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Miami Rush Kendall SC

MLS Next Academy Member

U.S. Soccer Development Academy Program

Miami Rush Kendall SC is the only youth soccer organization that trains in Miami-Dade County with membership in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, the highest level competitive soccer program in the nation that is operated directly by the U.S. Soccer Federation.

What is the Development Academy Program?

Following a comprehensive review of elite player development in the United States and around the world, U.S. Soccer created the Development Academy in 2007 to provide education, resources and support to impact everyday club environments that will develop world-class players. The Academy Program's philosophy is based on increased training, less total games, and more meaningful games using international rules of competition.

The Academy also connects National Team coaches directly with the Academy clubs to develop and identify players and coaches for future Youth National Teams. Each Academy club is evaluated by a member of the Men’s Scouting Network at least ten (10) times each year and each Academy club receives two (2) formal reviews that provide feedback in seven (7) Key Performance Categories each year from U.S. Soccer Technical Staff.

Developing a world-class coaching system is fundamental to developing world-class players. Education is a continuous process. As the game of soccer is constantly evolving, it is important that coaches are knowledgeable on current domestic and international trends. U.S. Soccer Coaching Education supports the Development Academy in its initiative to require minimum certification for all technical staff.

The Academy is also focused on identifying and developing the next generation of elite referees. U.S. Soccer assigns up-and-coming officials to participate in Academy games at the local and national levels. 

To maintain a focus on club training environments, Academy players and teams do not play in any outside competitions without written permission from the U.S. Soccer Development Academy staff. Full-time Academy players can only participate on their designated Academy team, with only two exceptions: U.S. Soccer Training Centers and National Team duty. The Development Academy's 10-month Program allows for a greater opportunity to institute style of play and implement a system according to U.S. Soccer's Development Philosophy. It also gives teams increased opportunities for younger kids in their club to "play up" against older players in both training and matches, thereby accelerating their development. Academy players choosing to participate in the Academy full-time will forgo playing for their high school team.

Schedule/Commitment

Development Academy teams are required to train a minimum of four (4) days per week and rest one (1) day per week during the Academy season, which runs from August to June. Academy teams play approximately 30 games per year, depending on the age group.

Member Clubs

U-13 and U-14 clubs (136 nationwide), U-15 clubs (93 nationwide), U-16/17 and U-17/18 clubs (85 nationwide), participate in the program.

Age Groups

Age groups for the 2020-2021 season are indicated below. All players are rostered to their age group, but are allowed to play up in age without restriction.

  • U-12: players born on or after January 1, 2009
  •  U-13: players born on or after January 1, 2008
  •  U-14: players born on or after January 1, 2007
  •  U-15:  players born on or after January 1, 2006
  •  U-16/U-17: players born on or after January 1, 2004
  •  U-18/U-19: players born on or after January 1, 2002

Club Selection

Any club is welcome to apply, but admission is very selective. Applications are evaluated holistically using the following measures:

  • National Team Coach Analysis based on U.S. Soccer's Development Philosophy
    • 7 Key Performance Categories
      1. Player Development Effectiveness
      2. Staff, Leadership, Structure, and Qualifications
      3. Style of Play & Philosophy
      4. Training Environment & Personal Development
      5. Facilities & Infrastructure
      6. Respect
      7. Resources
  • History of Youth National Team and professional player production
  • History of success in elite competitions
  • Geography
  • Impact on existing Academy members

Rosters

The U-12 roster will have between 24 and 26 full-time player and will play each game fixture as two separate 9 v 9 teams. 

U-13 and U-14 team rosters must have a minimum of 16 full-time players and no more than 23 full-time players.

Each club must have a minimum roster of 32 full-time players and no more than 46 full-time players at the U-16/17 and U-18/19 age groups combined. 

All players register directly with the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Format

The Development Academy contains nine (9) geographically-based divisions at the U-13/14/15 age group and seven (7) geographically-based divisions at both the U-16/17 and U-18/19 levels. Each team plays home and away games against the other teams in their division, plus games against non-division opponents from across the country during the 10-month season.

The U-16/17 & U-18/19 age groups will compete at the Academy Playoffs for one of eight spots in the Academy Championships. There is no postseason play for the U-13/14/15 age group.

Events

The U-13/14/15 age group will attend several showcase events throughout the Academy season:

  1.      Fall Regional Showcases
  2.      Winter Futsal Showcases
  3.      Summer National Showcase

The U-16/17 & U-18/19 age groups will compete in (2) National Showcase events throughout the Academy season concluding with the Academy Championships in mid-July.

  1.      Winter Showcase
  2.      Summer Showcase and Playoffs
  3.      Academy Championships

Scholarship Program

U.S. Soccer is pleased to announce the eleventh year of the Development Academy Scholarship Program supported by the U.S. Soccer Foundation. The scholarships are designed to provide opportunities for full-time Academy players who require financial assistance to participate in the Development Academy Program. 

 


 

Contact Us

Miami Rush Kendall SC

8724 Sunset Drive #316 
Miami, Florida 33173

Phone: 305-965-0083
Email: [email protected]

Miami Rush Kendall SC

8724 Sunset Drive #316 
Miami, Florida 33173

Phone: 305-965-0083
Email: [email protected]
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