The SAFC Pro Academy, backed by Spurs Sports and Entertainment, is the "professional club’s strategic plan of establishing a nationally-respected youth academy," the club said in a news release. All Major League Soccer clubs have youth academy programs.
"We are looking to actively engage with San Antonio’s youth clubs to have a talented pool of players to represent SAFC and this city at the highest level of competition. San Antonio FC will offer a unique pathway for the most promising young players of South Texas,” said SAFC Head Coach Darren Powell.
Powell's roots are in youth development. Before taking the SAFC job, he directed the development programs fro Orlando City SC. Members of the local youth soccer community cried foul last year when the San Antonio Scorpions abruptly shut down the club's youth academy program.
Tryouts for the team will occur from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 29, May 1 and May 6. Although the program is now just for boys born in 2004, the club will expand its academy at a later date.
SAFC plays its first home game on Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 p.m. at Toyota Field. For a interview with Powell — including his youth academy work and preparation for Saturday's game — listen to this week's CurrentCast, embedded below. You can also find the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher.
