FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PCDA, Premier Soccer Academy for Aspiring College Athletes, Expands National Reach with New Charlotte, NC Location
Minneapolis, MN – January 17th, 2024 – Pre-College Development Academy (PCDA), the nation’s leading post-high school residential soccer academy for aspiring collegiate athletes, is thrilled to announce its expansion into the vibrant city of Charlotte, North Carolina. The new location, set to open in August, 2024, will provide talented young soccer players with an unparalleled opportunity to bridge the gap between high school and college soccer while excelling academically.
“It’s been a two-year dream, and now it’s coming true – PCDA lands in Charlotte, the ‘College Soccer Capital of the World’!” announced Ryan Hodgson, CEO and Academy Director, of Pre-College Development Academy (PCDA).
Unlimited Opportunities in the Soccer Hub: Our athletes will be at the epicenter of collegiate soccer, training alongside future high level collegiate players and soaking up the vibrant, competitive atmosphere. They’ll follow in the footsteps of renowned PCDA graduates now staring at every level of college soccer, gaining invaluable exposure and connections through our extensive network.
World-Class Facilities: Housing and training in some of the nation’s best facilities will elevate the PCDA experience in Charlotte. Imagine perfecting your game on pristine fields and resting in modern, comfortable housing – it’s the perfect environment for growth and success.
Expressing excitement about PCDA’s arrival in Charlotte and its potential impact on the local soccer scene, PCDA-Charlotte Technical Director Steve Gummer said, “with the ever evolving college environment changing due to the transfer portal, International students, and the recruitment of graduating high school seniors there is a need for PCDA as it allows and guarantees these players to gain valuable experience in playing directly out of high school in order to adjust to the adult and college game. So many incoming freshman face obstacles in getting field time, thus it is not uncommon to redshirt in this period, although this does allow an extra year of eligibility it can be a challenging time. PCDA fills a great void by allowing players to participate while taking college courses and maturing as players and people. The program works as a stepping stone into developing as a player and being more marketable to colleges as they gain experience and maturity so when arriving at their desired college destination they can enter as athletic freshman and academic Juniors. PCDA offers a full soccer experience through the development pathway and many games throughout the season. The program is a great way to continue to play, study and get ready for the college game. The arrival of the Charlotte division is a great option for many players who need just a little more time to develop. The program will offer up to 36 games per season with an intense training program to enhance a players potential.
The Charlotte location will be situated in Pineville at the Ortho Carolina Sportsplex. With its proximity to top universities, professional sports teams, and vibrant local culture, Charlotte offers an ideal environment for PCDA to cultivate future soccer stars.
About PCDA:
Pre-College Development Academy (PCDA) is a post-high school residential soccer academy dedicated to bridging the gap between high school and college soccer while ensuring academic success. Through its unique combination of high-level training, rigorous academics, and holistic development, PCDA empowers athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the field. For more information, please visit www.PreCollegeDA.com
Media@PreCollegeDA.com
PCDA + FIRST POINT USA
PCDA Takes player identification to the Next Level with FirstPoint USA Partnership amid National Expansion
For Immediate Release
Minneapolis, MN – December 18, 2023 – Pre-College Development Academy (PCDA), the premier post-high school residential soccer academy in the United States, is thrilled to announce a game-changing partnership with FirstPoint USA, the world’s leading sports scholarship and university admissions service. This powerhouse collaboration paves the way for even more talented athletes to secure their dream college soccer futures.
FirstPoint USA brings unparalleled expertise and support, having guided over 60,000 student-athletes across 182 countries onto college rosters. This invaluable partnership significantly strengthens PCDA’s commitment to holistic player development, encompassing both on-field excellence and seamless navigation of the college admissions process.
Hot off their record-breaking year, boasting the most college signings and a prestigious UPSL league title in PCDA history, the academy is poised for further growth. Expansion plans are underway for key cities across the US, including Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, and Denver, CO, offering even more access to PCDA’s proven path to collegiate success.
“The goal of PCDA,” states Ryan Hodgson, CEO and Academy Director, “is to empower student-athletes to achieve their collegiate soccer aspirations. While landing a roster spot is a crucial step, securing substantial playing time as a freshman presents a significant challenge. PCDA bridges that gap, nurturing ‘late developers’ and transforming them into confident, game-ready assets for their future teams.”
PCDA’s comprehensive training program, combined with FirstPoint USA’s unparalleled admissions guidance, creates a winning formula for athletes seeking competitive Division I, II, III and NAIA opportunities. This groundbreaking partnership signifies a new era for PCDA, propelling their mission to equip every player with the tools and expertise they need to thrive on and off the field.
“We are delighted to be announcing this exciting new partnership with PDCA and looking forward to supporting players with their collegiate soccer aspirations. Ryan and his team do a fantastic job and we are committed to enhancing their service through our experience within the industry and helping more student-athletes realise their potential.” added Andrew Kean, CEO and Founder of FirstPoint USA.
About Pre-College Development Academy (PCDA):
PCDA is a premier post-high school residential soccer academy dedicated to developing elite student-athletes into college-ready, confident individuals. Through rigorous training, academic support, and personalized guidance, PCDA empowers players to reach their full potential and secure their dream collegiate futures.
About FirstPoint USA:
FirstPoint USA is the world’s leading sports scholarship and university admissions service, specializing in helping international student-athletes from over 182 countries achieve their academic and athletic dreams. Since 2000, FirstPoint has guided over 60,000 athletes to secure scholarships at top universities in the US and Canada.
Contact:
For media inquiries, please contact:
Media@precollegeda.com