USL ACADEMY CUP EASTERN CONFERENCE REGIONAL EVENT Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch Bradenton, FL | February 14-17, 2020 usl-academy.com #USLAcademy TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT .......................................................................................................................................................................3 SPECIAL EVENT SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................................ 4 COMPLEX MAP ....................................................................................................................................................5 CONCESSIONS MENU .....................................................................................................................................6 VENDOR OUTLINES ..........................................................................................................................................9 USL ACADEMY CUP MAP (EAST) .............................................................................................................10 CLUB BIO ...............................................................................................................................................................11 GAME SCHEDULE ............................................................................................................................................. 13 ABOUT USL ACADEMY The United Soccer League officially unveiled its vision for This weekend’s event serves as the first-ever USL Academy the future of the league’s Academy system last March with Cup Eastern Conference Regional Event. With 12 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 will compete in two regional qualifiers, one for both the Eastern and Western Conference. Results at these regional events will determine seeding and placement ahead of 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, February 14 at 1:30 pm, Saturday, February 15 at 10:00 am, and Sunday, February 16 at 1:00 pm 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. “Referee development is an important and integral part of the game,” said Dick Triche of Officials Management Group. “Field and classroom training, as well as game observation and review, will be part of the conference games. Each referee will receive feedback from national and regional referee coaches.” 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, February 15 at 8:30 a.m. 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. 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. Tom Harris of North Carolina FC will then present a case study on Identifying and Integrating Elite Youth Talent. PlayerMaker will 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. Clubs that use PlayerMaker gain incredible insight through the ability to monitor and analyze their players in a way that allows each individual to improve at a personalized level. 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. These sessions will aid coaches in networking and forging relationships with others who are pushing for positive change in the sport at the youth level. Pro Pathway Panel Sunday, February 16 at 2:00 pm 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. Moving forward, youth clubs will have the chance to affiliate themselves with USL Academy programs and be part of their local professional club’s path to the professional level. The panel will also teach parents and 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. Most players at the USL Academy level are already among the elite in their age group but still have many steps in front of them before reaching the pros. Hearing from those who understand the challenges of building a soccer career will be valuable for USL Academy players and the parents that support them. 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 CONCESSIONS MENU Sausage Egg & Cheese Sandwich Hot Dogs Hamburgers Cheeseburgers Grilled Chicken Sandwich Hot Soft Pretzels Nachos & Cheese Chips Candy & Snacks Soda Water Gatorade Coffee Concessions will be available during the entirety of the event. 6 NORTH SARASOTA 6150 North Lockwood Ridge QUALITY PT FAST. Sarasota, FL 34243 941-960-4741 PALMER RANCH REALLY FAST. 8615 S. 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