The purpose of this format is to increase player enjoyment, development, and retention.

The Youth Academy Format provides opportunity for participating clubs to play developmentally appropriate games amongst other clubs within or outside of their geographic area. Games are played on weekends known as Playdates at a host club’s field. Participating clubs sign up for the Playdates they wish to attend during the calendar season.

In place of Tryouts, clubs hold Assessments/Evaluations before a season. After Assessments/Evaluations, an Academy Director places all players (U8-U12) within their age group into a Player Pool. Within the Pool, players train together in a child-centered environment following a developmentally appropriate curriculum. Coaches then place each player onto a developmentally appropriate team for each Playdate. Not having set “teams” gives coaches the opportunity to place each player based on their developmental needs for both training and games.