USL Boys and Girls Academy

The USL Academy program offers an elite soccer development pathway designed to identify and nurture exceptional young talent for progression into the professional ranks of the United Soccer League. VA United FC's comprehensive structure features four distinct developmental tiers, serving high-potential players ranging from U10 through college age groups.

The USL Academy program is a high-level soccer development program designed to provide a clear pathway to professional ranks of the United Soccer League for talented young players. The VA United FC program is divided into four tiers, serving elite-level players from U11 to college age groups.

USL Boys and Girls Programming

Developing Tomorrow's Soccer Stars Today


Welcome to our USL Academy programs, where we create optimal player development environments to give local youth prospects the best chance of reaching the professional level. Our league-approved USL Academy programs meet rigorous standards designed to nurture talent and build clear pathways to professional soccer.


Our Mission


Our USL Academy programs are guided by four key principles:

  • Build Pathways: Establishing comprehensive youth-to-pro player development pathways, connecting elite youth organizations with USL Senior Teams.
  • Produce Players: Increasing both the number and quality of locally produced talents for USL Senior Teams, while developing world-class players able to compete at the highest levels.
  • Drive Return on Investment: Providing an efficient player development model that creates value for all stakeholders.
  • Improve Quality: Enhancing the standard of long-term player development programs across the United States.


Sponsorship Opportunities Available!

USL Sponsorship Packages

Please contact Danny.Soccerpost@gmail.com for more information.


Boys and Girls Soccer Programs


We offer a complete progression of programs for both boys and girls:


USL Futures (2014-2015)


  • 9v9 format
  • Perfect introduction to academy-style training
  • Cost: $200.00 per player (includes practice top)
  • Locations in both NRV and Roanoke! (Can sign up for both for extra training)
  • Game opportunities available - more information to come.
  • See training dates below - all sessions are 5:30-6:45
  • 2016's can participate with director permission.  Please email Simon.French@vaunited.org to request an evaluation.


NRV Training Dates (Virginia Tech Rec Turf):

  • June 9th, 11th, 16th, 18th, 23rd, 25th, 30th
  • July 9th, 14th, 16th


Roanoke Training Dates (Location TBD):

  • 6/10, 6/12, 6/17, 6/19, 6/24, 6/26
  • 7/8, 7/10, 7/15, 7/17



USL Development Academy (2011-2013)

  • 11v11 format
  • Technical and tactical development focus
  • Cost: $200.00 per player (includes practice top)


USL Pre-Academy (Birth Years 2010-2007)

  • 11v11 format
  • Advanced skill development and competitive play
  • Opportunities to train along side the USL Academy
  • Cost: $200.00 per player (includes practice top)


USL Academy (Birth Year 2009 and Older)

  • 11v11 format
  • Elite competition and professional pathway
  • Boys Head Coach: Steve Oakey
  • Girls Head Coach: Russell Dishman
  • USL Boys: $380.00 full season (includes practice top)
  • USL Girls: $280.00 full season (includes practice top)
  • Practice begins the week of May 19th and teams will train approximately two times a week based on game schedules.


Important Dates


Tryout Schedule


USL Academy / USL Pre-Academy Tryouts:


Boys Tryouts:

  • May 4th at 4:00 PM  - Kroger Soccer Park - Ranch Road
  • May 11th at 4:00 PM - Kroger Soccer Park - Ranch Road

Girls Tryouts:

  • May 4th at 6:00 PM  - Kroger Soccer Park - Ranch Road
  • May 11th at 6:00 PM - Kroger Soccer Park - Ranch Road


Development Academy Tryouts:

  • Boys: May 4th and May 11th at 2:30 PM - Kroger Soccer Park - Ranch Road - Need to only attend ONE tryout.  If you can't attend either tryout, please contact Grant.Cummings@vaunited.org
  • Girls: No tryout required for Development Academy players


Kroger Park - Ranch Road

2350 Ranch Road NW

Roanoke, VA 24017


Training Schedule


Pre-Academy & Development Academy (Boys and Girls)


June Training Dates:

  • June 10
  • June 12
  • June 17
  • June 19
  • June 24
  • June 26


July Training Dates:

  • July 8
  • July 10
  • July 15
  • July 17


Have Questions?  Contact us below for more information!


USL Women's Programming: Russell Dishman - Russell.Dishman@vaunited.org

USL Men's Programming: Steve Oakey - Steve.Oakey@vaunited.org

USL Development Academy: Simon French - Simon.French@vaunited.org

USL Sponsorship: Danny Beamer - Danny.Soccerpost@gmail.com
Registration Information and General Questions: Brooke Carnevali - Brooke.Carnevali@vaunited.org


Registration Information


USL Academy, USL Pre-Academy, and Boys Development Academy Tryouts please click here: 

USL Tryouts


Girls Development Academy Registration please click here: 

Girls Development Programming


Boys and Girls Futures Programming please click here:

Futures Programming


Join us in building the future of soccer through our comprehensive USL Academy pathway!