Following a comprehensive review of elite player development in the United States and around the world, U.S. Soccer created the Development Academy in the fall of 2007 to expand the reach of National Team programming to key soccer markets across the country. The Academy places elite male youth players in improved everyday environments to allow them to reach their full potential.
In 2010-11, seventy-eight clubs will employ a training model based on the U-17 National Team Residency program. Each club fields two teams in the nine-month Academy league at the U-15/16 and U-17/18 age brackets. By restricting Academy teams and players to only compete in the Academy league and mandating 3 training sessions per week, these players are exposed to a more meaningful training and competitive environment.
In 2007 FC Greater Boston was named one of the first eleven clubs to the United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA).
FCGB teams participating in the US Soccer Development Academy League:
The Northeast Pre-Academy League, with U-12 through U-15 boys’ divisions, is geared towards preparing teams for the U.S. Soccer Development Academy at the U-16 and U-18 age groups.
For the 2011-12 season - the league’s fourth season - the Northeast Pre-Academy League will consist of 18 member clubs in eight states and the District of Columbia. All clubs will field a team in both the U-14 and U-15 age groups. Nine clubs will be playing in the U-12 age group and 14 clubs will take part in the U-13 division.
FCGB teams participating in the Northeast Pre-Academy League:
The New England Premiership (NEP) is a new Club-based league for clubs throughout New England focused on player development. Participation is limited to clubs with a demonstrated commitment to player development such as minimum licenses for coaches, minimum standards for facilities and a dedicated Director Of Coaching with a minimum of a USSF B license. 2011-12 seasons will have 16 clubs participating. The Spring 2012 Schedules will be published during the first week of March.
FCGB teams participating in the New England Premiership League:
