In April of 2016, San Antonio FC launched the SAFC Pro Academy presented by Ricos – a youth development program for the area’s elite boys players which started with a 2004 birth-year team this season. The academy has expanded to five teams at the U-12, U-13, U-14, U-15 and U-17 levels. The academy teams compete in the UPSL.
In 2018-19, The Ricos SAFC Pro Academy coaching staff was named the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (DA) Central Conference Boys Coaching Staff of the Year. SAFC was honored alongside NYCFC and LAFC of Major League Soccer
In February of 2019, San Antonio FC signed its first full-time academy product to a first-year contract when midfielder Leo Torres signed a professional deal.
The objective of the San Antonio FC Development Academy program is to identify and train the best players in the San Antonio market on a pathway to become a homegrown player for the SAFC professional team, national teams, and/or opportunities in college soccer. In addition to developing skilled and dynamic soccer players, key components of the program include each player displaying excellent personal character, becoming actively involved in community activities, and focusing on academic performance. The Ricos SAFC Pro Academy is structured to be a collaborative initiative between all local youth clubs and organizations in the San Antonio community by the opportunity to be an active part of the player identification process, as well as providing recognition and benefits to such participating clubs.
This program is part of the professional club’s strategic plan of establishing a nationally respected youth academy and is currently led by Academy Director Juan Lamadrid.
RICOS SAFC PRO ACADEMY STAFF
