acAdemy
ASA's Most Comprehensive Program
OVER 250 HOURS OF PROFESSIONALLY GUIDED ON-FIELD AND OFF-FIELD LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
U9 (2016) - U19 (2006)
The Academy program is ASA’s most comprehensive program, supporting players with learning opportunities throughout the year. Teams train at least two times and up to three times per week, compete in various tournaments during the year and are led by USSF/NSCAA licensed coaches who are selected by ASA’s Technical staff.
ASA prides itself on creating a FUN, challenging, dynamic and progressive learning environment. The program’s nationally recognized training curriculum teaches possession based soccer in a sequential manner from age group to age group. By U15 teams are able to execute the style of play at a fast paced, competitive level, preparing them for opportunities beyond high school. We are committed to supporting players at all levels within the Academy program.
Academy Quick Facts
80 Boys & Girls Teams
1100+ Players
60+ USSF Coaches
Local, Regional & National Successes
Outcomes
The Academy program provides a unique platform to make a significant impact on each participant’s life. Skill development through implementing ASA’s game model on the field is pivotal to ensuring players enjoy their competitive experience. The comprehensive platform provided by Academy soccer is first and foremost a medium to develop the whole person.
Academy program participants are challenged to practice:
- Teamwork: Develop skills working well with others towards a unified goal
- Coachability: Respond to direction and oversight
- Resiliency: Bounce back from disappointment
- Humility: Respect peers and opponents
- Self confidence: Believe in themselves.
Photo by Evan Eile.
Competition
ASA strives to ensure each Academy team competes in a competitively appropriate environment that both challenges them and brings success. The most advanced teams compete in USYS National League and/or MLS Next. The majority of Academy teams compete in the regionally recognized National Capital Soccer League (NCSL). ASA’s first priority when selecting a league for each individual team is appropriate competition and overall player experience. This flexibility allows teams to play with and against any opposition in the country! Leagues are subject to change each year but our focus will remain the same.
High School Girls Showcase Teams
For the 2024-25 seasonal year, ASA will form two high school-aged “showcase” teams [U16/U17 (09/08s) & U19 (07/06s)]. The “showcase” teams will provide our most motivated and skilled high-school aged girls players with additional opportunities to compete at college showcase events.
Academy participants must apply for a spot on one of the teams and will be selected based on several factors, including desire to play at the collegiate level, current level of play, commitment level, etc.
Leagues
The Atlantic Premier League (APL) brings together the most competitive U8-U15 boys and girls teams from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, DC and Maryland. Designed for the best clubs in the region — it offers organized match-play on premium fields. Acela is the first division of this league.
The Club Champions League (CCL) is a club-to-club based youth soccer league. The league is structured so that clubs schedule play dates and all age groups compete against each other on the same day. CCL hosts two college showcases each year for the oldest teams to play in front of college coaches from the region.
Eastern Development Program (EDP) is a regional based league that some high level ASA teams opt to compete in each season. The league is often supplementary to other play and adds eight games to a season for teams interested in extra competition.
MLS NEXT provides a high level player development experience founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation. MLS NEXT players have access to the highest level of competition and to training and personal development opportunities. Several middle and high school aged ASA boys teams compete in MLS NEXT against clubs from around the region and country.
National Academy league launches in the fall of 2023! Each of the National Academy League’s conferences will feature competition across the U13-U19 age groups. It will feature a club vs. club competition format. Participating clubs will also have the opportunity to attend the NAL competition as part of the IMG Cup College Showcase in December and compete for a National Academy League Championship in June 2024.
National League P.R.O., a new high-level national competition platform, will feature the top 14U-19U Boys and Girls teams in the USYS National League competing for the opportunity to advance to the annual USYS National Championships.
National League P.R.O. features an emphasis on the Player, Recruitment and Opportunity.
National Capital Soccer League (NCSL) is the DC Metro area’s premier promotion-relegation soccer league with multiple divisions of competition within each group. The league is one of the oldest, largest, and most well-known travel soccer leagues in the nation. It currently features 72 member clubs centered in Maryland, DC, Virginia, and West Virginia. The majority of ASA teams compete in NCSL and the promotion-relegation structure helps ensure they are place against appropriate competition.
USYS National League Program is a regional and national based league that high level ASA teams may compete in each year. ASA competes in the South Atlantic Conference. These conferences provide a pathway to the USYS Regional Tournament if teams win their division.
General Information
Uniforms
Academy uniforms are ordered online—uniforms CAN NOT be ordered from or picked up at the ASA front office. Once your child is accepted and registered for an Academy team you will receive an email with information on how to order their uniform.
The club assigns all uniform numbers. Participants keep the same jerseys and numbers year to year (you have the option of ordering a new jersey if an old one no longer fits).
Each player needs one red jersey, one white jersey, one pair of red shorts and one pair of red socks. All other items in the online store are optional.
Thank you to D1 Training for providing speed training, agility, and injury prevention support to our high school girls National League Academy teams.
Cost of the Academy Program
Academy program costs vary based on age group and team. Average season costs are between $1950 – $3095 per child for the Academy year (mid August – early June). Payments can be made in a lump sum or spread out over multiple installments. The tuition includes coaching fees, league fees, insurance, club fees, equipment costs, field permits, referees and tournament fees. ASA operates with an all-inclusive approach wherein all costs are covered under the yearly fee. All new players to the Academy are required to purchase a Capelli uniform ($80 – $90) that typically lasts two years.
Please contact [email protected] with questions regarding financial support.
Scholarships
Players who qualify for free or reduced lunch are eligible to receive 25% off Academy tuition. Additional assistance is allocated on a sliding scale, based on household income and members of household.
The Pitch (podcast!)
CALENDAR
The Academy program operates on a yearly calendar.
Playing on an Academy team is a year-long commitment. Official tryouts for Academy teams take place in April/May.
July: Optional summer practices (dependent on coach and age group)
August – Early November: Practices + 8 league games + a tournament (some teams may compete in two or three [or more] tournaments and showcase events)
Late November – Early March: Optional winter practices (high school teams have specific schedules)
March – May: Practices + 8 league games + two tournaments (some teams may compete in two or three [or more] tournaments and showcase events)
Academy Opportunities
Children too young for the Academy program (born in 2017 or 2018) who are looking for a competitive training environment with professional coaches are encouraged to check out the Junior Academy program!
ASA offers tryouts on a rolling basis throughout the year for kids who may have missed the original dates. Please email our Academy Staff at [email protected] to learn more about setting up a supplementary tryout.
Sage Training is a proud sponsor of ASA's Academy
Sage Training
SAGE Training is committed to educating its students to develop and excel at the knowledge, skills and the values that will not only encourage them to reach their professional goals but also make them community-minded and caring EMS providers dedicated to providing excellent service to patients.