Press Release

Arlington Soccer Association Awarded US Soccer Girls’ Development Academy and Expands its Boys’ Development Academy

Arlington, VA, March 9, 2018: Arlington Soccer Association announced today that US Soccer has awarded the club a Girls’ Development Academy for the U-13, U-14, and U-15 age groups. In addition, Arlington Soccer is adding another age group (U-15) to its current Boys’ Development Academy.

“We are truly excited to expand our relationship with US Soccer,” said German Peri, Director of Coaching. “We will now be among the select clubs in the country to have both Boys’ and Girls’ Development Academy programs. It is a testament to our players and coaches that US Soccer has recognized the achievements of our girls’ program. We are equally proud of the progress of our boys’ teams in the Academy over the past two years.”

The Girls’ program will begin its Academy membership in the fall of 2018 and will field teams in the U-14 and U-15 age groups and will participate in the U-13 pilot program in the Atlantic Division.

The Boys’ program has participated in the Development Academy since 2016. For the fall of 2018, Arlington Soccer will add the U-15 age group to the Boys’ Academy and will field teams in U-12, U-13, U-14 and U-15 in the Atlantic Division.

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-12, 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-16/17, 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.