November 15, 2022 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) News Release
TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League (USL) today announced a new phase in the evolution of the USL Academy program and competitions. As the USL establishes its youth-to-professional pathway for women, the USL Academy League will include girls’ divisions beginning in 2023. In addition, new roster rules for all USL Academy programs will foster integration of younger and older players – including senior team members – in matchday squads.
The USL Academy system is built around the core philosophy of “If You’re Good Enough, You’re Old Enough,” and features one Academy team for players aged 15-20 per club that connects elite youth soccer organizations to local senior teams in USL Championship, USL Super League, USL League One, USL League Two and USL W League. Players who sign USL Academy contracts at any level of the USL system can experience the senior team level of play at a young age, while maintaining college eligibility.
The USL Academy Cup next spring will feature boys’ and girls’ teams in all three age groups and select girls’ teams will compete in next summer’s USL Academy League.
The USL Academy League Finals take place this week in Tampa, Fla. featuring 30 teams and more than 600 of the country’s top young players, at least 40 of whom have already appeared for their club’s senior team.
2022 USL ACADEMY LEAGUE FINALS – Nov. 17-20 – Tournament SportsPlex of Tampa Bay
Under the leadership of USL Sporting Director Mark Cartwright, the USL Academy provides a foundation for player development, improves the on-field product, and underpins the transfer market strategy for USL’s professional clubs across the United States. Vice President of Women’s Soccer Missy Price, Technical Director Liam O’Connell, Director of USL Academy Sarah Brady and Director of Sporting Development Jason Collister work with clubs to ensure a standard of excellence across the ecosystem.
To achieve its objectives, the USL Academy …
Emphasizes the promotion of developing talent into senior team environments with the goal of helping players, coaches, staff, and others achieve their maximum potential.
Complements existing youth and college systems and all other levels of the USL pyramid.
Provides USL club owners an efficient player development model for their senior teams while increasing the likelihood of return on that investment via the transfer market.
Strives to provide the best opportunity for young players to…