How many times per week do the SKC Academy teams play?

Playing on an SKC Academy team requires a significant commitment. The U-15, U-16, and U-18 teams train four to five times per week with one to two matches on most weekends.

Where do the SKC Academy teams train and play home matches?

SKC Academy teams train and play all matches at the Children’s Mercy Training Center at Swope Soccer Village.

How often do the SKC Academy teams travel?

Playing on an SKC Academy team requires the ability to travel. SKC Academy teams travel between 10-15 times per year, both regionally (St. Louis, Des Moines, Tulsa, Denver, Texas, Ohio, etc.) and nationally (Florida, Maryland, Tennessee, etc.).

Can I play for the SKC Academy and my high school team?

SKC Academy players cannot play on their high school teams. The USSF Development Academy is a year-round, highly competitive league that conflicts with and disallows its players from participating in high school sports.

Can I play for the SKC Academy and play other sports?

The U-15, U-16, and U-18 SKC Academy players are not allowed to play other sports.

What is a Part-Time Player?

A Part-Time Player (PT) is a player who is not a full-time rostered player but is allowed to train full-time and be called into the matchday roster for select league and tournament matches. A PT is allowed to play for an affiliate team (see the Sporting Club Network Academy Affiliate webpage for more information) to continue their development and get an appropriate amount of competitive matches. In the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, PTs are allowed to play in twelve league matches and may become a full-time rostered player at any time during the season.

What leagues do the SKC Academy teams play in?

The U-15, U-16, and U-18 teams play in MLS NEXT, an elite youth competition platform that provides year-round high-level matches for MLS club academy teams and non-MLS academy teams that previously participated in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

What is MLS NEXT?

Please visit the MLS NEXT webpage for more information.

Who coaches the SKC Academy teams?

Please visit the Academy Staff webpage for more information.

I am from a different country. Can I still play for SKC Academy?

You do not have to be a US citizen to play for an SKC Academy team.

Non-US citizens must obtain the appropriate Visa and be approved to be eligible to play on an SKC Academy team. International players must also be eligible for an ITC transfer if under 18 years old. Please visit US Soccer’s **ITC Eligibility** webpage for more information.

Can I wear non-adidas footwear if I play for an SKC Academy team?

All SKC Academy players must wear adidas footwear while representing Sporting Kansas City.

Am I required to live in Kansas City to play for the SKC Academy?

A majority of our players live within 45 minutes of our training facility; however, a handful of players who live within a 3-4 hour radius commit to the commute for all training sessions and matches.

How much does it cost to play for the SKC Academy?

The SKC Academy is a strong opponent of pay-to-play models and does its best to reduce costs for players to play at a high level of soccer. While all SKC Academy players are required to pay a membership fee the U-15, U-16 and U-18 teams are fully funded and do not have to pay costs associated with coaching, facilities, travel, equipment, leagues, tournaments, referee fees, etc.