Development
Columbus Crew Academy Tryouts 2024: cost, location
Columbus Crew SC Youth Academy is the development wing of MLS outfit Columbus Crew SC. The team allows players nationwide to be part of the interesting system at Columbus Crew.
The club offers state-of-the-art facilities for players to learn new ideas and concepts about the beautiful soccer game.
How to join Columbus Crew SC Academy – Tryouts 2024
The Crew Academy is here to develop professional players with character for the Columbus Crew First Team.
To be part of the Columbus Crew Academy, you need to submit your application or information showing your interest in being of the Academy, and you’ll be considered for a tryout session.
Upon receiving your application or registration request for Columbus Crew Academy, a Technical Staff will review your submission, and you will get feedback regarding your chances.
As a result of the high volume of submissions, you could get delayed feedback. The club holds no open tryouts, and eligible players will likely only be contacted and invited for a trial with the club.
Also, Players identified through the club’s scouting network are invited to trials in Columbus. Columbus Crew also hosts invitation-only Recruitment Events to identify the best players.
There are two means you can apply for the tryouts
- Tryouts request with information
- Tryouts request with information (compulsory video upload) – Recommended.
1. Head over to the Tryouts registration page
Tryouts registration (no video inclusion).
Tryouts registration (video inclusion).
2. Fill in your details
3. Upload a video of yourself in soccer training, showing skills and techniques
4. Submit to the Academy staff for a review
5. Wait until you are contacted and invited for tryouts.
You can also send your request or application to the Academy head-on crewsocracademy@gmail.com.
Tip: You should consider registering with the option for video upload.
This is because your video footage would be accessed and analysed by Academy staff, boosting your chances of getting invited. The secret behind quick invitations is their satisfaction after accessing your video footage.
Another tip is to show the best moves and your ability to control the ball and make runs with it. The better your video footage, the better your chances of getting invited by the Academy staff for the next available trials.
Cost
The Columbus Crew Academy is a fully funded, free-to-play professional academy. This means there’s no need to pay at the Academy, as tryouts and participation are free.
Columbus Crew Academy Teams, League/ competition
The Academy fields teams in the U-14, U-15, U-16/17, and U-18/19 age groups participating in the MLS NEXT League (Know more about the MLS Next League).
Location & Training Centre
Columbus SC Academy is located and trains at the Crew Training Center in Obetz.
Other ways to be part of the team
Columbus Crew SC Pre-Academy
The Pre Academy serves as a preparatory for the main Academy. Players identified and selected at the end of the program will be considered for the main Academy.
Pre-Academy is free-to-play developmental programming for the U9/10 and U11/12 age groups.
Participants would remain with their home clubs and participate in the supplemental training team with Crew Academy at least once per week.
The program aims to extend the development pathway and allow the club to work with other local clubs to develop players. The Pre-Academy teams will feed into the full-time Academy teams that begin at U14.
The Columbus Crew Pre Academy Age Groups, schedule and organisation
Teams/age groups: U-9/10, U-11/12.
At least one or two weekly training sessions will be held.
How to apply for the Columbus Crew Pre-Academy
1. Head over to the registration page.
2. Fill in the necessary details
3. Click on submit
4. Upon receiving your application, you are expected to receive feedback from representatives regarding your next move.
The Culture which drives the Columbus Crew Academy
- Passion and intrinsic motivation for the game
- Accountability for their personal development
- Growth mindset to overcome moments of adversity
- Tireless work ethic and willingness to compete
- Team before self mentality
The club runs a system that binds the Academy and the professional team in the MLS together.
Why Columbus Crew Academy stands as one of the best
First Team Integration
This method is often neglected by some clubs who choose to operate the Academy separately. At Columbus Crew, the reverse seems to be the case.
There’s a close connection between the Academy and First Team, which is very important as it relates to creating a uniform system.
It also helps to create a more consistent culture, training methodology and style of play, which continues to circulate in the club. Also, at Columbus Crew Academy, every participant is treated well.
Players from junior categories can be closer to the first team but with a different operation model.
Individual Development
Every team’s overall performance lies not only on teamwork but with the brilliance of an individual who makes those decisions in decisive moments.
At Columbus Crew Academy, every player is treated and respected, following the club’s philosophy and international best practices.
High Potential Players
Creating a special development program helps players maximise their time by utilizing more hours of training outside their normal schedule.
The Supplemental Training programme offers high-potential players two (2) additional training sessions per week. This was made possible by working with the respective teams these players originally played for.
More benefits of the Supplemental Training Program include
- Individualized training plan
- Position-specific training
- Physical performance plan
- Psychological wellbeing
- Leadership development
- Nutritional well-being.
Areas of learning
As a member of the Columbus Crew Academy, you will be taught in every aspect of Soccer development.
Under the guidance of some of the best coaches in the United States, you’ll be taught the most basic techniques and ways to adapt to the game and make decisive actions on and off the pitch.
Goalkeeper Training
Players interested in goalkeeping positions will be taught using international best practices.
Goalkeeper drills, moves and every other technique will be taught.
Ball Mastery
Learn the basic ball Mastery skills and techniques from some of the best coaches around the United States.
Ball Mastery is the most important aspect of Soccer. Without a good foundation in this area, it becomes difficult to thrive or enjoy your career.
Physicality
Another aspect of Soccer is physicality. Without physicality in your Soccer skills, your chances of making the best of your ability could be pegged back.
Coaches will help you master the physical areas of Soccer by teaching you the most advanced techniques.
Ways to succeed in trials
1. Begin training early
Early to bed, early to wake, as the popular saying goes. That said, you should consider preparing for trials early enough by going through a training series on your own.
As an individual, if you find it difficult to manage your work hours, you can still achieve hours of training by creating a mini-training schedule for yourself.
2. Go for a soft target
In the current era, you should always go for a soft target. I mean that you should consider playing a role you can confidently handle.
On the field of play, if your capacity carries you in the attack role, you should stick to it and work out ways to perfect it.
4. Learn the basic rules, skills and techniques in soccer
Knowing Soccer rules will go a long way in your career development. Soccer rules guide you to become a better player on and off the pitch.
One of the most important areas scouts are always watchful of is your ability to control the ball.
Final Thoughts
Columbus Crew SC Academy is one of the renowned names for youth soccer development in the United States.
For young players in the Columbus area, it has been a huge success since the club began training young players across various age grades.
If you live within the Columbus region, you should consider submitting your request for a place in the upcoming tryouts.
Even though Columbus Crew Academy runs invitation-only tryouts, there are still affiliate clubs around the Columbus area that work in partnership with the club.
The best thing about the Academy is the fully funded system, which is expected to help you as the financial burden from your end will be reduced.
The club also runs supplemental programs open to players irrespective of their affiliation with other teams in the country.
You are also not deprived of your NCCA license by participating in the Columbus Crew Academy Programs. Another way to join the team is through the Pre Academy.