What is the SLSG Metro Academy?
The SLSG Metro Academy is an elite environment focused on training, player development, and participation at the highest level of youth soccer.

Where will I get the most College Exposure?
The Academy is now the highest tier of youth soccer in this country. The Academy is now a higher level than ODP and much higher than the USYS team that is playing State Cup. The bigger schools are now attending the Academy events rather than the USYS events. To date the SLSG Metro Academy has an astounding college placement rate of 100%. Over the past two seasons the SLSG Metro Academy Program has placed 17 players in NCAA Division I soccer programs, 4 in Division II, 1 in Division III, and 2 players in NAIA programs.

How will SLSG Metro Academy Players be selected?
Players can be selected through 3 different means: players from current SLSG Metro Academy team can be appointed, players can be selected by participating in open try-outs, and, lastly, players can appointed after being scouted by Academy staff in their USYS competition.

Do SLSG Metro Academy Staff members scout USYS matches for potential players?
Absolutely, SLSG Metro Academy Staff have scouted dozens of games in the St. Louis Metro Area and throughout Southern Illinois this spring. If you are interested in having an Academy Staff member come see you play please send an email with relevant information.

How many players will be a part of the SLSG Metro Academy?
20-25 players will be rostered per team.

What is a developmental player?
Developmental players are able to train with the Academy, must be apart of the Metro United Club, but can still play in USYS competition. Developmental players can be called up as full Academy members throughout

What is the cost of the Academy?
A $600 program fee includes: league fees, referee fees, uniforms, training gear (3 kits), travel polo, embellishment, staff stipends, Speed and Agility training with licensed speed coaches, warm-ups, and travel bag. Travel fees are not included. In keeping with the professional environment of the SLSG Metro Academy, staff and players travel together as a Program. Traveling as a group also helps to offset travel costs. The SLSG Metro Academy books all travel for players at group rates and then players purchase travel packages individually. Travel packages include travel to and from event, transportation at events, and lodging. Parents are welcome to travel on their own itinerary. In order to ensure that elite players are not prevented from participating in the Academy League due to financial reasons, the USSF introduced a scholarship program this season which all players can apply for to help offset travel costs.

What is the level of competition?
The level of competition is second to none. The best testament to this is the participation of the US Youth National Team in the Academy.

Are USSDA age groups different than USYS age groups?
Yes, USSDA age groups are based on the calendar year. As an illustration any player born in 1992 would be eligible to play on the U-16 Developmental Academy as opposed to the USYS model where only those born after August 1, 1992 would be allowed to play U-16.

Will participation in the SLSG Metro Academy negatively impact player’s education?
Academy players are expected to maintain the highest level of excellence on and off the field. Training schedules and travel rosters are provided well in advance to give players plenty of time to complete school work if they budget their time responsibly. In addition, mandatory study tables are a part of all trips and players are expected to maintain a level of responsibility required at the professional level.

Are players allowed to play in State Cup or participate in ODP?
No. Academy players are only allowed to play in USSDA sanctioned events and for their respective high schools

What clubs participate in the USSDA?
The inaugural season consisted of 63 of the top clubs in the nation along with the US Youth national team. The second season saw the addition 12 clubs, 3 of which are the youth programs for Major League Soccer teams. To put it bluntly, the best soccer clubs in the country who have produced the best players and teams, play in the Academy.

Why is the environment for player development in USSDA a better?
The USSDA turns the game focused model of the past on its head and puts the emphasis on continued player development. The amount of competition is limited to 30 superior quality matches per season with ample time given to training and player development.

What type of exposure does the USSDA provide for players?
The US Development Academy is now the first layer of identification for the US Men’s National Team Program. SLSG Metro Academy players will have the opportunity to play in front of National Staff coaches and National team scouts. Scouts at SLSG Metro Academy matches have included former U-17 National Team coach and Academy Director John Hackworth, former head Academy scout and current assistant coach at the LA Galaxy Dave Sarchin, as well as and former MLS player and National Staff coach Rual Diaz Arse.