U.S. Soccer Development Academy

Top College Programs Use Development Academy to Continue Building Successful Teams

Feb 26 2010 - RH

TOP COLLEGE PROGRAMS USE DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY TO CONTINUE BUILDING SUCCESSFUL TEAMS

With stints as an assistant coach during the 2002 FIFA World Cup and head coach of U.S. U-18 Men's National Team, George Gelnovatch has been involved with soccer in the U.S. since his playing days at the University of Virginia under Bruce Arena.

Now with 14 seasons as the head coach of the Cavaliers under his belt, Gelnovatch has seen his player selection process undergo a major overhaul since the inception of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

US Soccer Development Academy Alumni Dominate U-20 National Team

Dec 23 2009 - CL

Academy Update from the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Staff – Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Midyear Grades:
Academy clubs that started play in September and October will receive their midyear grades this week from their Technical Advisors. A written report will follow in early January.

The U-20 Men’s National Team Starts End of Year Camp:
Head Coach Thomas Rongen has called in 36 players for a camp that began on December 16th and will end tomorrow, December 23rd. The camp is the first for Rongen that is made up exclusively of players born in 1991 or later. The roster for the camp includes 14 Academy alums.

Academy Teams Play in Winter Showcase

Dec 08 2009 - RH

Phoenix, AZ - FC Milwaukee opened the 2009-2010 Academy Season at the Winter Showcase in Phoenix Arizona. The U18 and U16 teams finished with identical 1-2 records after games against the Baltimore Bays, La Jolla Nomads and Atlanta Fire.

US Soccer Development Academy Program Enters Year Three

Sep 01 2009 - CL

FC Milwaukee Nationals, Wisconsin's only member of the US Soccer Development Academy ("USSDA"), is looking forward to beginning its third year of competition in the USSDA. "We saw significant improvement in both the standard of individual play and our team results in year 2 of the USSDA," said FC Milwaukee Nationals' USSDA Director Christian Lavers. "We are looking forward to continuing this improvement going into year 3, and continuing to help our players maximize their potential." FC Milwaukee's first USSDA competition in year 3 will be December 4-7, 2009 in Phoenix, AZ at the USSDA Winter Showcase.

FC Development Academy Continues Success at Spring Showcase

May 26 2009 - CL

May 26, 2009. The FC Milwaukee USSDA Program continued its month-long run of success this past weekend in Sarasota, Florida at the US Soccer Development Academy Spring Showcase. All 75 USSDA clubs participated in the Spring Showcase, with each team playing 3 games over 4 days, and participating in the patented SPARQ Athletic Testing on the off-day. FC Milwaukee's USSDA teams combined to post 4 wins and 2 losses over the weekend. The U18 team defeated the New England Revolution (MA) 1-0 and FC Portland (OR) 1-0 after an opening loss to the Clearwater Chargers (FL) 1-4. The U16 team defeated the Clearwater Chargers (FL) 4-1 and FC Portland (OR) 8-2, while dropping a tough 1-2 loss to the New England Revolution (MA).

FC Milwaukee USSDA 2009 College Commitments

May 19 2009 - CL

Ten players in the FC Milwaukee 2009 USSDA graduating class have committed to play college soccer in the fall of 2009. "We congratulate these players on earning the opportunity to play collegiate soccer in 2009," said FC Milwaukee USSDA Director Christian Lavers. "We feel that the level of training and competition offered in the USSDA over the past 2 years will prepare these players for success in college."

FC Milwaukee USSDA Homestand Continues

May 07 2009 - CL

Last weekend marked FC Milwaukee’s best weekend of competition in nearly 18 months of competition in the US Soccer Development Academy, as both the Under-16 and Under-18 teams earned a win and a draw in divisional play. The Under-18 team beat St. Louis Scott Gallagher 3-1 and tied SLSG-Metro 2-2, while the Under-16 team beat SLSG-Metro 2-0 and tied St. Louis Scott Gallagher 0-0.

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Background and History

USSDA Basics

FC Milwaukee’s USSDA Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommendations by National Team, Professional, and Wisconsin Collegiate Coaches

Contact Us

Background and History:

In 2007, U.S. Soccer finished a comprehensive review of the player development system in the United States and concluded that the existing environment for youth soccer players in the United States needed significant improvement. In response, in the fall of 2007, U.S. Soccer created the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (the “USSDA”) and selected the top 63 boys clubs in the United States to participate. FC Milwaukee was and still is the only club in the state of Wisconsin to be invited by U.S. Soccer to participate in the U.S. Development Academy.

The USSDA is the only youth soccer program operated by U.S. Soccer and is the nation’s elite developmental program for boys ages 15 -18, with teams and leagues formed at the U16 and U18 age group. In 2008, US Soccer expanded the USSDA to a total of 75 clubs nation-wide.

The USSDA provides the best training environment for the best youth soccer players in the United States to compete against the best competition in the United States. The 75 clubs selected into the USSDA have been identified by U.S. Soccer as consistently providing the highest level of training and coaching in the United States, and therefore as “destination clubs” for elite youth soccer players.

USSDA Basics:

The USSDA is a very unique youth soccer environment in the United States:

The USSDA provides a scouting network directly to the U.S. National Teams.
The USSDA Is the primary developmental program for MLS youth development teams.
The USSDA is the only youth club program operated by U.S. Soccer.

The USSDA represents a fundamental change in elite player development in the United States. Beyond providing an improved training and competitive environment for the USSDA players, the USSDA has several additional unique aspects:

Competition: Because the USSDA only includes the best clubs in the country, every USSDA game is more competitive and played at a significantly higher speed with more physical, psychological, technical and tactical demands on the players than the “typical” American youth soccer game.
Training: By eliminating less competitive games and reducing the total number of games played by USSDA teams, USSDA teams and players are able to significantly increase the volume and quality of their daily training environment. As such, USSDA teams and players receive more time and coaching on the training field – where development primarily occurs.
Substitution Format: USSDA games are played under FIFA substitution rules prohibiting “re-entry” to the game for a substituted player. This replicates soccer as it is played at the highest level throughout the world. Without the massive substitution common in other youth soccer events, USSDA players are forced to adapt to the physical and psychological demands of playing for 90 minutes without the “cushion” of temporary substitution to re-energize or re-focus.
Starting Requirements: Every USSDA player is required to start in 30% of all USSDA games. As such, every player learns the different mentality and demands required to be a starter and required to be a substitute.
Program Evaluation: U.S. Soccer carefully monitors the programs offered by USSDA clubs – including the training environment provided and the coaching quality offered. The regular evaluation and guidance provided by U.S. Soccer insures that all USSDA clubs will be consistently improving their training, coaching, and organization.
Referee Selection: All referees for USSDA games are selected by U.S. Soccer and have already been screened and identified as the best referees in the country. USSDA referees also referee USL First Division, MLS, and national team games.
Coaching Development: U.S. Soccer has developed various coaching and pedagogical symposiums and coaching development opportunities available only to USSDA coaches, to insure that these coaches receive personal training and development, and are able to improve their craft through collaboration with the National Team staff.

The USSDA provides an elite competitive schedule where every game is played at the highest national level. Because these games are more demanding upon the players, and to provide players the ability to prepare for these higher-level games, the USSDA restricts the total number of competitions for its teams in order to eliminate lower-quality games and prevent the burden of too many games:

USSDA teams no longer compete in USYS State Cup or USYS State Leagues.
USSDA teams no longer compete in USYS youth tournaments.
USSDA teams no longer compete in USYS Regional League or USYS Regional Championships.

Finally, because the USSDA is directly connected to the U.S. National Teams and provides a formal scouting network of both full and part-time scouts for the youth national team programs, USSDA players no longer participate in USYS ODP.

FC Milwaukee’s USSDA Program:

FC Milwaukee is the only youth soccer club in the state of Wisconsin to be invited to participate in the USSDA. As such, FC Milwaukee is able to offer unique developmental experiences to its players that are unmatched by any other Wisconsin club.

Competition:

FC Milwaukee is a member of the Frontier Division of the Central Conference of the USSDA. In addition to FC Milwaukee Nationals, the Frontier Division consists of the following teams:

Chicago Fire
Chicago Magic AS Monaco
Sockers FC Chicago
St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro
St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri
Colorado Rapids
Colorado Rush AS Monaco
Real Colorado

FC Milwaukee Nationals competes in a 30 game schedule from December – June. Games consist of division games, intra-conference games, and USSDA collegiate showcase tournaments.

Training:

FC Milwaukee National’s USSDA teams begin training in mid-November. Beginning on January 1, and extending through the end of the season, FC Milwaukee USSDA teams train a minimum of 3 times per week.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can compete in the USSDA?

The USSDA is for boys ages 15 – 18, and USSDA teams are formed at the Under-16 and Under-18 age brackets with the best players available, regardless of age. For example, the Under-16 USSDA team will be comprised of the best players available at the Under-15 and Under-16 USSDA age groups.

Which clubs participate in the USSDA?

There are 75 clubs in the USSDA from across the country. See www.ussda.demosphere.com for detailed information, rosters, and schedules for every USSDA team.

What is the competitive schedule of the FC Milwaukee Nationals USSDA Teams?

FC Milwaukee Nationals competes against the best teams in the country in a USSDA schedule of conference, cross-conference, and collegiate showcase games. FC Milwaukee Nationals is in the Frontier Division of the Central Conference of the USSDA, which includes the Chicago Fire, Chicago Magic AS Monaco, Colorado Rapids, Colorado Rush AS Monaco, Real Colorado, Sockers FC Chicago, St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri, St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro.

FC Milwaukee Nationals will play a 30 game schedule: (i) 16 conference games (home and away against each conference opponent), (ii) 6 cross-conference games (3 at home, 3 away), and (iii) 8 games at USSDA collegiate showcases. The complete schedules for all teams in the USSDA are available at www.ussda.demoshere.com.

Why is the USSDA a better developmental environment for elite player development?

There are several reasons that the USSDA creates a better developmental environment for elite players.

Competition: Through careful screening and selection, U.S. Soccer has identified the best boys clubs throughout the country. As such, every USSDA game is more competitive and played at a significantly higher speed with more physical, psychological, technical and tactical demands on the players than the “average” game. The consistency of this competition and the demands it imposes creates more skillful, intelligent, and focused players.

Training: By reducing the number of uncompetitive games, USSDA teams and players are able to significantly increase the volume and quality of their daily training environment. As such, USSDA teams and players receive more time and coaching on the training field – where development primarily occurs.

Substitution Format: USSDA games are played under FIFA substitution rules prohibiting “re-entry” to the game for a substituted player. Without the massive substitution common in other events, players are forced to adapt to the physical and psychological demands of playing for 90 minutes without the “cushion” of substitution to refocus themselves.

Starting Requirements: Every USSDA player is required to start in 30% of all USSDA games. As such, every player learns the different mentality and demands required to be a starter and required to be a substitute.

Program Evaluation: U.S. Soccer carefully monitors the programs offered by USSDA clubs – including the training environment provided and the coaching quality offered. The regular evaluation and guidance provided by U.S. Soccer insures that all USSDA clubs will be consistently improving their training, coaching, and organization.

Referee Selection: All referees for USSDA games are selected by U.S. Soccer and have already been screened and identified as the best referees in the country. USSDA referees also referee USL First Division, MLS, and national team games.

Do FC Milwaukee Nationals USSDA Teams compete in USYS State Cup or USYS Regional Championships?

In forming the USSDA, US Soccer concluded that elite players needed an increase in the quality and quantity of training, an increase in the number of quality games, but a reduction in the overall amount of games. As such, USSDA teams no longer compete in USYS State Cups, USYS Regional Championships, USYS State Leagues, or USYS Regional Leagues.

Do FC Milwaukee USSDA players participate in USYS ODP?

Due to the formal scouting program established by U.S. Soccer solely for the USSDA, USDDA players no longer participate in USYS ODP. The scouting program for the USSDA is tied directly into the residency program for the U17 National Team Program and to all U.S. Soccer national team programming.

Are the USSDA age groups different than USYS age groups?

Yes, USSDA age groups are formed differently than USYS age groups. USSDA age brackets are based on the calendar year and run from January 1 – December 31. (USYS age brackets are based on the school year and run from August 1 – July 31.)

The impact of this change is that each age group in the USSDA includes a wider age range to provide elite young players the opportunity to compete against more physically mature and experienced players.

What are the costs of participating in FC Milwaukee Nationals’ USDDA program?

Costs for participating in FC Milwaukee’s USSDA program are similar to the costs of competing in any nationally competitive USYS club in the Midwest. FC Milwaukee Nationals is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is committed to keeping the costs of participation in all of its programs as low as possible. The fees for participation in FC Milwaukee Nationals’ USSDA program are in-line with other competitive programs offered by FC Milwaukee Nationals. Scholarships are available for those with financial need. FC Milwaukee Nationals is always searching for more ways to reduce the expenses of its programs, and welcomes any assistance that may be provided from local businesses and organizations. For information on specific costs for any program, please contact us directly.

Does the USSDA provide exposure to collegiate coaches for collegiate recruiting?

Yes, the USSDA provides 3 major showcase tournaments each year – a fall, winter, and spring showcase.

Where can I get more information on the USSDA?

The U.S. Soccer website (www.ussoccer.com) has several pages dedicated to the USSDA, providing an overview of the program, latest news, scores, and schedules. Detailed information about each team in the USSDA is available at www.ussda.demosphere.com.

Recommendations by National Team, Professional, and Wisconsin Collegiate Coaches

“I'm very excited about the establishment of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Program. It is very important for U.S. Soccer to work with our top clubs to ensure that our best young players are constantly being challenged in an environment that best promotes player development. The Academy will be the main place for elite players to play and develop, and therefore we know the best players will on average be coming out of this program, so our scouting will be more organized.”

-- Bob Bradley, U.S. Men’s National Team Head Coach

“FC Milwaukee is in a unique situation to be the only Wisconsin based club to be able to offer its U16 and U18 boys the opportunity to not only to play but to be seen by scout and coaches from around the world. Soccer is the world game and parents need to understand that there is more than one way to get to the pros. There are far more options for American players now as the world knows we have a lot of talented youth player playing soccer. The US developmental academy has already made an impact on select soccer. This program will only help in making US soccer more excepted as a force worldwide.”

--Michael King, Milwaukee WAVE Player and 4 Time NPSL/MISL Champion, Director of Coaching Milwaukee Kickers

“The US Developmental Academy has been a fantastic addition to our recruiting calendar at Marquette. I believe the US Developmental Academy schedule has allowed me to recruit more effectively by seeing Wisconsin players compete against the best opposition in the country. FC Milwaukee National's selection to US Developmental Academy has taken their club to a new level. The players in the club will benefit greatly by the national exposure and increased competition. If there is a better program than the US Developmental Academy in the country to prepare you for top-flight college soccer I would like to see it. FC Milwaukee Nationals will benefit greatly by being selected to participate in this program.”

--Stan Anderson, Associate Head Men’s Coach Marquette University

“The US Soccer Developmental Academy Program is a great tool for quality player development through high level training and competing against top competition weekly. Players can be identified and evaluated by college and National team coaches at the club level which is in contrast frommy experienceasa National team player of the past. Most players were identifiedin a tryout setting.Many players perform better in a club setting because they are more familiar with club teammates andstaff coaches.The US Soccer Developmental Academy Program gives players the opportunity to reach their highest potential in the club team environment which in my opinion is a more sufficient and accurate way to evaluate talent."

--Jimmy Banks, Head Men’s Coach Milwaukee School of Engineering, 1990 Men’s World Cup Player

Contact Us:

For more information on the FC Milwaukee USSDA program, please contact:

Christian Lavers
FC Milwaukee USSDA Program Director

(608) 213 – 4686

Christian@fcmilwaukee.com