What is the U.S. Soccer Development Academy?

Following a review of elite player development in the United States and around the world, U.S. Soccer created the Development Academy in 2007. The Academy Program's philosophy is based on increased training, less total games, and more meaningful games using international rules of competition.

The Academy Program focuses on positively impacting everyday club environments and values individual development of elite players over winning trophies and titles.

​The Academy sets the standard for elite environments for youth soccer clubs nationwide and is a part of U.S. Soccer's global leadership position in youth soccer that will impact thousands of players.

Program Benefits:
• Age Groups with Possibility to Play Up
• More Training in a Consistent and Quality Environment
• Less Total Games but More Meaningful Ones with Proper Rest
​• Showcases with College Coaches & US Soccer Scouts
• Concussion Baseline Testing and Team Trainer
• Gameday Videos
• Player Tracking and Season Stats
• Gamedy Observation by US Soccer Scouts
• US Soccer-Qualified Match Officials

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In case you missed out U.S. Soccer Development Academy Information Nights, please check out the link to our handout below. (Video of the event coming soon!)

ussda_overview_for_2006___2007_players_and_families.pdf
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​“We are very honored to be trusted to implement U.S. Soccer’s program in San Francisco. This is an enormous opportunity for the city and its vibrant youth soccer community. Being selected by U.S. Soccer clarifies the club pathway here for high performance players. We are proud that San Francisco is now on the U.S. Development Academy map.”

- Eddie Soto, Academy Director of Coaching, Boys

SF Elite Academy U12 U.S. Soccer Development Academy Periodization Model

AUG - EARLY DEC	JAN - FEB	MARCH - MID JUNE	MID JUNE - JULY
Competitive Period	Futsal & Winter Training	Competitive Period	Off Season
3x Sessions per Week Match on Weekend	3x Sessions per Week Futsal	​3x Sessions per Week Match on Weekend	Player Directed / Camps / Summer Conditioning

"The San Francisco Elite Academy is a first-of-its-kind program in San Francisco. Top players no longer need to migrate out of the city for competitive play. Her love for the game is off the charts, and the Academy and its coaches have opened doors for her. We are so fortunate to finally have such a regarded youth soccer program for San Francisco kids."

- Matthew and Michelle Righetti, Academy Parents