Sounders FC Academy Discovery Program

The Sounders Discovery Program (SDP) is for players born 2007 (U-14), 2008 (U-13), and 2009 (U-12). The priority of this program is DISCOVERY. This program is used for the Sounders Academy to discover future professional players, but more importantly, for players to discover and develop their talent through game exploration, high level training, proven educational methods and top-level coaching. Seattle Sounders FC believes in a healthy and vibrant local club structure. The Academy has developed important club relationships across the country, as well as official local partners such as Seattle United, Eastside FC, and Pac NW.

The Sounders Discovery Program will supplement the club environment by providing selected players with twice-weekly training as well as special event programming. Sounders Discovery Program players will continue to train and participate in meaningful matches with their respective club team.

SOUNDERS FC PLAYER PATHWAY

Since its introduction in 2014, the Discovery Program has developed into an important part of Sounders FC Player Pathway. Players selected for this program, have gone on to represent both Sounders FC and Youth National teams at various levels.

Sounders FC – Danny Leyva, Ethan Dobbelaere, Josh Atencio, Reed Baker-Whiting

Tacoma Defiance – Ray Serrano, Alec Diaz, Danny Robles, Juan Alvarez, Eric Kinzner

US National Teams – 30 players have represented the US in a variety of ages

PROGRAMMING DETAILS

U-12 (2009) to U-14 (2007)

Sounders will select a pool of 21 players for twice-weekly training in 4 quarterly phases. This is currently on-hold due to COVID-19.

TRAINING SCHEDULE

All training's will take place at Starfire Sports Complex on Monday and Wednesday.

TRAINING PHASES

Phase 1 : August 17th – October 14th 2020

• Player Evaluation

Phase 2 : October 26th – December 9th 2020

• Player Evaluation

Phase 3 : January 11th – March 10th 2021

• Player Evaluation

Phase 4 : March 22nd – May 19th 2021

• Player Evaluation

All SDP age groups will play matches with MLS Cascadia opponents, Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers. Players within SDP will also have the opportunity to represent Sounders FC at select events throughout the year.

PLAYER SELECTION

Players can be selected for the Sounders Discovery Program in 3 ways:

• Scouting Identification
• Personal Player Application
• Youth Programs Identification

Player selection is a fluid process and the Sounders FC Recruitment Department is constantly evaluating players. Sounders Discovery Program will also host open training days throughout spring and summer for players who wish to receive exposure to Academy staff.

TENTATIVE TALENT DAY SCHEDULE

• Week of Oct. 2nd
• Week of Dec. 4th
• Week of Feb. 26th
• Week of May 7th

To attend an open training day and for further information, please register below:

Personal Player Application