By Soorena Farboodmanesh,

OVERLAND PARK, KS - June 7, 2018 -A new era for Futsal in the USA began today as US Youth Futsal (USYF) announced the launch of its new Academy program.

The US Youth Futsal Academy program will powerfully impact and improve youth player development in the United States.

"We are thrilled to launch the US Youth Futsal Academy," said Jon Parry, Executive Director of US Youth Futsal. "We believe this is an important step towards developing world class players in America. We are proud that many of the country's top former futsal national team players are now USYF Academy Directors."

Setting the standard for elite futsal training and competition in the USA, US Youth Futsal's nationwide Academy program will improve player development by providing high quality and consistent futsal training environments, meaningful futsal competition and coaching education.

"The goal is to produce players of exceptional ability in both soccer and futsal," said Joe Farrell, USYF Academy Executive Board and Executive Director & Co-Founder, FutsalRVA. "The USYF Academy is designed for players who want to participate in high-level technical and tactical futsal training and competition. The Academy structure will complement - not compete with - a player's club training in order to optimize schedules and maximize development."

The Futsal Academy offers players a unique opportunity to develop and compete in a year-round futsal centric environment alongside of other dedicated and skilled players from a variety of youth soccer clubs.

"Futsal is paramount for player development in the USA," said Greg Simmonds, USYF Academy Executive Board and President, FutsalRVA. "The USYF Academy Program will provide environments where players are afforded opportunities to play and receive exposure on local, regional and national platforms."

With a focus on training and development over competition, Academy teams will have the opportunity to compete in meaningful games against the best in their regions in USYF Leagues, Showcases & the Championship Series.

"Our goal is to utilize our Academy's curriculum and structure to equip our players with the enthusiasm, courage and skills to flourish, be creative and to overcome any fear of failure," said Soorena Farboodmanesh, USYF Academy Director. "The USYF Academy will provide our players with events that maximize exposure and continue development."

The US Youth Futsal Academy Program has a three-year plan for growth. As part of the mandated criteria, every academy must provide training for a minimum of U10/12/14 and high school boys or girls in the inaugural year

The inaugural US Youth Futsal Academies are: