February 3, 2016 — In a continued effort to improve player development, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy program will expand its academy program to include an Under 12 age group, and an Under 13 age group. The existing Under 14 academy structure will change to include one age group starting in Fall 2016.
USSF Soccer Director of Scouting, Tony Lepore, explains, “Existing Development Academy clubs will now add a Under 12 age group, and then split to single age groups at the Under 13 and Under 14 ages. This will help streamline and simplify the development pathway for the Academy clubs, while creating a consistent environment from Under 12 and up for the elite level player.”
“These new steps will help improve the overall environment at an earlier development stage and help clubs create a more consistent, step-by-step pathway for players to learn,” added Lepore.
The opportunity to provide a simplified development environment for players will have a direct impact on their advancement as players,” said US Academy Director Jared Micklos. “U.S. Soccer will continue to invest resources and work together with our clubs to serve as the leaders in the community to collaborate with local clubs to provide players with an opportunity to grow.”
In addition, U.S. Soccer and the Academy will focus on improving the coaching environment through enhanced educational opportunities, license requirements and support from U.S. Soccer Technical Staff. In an effort to continue to increase the quality of coaching for younger players, Academy coaches will move away from a results-driven philosophy, apply consistent standards for training and games, and unify player development initiatives and standards across the country.
“When Placer United was selected in 2013 as the Under 14 USSF Development Academy club for our area it was a great honor and privilege for all involved within our club,” said Placer United Director of Operations, Paul O Brien. “To enter the 2016 season having the ability to field three different USSF Development Academy age groups is a true testament to all the hard work everybody has put forth both on and off the field within our soccer club.”
“From our coaches, who have continually sought more and higher levels of training and education; to our club administration and board of directors who have worked to support the goals of the staff; to our parents who believe in our club philosophies; to our alumni at both the college and professional levels for paving the way for future players; and to all our current players who proudly wear our colors, I would like to thank you all for keeping our soccer club moving in a very positive direction.” said O’Brien
Placer United will hold an informational meeting to outline their Academy plans on February 11, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Placer United Soccer Indoor Training Center in Rocklin.
Go Placer!
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