USL Academy League Player Development Model
Why was the USL Academy Model Created?
Vision
Strategic Goal
How will the USL Academy League Player Development Model be Structured?
As the landscape of youth soccer continues to evolve, USL has unveiled a player development model for future USL Academies and their participation in the USL Academy League, a first-of-its-kind competition designed to create the clearest path possible to professional soccer, with a direct & immediate connection to the local USL senior team.
Program Structure
As the landscape of youth soccer continues to evolve, USL has unveiled a player development model for future USL Academies and their participation in the USL Academy League, a first-of-its-kind competition designed to create the clearest path possible to professional soccer, with a direct & immediate connection to the local USL senior team.
Youth Network
USL clubs are required to have a youth network supporting their USL Academy team. In an effort to standardize those youth programs & to ensure mutually-beneficial partnerships are put in place with local clubs, the USL League Office has developed a set of best practices & template agreements for these programs.
Player Development Standards
USL has implemented a set of minimum standards with which our clubs must meet in order to field a USL Academy team. These focus on areas that directly impact the development of the club’s pre-professional youth players, including but not limited to: staffing requirements, use of technology & analytics, integration of sport science, nutrition & peak performance drivers, access to appropriate training facilities, and the use of individual development plans.
Academy Roster Rules
USL has mandated a minimum and maximum number of players rostered at each age range to ensure focus remains on long-term development over short-term results in youth competitions. Clubs will also have the flexibility of registering part-time players that will share time with their youth clubs and/or the local pro team.
Youth Development Initiatives
By moving forward with this model for future USL Academies, clubs can deliver a new player development platform that collectively bridges the gap between pro clubs & their local youth soccer community. In doing so, more clubs than ever will be able to integrate their top local players into a pre-professional development environment, allowing players to chase their dream of playing at the professional level.
In order for USL clubs to field a team in the USL Academy League, they must have a league-approved Youth Network in place. Doing so provides an organic connection to the local youth soccer community, and ultimately serves as the foundation of the club’s player development pathway. This network is made up of committed clubs, coaches, and local leaders in youth soccer all working together towards a common goal of growing the game at every level, while providing opportunities for the most competitive players. The graphics above illustrates two key ways in which these youth networks can be set up, though USL recognizes slightly different approaches may work more effectively in different markets.
Additional Resources
To learn more about the USL Academy League, and how the player development model will be utilized by its participating clubs, please visit:
For further information on USL Academy, please contact the USL personnel below.
Liam O'Connell
Technical Director, Men's Pathway
Carrie Taylor
Technical Director, Women's Pathway