U.S. Soccer Federation closes youth development program because of coronavirus

The U.S. Soccer Development Academy, which includes thousands of players and hundreds of boys and girls teams ranging from the under-13 to under-19 age groups, has been terminated by the U.S. Soccer Federation, effective immediately.  

The Academy had several locations in Arizona.

The program, which started in 2007 and grew  over the last 13 years, could not overcome financial setbacks suffered as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, according to a letter distributed to Development Academy Clubs on Wednesday.  

The move leaves numerous youth soccer clubs linked to professional teams in the United States in limbo. 

Youth clubs in Arizona affiliated with the Development League include SC del Sol and Utah Royals FC in Phoenix, Real Salt Lake-Arizona in Tempe and Barca Residency Academy in Casa Grande.

It was not immediately clear how the developmental youth teams will move forward.

The Athleticfirst reported U.S. Soccer's move, hinting that coronavirus-related issues were not the sole reason for imminent action. The article cited Major League Soccer teams' desire to form their own youth leagues that would feed directly into their club and, specifically, help elevate the development of boys soccer players throughout the country. This method mirrors the European-style of development.

Girls still have the option to compete against one another on Elite Club National Teams, a one-time direct competitor to the girls' side of the academy.

Phoenix Rising FC, a USL Championship league team, partnered with the U.S. Soccer Development Academy in March, joining a short-list of second-tier clubs to construct a fully-funded professional soccer academy. 

USL President Jake Edwards discussed the possibility of launching a full USL academy league in an interview with The Athletic on Instagram.

Edwards highlighted the potential of USL clubs uniting under an umbrella similar to U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

Reach the reporter at Rob.kleifield@arizonarepublic.com or at (480) 268-1903. Follow his Twitter @RobKleifield 

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