In each of my affiliate visits thus far, I have communicated a distinct message to the coaches and board of directors: The pathway to the pros. This message represents a topic that means a great deal to me.
Growing up, my path to the pros was not only unclear, but also almost non-existent. Players in today’s culture have the opportunity to associate themselves with an MLS club not only locally, but regionally as well as nationally.
Our Academy Affiliate program offers this clear pathway and as our 2015 Academy tryouts have concluded, an astounding 197 players -- out of approximately 750 total trialists -- were represented from 10 different Academy Affiliate teams. Of those 197 players, 32 players were added to the Sporting KC Academy teams from the U12, U13, U14, U16 and U18 age groups.
The U12 age group is a tremendous indicator of the impact of our Academy Affiliate program. For example:
- Sixty-two out of 150 players trying out came from our Affiliate program
- Eight of our affiliates across the nation were represented
- Fifteen out of 22 players, or roughly 70%, of players on the U12’s were developed within the affiliate program before making the U12 Academy team
This is a very exciting and clear indicator that our affiliate system is working and we are headed in an extremely positive direction. Families are moving to Kansas City to accommodate this prestigious accomplishment, distinctly demonstrating the change in the culture of youth soccer.
A special thank you to all of our Academy technical staff who poured in countless hours providing a competitive environment for which the enormous talent pool could compete in. Also, congratulations to all of the players who made Academy rosters or trials.
Sporting Blue Valley, Sporting Lincoln, Sporting Kaw Valley, Sporting Lee's Summit and Omaha FC are all represented in the Academy rosters and this should further encourage affiliate clubs’ participation in related experiences.
More information regarding Academy tryouts and rosters can be found here.
