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NWSL Sky Blue FC

PDA Named Founding Member of U.S. Girls' Development Academy

June 30, 2016 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Sky Blue FC News Release


Tinton Falls, N.J. - Sky Blue FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the Players Development Academy Soccer Club (PDA) have officially partnered to establish Sky Blue - PDA, which has been named today as a founding member of the U.S. Soccer Girls' Development Academy.

"We are very excited to establish Sky Blue - PDA and be named as a founding member of the U.S. Soccer Girls' Development Academy, and to play a pivotal role in the furtherance and development of the women's game," said Steven Temares, Sky Blue FC co-owner. "As an organization, we remain focused on the technical ability and tactical awareness of our players. We also strive to play a brand of entertaining and winning soccer that is world-class in caliber. With the establishment of Sky Blue - PDA, we are thrilled to join the exceptional talents of the PDA Soccer Club with the women's professional game."

The Girls' Development Academy is part of U.S. Soccer's global leadership position in women's soccer and connects with its long-term plan to improve player and coach development. The mission of the program is to provide education, resources and support to directly impact the everyday environment for clubs to develop world-class female players. Girls' Development Academy games will be scouted by U.S. Soccer, and the program will serve as the primary pathway to U.S. Soccer's Youth National Teams.

"Our vision at PDA has always been to be a leader in player development and provide opportunities for our players at the most competitive levels of the sport," said Thomas Anderson, President of PDA. "With Sky Blue - PDA's creation, youth players in New Jersey now have all of the resources available to them to not only compete in college, but also the chance to play at the professional and international levels."

Three combined age groups will exist through the Girls' Development Academy (U-14/15, U-16/17, U-18/19), incorporating a proper training to game ratio that will involve playing more meaningful matches on a consistent schedule. The typical season schedule will operate from September to July, playing approximately 25-30 games per season. Clubs will be organized by divisions and conferences, with national and/or regional events incorporated into league play.

"Creating this partnership between PDA and Sky Blue FC is something that will highly benefit the growth of the game at both the youth and professional level," said Mike O'Neill, PDA Girls Director of Coaching. "The establishment of Sky Blue - PDA creates a path to professional opportunities for players within the PDA system, and the platform truly completes the player developmental model."

U.S. Soccer will officially launch the Girls' Development Academy Program in the fall of 2017. For additional information regarding the program, visit the U.S. Soccer Development Academy website online.

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