The San Jose Earthquakes Academy returned to play this April as COVID-19 restrictions are gradually being lifted in California.
Here’s what fans should know about the current state of the Academy:
The Quakes Academy is officially playing matches in the new MLS Next academy league with their U-13 (2008), U-14 (2007), U-15 (2006) and U-17 (2005/2004) teams. They have also established a U-20 team comprised of players born before 2004 which includes young first-team players, college graduates and current academy players. This team competes in games against U-19 MLS Next opponents and exhibition matches against professional teams in Northern California such as Sacramento Republic FC, Oakland Roots and the San Jose Earthquakes first team.
The Quakes are currently in week five of the MLS Next season. The U-13s are 4-0-0, U-14s are 3-1-0, U-15s are 1-1-0 and the U-17s are 1-0-1.
The U-13s, led by head coach Erin Ridley, are currently in development and are preparing for the 2021-2022 MLS Next season. The U-13s are expected to begin playing in the Fall with players born in 2009 and 2010.
Open tryouts will be held starting May 10th for the U-13 age group and by invitation through club recommendations. Additionally, invitational tryouts will be held for the U-14, U-15, and U-17 age groups. To express interest or sign up for our tryouts, click here.
Due to ongoing restrictions, the Quakes are still unable to travel outside of California to participate in competitions or league matches. Regional and national competitions such as playoffs may be available to spectators in June if restrictions are lifted.
How the players feel on being back:
Quakes Technical Director, Chris Leitch describes the excitement that the players have with returning to play. “The players feel great to be back competing and playing in games. Over this year we have taken the necessary steps through COVID for returning to play,” Leitch said. “We are fortunate enough to have a highly skilled, full time academy staff supporting our players including the coaches themselves, sports performance staff, methodology support, scouting team and our sponsor Sutter Health. Everyone has pitched in to create a safe return-to-play environment along with a step-by-step program that will allow us to compete against local and eventually national competition this Spring.”
Staying updated:
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