NYCFC will add Academy teams at four age-group levels in the 2017/18 U.S. Soccer Development Academy season as part of the second largest expansion of total teams to the player development pathway structure since USSDA started in 2007.

In addition to NYCFC current U14 and U16 academy teams, the Academy will be expanded into the U12, U13, U15 and U19 levels of competition.

In total, there will be 17 clubs, 165 teams and two divisions added for the upcoming USSDA season as part of U.S Soccer’s commitment to developing world-class players, coaches and referees.

New clubs were selected for admission to the Development Academy’s eleventh season based on club leadership and quality of coaching staff, desire to embrace Development Academy philosophy and core values, infrastructure and investment of resources, player production history, player pool depth and geographic location.

“The Development Academy is extremely excited to announce our second largest expansion to date, welcoming 165 new teams across all of our age groups,” Development Academy Director Jared Micklos said. “This expansion is a direct reflection of the commitment from existing Academy clubs and the permeating effect of the Academy influence on additional clubs across the country that are adopting the Academy philosophy.

“When the Academy added 230 teams for the current 2016-2017 Academy season, our primary objective was to establish a base at the U-12 level.

“This early success at U-12 has created an opportunity to expand the player pathway, especially at the U-13 and U-14 age groups.”

NYCFC Affiliate New York Soccer Club have also been promoted to the U15 level of competition and our New Jersey affiliate TSF Academy to U13 and U14 level.