USL ACADEMY CUP WESTERN CONFERENCE REGIONAL EVENT STAR Soccer Complex San Antonio, TX | October 11Th - 14Th
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USL ACADEMY CUP WESTERN CONFERENCE REGIONAL EVENT STAR Soccer Complex San Antonio, TX | October 11th - 14th usl-academy.com #USLAcademy TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT .......................................................................................................................................................................3 SPECIAL EVENT SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................ 4 COMPLEX MAP ....................................................................................................................................................5 VENDOR OUTLINES ..........................................................................................................................................6 USL ACADEMY CUP MAP (WEST) ..............................................................................................................8 GAME SCHEDULE ..............................................................................................................................................9 AVAILABLE LIVE STREAMS ..........................................................................................................................12 TEAM ROSTERS (ELITE GROUP) ................................................................................................................ 13 TEAM ROSTERS (PREMIER GROUP) ........................................................................................................21 ABOUT USL ACADEMY The United Soccer League officially unveiled its vision for This weekend’s inaugural event serves as the USL Academy the future of the league’s Academy system in March with Cup Western Conference Regional Event. With 14 teams the announcement of a new tier in the league’s overarching competing, clubs at all three levels of United Soccer brand identity, called “USL Academy.” League’s professional and pre-professional structure will be represented at the event. On top of the experience of The first key initiative launched under USL Academy is competing against the country’s other top talent, players, the USL Academy Cup – a competition designed to bring coaches, parents, and referees at the event will have the together top youth prospects from all USL club markets, opportunity to grow through off-field sessions such as the and centered around identifying and developing players Pro Pathway Panel and the Youth Development Workshop. with the potential to reach the professional level. During USL Academy’s first year, teams at the U-17 age group The USL Academy Cup Eastern Conference Regional Event will compete in two regional qualifiers, one for both the will take place from February 14-17, 2020. The U-13 age Eastern and Western Conference. Results at these regional group will compete only at the national event, where a events will determine seeding and placement ahead of champion will be crowned. the national event, which is set to take place on May 22-25, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. USL ACADEMY PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MODEL: 2020 & BEYOND With the launch of the new USL Academy player travel demands will lessen for each team. Throughout that development model in fall 2020, more communities time, all clubs can continue participating in USL Academy than ever are going to be able to offer a clear path to Cup events, ensuring that top talent gets to compete at professional soccer. Traditionally, most academy programs the highest level throughout the year. By providing more field three or more teams between the U15 and U19 communities than ever a chance to build a viable youth age levels, which often limits exposure for top talents. to pro pathway, the hope is that USL can cast a wider net The launch of the USL Academy platform is aimed at than ever, and provide even more players the chance to allowing these top prospects to move into a focused, pre- chase their dream of playing professional soccer. professional development environment with a direct and immediate connection to their local USL senior team. As teams are formed, clubs will have roster limits on the number of players included across the age ranges to ensure the focus remains on long-term player development. These programs will be driven by elite player development standards across a number of areas, including coaching, facilities, equipment, technology, fitness, nutrition, character development, funding and much more. All clubs fielding a USL Academy program will also be required to form a youth network. This helps grow the game at the grassroots level, and allows players to move between each environment based on what is best for their long-term development. As more USL Academy programs begin to take shape, regionalized USL Academy League conferences will form, and as USL continues to expand at the senior team level, 3 SPECIAL EVENT SCHEDULE Referee Development Sessions Friday, October 11 from 3-4 PM, Saturday, October 12 from 11-1:30 PM, and Sunday, October 13 from 1-3 PM at Toyota Field and STAR Soccer Complex An often overlooked area of soccer development, these sessions will help referees gain insight on game management and other aspects of one of the sport’s toughest jobs. After an orientation prior to the start of the tournament, the tournament’s referees will meet to review the day’s action and discuss how to improve moving forward. Hosting these sessions at USL Academy events could pay dividends toward improving the quality of refereeing in American soccer, not just for the youth game in the present but for the professional level in the future. Youth Development Workshop Saturday, October 12 from 7-9 PM Embassy Suites by Hilton San Antonio Airport 10110 US HWY 281 North San Antonio, TX 78216 The Youth Development Workshop is designed with a focus on driving dialogue around youth development within USL pro pathways, and how best to bridge the gap between youth and professional soccer. USL Sr. Director of Youth Development Liam O’Connell will introduce the event by discussing the future player development model for USL Academy and how this model will aim to assist USL clubs in accomplishing their missions. San Antonio FC Academy Director Nick Evans will present a case study on “Identifying and Integrating Elite Youth Talent into a Pro Environment.” PlayerMaker will then present its technology, a valuable resource for USL clubs that can be used to enhance youth development by providing in-depth data about player performance. The event will conclude with breakout sessions, where those in attendance will have the chance to discuss relevant trends in youth development and significant shifts in the American youth soccer landscape. Pro Pathway Panel Sunday, October 13 from 2-3:30 PM at Toyota Field (Stadium Seating) The Pro Pathway Panel will educate both players and parents about the USL Academy platform and what it means to be a part of this exciting new initiative. Attendees will learn about the expanding opportunities to play professionally in the United States via both USL and MLS as more professional clubs are setting up academy programs than ever before. The panel will also teach young players about the massive commitment it takes to reach the sport’s highest level and offer advice on potential pitfalls in chasing that dream. The guest speakers will include individuals that have been involved with soccer’s pro pathway as coaches, scouts, and players. Post a picture at the event to Twitter or Instagram and include “#USLAcademy” for a chance to win prizes! Visit USL-Academy.com for details 4 COMPLEX MAP 5 VENDOR OUTLINES Marka Marka Sports is the Official In-Stadium Signage Supplier of United Soccer Leagues, LLC and USL Academy. A leader in stadium signage across North America, Marka Sports’ signage has featured in FIFA World Cup Qualifying, the CONCACAF Champions League and Liga MX, in addition to numerous other events and properties. Select Sports Select is the Official Match Ball Supplier of United Soccer Leagues, LLC and USL Academy. Founded in 1947, Select has been an innovator on the pitch since its early days. Select enhances each USL club’s merchandise offering of licensed and official replica match balls, while supporting its partnership through additional marketing and advertising. 6 playermaker.com Connecting Footwear Maximize Player Monitor. Analyze. Be Better. WESTERN CONFERENCE U17 Western Elite Premier Austin Bold FC San Antonio FC El Paso Locomotive FC San Francisco Glens SC Orange County SC Saint Louis FC OKC Energy FC Ventura County Fusion Phoenix Rising FC FC Golden State Tulsa Roughnecks FC Union Omaha SC Rio Grande Valley FC Santa Cruz Breakers FC 8 GAME SCHEDULE Friday, October 11 3:00 PM CT San Antonio FC V Orange County SC Toyota Field 5:00 PM CT Austin Bold FC STAR Soccer Complex V Rio Grande Valley FC Field #1 5:00 PM CT STAR Soccer Complex Saint Louis FC V FC Golden State Field #2 5:00 PM CT STAR Soccer Complex Santa Cruz Breakers FC V Phoenix Rising FC Field #3 7:00 PM CT STAR Soccer Complex Ventura County Fusion V OKC Energy FC Field #1 7:00 PM CT STAR Soccer Complex Union Omaha SC V Tulsa Roughnecks FC Field #2 7:00 PM CT STAR Soccer Complex El Paso Locomotive FC V San Francisco Glens FC Field #3 9 GAME SCHEDULE Saturday, October 12 2:00 PM CT STAR Soccer Complex FC Golden State V Austin Bold FC Field #1 2:00 PM CT STAR Soccer Complex Rio Grande Valley FC V Saint Louis FC Field #3 4:00 PM CT STAR Soccer Complex Santa Cruz Breakers FC V San Antonio FC Field #1 4:00 PM CT STAR Soccer Complex Phoenix Rising FC V Orange County SC Field #3 Sunday, October 13