The U.S. Soccer Federation has announced that the Galaxy Rios Under-16 and Under-18 development teams will compete in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy this fall. Galaxy Rios, the official youth development program of the Galaxy, will join 75 other youth teams, including eight other MLS teams and the U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team in the Development Academy.
Galaxy assistant coach/Director of Player Development Trevor James will oversee the development both the U-16 and the U-18 teams.
"It is great news for the Galaxy Rios to be joining the Development Academy League with our U-16 and U-18 teams starting in September," James said. "A lot of work and preparation has gone into this over the last few months, so we're pleased to be accepted into the Academy. We can now progress with the tryouts and the invitational training sessions to get the teams ready for the fall."
Launched in the fall of 2007, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy has provided over 3,000 players with a program to enhance their development.
Under Major League's Soccer's "Homegrown Protected List," the Galaxy will be able to protect up to three players per year. If those protected players decide to sign with MLS, they will be placed directly on the Galaxy roster, forgoing the MLS SuperDraft. Because of the structure of the youth development program, players' amateur statues will not be affected; therefore, players will not jeopardize their collegiate eligibility by playing for the Galaxy youth teams.
The Galaxy are back in action on Saturday, April 19 when they host the Houston Dynamo at The Home Depot Center. This match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are still available. For more information about this game or to purchase tickets, please visit www.lagalaxy.com or call 877-3GALAXY.
