Youth Development

At the foundation of the Crew's burgeoning youth development system, made up of the Crew Soccer Academy (CSA) and Crew Juniors, is the belief that the long-range success of the program is critical to the growth of soccer in the United States in general, and to the Crew in particular.

Directed by VP of Soccer Business Development Andrew Arthurs, CSA and Crew Juniors are committed to creating an unparalleled environment for young players by providing a truly unique experience and aspirational model that includes access to the finest coaches, competition, and facilities in the country.

Major League Soccer charted new territory among major professional sports leagues in the U.S. in 2006 by launching a league-mandated youth development initiative that enables - and incentivizes - teams to acquire, outside of the annual MLS SuperDraft, top young players that they've developed from their respective home territories, which is the State of Ohio in the Crew's case.

Ultimately, this initiative will enhance the quality of young players entering the league and allow more of them to represent their hometown teams. These youth teams provide talented young players with professional aspirations a unique opportunity to pursue their dreams, while staying close to home and continuing their education. It will also provide unequaled opportunity and exposure for all Crew Juniors and Crew Soccer Academy players to reach their full potential.

Crew Juniors is the critical base of the club's youth-development pyramid. This level consists of teams from U-9 through U-19 and will identify and partner with the finest youth soccer programs throughout Ohio and the Midwest. The Grand Rapids (Mich.) Crew Juniors were the first such regional partner and there are more on the horizon. Each team will initially compete in local and regional competitions and progress to national and international tournaments. Critically, each affiliate will share the same vision, philosophy, curriculum and commitment to coaching continuing education - along with access to Crew coaches, players and facilities.

Crew Soccer Academy currently fields U-16 and U-18 teams in the new U.S. Soccer Development Academy and is one of the few organizations in the country that is fully funded - from coaching to gear, travel, accommodations and meals. With access to such facilities as Crew Stadium, the Crew Training Center at Obetz and Premier Soccer Academies, along with a national-caliber coaching staff, the goal is to provide the finest player development opportunity to up to the best 30 players in the state of Ohio in each age group, regardless of economic standing. The 2008 CSA teams include five U.S. National Team pool players, six All-Americans, nine All-Midwest Region, 14 All-Ohioans and the Ohio Division I, II and III high school players of the year.

Youth soccer in the United States is changing rapidly and MLS and U.S. Soccer are committed to aligning and sharing their resources to enhance the quality of the player development process. The Crew's youth programs are positioned to be an innovative leader as that national landscape evolves.