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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What makes Syracuse Development Academy unique?
A. Syracuse Development Academy (SDA) offers programs that are specially designed for boys and girls from ages 4 to 19 years old. Our programs provide players a chance to grow and develop as athletes under professional licensed coaches.This training prepares them to play at the highest levels possible.
Q. Why choose Syracuse Development Academy?
A. SDA's recognition has national distinction. Our long list of collegiate players and alumni that have played professionally and even on the national team level is a testament to our focus on player development.
Q. What age groups are served?
A. SDA provides boys and girls teams for ages 4 to 19 years old.
Q. What is expected from a Syracuse Development Academy player?
A. SDA players will be dedicated to the game and their development. They will learn to play respectfully and professionally in a team environment. Players make a full year commitment to SDA.
Q. Can I play other sports while being part of Syracuse Development Academy?
A. We do not frown upon athletes that play multiple sports and in most cases encourage players to get the diversity that is needed to fulfill their athleticism to find what sport(s) are best for them.
Q. How far do teams travel?
A. Typically, SDA follows the United States Soccer Federation Guidelines for travel. Generally:
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Ages 4 to 9 will travel within a one hour radius for tournaments and all leagues will be local.
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Ages 10 to 12 will travel within a three hour radius for tournament competition at a maximum of one tournament per month with most leagues being local competition.
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Ages 13 to 19 will travel to compete against appropriate competition.
Q. Wh​en are tryouts and player identification?
A. Tryouts for the club are end of July through early August for any given year. If a player learns about SDA in the middle of the season or is making a transition from another club, a team will give a player a trial period to train with the respective team.
Q. Does my child have to play age appropriate?
A. We encourage players to play age appropriate. There are individual cases where the club may feel that the best place for a player to develop would be to play at an older age group. This decision will be made by the Director of Soccer with input from the coaches involved with the individual player.
Q. What is the US Soccer Development Academy?
A. The United States Soccer Federation, the organization responsible for the US National Teams and US Olympic teams, decided to form a national developmental program for boys. Approximately 80 clubs across the nation were chosen to identify top players and form teams. SDA has an exclusive partnership with Empire Revolution Soccer Academy.
There are three age group level teams for each club in the US Soccer Developmental Academy (under 14, 16, and 18). Each team spans a two year age range for the players that are selected. For example, an under 16 team would typically include players that are 15 and 16 years old.