Wednesday, March 13

3:00pm – 7:00pm ET: USSF Coaching Education Workshop presented by the US Soccer Federation Coaching Education Department 

U.S. Soccer Technical Lead Antal Vergeer will lead a four-hour professional development workshop for coaches attending the USL Academy Cup that focuses on ways to improve the competency of planning and coaching training sessions. Coach registration is required for attendance.

Thursday, March 14  

3:45pm – 4:30pm ET: USL Panel – Owning Your Individual Development Plan presented by Konami eFootball 

Tampa Bay United’s Eric Clermont will moderate the panel, providing a case study on how his mental skills and mindset program helped FC Tulsa Academy product Nate Worth’s individual development plan in 2023, with panelists from other clubs for a Q&A session with the audience. Coach registration is required for attendance.  

Panelists: 

Robbie Neilson, Tampa Bay Rowdies Head Coach 

Guillermo Sanchez, Academy Director (Louisville City FC) 

Paolo DelPiccolo, U20 Head Coach (Louisville City FC, former Club Captain) 

Sam Stockley, Men’s Sporting Director (Lexington SC) 

Nick Skubis, USLA Captain (Tampa Bay United), College Commit (Ohio State University) 

5:30 – 7:30 PM: USL Academy Cup Coaches Social and Workshop presented by Charly 

USL Technical Director Liam O’Connell to moderate the session which will include a presentation from USL Head of Global Football Development & Sporting Director Oliver Wyss, a club case study analysis presented by Richmond United Head Coach Connor Cappelletti, and roundtable discussions on player development topics. Coach registration is required for attendance with food and beverages to be provided. 

Friday, March 15 

11:45am – 12:30pm ET: USL Panel – Evolution of the Women’s Pathway with USL Super League presented by Bellevue University  

USL Women’s Pathway Technical Director Carrie Taylor will moderate the session with panelists from clubs included for a Q&A session with the audience. 

Panelists: 

Denise Schilte-Brown, Tampa Bay Sun Head Coach 

Julie Carlson, Greenville Liberty Head Coach 

Liz Pettinger, Bellevue University Director of Key Account Management and Operations  

3:45 PM – 4:30 PM: USL Panel – Navigating the College Recruitment Process presented by Bellevue University 

USL Men’s Pre-Professional Pathway Director Jason Collister to moderate the session with panelists from clubs and current college coaches and scouts included for a Q&A session with the audience. 

Panelists: 

Nik Penn, Coach (Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC) & Assistant Coach (University of Colorado, Colorado Springs) 

College Coaches (Names/Colleges TBA) 

Liz Pettinger Director, Key Account Management and Operations, Bellevue University

Saturday, March 16 

1:45pm – 2:30pm ET: USL Panel – Women in Sports (Career Paths Off the Field) presented by Tiger Balm 

USL Women’s Pathway Technical Director Carrie Taylor will moderate the session with panelists from clubs included for a Q&A session with the audience. 

Panelists: 

Ashlee Fontes-Comber, TLH Reckoning Owner & President 

Christina Unkel, Tampa Bay Sun President 

Miranda Maldonado, USL Academy Social Media Coordinator 

Kira Leichter, USL League Two Operations Director 

3:00pm – 5:00pm ET: USL Championship Watch Party presented by Select Sport America 

Players, parents and coaches are encouraged to hang out in the Player Village for a watch party during the USL Championship match between El Paso Locomotive and Louisville City FC. 

Attendees are encouraged to “Select The Minute” to predict when a goal will be scored with prizes up for grabs!