Birmingham United Soccer Association

2010-11 US Soccer Development Academy

General overview and information

Academy Tryouts:             June 2, 6:30-8:30 pm, Rathmell Sportspark

                                       June 3, 6:30-8:30 pm, Sportsblast Complex

Academy Director &          Oliver Weiss, USSF A-License

Head Coach

Staff & Asst. Coaches:       Jay Howell, Pete Lianos, Robert Starr

Games & Showcases:         - 22 League games in the USDA Southeast Division vs. Academy Teams such as:

                                                 Atlanta Fire Utd (GA), Concorde Fire (GA), SC United (SC), Charlotte SA                                                             

                                                 (NC), CASL Academy (NC), Greensboro YS (NC), McLean YS (VA), Virginia                                                   

                                                 Rush (VA), Richmond Kickers (VA), Richmond Strikers (VA), North                                                                         

                                                 Mecklenburg SC (NC), Miami FC (FL), Weston SC, (FL), IMG Academy (FL),                                                     

                                                 Clearwater Chargers (FL).

                                                - 2 USDA Showcases with 3 games per showcase.

                                                - Other possible events such as the Disney Showcase, etc…

Training Commitment:      4 Times per week (Mon., Tues., Wed., Thur.) of which Tuesday & Thursday are mandatory for every player.

                                               Wednesdays: Players who travel more than 70 miles (one way) have a choice to join or                                                                    

                                               workout in their hometowns under specific Academy guidelines.  Monday is a self-guided training

                                               day for every player covering areas such as strength, speed, agility, flexibility & interval training.

Training Times:                  Mondays               Self-guided training under specific Academy instructions

                                        Tuesdays              U16 Academy 6:30-8:15 at Rathmell Sports Park

                                                                   U18 Academy 7:30-9:15 at Rathmell Sports Park

                                        Wednesdays          Combination Training, 6:30-8:30 at Sportsblast Complex

                                        Thursday               U18 Academy 6:30-8:15 at Rathmell Sports Park

                                                                   U16 Academy 7:30-9:15 at Rathmell Sports Park

                                        Goalkeepers           will receive 2 hours of GK specific instruction / week

College Guidance:              Academy players will receive individualized college recruiting information and guidance as to their aspirations, both soccer and academically. Realistic expectations as well as communication and correspondence with college soccer programs will be monitored by the Academy Director in conjunction with each player and his parent(s).

Roster Size:                      Each Academy team roster will have between 18-22 players. Rostered players are full-time players in the Academy.

Developmental Players (DP) :  A DP is a player who trains full-time with the Academy teams, but he is only allowed to play between 0-6 matches during the entire season. DPs join the Academy program at a much reduced fee and are required to play full-time on other BUSA competitive teams outside the Academy.

BUSA Fees:                        BUSA Fees for rostered Academy Players will be between $1700-$2000 for one full year (one season) as per the USSDA Academy League schedule. These fees cover:    

• BUSA & US Soccer Registration Fees for coaches & players
• All coaching fees for USDA Academy Director (Head Coach), Assistant Coaches, and Goalkeeper Coach.
• A minimum of three training sessions for the duration of the season.
• College Guidance Program
• SPARQ Speed and Agility Testing
• League Play in the USDA Southeast Division (see teams above)
• Entry into the USDA Winter and Spring Showcases
• Field Usage at the best club fields in Alabama
• Certified athletic trainer at all Academy home games
• All travel expenses for BUSA staff for league and showcase games
• Team publications and brochures
•  Travel expenses for Academy Staff should teams make the playoffs

BUSA Fees DO NOT cover the following costs while playing in the Academy program:

• Travel and expenses for players or parents (ground transportation, airfare, bus rentals)
• Hotel expenses for players and parents
• Meal expenses for players and parents
• Uniforms and gear
• Entry fees into non-league events or travel expenses for coaches to non-league events
• The 2009/10 costs for player travel expenses was between $1800-2000 depending on how many events players participated in

Payment options for BUSA Fees:                   

• Single Payment of $1950.00 – due in full by 07/15/2010.
• Two payments of $975.00 – due 07/15/2010 & 10/15/2010
• Seven payments of $280 – due 07/15,08/15,09/15,10/15,11/15,12/15,1/15 

***Developmental Players-- BUSA Fees for rostered Developmental Players will be between $600 - $800 for one year (one season) as per the USSDA Academy League schedule.

For additional information and/or questions, please contact the BUSA Academy Director at oliver@birminghamunited.com.