About Us
FC DELCO Development Academy is eastern Pennsylvania representative in the partnership between the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and the top US clubs and Major League Soccer academies. Click here for more information about the US Soccer Development Academy program.
In this inaugural season of US Soccer's Development Academy involves two age groups; U16 and U18. FC DELCO's teams are the current reigning EPYSA State Cup champions and Region 1 Regional semi-finalist U16 Demons and the U18 national finalist . Both squads are comprised of players ffrom the greater Philadelphia area.
FC DELCO
FC DELCO was founded in 1989 to offer players from Eastern Pennsylvania an opportunity to play a national schedule, that gives wide exposure to the highest levels of the youth game. The club was founded for the elite player, and strives to place these players with knowledgeable and motivated coaches.
FC Delco regularly competes in the Dallas Cup, the Surf Cup, WAGS, the President's Day Tournament in Phoenix, NIKE Friendlies in Bradenton, and college showcases across the country. International travel is encouraged, and teams have trained with FC Barcelona and Arsenal FC.
The club encourages players to go beyond the common goal of college soccer. FC DELCO has alumni that are, or who have played, in the MLS, USL Division 1, USL Division 2, USL Professional Development League (PDL), USL W-League and in Europe.
To date, FC DELCO has produced seven USYSA National Championship teams, and six USYSA runner-ups since 1991. Our U-23 Arsenal Boys also won the U-23 USASA National Championship in 2005. The club has also won national championships in the Super Y-League and US Club Soccer competitions.
The Club was ranked as the #1 Soccer Club in the United States in 2004 by Soccer America, the leading national soccer publication in the country. In 2005, Soccer America ranked FC DELCO #2 in the US. Soccer America ranked the Club #5 in 2006.
FC DELCO is a not-for-profit organization and enjoys a 501 (c)(3) designation under the IRS Not-For Profit structure. We are dedicated to serving the needs of the more committed soccer player by providing the highest level of instruction available thereby preparing him or her to be a proud representative of the Club at local, state and regional competitions. FC DELCO strives to produce confident players who have not only reached their full athletic potential but are also prepared to become active and productive members of their community.
FC DELCO Objectives & Mission
The mission of the FC DELCO is to develop great people and enhance the communities in which we operate through soccer. The vision of the FC DELCO is to prepare our young players how to play soccer both technically and tactically, in a safe and constructive environment while participating at the highest level of national and international youth competition.
FC DELCO Soccer Club also prepares players to be successful scholar-athletes in high school and college through education on healthy lifestyle choices and the college recruiting process. FC DELCO will be recognized as a community leader for player participation in club sponsored outreach programs; activities for helping at-risk youth; and as the sponsor of a nationally respected, annual soccer tournament, the FC DELCO Players Cup.
FC DELCO Philosophy
FC DELCO was established for the specific purpose of developing a competitive youth soccer program whose goals are to achieve state, regional, and national soccer championship titles, as well as developing players capable of receiving college scholarships based on their playing ability and academic achievement. However, realization of these goals must be accomplished within the proper framework by instilling character, self-esteem, confidence, and sportsmanship within the youth athlete.
Achievement of these lofty and worthwhile objectives within the appropriate environment can only be reached through the mature behavior and the exemplary conduct of the coaches, parents, and officials of the Club. Their relationship with the players must be of the highest ethical and moral standards and be based upon concern and just principles that ensure equitable treatment prevails in all circumstances.
An aggressive desire for victory combined with the procedural and graduated development of soccer skills through exceptional coaching and advanced training techniques is of paramount importance. Nevertheless, realization by all that soccer remains only a game is an inherent aspect of the philosophy of the Club that must always be recognized.
FC DELCO and our coaching staff strive to attract players and parents with these common interests:
- Creating an environment in which players can reach their full potential and achieve the self-confidence and positive self-esteem necessary to be successful both on and off the soccer field.
- Developing individual skills, and team tactics to enable players and/or teams to compete at the state, regional, and national level.
- Preparing and assisting college bound players in obtaining playing opportunities and scholarships.Gguidance of prospective college student-athletes and young professionals.
- Promoting the game of soccer.
FC DELCO Expectations
What FC DELCO expects of you....
- A personal commitment to become the very best soccer player you can be, given your ability. This commitment includes giving your top efforts in all team events such as training sessions, games and tournaments.
- A personal commitment to the Club and your Team as a top priority in athletic endeavors.
- A personal commitment to achieve academic success in the classroom to the best of your abilities.
- A personal commitment to represent yourself in a professional manner at all times.
What you can expect as a member of FC DELCO.....
- An opportunity to participate in a professional soccer environment in one of the premier soccer clubs in the country.
- A commitment to provide the best opportunities for our players to advance to the next level (ODP, Region, National, collegiate or professional).
- Consistent, organized, and purposeful instruction and training by FC DELCO coaches during the course of the season.
- A dedicated coaching staff who will conduct and coordinate all training sessions, games and tournaments.
FC DELCO has developed into one of the premier youth soccer clubs in the United States. The most obvious difference is our trademark style of play....solid team tactics integrated with solid individual technical skills. While we emphasize the importance of winning soccer games, from a coaching stand point, long term player development comes first. It's a difficult, tedious approach, filled with highs and lows, but the results are worthwhile.
While we have won many, State, Regional and National Championships over the years, we are extremely proud that we've been part of the development of a great deal of ODP, Region and National Players that have resulted in many collegiate caliber soccer players and even professional players. Most importantly though, we hope that we have been a part in their development in to fine, successful young adults.
Take a look at the players who have come through our program (see our Hall of Fame players). Look into their on and off field accomplishments. Talk with them if your wish. If you are serious about soccer and want the best environment in which to develop your talent, FC DELCO should be right for you.