In 2018 the United States Youth Futsal (USYF) announced the first-ever national futsal academy program. FutsalRVA was not only chosen as one of the nation’s inaugural USYF Academy clubs, but our year-round model was actually the basis for this nationwide program.
This is truly a pioneering time for futsal in this country. We’re honored to have our program and our talented players helping to set the standard for elite futsal training and competition in this US. Please review the Q & A below. We hope this information will be helpful for you to understand the USYF Academy process.
For complete information please CLICK HERE for the USYF Academy webpage.
Q. How will the Academy program be different from FutsalRVA?
A. In addition to the development-focused training and high-quality competition FutsalRVA has always provided, chosen Academy teams will now have the opportunity to compete in meaningful games against the best in their regions in the USYF regional League, Showcases and the Academy Cup.
Q. Are all FutsalRVA players automatically in the FutsalRVA Academy program?
A. NO. The FutsalRVA technical staff will now identify the players and teams that we feel are ready and can compete in an academy environment. Each academy team that is selected is restricted to a maximum of 9-10 players who we feel are ready to compete with other academies across the country. Teams and/or players will be selected by the Technical staff based on factors such as level, commitment and availability. Other Academy age group availability and team readiness will also play a factor.
Q. Will there be try-outs for the Academy program? How will the players be evaluated?
A. NO, Players will be identified by various factors pertaining to their selection into the academy program. Pivotal factors that are considered by the coaches as well as the technical staff include individual technical ability and tactical understanding. Are players able execute game/practice plans that support FutsalRVA principals in philosophies? How has player session and game attendance been in the first 6-8 months of training? Our decisions are made based on what we feel is best for every player’s development.
Q. What does practice involve? Will there be more practices at a higher level?
A. The Academy structure is based on the FutsalRVA model so training will remain similar, but there will be additional or extended sessions before league games or events.
Q. Do Academy teams play in different tournaments or events?
A. The USYF Academy will have 4 Regions across the US. FutsalRVA will be in the East Coast region. The East Coast region will have Academy league games, showcases and other events such as the Virginia State Cup and the Academy Cup.
FutalRVA Academy teams will play in the State cup (December 3-5), Charllotte Showcase (February 5-6, 2022) and also self scheduled games (TBD).
Q. Will there be more traveling and travel expenses involved?
A. The regional framework is designed to minimize travel, but there will be a trip or two necessary to complete the required number of games, plus giving our academy players quality competition. Any plans for travel will be clearly communicated ahead of time. The EAST COAST now has 7 academies that are within driving distance, therefore; travel expenses will be limited. East Coast Regional Academies include the following:
Charlotte Futsal (Charlotte, NC)
Futsala - Charlotte (Charlotte, NC)
Elite Futsal Charleston (Charleston, SC)
FutsalRVA (Richmond, VA)
NPC Futsal (Northern, VA)
Florida Crushers - (Miami, FL)
Orange Futsal (Orlando, FL)
Q. Will there be any additional cost associated with this Academy program? What is the actual overall cost of what I'm signing up for?
A. There is a USYF Annual membership fee of $100 per year. The fee includes academy membership for one year (August 1 – July 31), member insurance for one year, and an USYF official hoodie. This fee must be paid directly to USYF by December 1, 2021. Please note that FutsalRVA fees will not increase, and Academy players will not have to pay the USYF league and tournament insurance! All Academy players will benefit from the additional academy resources with no additional cost to FutsalRVA program fees.
Q. Can a player be allowed to miss practice due to homework, school functions, family outings, or priorities in other sports?
A. We do understand that there may be some absences due to school and family obligations. We just ask for advanced communication so coaches and managers can plan accordingly and adjust schedules if necessary. Unfortunately, consistent absences will hinder a player’s development, as well as the team’s ability to adequately prepare for competition.
Q. Who do I contact if my questions are not answered?
A. Please contact Joe Farrell at Jfarrell@futsalrva.com. If it is a question for the USYF Academy directly, you can contact Soorena Farboodmanesh at soorena@usyouthfutsal.com
For more information you can download the 2021/22 USYF Academy Plan.
