THAT’S A WRAP FROM PHOENIX: After five days spent across 18 fields at the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, the 2009 Development Academy Winter Showcase and International Friendlies have come to a close. All 77 Academy teams, plus four Under-17 international teams, played three games over the course of the extended weekend, testing their everyday preparation. Every game between Academy teams at the Winter Showcase counts toward the season standings, which will determine the final 12 teams with the best points per game that will advance to the 2010 playoffs.

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In a broad move designed to improve the development environment for players throughout the country, the U.S. Soccer Federation has taken the initiative in formalizing a nationwide development academy. Created to provide players with the best possible opportunity to develop, the U.S. Soccer Development Academy is being initiated after a comprehensive review of player development systems in the United States and around the world. For more information on the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, log on to ussoccer.com.

Both Academy teams are traveling this long President’s weekend. Last night, RSC U16’s pulled out a key victory against FC Portland, while the U18’s fought to a 0-0 stalemate.

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CHICAGO (Sept. 24, 2008) – As the second year of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy program gets underway this month, the four Dallas clubs faced off in the first games in the history of the Development Academy to feature Texas-based teams. The local matchup will be the first of many Academy games to feature Texas clubs, as eight clubs were admitted in the 2008/09 Academy admissions class.

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