On the Road to Making Soccer the Preeminent Sport in America
The recent Development Academy Winter Cup showcased top talent from all over America — and with the $1 million-plus scholarship award based on need, the DA is helping talented players take advantage of the player-centric environment, not just those with money.
The 2019 U.S. Soccer Development Academy Winter Cup held in early December was a successful youth soccer event.
Read: UPDATE ON EVENTS & THE COACHING FOCUS AT THE BOYS DA
Created to provide meaningful and competitive games, youth soccer teams from the MLS and NWSL Academies, as well as the independent club’s academies traveled from all across America to compete at the Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch, FL.
With the game schedule carefully planned, competition levels were high, with many of the games ending with close finals cores and few goals scored.
While there were a few blowouts, such as South Florida Football Academy defeating Seacoast United 7-1 in the U18/19 match, many more matches ended in a dead heat, like Sporting KC vs Atlanta United’s U18/19 game which ended 0-0 or the Vancouver Whitecaps vs New York City FC’s U16/17 match which was tied 1-1 when the final whistle blew.
The technical and tactical level of the players on the fields was impressive. Players demonstrated their focus, grit, and determination to battle and the more accomplished teams fought to win, controlling the ball and connecting well on the field.
America is still on the road to developing world-class players that can make our country proud on an international stage, but the quality of the players has improved — even within the last few years. Many top college coaches are challenged with the talent of incoming freshmen exceeding that of their seniors.
Regardless of the skill level of the teams, the common goal of everyone there was to impress the hundreds of college and professional scouts.
Considered by DI and other collegiate coaches as the top recruiting event for U-16/17 and U-18/19 boys, the 2019 DA Winter Cup provided a great environment for players to showcase their skills.
Scores of Boys DA Winter Cup Games – Click Here
The Girls Cup for U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-18/19, which immediately followed the Boys Cup, was also a huge success.
Is Playing High-Level Youth Soccer Affordable?
The cost of youth soccer is on the rise and travel costs can be financially overwhelming, but the better player development programs in America usually offer selected scholarship programs.
One of the many benefits of the DA is the scholarship program. For the 2019/20 season, the total scholarship contribution exceeded one million dollars.
A total of $1,113,800 was awarded in scholarship contributions.
738 players received scholarships. In fact, 78% of the DAs have scholarship players with the average award amount of $1,500.
Since the inception of the Boys DA in 2008/09 season, over $5 million has been awarded in scholarships from U.S. Soccer — this figure does not reflect any scholarships awarded by the youth soccer clubs.
The DA has awarded over $5 million in scholarships since inception.
U.S. Soccer DA Scholarships Awarded Over the Years
| Season | Total Award | # of Recipients |
| 2019/20 | $1,113,800 | 738 |
| 2018/19 | $830,000 | 565 |
| 2017/18 | $816,000 | 588 |
| 2016/17 | $402,000 | 326 |
| 2015/16 | $379,000 | 321 |
| 2014/15 | $316,000 | 282 |
| 2013/14 | $219,000 | 168 |
| 2012/13 | $245,000 | 175 |
| 2011/12 | $246,000 | 150 |
| 2010/11 | $235,000 | 169 |
| 2009/10 | $245,000 | 250 |
| 2008/09 | $245,000 | 143 |
| TOTAL | $5,291,800 | 3,740 |
Obviously, great youth soccer talent comes from all backgrounds. According to U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy website, “Travel costs throughout the 10-month season can be burdensome to Academy players and their families. The Scholarship Program helps increase affordability by covering those expenses.”
Photo Credit: Diane Scavuzzo
