
FC Dallas (U17/18)
The U.S. Soccer Development Academy (DA) is an American soccer league, considered the top tier of youth soccer in the United States. Formed in 2007, the league features youth academies and youth clubs from various organizations, including Major League Soccer, the North American Soccer League and the United Soccer Leagues. It succeeded the Super Y-League as the premier youth soccer league in the U.S. The DA's mission is to provide education, resources, and support to impact everyday club environments in order to develop world-class players.
As of the 2016-17 season, the Academy has 149 total clubs, in five age groups: U-12, U-13, U-14, U-15/16, and U-17/18. The Academy is currently in the process of expanding their programming to include a Girls' Development Academy that will consist of 74 clubs and will begin in the fall of 2017.
For players to join the Academy, they must first join one of the member clubs. The Academy suggests any interested player should contact the club directly for specific information about joining the club. Clubs can be found based on age group within the three regional conferences.
Clubs must apply directly to the Academy through the ussoccerda.com. Applications for the Boys' clubs are available in early fall on the Development Academy website. Accepted clubs join the Academy the following fall season.
The U.S. Soccer Development Academy was founded in 2007, after a comprehensive review of elite player development conducted by the USSF, to serve as the top tier for youth soccer in the United States and provide an elite everyday environment for player development. The organization was created as a partnership between U.S. Soccer and top level clubs across the country, emphasizing increased training with more competitive games versus more games in general, with the ultimate goal of producing world-class players.
In addition, the league serves to connect national team coaches at all age levels directly with elite youth players, while also serving as a venue for advanced coaching and referee development.
...
Wikipedia