There was plenty of chatter last week about the future of the Development Academy, the league run by the U.S. Soccer Federation. It started with buzz among coaches, and then spiraled into a hive of chitter chatter when a tweet was posted by a club coach about the league folding.
Glen Crooks, a reporter and coach from New Jersey, tweeted that an announcement may come over the weekend about the future of the league. SoccerWire posted an opinion piece about the timing of canceling the league and the season.
Easter Weekend came and went, with no official word or announcement from U.S. Soccer. TopDrawerSoccer reached out to the Federation for comment and had not heard back as of time of publishing (on Tuesday morning). The reliable Buzz Carrick, who covers FC Dallas and its Academy on 3rddegree.net, reported that a decision could be coming down on Tuesday. Mike Woitalla, over on Soccer America, penned his thoughts on the situation.
TopDrawerSoccer spent the past weekend on the phone with coaches, directors, and others involved with the league. There has been no definitive answer to the question on everyone’s mind, but many seem to believe the fate of the league is sealed. Below is some of the information we’ve gathered from those conversations.
Update (4/14/20 12:00 pm): Another source has indicated to TopDrawerSoccer that a decision will be announced in the next 24-48 hours, confirming what Buzz Carrick reported earlier on Tuesday.
Update (4/14/20 3:00 pm): The Athletic is reporting that the Development Academy will be shut down (for good) as soon as Wednesday.
Update (4/15/20 2:00 pm): The Boys ECNL announced the addition of six clubs from the Southern California - all former DA clubs. ECNL Boys also announced new additions and new alignment for the Mid-Atlantic Conference.
San Diego Surf and Real So Cal rejoin ECNL. Two of the best youth clubs will be playing in the ECNL during the 2020/2021 season. Surf was the only club to qualify for the Girls Spring Cup in every age group.
Update (4/15/20 7 p.m.): The U.S. Soccer Federation announces the termination of the Development Academy, effective immediately.
