Advancement in the soccer world doesn’t just happen on the pitch.

While the players, coaches and referees will all get on-field development in the heat of competition, they’ll have just as much opportunity to develop off the field, after the day’s games are complete.

• MANEUVERING THE MEDIA WITH CHRIS KING
  • Chris King is the Senior Communications Manager for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He teaches professionals every day how to manage their brands both in interviews and online. No matter what level of soccer a player goes on to play – being able to build a brand is an essential life skill. It’s one that players and their families can gain while being at the 2022 Academy Cup. King will give a presentation to those in attendance at the Academy Cup Friday afternoon, to give everyone the knowledge needed to build a brand for themselves.
• LEADERSHIP AND MENTAL HEALTH PANEL DISCUSSION
  • Being mentally tough is asked of every person that steps onto the pitch, field, or court in any competition. Our panelists come from a variety of backgrounds, from all over the soccer landscape to host a discussion about how to handle the many pressures that come with competing at any level, even in the Academy Cup. The panel will include Greenville head coach Julie Carlson, longtime USL keeper and current goalkeeper coach Bobby Edwards, and retired Canadian international player Ante Jazic.

When Academy Cup players and their families arrive in the Player Village for the Cup, they’ll be able to experience some of the sport’s latest innovations. The Village is constantly changing, bringing everyone in attendance something new every day at the Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay.

• DIGITAL MEDIA STATION
  • Players can become part of the game with a short video, branded with their name and club on it. Much like their favorite team-building video games, they can create a card with their face and save it, to share it on social media or send to their friends!
• PUMA
  • What better way to scope out the latest innovations in sportswear than to try it on yourself? With PUMA, players will get to try on the newest high-performance boots in the Player Village, as well as being able to customize their own boot bag to take home! PUMA also invites them to participate in a social media challenge taking place during the event – but that challenge will be a surprise for those that attend!
• PLUS: FREE SWAG FROM SELECT, RIDEALONGNOW AND MORE!

We’re excited to welcome everyone to this year’s edition of the Academy Cup, where everyone that attends will leave a better player, coach, or referee.