New Mexico United Academy is the youth program of the USL Championship New Mexico United professional team. Our mission is to provide all New Mexican youth soccer players with the opportunity of competing at the highest level of youth soccer at no cost with a direct path to train and play for our first team.
- A full professional contract with New Mexico United first team.
- Training with New Mexico United first team.
- A USL academy contract with New Mexico United first team. This contract allows players to maintain their amateur status and retain eligibility for college.
- Elevated platform for exposure to collegiate programs across the country.
- Integrated professional learning environment with our first team (culture, style of play, system of play, principles of play, club language).
*** Each player has their own unique path and we are committed to helping every player make the best decision for the next stage of their life.
The Academy is free for all selected players. It includes training by experienced and qualified staff, full competition and uniform, travel gear, and covers all travel, accommodation and meal costs during academy competition.
New Mexico United Academy is a member of the USL Academy League, featuring regionalized competition to limit travel demands, a clear youth-to-professional path, the USL Academy Cup (mid-season event), and an end of season play-off event.
In addition to USL Academy League competition, New Mexico United will have the flexibility to create it’s own schedule against top competition against MLS academies, international clubs, NCAA Division II/NAIA teams, UPSL teams, and USL League 2 teams.
No. All players will retain their eligibility to play and receive scholarship at the NCAA Division I, II, III and NJCAA (Junior College) level. Academy players are permitted to play in professional matches with the New Mexico United USL Championship first team and still maintain their college eligibility. Eligibility is only effected if a player signs a full professional contract with our first team.
Players signing a USL Academy contract have the opportunity to experience the senior team level of play and compete in official USL Championship matches, while maintaining college eligibility. As more youth players are integrated into professional environments, the USL will play a key role in improving the overall level of the elite American player.
The Academy comprises players within the U-19 to U-16 categories, with a league requirement minimum and maximum number of players rostered at each age range, to ensure long-range development over short-term results.
Players are identified by our coaching and scouting staff, and in association with our network of coaches within the state of New Mexico and beyond. Players are invited to train with the academy team, after which they may be selected to join the academy roster.
Yes. Our academy coaching staff have experience coaching at the NCAA Division I and II level and have a wide network of college contacts. They are familiar with the recruitment and admissions process and can guide academy players who wish to play college soccer while earning a university degree.
The Academy trains exclusively at Mesa Del Sol Soccer facility, 5601 University Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106
New Mexico United: www.newmexicoutd.com
Coaching Staff: www.newmexicoutd.com/technicalstaff
Somos Unidos Foundation: www.somosunidosfoundation.org
You can find more information online at: www.usl-academy.com/about
