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MLS Youth Academies

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#1 ·
FC Dallas Academy to host weekend tournament

KC, Rapids teams also set to battle against Mexican sides

FC Dallas have announced that the club's Academy will host a series of friendlies between three MLS Academy teams and three Mexican Academy teams on Saturday and Sunday at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.

The Sporting Kansas City and Colorado Rapids Academies will head to Frisco, and along with the FC Dallas Academy, play against Tigres, Monterrey and Santos teams from the same age group.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/fc-dallas-academy-host-weekend-tournament
 
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#2 ·
MLS Academies Distance Themselves From The Pack

The growing rift between MLS and non-MLS Academies is a sign of the times

MLS Academies work on a budget between $200,000 and $500,000 annually,” a Development Academy Technical Director remarked recently. “And here I am competing against them with a budget 1/10 that size.”

While MLS Academy Directors were not as forthcoming with their budgetary means, the fact remains there is a gaping hole between the two sides. The staggering difference in the assets of the clubs is turning into a battle of David vs. Goliath in the Development Academy.

http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/2617...s-academies-distance-themselves-from-the-pack
 
#3 ·
USSF Development Academy weekend preview
Chivas USA, Real Salt Lake teams back in action

February 25, 2011

With the final weekend of February upon us, the last window of limited Development Academy action gets under way.

Chivas USA and Real Salt Lake are the only two MLS clubs to send their academy sides into action this weekend. The rojiblancos get a chance to play against Cosmos West, an important SoCal Division matchup.

On Sunday, RSL’s Arizona-based group travels to California, and takes on the California Development Academy on both age levels. Other SoCal Division action includes a Pateadores-Real So Cal tilt, and Arsenal FC playing California Development Academy.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/ussf-development-academy-weekend-preview-0
 
#5 ·
Union adopt unique academy model

Philly joins forces with local youth clubs to work with big pool

This past weekend, the Philadelphia Union’s U-16 and U-18 teams came together and trained for the very first time.

It was the next step for the Union’s youth academy model, which adopts a different approach than any other program an MLS club has implemented in its respective market.

Instead of creating their own set of academy teams, the Union announced a model that would encompass and enhance the area’s top youth clubs already in existence. They approached several area teams to join forces with, giving technical guidance while also having a larger pool of players to work with.

The decision to do that came after months of work of studying how to best implement the team’s youth development program.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/union-adopts-unique-academy-model
 
#6 ·
Chicago, DCU academies claim championships

Fire's U-18s, DC's U-16s claim titles in Charleston Challenge

The Chicago Fire and D.C. United academies sides emerged victorious in this weekend’s inaugural Charleston Challenge Academy Cup. Held in conjunction with the pro exhibition tournament, the two-day youth tournament paid dividends for the two teams that made the trip to South Carolina.
Sunday featured two all-MLS finals. The Chicago Fire defeated D.C. United 2-1 to capture the U-18 honors, while D.C. United bested Chicago in the U-16 final by a 3-1 score line.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/chicago-dc-academies-claim-championships
 
#7 ·
Five MLS Academies head into action during this weekend’s USSF Development Academy slate.


Columbus, D.C. United and New York will all see action in the Development Academy league for the first time in 2011 after a long winter break.

The Crew Academy make a road trip to Michigan for a Saturday doubleheader against Derby County Wolves and two Sunday games against Vardar at both U-16 and U-18 age levels.

D.C. United’s academy will also head on the road for four games in two days, traveling to Connecticut to face South Central Premier on Saturday and visiting Oakwood Soccer Club on Sunday.

San Jose’s U-16s and U-18s will stay close to home, welcoming Irvine Strikers and Pareadores. New England Revolution also play host, facing two traveling Pennsylvania teams, FC Delco and PA Classics.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/dev-academy-preview-mls-teams-face-full-slate
 
#8 ·
MLS academies to face world's best in Dallas Cup

180 teams (70 international, six from MLS) to partake in showcase


The 32nd annual Dallas Cup, North America’s top youth tournament, gets underway this weekend as 70 youth soccer teams from overseas line up against the best youth teams the US has to offer.

Among those playing are academy teams some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Arsenal, Corinthians and Barcelona. It’s that list of international teams that has the tournament’s executive director Gordon Jago excited about this year’s iteration.

“The number of international teams coming this year has been very, very positive for us,” he told MLSsoccer in a phone interview. “It shows that we are respected around the world.”

Plenty of future stars could be on display, if the past is anything to go by. Previous participants include Wayne Rooney, Javier Hernandez, Landon Donovan, Oguchi Onyewu and Michael Owen.

In all, a total of 180 teams will play in this year’s Dallas Cup from ages 13-19. To go with the 70 teams from abroad, 30 are from the Dallas area, and the remaining 80 squads come from across the United States.

Six MLS teams are sending youth squads – FC Dallas, D.C. United, Vancouver, Houston and Real Salt Lake will have U-16 and U-18 sides there, while the Chicago Fire are represented by Fire Juniors U-16 and U-17 teams from Naperville, Illinois.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/mls-academies-face-worlds-best-dallas-cup
 
#9 ·
TFC unveil massive investment in youth program

Near-$20 million facility part of club's grand plan to evolve


link: http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/tfc-unveil-massive-investment-youth-program

TORONTO – In the midst of all the facts, figures and multimedia presentations, it was a simple smile from Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment COO Tom Anselmi that really told the story as Toronto FC on Monday unveiled plans for a near-$20 million training facility for the TFC Academy.

With video of academy graduate Oscar Cordon being interviewed being shown on the big screen, Anselmi turned to look at the 18-year-old who had made his MLS debut just last week. The pride on Anselmi’s face was clear. It was one thing to talk about the potential of the academy, quite another to see it sitting across a room wearing TFC red.

“Today is a good day,” Anselmi said. “It’s a great day for our club, but more importantly it’s a great day for soccer in Canada.”

Pointing to the five TFC players that have already graduated to the senior team, Anselmi suggested that the investment today would lead to more Cordons in the future.

“Toronto FC and the Canadian national teams represent the top of our aspirational pyramid not only in Toronto, but across the country,” he said. “We now have a homegrown solution for the future Jimmy Brennans and Julian de Guzmans to hone their craft and become professionals.”

The facility will be located at Downsview Park, located 10.7 miles north of BMO Field on the site of a former Canadian military base. It will feature three full sized grass pitches, along with a covered FieldTurf facility, goalkeeper training pitch, office space and several multi-use pitches. It will be part of a massive redevelopment of the site, which will see it turned into a hub of elite sports development.

video: http://www.torontofc.ca/news/2011/04/laying-down-roots
 
#10 ·

Dallas Cup Roundup: FCD, Whitecaps top giants

Top, Dallas take down Barcelona; Vancouver over Corinthians


North America’s most prestigious youth tournament kicked off Sunday in the Dallas area, and with it came some early success for MLS academies facing tough challenges. FC Dallas and Vancouver both got their respective campaigns off on the right foot.

Other MLS academies in action on Sunday

Super Group
Tigres UANL 3, Real Salt Lake 1
Cortiba 2, Houston Dynamo 0

U-19
Davis Legacy 2, D.C. United 1

U-17
FC Dallas Academy 6, Barrio Mexico 1
Santa Clara Sporting 4, Chicago Fire Juniors 1

U-16
Chicago Fire Juniors 3, TAP Barcelona/FC Barca 2
Real Salt Lake 4, FB Correcaminos 1


http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/dallas-cup-roundup-fcd-whitecaps-top-giants
 
#11 ·
THE IMPACT UNVEILS THE COACHES AND STAFF OF ITS ACADEMY


PRESS RELEASE: April 18, 2011

MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact unveiled on Monday the coaches as well as the members of the technical staff of its Academy teams.

Wilfried Nancy was named head coach of the U18 team, Jason DiTullio was named head coach of the U16 team, Eduardo Sebrango was selected as the responsible of the secondary 2 players, assistant coach of the U16 team and coach of the Academy forwards, Antoine Guldner was chosen to lead the Secondary 1 players and will also be responsible for the mental preparation of the players, Owen Braun was named the goalkeeper coach for the Academy, Jean-Yves Grenouillat was named the Academy’s head scout and Yannick Girard was chosen the Academy physical trainer.

“We are proud to unveil a qualified coaching staff, who brings a wealth of experience as well as the ability to teach, skills we were looking for in developing our youth players,“ said director of player development Philippe Eullaffroy. “We have put in place today a structure that is going to help us achieve our goals of developing local players to become professionals with the Impact in MLS.”

http://www.montrealimpact.com/News/News.aspx?language=EN&ArticleID=1599&Focus=0
 
#12 ·

Dallas Cup Day 2 - FC Dallas closing on moving on

FCD U-18s nearing semifinals; 'Caps drop 2-0 decision to Tigres


North America’s most prestigious youth tournament kicked off Sunday in the Dallas area, and with it came some early success for MLS academies facing tough challenges. FC Dallas and Vancouver both got their respective campaigns off on the right foot.

Other MLS academies in action
Super Group
Eintracht Frankfurt 3, Houston Dynamo 0
Corinthians 4, Real Salt Lake 1

U-19
D.C. United 2, Knowsley Youth 1

U-17
FC Dallas 3, Jacksonville Fury 1

U-16
Houston Dynamo 2, Santa Clara Sporting 1
FC Premier 4, D.C. United 1
Real Salt Lake 4, Solar SC Red 1
Estudiantes Tecos 2, Chicago Fire Juniors 0

http://www.fcdallas.com/news/2011/04/dallas-cup-day-2-fc-dallas-closing-moving
 
#13 ·
DC United academy team ready for Ajax tourney

Well-traveled squad faces third trip abroad inside of a year


WASHINGTON – As D.C. United prepare to battle archrivals New York in league play this week, one of their youth teams will head abroad to represent MLS and US Soccer.

DC’s academy leaves Wednesday for Amsterdam and this weekend’s AEGON Future Cup 2011, a U-17 tournament hosted by famed Dutch club Ajax. The tournament runs Saturday through Monday.

After making two international trips in 2010 to mixed results, DC youth coach Roberto da Silva is looking to improve on this latest trip outside the United States.

“This is our third trip and we want to do better than our previous two,” he said. “We don’t care if we win, but we play to win every game.”

United’s U-17s traveled to South Africa last year and most recently played in Brazil in December. As a result, da Silva estimated that roughly half the team going to the Netherlands already has experience playing abroad.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/dc-united-academy-team-ready-ajax-tourney
 
#14 ·
Dallas Cup Day 4: FCD advance, RSL end on high

Home Growns Top, Levya put Dallas U-18s thru; Arsenal also go on

Two MLS sides entered the day with an outside chance to advance in the Super Group, while a handful of other teams at lower age levels looked to secure passage into the quarterfinals.

FC Dallas U-18s advance in Super Group

The fate of FC Dallas’ U-18s in the Super Group – needing a win or tie against Japan’s U-18 team to advance – was in their hands. And while FCD turned in an uneven performance, goals from Home Grown players Bryan Leyva and Jonathan Top were enough for a 2-1 win to make the Super Group semifinals.

Just seven minutes in, Top won and converted a penalty that also saw the Japanese ‘keeper get sent off. However, despite being up a man, Dallas couldn’t double their lead and conceded a penalty that Japan converted to tie the game.

Though a tie would have been good enough, Leyva added a second in the game’s 62nd minute, and FCD held on for the win to finish first in Bracket B.

Real Salt Lake win battle of MLS academies

Entering Wednesday’s action, the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency had an outside shot to advance to the Super Group semifinals. Winless Real Salt Lake, however, were already eliminated, having lost their first two Bracket C matches.

But RSL’s Ricardo Velasco scored two goals, and that was enough to make the difference, as they ended their Dallas Cup Super Group campaign on a high note with a 2-0 win over the ‘Caps.

Vancouver coach Richard Grootscholten was happy with the improved effort despite coming up short.

“We had a small chance to win the group with a big win today, so we set out to try and press Salt Lake high up the pitch," Grootscholten told whitecapsfc.com. "Though we didn’t have many chances, I thought we were better today than we were against Tigres. Our players need to learn to be smarter and more clever when playing in these type of games. This will be a learning experience for our younger players, especially."

http://www.fcdallas.com/news/2011/04/dallas-cup-day-4-fcd-advance-rsl-end-high
 
#15 ·
Dallas Cup, Day 6: Tigres rout FCD in semis

Mexican side face Eintracht in Super Group final; MLS U-16s fall



With the bracket stages of Dallas Cup in the rearview mirror, Friday offered a schedule of knockout soccer as the semifinals of the Super Group and quarterfinals of other age groups took place. Only a handful of MLS academies remained, each vying for a spot in the next round.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/dallas-cup-day-6-tigres-rout-fcd-semis
 
#16 ·
Fire Academy mining new areas for young talent

Fire Juniors leave their footprint on Midwest, Southeast regions

In a country as large and expansive as the United States, there are countless areas not touched by Major League Soccer.

But through their youth development initiatives and a unique approach to locating talented young soccer players, the Chicago Fire have managed to extend their reach to unfamiliar territory.

What started as a Player Development League team started back in 2001, the team’s current setup has grown into a nationwide entity. The Fire’s academy model includes the standard Academy close to home, but also embraces a number of club affiliates all over the country – including the southeast corner of the country

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/fire-academy-mining-new-areas-young-talent
 
#17 ·
MLS clubs eye Development Academy playoff

Race is on for league's academies, who seek postseason berths


May 2, 2011

As April becomes May, MLS youth academies across the country have one goal in mind: a spot in the USSF Development Academy League playoffs, with the top eight teams then qualifying for Finals week to be held in July at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

The top 32 teams from 10 geographic divisions in each age group (U-15/U-16 and U-17/U-18) qualify for the playoffs. MLS academies at both age groups are in the middle of the final thrust to grab one of those spots.

Here’s how it breaks down by conference:
http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/mls-clubs-eye-development-academy-playoffs

Buoyed by the ability to play a handful of full-time professionals, the FC Dallas U-18s are one of the top academy teams in the nation. Jonathan Top, Victor Ulloa and Bryan Leyva have all seen time in the Texas Division, as FCD currently trail Lonestar SC. Meanwhile, the Houston Dynamo U-18s sit second from bottom.

The two sides are reversed at the U-16 level, with Houston only a point back from a playoff spot, while FC Dallas two points behind the Dynamo in a race for playoff soccer.
 
#18 ·
Ajax visit serves as reminder for DC youth academy

Storied Dutch masters wrote the book on youth development

WASHINGTON — When Ajax take the field Sunday against D.C. United, players developed in the world-famous Ajax Youth Training Center will be on display.

But the newly crowned Dutch champions won’t be the only side with academy-developed players representing the first team — United boast a few rising stars of their own. Bill Hamid, Ethan White, Conor Shanosky and Andy Najar will get the chance to strut their stuff against a team that basically wrote the book on academy structure.

Hamid paid tribute to the role the DC Academy played in his development.

“It was definitely a big tool in me becoming a pro and having the little bit of success I’ve had,” he told MLSsoccer.com. “All these academy teams are modeled after European-style club academy systems. When they have training every day of the week, they are focusing on your weak points. It’s the exact same stuff Ajax works on in their academy.”

The youth movement has taken off in DC in particular, where academy products Najar and White have joined Hamid in the starting lineup and already contributed this season. Najar’s story is well known, having been located in the high school system after moving to the United States as a teenager. White, meanwhile, signed a contract after two years at the University of Maryland.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/05/20/ajax-visit-serves-reminder-dc-youth-academy
 
#21 ·
#23 ·
Dev. Academy Notes: MLS sides advance to Finals

Five MLS teams headed to championship; Union to face Everton


A total of 64 sides were whittled down to 16 over the past weekend as the 2011 USSF Development Academy playoffs were held in Frisco, Texas.

The 16 group winners—eight at the U-16 level and eight at the U-18 level—advanced to Finals Week, which begins July 9 in Milwaukee.

Five MLS academies will send teams to Wisconsin next week. Seattle Sounders FC, LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake will all be represented at the U-16 level, while the New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas won their respective U-18s group.

New York’s rampage through Group 2 was particularly impressive and they defeated Real Salt Lake, 3-0, to clinch the group in their third game of the playoffs. Leading U-18 goal-scorer Brandon Allen continues to excel, and New York also got contributions from top prospects Brian Gallego and Dan Metzger

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/06/30/dev-academy-notes-mls-sides-advance-finals
 
#24 ·
Dev. Academy Notes: Villareal fires Pateadores to U-18 title

LA Galaxy U-16s set up championship date with Union affiliate


Two goals by forward Jose Villareal clinched the 2011 Development Academy championship for Pateadores, who won 2-1 against 10-man FC Dallas squad on Friday afternoon in Milwaukee.

The championship featured two of the best U-18 teams in the nation, as FC Dallas, one of the top MLS clubs in producing young talent, faced Pateadores, an Orange County, Calif., club that only qualified thanks to two late goals on Wednesday.

Other MLS Academies at Finals Week

Seattle’s heavy loss on Thursday meant a third-place finish in Group 1, and they’ll take on the North Carolina Fusion on Saturday to wrap up their Finals Week experience.

The New York Red Bulls U-18s couldn’t overcome an opening-day loss to the eventual champion Pateadores, and they will aim for a fifth-place finish when they take on Baltimore Bays Chelsea on Friday afternoon.

They got the result they need on Thursday, but Real Salt Lake’s U-16s didn’t get the help required to advance to the Finals. Needing a draw between PA Classics and North Carolina Fusion, the Pennsylvania club’s 3-0 win over the Fusion consigned RSL-AZ to a second-place finish in Group 2 and the third-place game.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/07/15/dev-academy-villareal-fires-pateadores-u-18-title
 
#25 ·
Real Salt Lake hires Vasquez to lead academy program

Ex-Chivas USA coach joins Ariz.-based program; FW Agorsor signs


LEHI, Utah — Real Salt Lake on Thursday named Martin Vasquez as their head coach and director of soccer operations for the club's RSL-Arizona academy program.

Vasquez will also serve as director of soccer for Grande Sports World and Grande Sports Academy in Casa Grande, Ariz., where the RSL academy program is based.

Interestingly, Vasquez is the former head coach of Chivas USA, where former RSL academy head Greg Vanney now serves as an assistant coach. Vasquez comes on board after an extensive search following the departure of Vanney.

“Real Salt Lake is excited to add a coach of Martin’s caliber to our youth program,” RSL's general manager Garth Lagerwey said in a statement. “We looking forward to working with him to prepare our academy players for the next level.”

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/07/21/real-salt-lake-hires-vasquez-lead-academy-program
 
#26 ·

Generation adidas U-17 Cup

Group A
D.C. United
Houston Dynamo
San Jose Earthquakes
Columbus Crew

Group B
FC Dallas
Philadelphia Union
Sporting Kansas City
Seattle Sounders

Group C
Chivas USA
Toronto FC
Colorado Rapids
New England Revolution

Group D
LA Galaxy
New York Red Bulls
Chicago Fire
Real Salt Lake

Gen adidas Cup recap: Chivas, DC, LA, FCD win groups

Four teams to vie for spot in final of championship bracket


FRISCO, Texas — Defending Generation adidas Cup champions D.C. United qualified for the semifinals of the 2011 edition by virtue of a 1-1 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes.

DC, who won on the ensuing penalty kicks, denied Houston a first-place finishing in Group A with the win, as the Dynamo drew Columbus by a 0-0 score and the Texas club won on penalties. US Under-17 goalkeeper Fernando Piña was a stalwart in goal for Houston in the penalty kicks, but the result still leaves them second in the group and out of the running for the championship.

Facing DC in the semifinals are FC Dallas, hosts of this year’s tournament. FCD finished the unbeaten in Group B after winning 3-1 against Seattle Sounders.

The other group winners were Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy. Chivas defeated New England 2-0, winning their third group game — the only U-17 side in Frisco to win all three group games — and take top spot in Group C.

The Galaxy topped Group D by goal differential, winning 2-0 over Real Salt Lake, earning the semifinal berth through virtue of outscoring the New York Red Bulls, who beat Chicago 2-0 and finished equal on points with LA.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/generation...29/chivas-dc-la-dallas-win-groups-u-17-ga-cup
 
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