With the launch of the USL Academy, United Soccer League now has an elite youth platform to offer clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two.
As such, these clubs can now develop a more clearly defined path for top youth prospects in their area to reach the professional level and sign directly with their senior team while improving local quality and community.
USL ACADEMY STANDARDS
The purpose of the USL Academy Standards is to create optimal player development environments and provide local youth prospects the best chance of reaching the professional level. All league-approved USL Academy programs will be required to meet a set of minimum standards across a series of categories listed below. By developing these standards, USLHQ aims to pursue the following key goals:
Build Pathways: Establish as many youth to pro player development pathways as possible, linking elite youth organizations with USL Senior Teams in Championship, Super League, League One, League Two & W League.
Produce Players: Increase the number & quality of locally produced talents for USL Senior Teams, while striving to develop world-class players able to compete at the highest level.
Drive Return on Investment: Provide USL ownership groups an efficient player development model for their Senior Teams, while increasing the likelihood of a return on that investment.
Improve Quality: Improve the standard of long-term player development programs across the United States, positively impacting every aspect of those environments & pathways.
FAQ’s
Starting in the 2024-2025 season, the Lexington Sporting Club (LSC) USL Academy will field three teams in different age groups:
– Under 13 (Part Time)
– Under 15 (Part Time)
– Under 20 (Full Time)
The Lexington Sporting Club USL Academy teams will be part of an elite player development program and are intended for the region’s top players. This program is meant to develop players who will go on to play soccer at the highest levels, including college soccer, youth national teams, and professional organizations.
All aspects of the program are conducted professionally and under the guidance of the Lexington Sporting Club technical staff in order to foster a continuous means of play and style throughout the club.
Players are identified for potential inclusion in the program through numerous pathways, including scouting, recommendations, and trial periods. Once identified as a player with potential to play for the Lexington Sporting Club USL Academy, the player will be notified and an invitation will be extended to train with the USL Academy team. Offers will be extended to those selected to join the USL Academy team.
$2,500 will cover a 10-month season aligning with the USL League One team’s season. This does not include travel costs or uniforms.
What IS Included:
– Development Pathway (Periodization, Soccer Principles, Games at Senior level)
– Individual Development Plan
– Individual Periodization (Strength, Mobility, Injury Prevention)
– Video Analysis
– Connection and relationships with professional staff
– Integration to the USL League One team/Training Schedule
– Preferred access with USL League One team’s medical staff for assessment and referrals
– College ID weekends at the LSC Youth Complex
The USL Academy U20 team will typically train a minimum of four (4) days per week. The USL Academy U20 team will compete in the USL Academy league, the UPSL for the fall and spring, and the USL League 2 during the summer months. Trainings are held at the LSC Youth Complex off Athens Boonesboro Rd. See more Complex details here!
The U13 and U15 teams will train one (1) day per week and compete in the annual USL Academy Regional Cup.
In addition to normal on-field training sessions, players apart of USL Academy teams will benefit from a wide variety of off-field amenities as a member of the LSC family. This includes academic support during all road trips, college counseling and advising, nutrition guidance, medical and athletic training support, strength and conditioning instruction and facilities, sports psychology support, and video analysis.
Players will have periodic check ins, academic meetings, and grade report checks. Additionally, as players begin to evaluate college opportunities, the Lexington Sporting Club USL Academy team staff will offer players and their families various informational panels, counseling, and recommendations, as well as networking opportunities with collegiate coaching staffs.
The Lexington Sporting Club USL Academy team will compete in competitive leagues and showcases. College coaches will have the opportunity to evaluate players in elite environments and in meaningful competitions.
In addition to the natural opportunities on the field, the Lexington Sporting Club USL Academy team staff will provide counsel and guidance as players enter the college recruiting process and make connections to collegiate programs. Lexington Sporting Club conducts various informational sessions for each of its different age levels to help inform and guide their college choices. Examples of the sessions include an introduction to the recruiting process, maintaining success on the field and in the classroom, and how to balance competitive soccer, academics, and life away from home once at college.
The Lexington Sporting Club USL Academy U20 team is year-round programing mirroring the USL League One team. There will be integration between teams as well as opportunities for USL Academy team players to join USL League One training. The USL Academy team is staffed with full time professional coaches including USL League One team coach and staff involvement.
Players will receive continuous evaluations and IDP plans throughout the season.