This model will be supplemented by creating affiliate programs with local clubs that are already producing high-level players, in turn directly incentivizing and involving a broader group of organizations in the process of identifying and developing the top local players to their full potential. These affiliate partnerships are designed to encourage and incentivize youth clubs to promote top talent on to USL Academy programs, placing them in highly competitive pre-professional environments close to their hometowns. In return, USL will develop minimum standards and provide best practices with which these affiliations will be established – including coaching education, professional development opportunities, access to shared resources within the club, exclusive experiences tied to the professional game, and more.

“As the youth development landscape continues to evolve in this country, it makes sense for the USL to explore new innovative ideas,” said Louisville City FC Head Coach John Hackworth, formerly Head Coach of the United States U-17 National Team. “The idea of combining the top talent at the U15-U19 age groups into one team for USL markets would help create a challenging environment and a pathway for youth players who are interested in pursuing a professional soccer career.”

As the USL Academy League takes shape, an application window will soon open for clubs looking to participate in the full year-round league structure. At that time, the USL will release a set of established developmental standards and expectations for interested applicants. A formal selection committee will then make final decisions on entry into the league, based on numerous factors including, but not limited to the level of the current player pool, history of player development success, population density, strength of affiliate programs, and other key factors. In some instances, youth affiliates of USL professional clubs may also have an opportunity to field a team in the USL Academy League, provided all standards are met.

As part of this announcement, a new USL Academy website dedicated to the Academy Cup and Academy League has launched. For more information, visit USL-Academy.com or search #USLAcademy on social media.

About USL Academy Cup

The USL’s pursuit of this new Academy model and the USL Academy League follows the announcement of the inaugural USL Academy Cup, which will feature top young talent from the U-13 and U-17 age groups, with the influx of talent coming from all three tiers of the USL Championship, League One, and League Two. Currently, 40+ USL clubs are set to be included in the first USL Academy Cup with 60+ teams between both ages at the national event in May 2020. Moving into the 2020/21 youth soccer cycle, the USL Academy Cup will transition to fit this model, with clubs bringing together the best local talent up to U19 in these competitions.