PCDA Announces Groundbreaking Partnership: Reshaping College Soccer for Domestic Players
Andover, MN – [March 21, 2024] – Today marks a pivotal moment for the Pre-College Development Academy (PCDA) and the future of college soccer in the United States. We are revolutionizing the landscape, empowering domestic players to compete at the highest level.
The Challenge:
Currently, talented US high school graduates face a harsh reality. College soccer rosters are saturated with international players (25-35%), coupled with a transfer portal overflowing with experienced players (2,000+), many ending their careers there (57%).
This creates a congested environment where young domestic players often need help finding playing time, hindering their development.
The Traditional Approach:
Previously, elite youth players were not exposed to the realities of playing college soccer. If players are not adequately prepared for these realities, it can be jarring, if not harsh. They excel at the youth level, often as team captains, unaware of the fierce competition they’ll face. Finding playing time as a young player can be difficult, leading to redshirting or minimal minutes.
PCDA’s Solution: A Complete Pathway to Success
PCDA is thrilled to announce partnerships with leading academic institutions, creating a tailored academic curriculum that seamlessly integrates with our world-class soccer development program.
What’s New?
Previously, our athletes (spanning over 25 states and various countries) enrolled in multiple online, asynchronous colleges while living at PCDA locations. This meant California athletes studied online while residing in Tennessee. While successful (45 matches played last fall!), a more integrated solution was needed.
Starting this fall (2024), our PCDA student-athletes can jump-start their academic careers and earn college credit through our partner institutions, which are fully vested in the PCDA development model. Our fully dedicated Academic staff will also support PCDA student-athletes in all aspects of their academic experience. Here’s what sets the PCDA model apart:
● Academic Advantage: After their time with PCDA, athletes will have the opportunity to enroll in the college of their choice with either their associate degree or potentially up to half of their bachelor’s completed.
● NCAA Compliance: PCDA athletes will matriculate with all four years of their NCAA eligibility.
● Development Advantages: They’ll be “academic juniors” but “athletic freshmen,” ready to compete and contribute immediately.
● Graduate School Pathway: Students aiming for graduate school can potentially spend their final two years of playing eligibility working on an advanced degree.
Benefits for Colleges:
● More Mature Players: Colleges can recruit domestic talent that’s older, more
mature, and physically ready for collegiate competition.
● Reduced Roster Logjams: PCDA graduates will enter college with playing experience, fostering a healthier roster dynamic.
A Brighter Future:
PCDA empowers domestic players to reach their full potential. By equipping them with academic and athletic excellence, we are creating a pathway to success in the increasingly competitive world of college soccer.
What does all of this mean?
Here’s a breakdown of what it means for student-athletes:
Traditional Options:
1. 4-Year College: You might get redshirted (not play) due to competition from older players.
2. 2-Year College (Junior College): You could play more, but transferring to a 4-year school with only two years of eligibility remaining.
PCDA Option:
1. PCDA: Play two demanding 10-month seasons, earn an associate degree, and retain full eligibility for a 4-year school. You’d enter as an “academic junior” but an “athletic freshman,” potentially ready to contribute immediately.
Benefits of PCDA:
● Play More: Two 10-month seasons compared to potentially limited playing time at a 4-year school.
● Develop Academically: Earn valuable college credit concurrently while focusing on soccer development.
● Preserve Eligibility: Transfer to a 4-year school with four years of eligibility remaining to play.
Overall Impact:
PCDA has evolved how we should all look at the pathway to college soccer.
Join us in rewriting the narrative.
Contact PCDA today by sending an email to admissions@precollegeda.com or
completing the recruit questionnaire online at www.PreCollegeDA.com