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Western College Development Academy
SEATTLE (June 14, 2010) – A new premier youth soccer program focused on
established, elite clubs delivering consistent, high-quality competition and
college readiness services for its members launches today. Twenty-four youth
soccer clubs across the western United States have formed the Western College
Development Academy, which debuts this summer with teams representing clubs in
Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada and Colorado.
A primary objective of the WCDA is to provide consistent high-quality
competition and enhanced college readiness opportunities for their elite soccer
players. The Academy will also provide an improved scouting environment for
college coaches by bringing all of the teams together for a showcase event in
Las Vegas, Nevada in November, 2010. In addition, the WCDA is creating a College
Advisory Board composed of coaches from Division I, II and III soccer programs
who will provide guidance and direction over the college readiness component of
the Academy.
Academy clubs were chosen by the WCDA’s Soccer Advisory Board based on a number
of criteria, including a club’s history of elite youth player development and
past success in elite competitions. The WCDA’s website, located at
www.westerncda.com, will be live on June 25, 2010.
The WCDA is a supplemental program, and member teams will continue to play in
other leagues, tournaments and State Cup competitions. Players will also be able
to participate on their high school teams.
"I'm very excited about the establishment of the Western College Development
Academy,” said Bernie James, Director of Coaching at Crossfire Premier. One of
our motivating factors is to provide a higher level of competition for our
players who are not participating in the USSF Development Academy. Participation
in the WCDA will provide the tools and the opportunity for our players to
achieve their goals and advance their soccer careers, hopefully on the way to
the college program of their choice."
Noah Gins, Technical Director, Albion SC, added, “The WCDA is forward thinking
and it has brought top clubs together to continue advancing players and showcase
the top clubs in the region. The opportunities our players will get from being
part of this program will open doors that otherwise would not be open and
enhance our players’ chances of college recruitment. We look forward to being
part of this inaugural year and helping this league gain some great momentum.”
The WCDA has been divided into 3 conferences comprised of 8 teams. Conferences
are further divided into 6 groups based on geographic proximity. Schedules are
crafted to minimize travel costs for families. Academy teams will play 16
matches across a complete season with the winner of each conference and one
wildcard participating in the annual Academy Finals in June, 2011 at 60 Acres in
Redmond, Washington.
‘The Soccer Advisory Board’s desire is to make every effort to use this unique,
cooperative relationship to increase the profile of each club, and we look
forward to a long and mutually prosperous relationship among our member clubs,”
said Greg Ion. “We're creating a solid foundation. We're going to have a
first-class college prep infrastructure and a support system that caters to the
clubs and their member families."
Evergreen Conference:
Eastside United F.C., F.C. Portland, Crossfire Premier, Washington Premier F.C.,
San Juan Soccer Club, Placer United Soccer Club, Marin F.C., DeAnza Force Soccer
Club
Mountain Conference:
Neusport F.C., Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club, Sparta United, La Roca Futbol
Club, Rio Vista Football Club, New Mexico Rush Soccer Club, Real Colorado,
Colorado Storm Soccer Club
Pacific Conference:
West Coast Futbol Club, F.C. San Diego, Albion SC, Sereno Soccer Club, SC del
Sol, Carlsbad Lightning Soccer Club, Fullerton Rangers Soccer Club
More Information:
www.westerncda.com
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