U.S. SOCCER ANNOUNCES FIRST 25 CLUBS FOR GIRLS' DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY

Program Will Focus on Impacting Everyday Club Environments to Develop World-Class Players

CHICAGO (June 30, 2016) - U.S. Soccer has announced the first 25 clubs that will be a part of the Girls' Development Academy, an initiative designed to accelerate the development of world-class female players. The new league, which will begin play in the fall of 2017, will be comprised of this first group of clubs that are among the most elite in the United States.

The program will focus on positively impacting everyday club environments to maximize elite female youth player development. Increasing the training to game ratio, playing fewer but more meaningful games and providing assistance for coaching education and development are just some of the standards and best practices the program will promote.

Since 2007, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy has served as the elite male youth player development model for the country and has significantly improved the everyday environment for players, coaches, referees and clubs. The Girls' Development Academy will be structured with many of the same principles and will begin play in the fall of 2017.

"Launching a Girls' Development Academy is part of an unprecedented commitment to elevating the women's game," said U.S. Soccer Women's Technical Director April Heinrichs. "The Development Academy program will offer clubs support and education to positively impact the development of players and coaches throughout the country."

"We all know how important it is to create the correct environment and expectations for elite player development, something that was highlighted for me during my time as Development Director for our youth Women's National Teams," said U.S. Women's National Team head coach Jill Ellis. "The Development Academy is an important step forward to continue the growth of the women's game in the United States, and to create the best pathway for players to reach their full potential."

The following 25 clubs are the first being admitted to the Girls' Development Academy with more announcements taking place in the near future.

U.S. Soccer is excited to welcome the following clubs:

These first 25 clubs have a total of 119 staff and coaches that hold a U.S. Soccer A or B Coaching License, and includes 91 coaches who are employed on a fulltime basis. To date, these clubs have produced 307 players for U.S. Soccer's National Teams (youth and senior) as well as 84 professional soccer players. In addition, this group will be providing 276 full scholarships with a total of $1.49 million of scholarship funds being contributed.

Club applications were evaluated and accepted by U.S. Soccer's technical staff based on the following criteria:

• Leadership of the club and quality of the coaching staff
• Desire to embrace and promote the core values of the program
• U.S. Soccer license levels of coaching staff
• Club infrastructure and resources being invested in development (facilities, scholarships, staff to player ratio)
• History of player production for Youth National Teams, the senior Women's National Team and professional leagues
• Market and depth of the player pool, geographic location and travel implications and proximity to other elite clubs

The program will feature three combined age groups: U-14/15, U-16/17 and U-18/19. Clubs will be expected to train a minimum of four times a week. The use of combined age groups will require clubs to form teams with a balanced roster of players from two distinct birth years. The games will be scouted by U.S. Soccer and the program will serve as the primary pathway to the Youth National Teams.

The USA's Ashley Sanchez (SC Blues)was presented with the Golden Ball award as the best player at the 2016 CONCACAF Under-17 Women's Championship. Incredible Ash! (Photo: Mexsport)

If you were not aware the United States Team had four of our own including Ashley, Hillary Beal, Karina Rodriguez, and Kennedy Wesley. Not to be forgotten is Ashley Soto who played for Mexico. Way to represent girls...we are so proud of all of you.

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada – Following the United States’ 2-1 win over Mexico in the 2016 CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship (CU17W) final on Sunday at the Grenada Athletics Stadium, the Technical Study Group announced the tournament’s Best 11 and presented awards.

The CU17W selection contains at least one player from each of the four semifinalists: seven players from the champion United States, two from runner-up Mexico, as well as one each from Canada and Haiti.

Here’s a look at the team:

2016 CONCACAF Under-17 Women’s Championship Best 11 Players

• Goalkeeper: Laurel Ivory (United States)
• Right Back: Kennedy Wesley (United States / SC Blues)
• Center Back: Naomi Girma (United States)
• Center Back: Kimberly Rodriguez (Mexico)
• Left Back: Julia Grosso (Canada)
• Right Midfielder: Nerilia Mondesir (Haiti)
• Center Midfielder: Brianna Pinto (United States)
• Center Midfielder: Jaelin Howell (United States)
• Left Midfielder: Jacqueline Ovalle (Mexico)
• Forward: Ashley Sanchez (United States / SC Blues)
• Forward: Civana Kuhlmann (United States)

Blues 02 – Baker Punch Their Ticket to Boise

Blues 02 – Baker won 13 straight games en route to a US Youth Soccer California Regional League Championship (CRL) and a berth at the US Youth Soccer Far West Regional Championships in Boise, Idaho, June 20 – 26, 2016.

What began back in August of 2015 with a 10 – 0 victory against CUFC in San Diego, ended the last weekend in February with a 5 – 0 victory against CZ Elite in Temecula. Along the way, the Blues offense performed flawlessly, scoring an astounding 106 goals - good for an 8 goals a game average. The defense was also stellar, only surrendering four goals on the journey and posting ten shutouts.

Coached by Greg and Matt Baker, the Blues 02’s toughest test came against a strong and talented Surf team on the penultimate day of competition. A win or tie would see the Blues through, a loss would mean Surf could take the league. An 8 a.m. start saw the Blues jump out with a quick strike goal within five minutes. Both defenses would stiffen and the Blues took a 1-0 lead into the half. The other side of the break saw a Surf blast tie the score at 1, but the tie would not last long. The Blues girls took the ensuing kick-off to the house, side netting a scorcher and the Blues retook the lead. After numerous skirmishes, Surf netted a second, once again tying the score. The Blues responded. A byline pass, a flick-on and a smash finished off Surf and the scoring, 3 - 2 for the Blues.

Next up, the 02 Baker girls put their winning streak on the line at the National Cup tournament which begins in late February. Regardless of their National Cup finish, the Blues will make their way to Boise in late June, hoping to win a spot to the US Youth Soccer National Championships later this year.