Originally published October 14, 2006

Note:  Seven years later, the program announced here is flourishing, as is the entire youth program.  The PDL team had to fold, but the SF Seals tradition of helping players reach and play the game to the highest level continues.  Click here for more information about the Seals Girls program.

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The Seals are excited to announce they are adding a Girls program to their offering in 2007.  “We hope this will follow the path laid out by the boys program, and result in a girls PDL team within the next two seasons,” announced Tom Simpson, General Manager and Head Coach for the Seals organization which includes the youth Academy.  “It may be a bit ambitious, but we are looking for sponsorships to help the Seals build the program for all levels of play and gender.”

Minimum participation in the Super Y League will be required of all Academy teams.  Attendance at Regional, National, and even International tournaments will be encouraged for teams.  Last year the Seals sent two teams to the prestigious Milk Cup tournament in Coleraine, Northern Ireland.  “Playing other youth teams the like of Sheffield United, CountyAntrim, Chelsea, and Manchester United brings our players a whole new viewpoint with regard to competitive play,” said Simpson, “and it gives them a terrific way to evaluate their level of play against some of the best youth players in the world.”

First and foremost is to provide players a regional program in which to compete.  “We understand that there needs to be a place to play soccer that supports the social/community aspect for the local players, yet provides a regional program for those players that seek a more competitive outlet,” adds Roy Schnabel of the Burlingame Soccer Club. 

Coaches in the Academy are required to hold an equivalent of a USSF C License.  Resumes can be submitted to academy@oursfseals.com.  Rosters are open, which is an essential feature of the Academy approach. Selection will be made through tryouts by the designated coach.   Players will be able to register for tryouts on our website in the near future.

Clubs with players who substantially participate in the SealsAcademy will be offered a position on the San Francisco United Soccer Club board, which is the 501 c3 non-profit corporation that oversees the Academy operations in conjunction with the Seals.  This is intended to ensure that the Academy goals are met.

The goals for the Academy are:

• Develop players to the highest level of proficiency
• Increase opportunity for college admissions because of athletic ability
• Maximize potential for college playing opportunities and athletic scholarships, expose players and increase  the opportunity to participate in the  Olympic Development and National Team programs
• Associate with organizations and programs that support the academic development of our Academy players to make them more competitive for college scholarships and to provide additional options once professional careers are completed.
• Optimize the opportunity to play professional soccer