In an effort to expand its search for elite soccer talent, the Houston Dynamo has established the Dynamo South Texas Academy ("DSTA"), it was announced Thursday.
The Dynamo and McAllen Youth Soccer Association ("MYSA") will partner on the creation of this new youth initiative. The partnership will establish one of the premier youth development programs in Texas. It will strongly impact soccer in South Texas, provide greater developmental opportunities, and identify professional prospects for the Dynamo.
The DSTA will consist of two boys' teams, aged U-17 and U-15. The U-17 team will conduct its first practice on Tuesday, October 2 at a location yet to be determined, while the U-15 team will begin play in the spring. Thirty-six of the Rio Grande Valley's top players will be represented on these Academy teams.
The DSTA will follow all of the guidelines, mission statements, and philosophies of the current Dynamo Academy, based out of Houston.
The day-to-day operations of the DSTA will be managed by MYSA. Although the Academy will be based in McAllen, weekly training sessions and other activities will be held in other cities in the region, such as Harlingen and Brownsville.
"The South Texas region is an absolute hot bed of talent for soccer," said Dynamo Director of Youth Development James Clarkson. "We've established this academy not only to further the awareness of soccer in the South Texas region, but also to identify talent that is looking for the future opportunity to play professionally with the Houston Dynamo or in Major League Soccer."
The coaching staff for the DSTA includes Gary Hamilton and Dan Balaguero of the University of Texas at Brownsville.
The DSTA is sponsored by Amigo Energy, the official home and business energy sponsor of the Dynamo. The Dynamo is planning several activities in South Texas, and Amigo Energy will have a significant presence and role in all of them.
While in town, the Houston Dynamo will survey the South Texas region for possible future activities, including Spring Training and games.
"We are focused on establishing the best youth development program in Major League Soccer," said Dynamo Chief Operating Officer, Chris Canetti. "Our goal is to grow the sport, develop players, and identify talent for the Dynamo First Team. We recognize the wealth of talent in South Texas, and as a result, we are expanding our efforts with these goals in mind."
