West Florida Flames Girls 2002 Birth Year Academy Programming

West Florida Flames announces the participation of their 2002 Elite team within the Academy programming. U.S. Soccer’s DA structure is set for U19, U17, U15, and U14 for the 2017-2018 inaugural season. Due to the U16 2002 Birth Year being excluded in this transitional year for them, the WFF DA staff will include the 2002 U16 Elite team program within the Full Academy programming.

“It is important for our 2002 players to continue the same structure and player development within the DA program. We have been successful with player development at all ages and genders and we understand the decision by US Soccer to not include a U16 age group being an inaugural season, however we can’t accept that as a reason for our players to not be within the same player development structure as the other DA ages. Our 2005 and 2006 will follow the same format, so it is the proper decision for the 2002 age group to do the same as they prepare and develop them properly for the 2018-2019 season” states Gary Rach, Director of Coaching.

The Academy staff will be participating in evaluating players at WFF Competitive tryouts to continue their process of player selection at ALL age groups. Due to different sanctioning body rules and regulations, players will be notified on or after May 1^st of their acceptance into the DA.

The focus for WFF is to continue to promote the development of players in an elite environment that encourages players daily, in all facets of the game. Creating a high standard for young players and coaches using a training methodology that stresses individual development as its primary attribute. We are looking for players that are ready to commit to the next level of elite development within the Academy structure that are looking to follow former and current players at West Florida Flames like Jesse Scarpa, of UNC & U20 WNT, Jackie Simpson USF alum & U23 WNT, Laurel Ivory, current WFF player and U17/20 WNT, Mara Rodriguez current WFF player U20 Salvador WNT.

We encourage players to attend all tryout sessions for staff to properly assess individuals.

Please see the DA FAQ online for information regarding; Rosters sizes, Developmental Player, and Schools sports ruling and more or you may contact our current Girls’ Director, Jorge Zavala, jzavala@fcflames.com for more information.