
Sacramento Republic FC Launches U.S. Soccer Designated Academy Program
March 24, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sacramento Republic FC News Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (March 24, 2015) - U.S. Soccer selected Sacramento Republic FC as one of four new clubs to join the U.S. Soccer Development Academy to open in 2015-16 season. The Sacramento Republic FC Academy program will be led by Academy Director Rod Underwood and Academy Manager Jeremy Field and coached by Benjamin Ziemer (U-17/18 boys), Brian Willey (U-15/16 boys), Simon Elliott (U-13/14 boys) and Gene DuChateau (goalkeeper director).
"On behalf of Sacramento Republic FC, we are humbled and proud to receive the U.S. Soccer designated academy status," said Republic FC President Warren Smith. "This first step is extremely important to us as we take our role in the development of soccer talent in our region in order to support U.S. Men's National Team in their quest for World Cup wins. Our Academy program will be part of a bigger implementation for our strategic player development system and commitment to grow the sport in the Sacramento region."
The Republic FC Academy coaching staff includes a diverse group with extensive coaching and playing experience. Ziemer will lead the U-17/18 team and assistant coach the U-15/16. The Sonoma State graduate haas coached on youth, high school and the college level including assisted the U-14/15 National Boys team from 2011-14 and was the men's assistant coach at Sonoma State University from 2005-12. He played internationally in Europe from 1988-95. Willey will coach U-15/16. The coach has been recognized for his teaching capabilities both on the pitch and in the classroom as the 2012-13 Placer County Office of Education "Teacher Who Makes a Difference" and current U.S. Soccer Academy head coach at San Juan Soccer Club. The California State University Sacramento graduate coached on the collegiate level as well as played collegiately at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and five-year playing career in Germany.
Elliott will coach the U-13/14 and assist with U-17/18. The Stanford graduate played for four MLS clubs and is currently the assistant coach at UC Davis men's soccer. In 2012, Elliott served as the Technical Director of Chivas USA. He is currently studying for a master's degree in history at UC Berkeley. Gene DuChateau will transition in his role as goalkeeper coach for Republic FC's first team to serve as goalkeeper director for the Academy program. He has coached at the youth, college and professional and is a former member of the U.S. MNT and U.S. Olympic team.
Following a comprehensive review of elite player development in the United States and around the world, U.S. Soccer created the Development Academy in 2007 to provide education, resources and support to impact everyday club environments that will develop world-class players. The Academy is a partnership between U.S. Soccer and the top youth clubs around the country to provide the best youth players in the U.S. with an everyday environment designed to produce the next generation of U.S. MNT players.
The Academy's programming philosophy is based on increased training, less total games and more competitive games. The Academy also connects National Team coaches directly with the Academy clubs to develop and identify players and coaches for future Youth National Teams. The Academy contains nine geographically-based divisions at the U-14 age group and seven geographically-based divisions at both the U-16 and U-18 levels. Each team plays home and away games against the other teams in their division, plus games against non-division opponents from across the country during the 10-month season. The top 32 teams in each age group advance to the Academy Playoffs, where they compete for one of eight spots in the Academy Finals.
Republic FC will host open tryouts in May 2015 for the boys Academy program. Practice site to be announced in spring 2015. The U-13/14 boys program will be one of three in the region with San Juan Soccer Club and Placer United also hosting programs. Additional details on the Republic FC Academy program, including signups for tryouts, may be found at SacRepublicFC.com.
Images from this story
![]() Sacramento Republic FC Press Conference |
United Soccer League Championship Stories from March 24, 2015
- Riverhounds Launch Spring Goalkeeper Academy Training - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
- Volesky and Silva Ink Contracts - Rochester Rhinos
- Rhinos Sign 2015 MLS Combine MVP Christian Volesky & Midfielder Christian Silva - Rochester Rhinos
- LA Galaxy II Face Sacramento Saturday 7:30 p.m. at StubHub Center - LA Galaxy II
- Sacramento Republic FC Launches U.S. Soccer Designated Academy Program - Sacramento Republic FC
- Hammerheads Sign Stefan Defregger - Wilmington Hammerheads FC
- S2's Rossi Named Player of the Week - USL
- Louisville City FC Partners with ISCO Industries - Louisville City FC
- Roughnecks and Marshall Brewing Announce Roughnecks Pale Ale - FC Tulsa
- Kickers Sign Braeden Troyer - Richmond Kickers
- Riverhounds Duo Selected for National Team Duties - Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent Sacramento Republic FC Stories
- Volunteer. Connect. Celebrate: Republic FC Watch Party at At Ease Brewing
- Republic FC Draws Lexington SC, 0-0
- SRFC Unified Team Goes on the Road for First-Ever Special Olympics Tournament in SoCal
- Match Preview: Republic FC vs. Lexington SC
- Republic FC Signs 2024 Breakout Striker Khori Bennett

