April 3, 2024 – United Soccer League Championship (USL)
FC Tulsa News Release
Starting with the Friday, April 5 Home Opener, fans may notice additional players on the matchday roster.
The USL Championship recently announced a rule change that allows home clubs to add two players under the age of 18 to their matchday roster, which will bring the total number of players available for selection in home matches to 20.
Up to (2) players who meet the following criteria are now eligible to be added to the Game Day roster for home games:
A player(s) signed to a professional Standard Player Agreement (SPA), the home Club is allowed up to two (2) players who were 17 or under at the time of signing their SPA; or
A player(s) signed to an Academy Contract, the home Club is allowed up to two (2) players regardless of the age of the player at the time of signing their Academy Contract. Note: Players who have not yet turned 21 at the start of the USL season and have not participated in a collegiate program, are eligible to sign a USL Academy Contract.
FC Tulsa has embraced this new sporting initiative which will offer more opportunities for young professionals and Academy signings to be available for selection – and potentially make their First Team debuts. Currently two FC Tulsa players, Nate Worth (SPA under the age of 17), and Santiago Sanchez (Academy Contract) are eligible to be selected.
It’s a move that Head Coach and Technical Director Mario Sanchez is excited about. “Simply put, I think this is a game changer,” said Sanchez.
“Not only will two young players have the opportunity to be named to the game roster who otherwise may not have been, but they will also gain valuable experience in preparation for the match during the week up to and including game day.”
FC Tulsa is serious about providing a pathway and opportunities for young players. FC Tulsa recently relaunched the Elite Development Program (EDP) designed for advanced players who aspire to play at the collegiate and professional level.
“Through our network and our new EDP program, we are building a platform to identify, develop, and now promote young players,” added Sanchez.
The club recently announced the EDP and held a week long camp during Spring Break designed to follow a similar periodization and preparation that the First Team follows in the build up to a match. EDP players watched sessions up close and got to hear from Coach Sanchez and First Team players.
Alex McLaurin, FC Tulsa Training Academy and EDP…