What is the FC Tucson Pro Academy?
FC Tucson Pro Academy is a professional training and playing environment dedicated to providing a platform for players to join FC Tucson’s USL League One Team and earn a first-team contract
How is FC Tucson Pro Academy Different from Current Elite Youth Platforms?
The FC Tucson Pro Academy is able to provide a true professional environment through the club’s experienced USL League One first-team staff, it’s facility and player development resources, and participation in a professional reserve league. Players will have the chance to compete with and against a combination of signed professional as well as top academy players in the highly competitive USL Academy Southwest division that includes highly touted clubs: Orange County SC, Phoenix Rising, El Paso Locomotive, New Mexico United, and San Diego Loyal.
What ages are considered for the FC Tucson Pro Academy?
The academy will be made up of players from the 2002 to 2005 age groups.
What league does FC Tucson Pro Academy participate in?
FC Tucson Pro Academy players will compete in the newly developed USL Academy League, a regionalized competition set to begin in 2021 that will provide elite youth talent from across the USL landscape an additional opportunity to compete at a high level. In addition to the USL Academy League, USL will coordinate the USL Academy Cup – a competition designed to bring together top youth prospects from all of our markets with USL clubs, all centered around identifying and developing players with the potential to reach the professional level.
How are Academy players selected?
Players are selected through a personal invitation from an FC Tucson Pro Academy Scout, participation in a Competitive Youth, High School, or Amateur Adult Competition, and participation in other FC Tucson Pro camps and/or clinics. Players are scouted and identified throughout the year by the FC Tucson Pro Academy technical staff. Visit fctucson.com/fc-tucson-pro-academy/talent-identification/ to learn more about talent identification.
Can Academy players participate in other soccer programs?
Yes. FC Tucson Pro Academy is a supplement to the player’s established, current youth soccer program, with the goal of providing professional environment exposure and a pathway to the pros.
Has FC Tucson developed any professional players?
Yes. FC Tucson has produced three professional homegrown players: Erik Virgen, Derrick “Tommy” Silva and Rafael Guerrero.
What are the next best steps if I am interested in playing for FC Tucson’s Pro Academy?
If interested in playing for the FC Tucson Pro Academy, please send an email to Director of Soccer Operations, Jon Pearlman, jonathan@fctucson.com and submit your registration at fctucson.com/fc-tucson-pro-academy/talent-identification/.