Bridge FA is SC's only USSDA franchise.
Objective: The focus of the Academy is player development. Academies will provide players with the best possible opportunity to achieve their utmost potential as elite soccer players.
Standards: Academy teams are required to train at least three days per week and rest one day per week during the Academy Season. Academy teams will play between 30 - 38 games per year.
Teams: In Year 1 64 franchises were awarded to the top youth soccer clubs and MLS teams in the U.S.to join the Program. They were placed in (8) Conferences. Bridge FA competes in the Atlantic Conference: CASL, South Charlotte SA, North Meck SC, Greensboro YSA, Richmond Strikers, Richmond Kickers, and the Virginia Rush SC. Twelve (12) more clubs have been added for Year 2 (2008-09).
Format: Teams will play each team in their conference home/away plus matches against another designated conference. In addition there are 3-4 Showcase events featuring all of the teams.
To maintain a focus on training, Development Academy teams will not play in any other leagues, tournaments or State Cup competitions. Additionally, players will only be allowed to compete on their designated Academy team, with only two exceptions: high school soccer and national team duty.
The Advantages
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Focus on superior everyday training environment increases development of player leading to more future opportunities (college, professional, National Team)
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Increased connection of Elite players to U.S. National Team program through enhanced scouting by U.S. Soccer National Team coaches.
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The U.S. U-16 National Team will participate in the U-18 Academy League competition.
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Better scouting environment for College, Professional and National Team coaches.
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Better coaching development platform – each club receives two invitations to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy Best Practices seminars (U.S. Soccer pays for room, board and participation fees).
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Recruiting ability enhanced for Youth National Teams, MLS and college coaches, with players being provided an online profile for coaches to access easily.
