Press Release
Arlington, VA, February 20, 2019:
 
US Soccer has recognized the achievements of Arlington Soccer and awarded the Club an expansion of its Girls’ Development Academy to a complete lineup of 6 age groups. In the fall of 2019, the club will add three age groups (U-16, U-17 and U-18/19) to its current U-13, U-14, and U-15 age groups. Arlington Soccer is the only club in the Commonwealth of Virginia to be awarded the Development Academy program for both boys and girls, and one of only 34 clubs across the country.
 
“Arlington Soccer is grateful for the acknowledgment of the hard work that our players and coaches have put in over the years,” said German Peri, Director of Coaching. “It is an honor for the Club that US Soccer has recognized the achievements of our girls’ program.  We are extremely excited about our program expansion and look forward to another year of growth and development of our players and teams.”

About Arlington Soccer Association: Founded in 1970, the Arlington Soccer Association provides quality soccer programs and experiences for people of all abilities, backgrounds and financial means to encourage personal growth, promote a love for the game, and advance soccer in Arlington and surrounding communities. Arlington Soccer offers recreational, developmental and travel soccer, as well as a number of camps and clinics to more than 9,000 children per year. Arlington Soccer is dedicated to providing participants with the opportunity to learn, have fun, and reach their full potential.
 
About US Soccer Development Academy: 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. The Academy Program’s philosophy is based on increased training, less total games, and more meaningful games using international rules of competition. In 2017, the Girls’ Development Academy was launched with a mission to improve the player development landscape and create a pathway for elite female players. The Academy is comprised of teams across six age groups in the Boys’ program: U-13, U-14, U-15, U-16/17, and U-18/19 and four age groups in the Girls’ program: U-14, U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-18/19.

The Academy Program focuses on positively impacting everyday club environments to assist in maximizing youth player development across the country. The Academy values individual development of elite players over winning trophies and titles. The Academy sets the standard for elite environments for youth soccer clubs nationwide and is a part of U.S. Soccer’s global leadership position in youth soccer that will impact thousands of players.