2017-18 Boys' Development Academy Application
The Boys' Development Academy Membership Application is now closed for the 2017-18 season. Applications for the 2018-19 season will open in October 2017. The application is open to any clubs that are not currently members of the Development Academy as well as any existing members wishing to expand to additional age groups. New clubs can apply for one of three options: U-12 only, U-12 to U-14, and full Academy. Existing Academy clubs can apply for one of three expansion options depending upon their current status: U-13 & U-14, U-13 to U-18/19, and U-16/17 & U-18/19. Existing Academy members are encouraged to contact their Technical Advisor to discuss the plans for the market.
Application Process:
Clubs must have completed the application in its entirety by December 4, 2016 no later than 11:59PM PST. It is highly recommended that applicants review the PDF version of the club application provided here as a guide prior to starting and submitting an application.
The Development Academy Membership Application is broken into seven sections:
- Section I: Application Procedure
- Section II: Club Information
- Section III: Resources
- Section IV: Facilities
- Section V: Staffing and Leadership
- Section VI: Player Development History
- Section VII: Academy Requirements
In order to complete the online application, clubs must send all supporting documents, including the following, to academy@ussoccer.org:
- Club Philosophy (mission, vision, identity, style, etc.)
- Annual Training Plan (this includes a detailed plan for activity, training and games)
- Club Budget for the Academy programs (this includes all revenue and expenses to operate Academy age groups)
- Additional Player Production (YNT/MNT players, foreign and/or domestic professional players) *if applicable
- Additional Staff Listing *if applicable
Application Timeline:
- October 12, 2016 - Application Opens
- December 4, 2016 - Final Day to Submit Applications
- January 23, 2017 - Application Decisions Announced
- February 6, 2017 - New Clubs Confirm Participation
- September 1, 2017 - Start of the 2017-18 Academy Season
U.S. Soccer's Technical Advisors and staff will evaluate the applications using the following Key Performance Categories:
- Leadership of the club and quality of the coaching staff
- Desire to embrace and promote the core values of the program
- U.S. Soccer license levels of coaching staff
- Infrastructure of the club and the resources currently being invested in development (facilities, scholarships, staff to player ratio, etc.)
- History of player production for Youth National Teams, the Men's National Team, and professional leagues
- Market player depth, geographic location, proximity to other elite clubs and travel implications
Upon acceptance to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Program, clubs will receive an email with detailed Rules and Regulations, as well as a Membership Agreement Form. The club must return the Membership Agreement Form and Performance Bond by February 6, 2017 to confirm its membership in the Academy Program.
U.S. Soccer will retain membership applications for future consideration. Clubs that previously applied can submit updated documents and additional materials regarding the club and player pool each year.
If you have any questions, please email the Development Academy at academy@ussoccer.org.
About the Academy:
Following a comprehensive review of elite player development in the United States and around the world, U.S. Soccer created the Development Academy in 2007 for male players in the U-15 to U-18 age groups. In 2013, the Academy expanded to include the U-13/14 age group, which has continued to improve development by setting standards and improving the everyday environment for players and clubs. In 2016, the Academy expanded to Zone 1 to include the U-12 age group with 135 clubs in expanded key markets. To date, the Academy has been the leader in developing players in the U.S. with the thousands of alumni moving on to play college soccer, 116 Academy graduates currently rostered in the MLS and 23 Academy players earning U.S. MNT caps.
