NUSA's academy structure is unlike 'academy' models at most other clubs in the US which are specifically age-based. Most clubs, even at U12 and below, separate their players into A, B, and C teams based on their current age during training where they experience limited player movement and often train at different locations under the guidance of different coaches. Our Academy structure more closely resembles that of professional academies from Europe and South America which are ability based, not strictly age-based. Lower Academies train at the same place and time and the Academies are overseen by an Academy Director. In the lower academies there are no "set" teams, rather teams are formed for competitive games based on on-going coaching assessments, player's current abilities and/or the level of competition. At these ages, the specific team a player is on for a weekend game is far less important than the emphasis on engaging, challenging and FUN training sessions and playing games in a positive learning environment for player growth. Due to the varying rates at which young players develop physically, psychologically, and socially, players will often move up or down within a...n academy or academies. NUSA's focus is on the long term individual development of each and every player. The goal is for players to train and play in a learning environment which both allows them to achieve success while also challenging them. A learning environment with too much of one or the other is not conducive for long term player development.“ True player development focuses on the development of the player, not the development of the team! Up to age 12, this should be the only criteria used in designing and running youth soccer programs.” Ron Quinn, US Youth Soccer. In the Upper Academies (U13-19) player movement still occurs during the season or year. whether it’s weekly at training, guest playing or a permanent move between teams or age groups. NUSA would like to have more fluid movement of players between teams (like most professional youth academies around the world) however due to TSSA rules movement between team rosters (not guest playing) during the season is often permanent for the remainder of that season. NUSA players are being evaluated every week and discussions with age group directors are happening often to insure what is best for the players. Part of our process is to validate roster selections early in the fall season and make necessary changes before we get into competitive events. We’ll re-evaluate our rosters again over the winter and obviously again during summer tryouts. Moving players to the appropriate environment can improve confidence and increase playing time and often influence their commitment to the new team in a positive way! The goal for every player in the club is to place them in an environment where they are both challenged yet also achieve success. At NUSA our focus is on developing Players for Life and Champions of Character! www.nusasoccer.org