Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in the Soccer Academy?
Boys in grades 9-12, including both Darlington and non-Darlington students, who are interested in maximizing their personal development and soccer skills may apply for the Soccer Academy.
What advantages will a student participating in Darlington School Soccer Academy have over players?
Soccer Academy players train more per week than the average club soccer player. This intense training combined with Darlington School’s academic environment prepares any student-athlete for the rigors of college.
What events or showcase tournaments do you attend?
Darlington School Soccer Academy participates in the MLS NEXT regional tournament each season in addition to the MLS NEXT Fest in December. Regional tournaments will serve as qualifying for a championship event at MLS NEXT Cup. These events will be marquee talent identification opportunities for college, professional and national team scouts to evaluate players. In the spring, the academy participates in showcases tournaments such as the Jefferson and Dallas Cups and college experience trips that set our program apart.
What league or soccer association does the Soccer Academy participate in?
Darlington School Soccer Academy participates in MLS NEXT platforms, the most competitive youth league in the country.
How often does the Soccer Academy train?
The Soccer Academy trains five days a week. Approximate training time is Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.
What is the typical training session like?
Each session begins with a good warm-up that encompasses speed and agility as well as technical development. Most every session ends with competitive games built around the training topic of the day.
How much does it cost to participate in the Soccer Academy?
The participation fee is $8,000 per year. Fee includes training, club registration, gear, recruiting assistance, college guidance, tournament/showcase entry fees, college scrimmage opportunities, team tactical video analysis and video footage of games.
Do many of your players compete at the next level(s)? College or pro?
Darlington School Soccer Academy has had tremendous success placing its alumni at various levels of play, including NCAA Division I Top-20 programs, NCAA Division II and III, and international professional opportunities.
Where do your players train?
Darlington School Soccer Academy players train on Darlington’s six well-maintained playing fields. Players have complete access to the Huffman Memorial Athletic Center, a 96,000-square-foot facility with an indoor track, weight room, swimming pool and four courts.
What type of medical support do the players receive?
Darlington School has a contract with Atrium Health Floyd to provide medical services, including full-time athletic trainers, physical therapists, orthopedists and weekly doctor’s visits for our students and players.
What type of college guidance do Soccer Academy player receive?
Each player meets with the training staff to formulate a plan of action for college recruiting. This includes his or her individual player profile, letters of recommendation, as well as follow-up emails and telephone calls by the coaches. In addition, Darlington School Soccer Academy has the ability to compile and share video highlights with college coaches. All players who are Darlington students are also supported by the school’s full-time college guidance staff.
Where do boarding students who enroll in the Soccer Academy live?
They will live in one of the school’s three student houses for boys. The house system is the backbone of the family-like atmosphere at Darlington, developing strong student-faculty relationships. Click
here for more information.
Can players participate in the Soccer Academy without being enrolled in the residential program?
Darlington School Soccer Academy accepts students who attend Darlington as well as players in surrounding counties who desire to improve their soccer education and play at an elite level.
For more information, please email the Soccer Academy.
