MISSION
Crystal Palace FC USA’s Mission for the Professional Development Academy is three-fold:
1. To identify and develop talented, dedicated youth soccer players and provide them professional soccer instruction based on the 103 years of experience and success of the Crystal Palace FC Youth Academy in England, widely regarded as one of the best Academies in the UK.
2. To provide unparalleled opportunities in the game of soccer within the Crystal Palace FC pyramid, both domestically and abroad through international travel and matches against Premier League youth competition, exposure to college coaches and campuses and the college process, and the opportunity to be seen by head North American and European youth scouts for major European and American professional clubs.
3. To influence the game of soccer in a positive way in the Greater Baltimore Metro area by sharing our passion and knowledge of the game of soccer through 100+ years of experience in the great game.
PROGRAM
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"After completing an extensive review and discussion across the country, we feel that it is the right time for U.S. Soccer to lead a change in the sport at the youth level. We need to shift the focus of our young elite players from an ‘overburdened, game emphasis’ model to a ‘meaningful training and competition’ model. This will ultimately lead to more success and will allow players to develop to their full potential."
Sunil Gulati
U.S. Soccer Federation President
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Crystal Palace FC USA was formed as the North American youth and professional developmental affiliate of Crystal Palace FC of London, England. Crystal Palace Football Club in England was a founding member of the English Premier League - the most important soccer league in the world - and currently competes in the Coca-Cola Championship. Crystal Palace FC USA exists to develop and identify talent in North America that could someday play for the first team in England. Crystal Palace FC USA does this through securing players professional rights to their USL franchise, Crystal Palace Baltimore, developing young soccer players in the greater Baltimore Metro area through clinics, and through the Professional Development Academy, the elite youth arm of Crystal Palace FC USA.
Crystal Palace FC USA operated club teams in the U-9, U-10, U-11, U-13 age groups from fall 2007 to spring 2008 during which our teams competed in MSYSA sanctioned leagues and tournaments, both locally and regionally. In order to greater serve our Mission, and to identify more talented young players and to expand our reach and relationships with all local Recreation Councils and Clubs, Crystal Palace FC USA’s Professional Development Academy changed its format effective fall 2008:
- Players will play State Cup, etc. with their local teams, as Crystal Palace will not enter into those competitions. Crystal Palace is a Professional Development Academy.
- Crystal Palace players are strongly encouraged to try out for and, if selected, participate in the Olympic Development Program (ODP). This should not be seen as a replacement for ODP.
- The Academy will compete in approved competitions such as:
- “Play Days” that will not conflict with local teams or ODP events and will be against the best competition available in the region.
- International Travel, expected to start in 2009, will include matches against professional clubs in London as well as our Crystal Palace Football Club UK counterparts. These other professional clubs may include, Chelsea, Tottenham, Charlton, West Ham, Arsenal, QPR, Fulham, Watford and Millwall.
SCHEDULE
U-10 (2000s and younger) and U-12 (1998s and 1999s)
| Early Fall |
Development Academy groups formed. Player pools of 25-30 players per age group |
| October to December & March to June |
Each age group will train up to twice a week on days that fit best with club schedules. Play Days that do not conflict with club dates will also be added. |
U-14 (1996s and 1997s), U-16 (1994s and 1995s) and U-18 (1992s and 1993s)
| Late Fall |
Development Academy groups formed. Player pools of 25-30 players per age group |
| Early Winter through June |
Each age group will train up to twice a week on days that fit best with club schedules. Play Days that do not conflict with club dates will also be added. |
Additionally, the club will hold a college information session to assist in the college decision process.
FEES
Tryout Fee $10 per player
Program Fee $570 per player, includes:
- Uniforms
- Field Rental
- Coaching Fees
- Administrative Fees
ACADEMY ONLINE REGISTRATION
