The US Development Academy is now the first layer of player identification for the US Men’s National Team Program. In the past, if players wanted to get exposure to National Staff Coaches they would first have to try-out for their state ODP team. If they made the team, they might be asked to play in matches versus other state ODP teams where they might or might not be seen by a Regional coach who could ask them in to try-out for their respective Regional team. If the player made the Regional team, they might be asked to play in an inter-regional event versus other Regional teams where they might or might not catch the eye of a National Staff coach. The US Development Academy has revolutionized the outdated and inefficient ODP player identification structure by streamlining the process. SLSG Metro Academy players will have the opportunity to play in front of National Staff coaches and National team scouts at every match. National 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 former MLS player and National Staff Coach Rual Diaz Arse.

The Academy is now the highest tier of youth soccer in the United States. The Academy is a higher level than ODP and much higher than the USYS team that is playing in State Cup. The bigger schools are now attending Academy events rather than the USYS events. For those players interested in playing college soccer, 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 Division I programs, 4 in Division II, 1 in Division III, and 2 players in NAIA programs.