Development Academy (DA)
Youth & DevelopmentA now-defunct top-tier youth league in the USA run by US Soccer. It was replaced by MLS NEXT and Girls Academy.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
Girls Academy (GA)
A premier youth soccer league for girls in the United States, formed after the dissolution of the Development Academy.
Zero Tolerance Policy
A rule enforced by many youth leagues stating that any abuse of referees by coaches or spectators will result in immediate ejection.
Play-Practice-Play
A coaching methodology promoted by US Soccer where a session starts with a game, moves to a focused drill, and ends with a game.
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Latest Youth Soccer News and Articles
U.S. Soccer Federation and US Club Soccer Launch New Shared Services Partnership: What Parents Need to Know
January 14, 2026
Play Club Soccer Staff
The U.S. Soccer Federation has officially entered a new strategic relationship with US Club Soccer. This isn't just a press release; it is a move that could fundamentally change how the back-end of youth soccer operates.
The U.S. Girls Youth Soccer Pyramid: A Parent's Guide to League Tiers in 2025/2026
November 6, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
A parent's guide to understanding the tiered leagues in U.S. girls' youth soccer, from ECNL to recreational leagues.
Guide to the New MLS Next Divisions: MLS Next Homegrown and MLS Next Academy Divisions Explained
August 2, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
A clear breakdown of the different divisions within MLS NEXT, explaining the homegrown player rule and the academy structure.