Recruiting

The IMG Soccer Academy is the United States Soccer Federation's (USSF) full-time residency program for the US Under 17 Men's National Team. Started in 1999, it has become integral in developing the United State's top youth soccer prospects. The residency program gives elite players the opportunity to train in a professional environment as MLS does not have a youth academy system currently in place.

Generation Adidas is a joint venture between Major League Soccer and the United States Soccer Federation aimed to raise the level of young soccer talent in the United States. The program, sponsored by adidas, encourages early entry (without college graduation) of American players into MLS. Until 2005, the program was sponsored by Nike and was called Project-40.

One of the biggest questions that professional soccer players are asked is, “What steps did you take as a kid to become the player you are today?” After talking with many players from MLS, these are the top answers that we heard over and over again that stood out above the rest. Practice on your own as much as possible. Play for a good club team. Participate in big tournaments that have a good draw of teams from all over. Attend quality soccer camps and participate in ODP.

The US Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer) is the largest member of the United States Soccer Federation, the governing body for soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer is made up of 55 member State Associations; one in each state, and two in California, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. US Youth Soccer registers over 3,000,000 youth players between the ages of five and nineteen.