Youth Development Academy
About Our Youth Development Academy (YDA)
The United Soccer Club Youth Development Academy (YDA) is designed for players ages 5-8 who are new to soccer as well as those ready to take the next step beyond recreational play. Our program provides a structured, skill-focused environment led by hired, trained and paid coaches—so families never need to worry about canceled sessions due to a shortage of parent volunteers.
At its core, YDA is about nurturing a love for the game while building essential soccer skills. Training emphasizes frequent ball touches and dynamic movement, laying the foundation for confident, capable players. The curriculum introduces and reinforces key techniques including passing, receiving, ball striking, dribbling, and ball control. In addition, players develop coordination, balance, body awareness, and on-field confidence through age-appropriate activities and guided instruction.
Season
There are two seasons available for YDA per year. Players can commit to one or both sessions.
- Fall Outdoor - August through early November
- Spring Outdoor - February through May
Practice
Athletes will participate in structured training twice per week, with each session lasting one hour for the Fall and Spring Seasons. Winter Futsal is limited to one time per week.
Games
Games will be conducted in a scrimmage-style format, featuring matchups between athletes within the YDA program. These scrimmages will take place during regularly scheduled training times, ensuring consistent engagement without additional scheduling.
- Our 8-year-old players may have the opportunity to gain additional game-time experience during the Fall and Spring Seasons by participating in the Player Development League (PDL) provided there is sufficient interest from committed athletes. Games for this league are held on Saturdays often at Fort Collins Soccer Complex or Loveland Sports Park. PDL participation requires a separate registration, requiring an additional registration fee and uniform purchase
Location
Our home soccer complex is Loveland Sports Park, located at 950 N Boyd Lake Ave, Loveland, CO 80537. Alternate locations within Loveland, such as High Plains School, may be utilized.
Uniforms
Not required for the YDA Program.
Tryouts
There are no tryouts required for our YDA program.
Youth Development Academy Fees
| AGE | TEAM LEVEL | COST PER SEASON |
|---|---|---|
| Age 5 - 8 | Spring Outdoor Season | $125 |
| Age 5 - 8 | Fall Outdoor Season | $125 |
| Age 8 | Player Development League | $250 |
a SOLID SOCCER foundation
At the youngest ages, developing sound technical skills is essential for long-term success in soccer. By focusing on proper technique early, players gain the tools to express themselves in the game, make smarter decisions, and enjoy the sport at a higher level as they grow. Strong fundamentals create adaptable, confident players - ready for any challenge the game brings.
