Empire United Soccer Academy – Buffalo 2016 2017 Overview

6 and Under and 7 and Under (2010 and 2011s) Programming

Z1 League (estimated cost ­ $150.00 per 8 week session) Players in this age level will be placed in the Empire Z1 League that runs out of Sportsplex. There are 3 to 4 eight to ten week sessions players can register for. The program is developmentally appropriate for players in these age ranges. They will train once a week and play one game a week within the Z1 League. We use licensed, professional coaches for trainings and follow the US Soccer and US Development Academy curriculum and best practices.

Invitational Training (estimated cost ­ $80 per 8 week session) In addition to the Z1 League, players will be identified for participation in exclusive training sessions with key Empire staff. Players electing to participate would then have two training sessions per week and one game (1 training with Z1 League, 1 exclusive training, and 1 Z1 League game)

Invitational Summer Training (estimated cost ­ Free) This is similar to the indoor Invitational Training, but will be offered free of charge.

Notes These age groups will begin to form the nucleus of the Niagara Wheatfield AA Stallions and Empire United Soccer Academy teams. Empire staff scout players who participate in the Z1 League for potential placement on travel, premier, or Development Academy rosters in future years.

8 and Under (2009s) Programming

Z1 League (estimated cost ­ $150.00 per 8 week session) Players in this age level will be placed in the Empire Z1 League that runs out of Sportsplex. There are 3 to 4 eight to ten week sessions players can register for. The program is developmentally appropriate for players in these age ranges. We use licensed, professional coaches for trainings.

Invitational Training (estimated cost ­ $80 per 8 week session) In addition to the Z1 League, players will be identified for participation in exclusive training sessions with key Empire staff. Players electing to participate would then have two training sessions per week and one game (1 training with Z1 League, 1 exclusive training, and 1 Z1 League game)

Small­Sided Competition Series (estimated cost ­ $50 per opportunity) During the course of the season, Empire will identify small­sided events to enter teams formed from these Invitational Training player pools. This will give players an opportunity to play with other high­end players in a competitive setting.

Invitational Summer Training (estimated cost ­ Free) This is similar to the indoor Invitational Training, but will be offered free of charge.

Notes Like all Empire programming, the curriculum will follow US Soccer guidelines and staff will be fully licensed and highly experienced.

Empire United Soccer Academy – Buffalo 2016 2017 Overview

9 and Under (2008s) Programming

Z1 League (estimated cost ­ $150.00 per 8­week session) Players in this age level still have the opportunity to be placed in the Empire Z1 League that runs out of Sportsplex. There are 3 to 4 eight to ten week sessions players can register for. The program is developmentally appropriate for players in these age ranges. They will train once a week and play one game a week within the Z1 League. We use licensed, professional coaches for trainings and follow the US Soccer and US Development Academy curriculum and best practices.

NWAA Travel (estimated cost ­ $750.00 per season) Players looking for a step above the Z1 League can consider a travel team through NWAA. Empire and NWAA work closely to provide a nice “next level” opportunity for young boys and girls. This begins to look more like a traditional program; players train with a team that competes against players from outside the Z1 League.

Season Varies per team, but typically a January start and a late July finish.

Training Sessions per Week Also varies by team, but typically once a week.

Competitions Also varies by team, but typically one indoor session and the BWNYJSL outdoor season. Mix in one local outdoor tournament for most NWAA teams.

Developmental Training (estimated cost ­ $12 per training session) Players not interested or ready to make the jump to an Empire United Premier team, but looking for additional training opportunities, can play for NWAA and sign up to train with the Empire teams. Pricing for this is based on the desired commitment, but an estimate per training session is $12. Players need to be evaluated for this opportunity before a final commitment is made.

Empire United Premier Soccer (estimated cost ­ $250 deposit, plus 7 payments of $169) This is the first age level available within Empire for full team participation. If your child dreams of playing soccer at the highest levels and has found a true passion for the sport, this is the place for them. We provide a regular training and competitive season that is available to players within the US Soccer inspired Empire United curriculum and programming. Empire believes in creating a fun and challenging environment where like­minded players can grow as people and soccer players. Development of character and soccer acumen results from the pursuit of excellence and the many opportunities available within our program.

Season Season begins around mid­September and ends late mid to late July.

Training Sessions per Week Two training sessions per week for the full ten­month period (Options to train once a week to reduce cost is an option on an individual basis).

Futsal For the months of November and December players compete in an internal futsal league on Friday nights at the Buffalo Niagara Court Center.

Empire United Soccer Academy – Buffalo 2016 2017 Overview

Competitions Players will have 25 to 30 opportunities a year for competition. A typical schedule will include indoor league play, outdoor league play, friendlies, and tournaments spread out evenly throughout the season. Travel at this age is typically limited to within 2 to 3 hours, with most events taking place within the Buffalo area.

Notes Payments for the Empire United Soccer Academy premier team is made as a deposit around August 1st and then 7 monthly installments completing March 1st.

10 and Under (2007s) Programming

Z1 League (estimated cost ­ $150.00 per 8­week session) Players in this age level still have the opportunity to be placed in the Empire Z1 League that runs out of Sportsplex. There are 3 to 4 eight to ten week sessions players can register for. The program is developmentally appropriate for players in these age ranges. They will train once a week and play one game a week within the Z1 League. We use licensed, professional coaches for trainings and follow the US Soccer and US Development Academy curriculum and best practices.

NWAA Travel (estimated cost ­ $750.00 per season) Players looking for a step above the Z1 League can consider a travel team through NWAA. Empire and NWAA work closely to provide a nice “next level” opportunity for young boys and girls. This begins to look more like a traditional program; players train with a team that competes against players from outside the Z1 League.

Season Varies per team, but typically a January start and a late July finish.

Training Session per Week Also varies by team, but typically once a week.

Competitions Also varies by team, but typically one indoor session and the BWNYJSL outdoor season. Mix in one local outdoor tournament for most NWAA teams.

Developmental Training (estimated cost ­ $12 per training session) Players not interested or ready to make the jump to an Empire United Premier team, but looking for additional training opportunities, can play for NWAA and sign up to train with the Empire teams. Pricing for this is based on the desired commitment, but an estimate per training session is $12. Players need to be evaluated for this opportunity before a final commitment is made.

Empire United Premier Soccer (estimated cost ­ $250 deposit, plus 7 payments of $190) If your child dreams of playing soccer at the highest levels and has found a true passion for the sport, this is the place for them. We provide a regular training and competitive season that is available to players within the US Soccer inspired Empire United curriculum and programming. Empire believes in creating a fun and challenging environment where like­minded players can grow as people and soccer players. Development of character and soccer acumen results from the pursuit of excellence and the many opportunities available within our program.

Empire United Soccer Academy – Buffalo 2016 2017 Overview

Season Season begins around mid­September and ends late mid to late July.

Training Sessions per Week Two training sessions per week for the full ten­month period. For the period of November through March this age group also has the opportunity for a third training session every other week. We call this extra session Skills School. It’s a mix of age levels working primarily on foot skills and individual technique.

Futsal For the months of November and December players compete in an internal futsal league on Friday nights at the Buffalo Niagara Court Center.

Competitions Players will have 25 to 30 opportunities a year for competition. A typical schedule will include indoor league play, outdoor league play, friendlies, and tournaments spread out evenly throughout the season. Travel at this age is typically limited to within 2 to 3 hours, with most events taking place within the Buffalo area.

Notes Payments for the Empire United Soccer Academy premier team are made as a deposit around August 1st and then 7 monthly installments completing March 1st.

11 and Under (2006s) Programming

Empire United Premier Soccer (estimated cost ­ $375 deposit, plus 7 payments of $212) If your child dreams of playing soccer at the highest levels and has found a true passion for the sport, this is the place for them. We provide a regular training and competitive season that is available to players within the US Soccer inspired Empire United curriculum and programming. Empire believes in creating a fun and challenging environment where like­minded players can grow as people and soccer players. Development of character and soccer acumen results from the pursuit of excellence and the many opportunities available within our program.

Season Season begins around mid­September and ends early to mid July.

Training Sessions per Week Two training sessions per week for the full ten­month period. For the period of November through March this age group also has the opportunity for a third training session every other week. We call this extra session Skills School. It’s a mix of age levels working primarily on foot skills and individual technique.

Futsal For the months of November and December players compete in an internal futsal league on Friday nights at the Buffalo Niagara Court Center.

Competitions Players will have 25 to 30 opportunities a year for competition. A typical schedule will include indoor league play (Thruway League), outdoor league play, friendlies, and tournaments spread out evenly

Empire United Soccer Academy – Buffalo 2016 2017 Overview

throughout the season. Travel at this age is typically limited to within 3 to 4 hours, with most events taking place within the Buffalo area.

Developmental Training (estimated cost ­ $12 per training session) Players not interested or ready to make the jump to an Empire United Premier team, but looking for additional training opportunities, can play for NWAA and sign up to train with the Empire teams. Pricing for this is based on the desired commitment, but an estimate per training session is $12. Players need to be evaluated for this opportunity before a final commitment is made.

Z1 League (estimated cost ­ $150.00 per 8­week session) Players in this age level still have the opportunity to be placed in the Empire Z1 League that runs out of Sportsplex. There are 3 to 4 eight to ten week sessions players can register for. The program is developmentally appropriate for players in these age ranges. They will train once a week and play one game a week within the Z1 League. We use licensed, professional coaches for trainings and follow the US Soccer and US Development Academy curriculum and best practices.

NWAA Travel (estimated cost ­ $750.00 per season) Players looking for a step above the Z1 League can consider a travel team through NWAA. Empire and NWAA work closely to provide a nice “next level” opportunity for young boys and girls. This begins to look more like a traditional program; players train with a team that competes against players from outside the Z1 League.

Season Varies per team, but typically a January start and a late July finish.

Training Session per Week Also varies by team, but typically once a week.

Competitions Also varies by team, but typically one indoor session and the BWNYJSL outdoor season. Mix in one local outdoor tournament for most NWAA teams.

Notes Payments for the Empire United Soccer Academy premier team are made as a deposit around August 1st and then 7 monthly installments completing March 1st.

Exceptional players at this age level may also be identified for Pre­Academy and Girls State Academy (GSA) programming. Pre­Academy refers to programming for the United States Soccer Development Academy. This is an exclusive program run by US Soccer across the country. Empire is the only program in New York State West recognized by US Soccer with a Development Academy program. Girls State Academy (GSA) refers to an Empire exclusive program for high achieving female players from the Western New York area.

12 and Under (2005s) Programming

Empire United Premier Soccer (estimated cost ­ $375 deposit, plus 7 payments of $226) If your child dreams of playing soccer at the highest levels and has found a true passion for the sport, this is the place for them. We provide a regular training and competitive season that is available to players within the US Soccer inspired Empire United curriculum and programming. Empire believes in creating a fun and

Empire United Soccer Academy – Buffalo 2016 2017 Overview

challenging environment where like­minded players can grow as people and soccer players. Development of character and soccer acumen results from the pursuit of excellence and the many opportunities available within our program.

Season Season begins around mid­September and ends early to mid July.

Training Sessions per Week Two training sessions per week for the full ten­month period. For the period of November through March this age group also has the opportunity for a third training session every other week. We call this extra session Skills School. It’s a mix of age levels working primarily on foot skills and individual technique.

Futsal For the months of November and December players compete in an internal futsal league on Friday nights at the Buffalo Niagara Court Center.

Competitions Players will have 25 to 30 opportunities a year for competition. A typical schedule will include indoor league play (Thruway League), outdoor league play, friendlies, and tournaments spread out evenly throughout the season. Travel at this age is typically limited to within 3 to 4 hours, with most events taking place within the Buffalo area.

Z1 League (estimated cost ­ $150.00 per 8­week session) Players in this age level still have the opportunity to be placed in the Empire Z1 League that runs out of Sportsplex. There are 3 to 4 eight to ten week sessions players can register for. The program is developmentally appropriate for players in these age ranges. They will train once a week and play one game a week within the Z1 League. We use licensed, professional coaches for trainings and follow the US Soccer and US Development Academy curriculum and best practices.

NWAA Travel (estimated cost ­ $750.00 per season) Players looking for a step above the Z1 League can consider a travel team through NWAA. Empire and NWAA work closely to provide a nice “next level” opportunity for young boys and girls. This begins to look more like a traditional program; players train with a team that competes against players from outside the Z1 League.

Season Varies per team, but typically a January start and a late July finish.

Training Session per Week Also varies by team, but typically once a week.

Competitions Also varies by team, but typically one indoor session and the BWNYJSL outdoor season. Mix in one local outdoor tournament for most NWAA teams.

Developmental Training (estimated cost ­ $850) Players not interested or ready to make the jump to an Empire United Premier team, but looking for additional training opportunities, can play for NWAA and sign up to train with the Empire teams. Pricing for this is based on the desired commitment, but an estimate per training session is $12. Players need to be evaluated for this opportunity before a final commitment is made.

Empire United Soccer Academy – Buffalo 2016 2017 Overview

Notes Payments for the Empire United Soccer Academy premier team are made as a deposit around August 1st and then 7 monthly installments completing March 1st.

Programmatic features such as classroom time, video sessions, and performance training are introduced at this age level.

Exceptional players at this age level may also be identified for Pre­Academy and Girls State Academy (GSA) programming. Pre­Academy refers to programming for the United States Soccer Development Academy. This is an exclusive program run by US Soccer across the country. Empire is the only program in New York State West recognized by US Soccer with a Development Academy program. Girls State Academy (GSA) refers to an Empire exclusive program for high achieving female players from the Western New York area.

Empire United Soccer Academy – Buffalo 2016 2017 Overview

13 and Under (2004s) Programming

Empire United Premier Soccer (estimated cost ­ $375 deposit, plus 7 payments of $308) If your child dreams of playing soccer at the highest levels and has found a true passion for the sport, this is the place for them. We provide a regular training and competitive season that is available to players within the US Soccer inspired Empire United curriculum and programming. Empire believes in creating a fun and challenging environment where like­minded players can grow as people and soccer players. Development of character and soccer acumen results from the pursuit of excellence and the many opportunities available within our program.

Season Season begins early November and ends early to mid July.

Training Sessions per Week Three training sessions per week from November through March and then 2 to 3 training sessions per week April through mid­July.

Competitions Players will have 25 to 35 opportunities a year for competition. A typical schedule will include some indoor league/tournament play, outdoor league play (Region 1 and Thruway), friendlies, and tournaments spread out evenly throughout the season.

Performance Training ­ NEW! The weekly training cycle will include performance training through Impact Sports Performance (Harbor Center) on site prior to the team training sessions twice a week for a large portion of the season (approximately 50 sessions)

Developmental Training (estimated cost ­ $850) Players not ready to make the jump to an Empire United Premier team but looking for additional training opportunities can sign up to train with the Empire teams. Developmental players are considered a part of the team and are free to attend all training opportunities available but must find opportunities to play games with another program. Players must be evaluated for this opportunity before participation is approved.

Notes Payments for the Empire United Soccer Academy premier team are made as a deposit around August 1st and then 7 monthly installments completing March 1st.

Programmatic features such as classroom time and video sessions are a part of this age level.

Exceptional players at this age level may also be identified for Pre­Academy and Girls State Academy (GSA) programming. Pre­Academy refers to programming for the United States Soccer Development Academy. This is an exclusive program run by US Soccer across the country. Empire is the only program in New York State West recognized by US Soccer with a Development Academy program. Girls State Academy (GSA) refers to an Empire exclusive program for high achieving female players from the Western New York area.

Empire United Soccer Academy – Buffalo 2016 2017 Overview

14 and Under (2003s) Programming

Empire United Premier Soccer (estimated cost ­ $375 deposit, plus 7 payments of $314) If your child dreams of playing soccer at the highest levels and has found a true passion for the sport, this is the place for them. We provide a regular training and competitive season that is available to players within the US Soccer inspired Empire United curriculum and programming. Empire believes in creating a fun and challenging environment where like­minded players can grow as people and soccer players. Development of character and soccer acumen results from the pursuit of excellence and the many opportunities available within our program.

Season Season begins early November and ends early to mid July.

Training Sessions per Week Three training sessions per week from November through March and then 2 to 3 training sessions per week April through mid­July.

Competitions Players will have 25 to 35 opportunities a year for competition. A typical schedule will include some indoor league/tournament play, outdoor league play (Region 1 and Thruway), friendlies, and tournaments spread out evenly throughout the season.

College Recruitment Empire has a robust college recruitment plan for prospective student athletes that includes a Director of College Recruitment, college recruitment seminars, player profile booklets, online profiles, and the largest network of college coaches on staff than anyone in WNY (by a long shot).

Performance Training ­ NEW! The weekly training cycle will include performance training through Impact Sports Performance (Harbor Center) on site prior to the team training sessions twice a week for a large portion of the season (approximately 50 sessions)

Developmental Training (estimated cost ­ $850) Players not ready to make the jump to an Empire United Premier team but looking for additional training opportunities can sign up to train with the Empire teams. Developmental players are considered a part of the team and are free to attend all training opportunities available but must find opportunities to play games with another program. Players must be evaluated for this opportunity before participation is approved.

Notes Payments for the Empire United Soccer Academy premier team are made as a deposit around August 1st and then 7 monthly installments completing March 1st.

Programmatic features such as classroom time and video sessions are a part of this age level.

Exceptional players at this age level may also be identified for Pre­Academy and Girls State Academy (GSA) programming. Pre­Academy refers to programming for the United States Soccer Development Academy. This is an exclusive program run by US Soccer across the country. Empire is the only program in New York State West recognized by US Soccer with a Development Academy program. Girls State Academy (GSA) refers to an Empire exclusive program for high achieving female players from the Western New York area.

Empire United Soccer Academy – Buffalo 2016 2017 Overview

15 and Under (2002s) Programming

Empire United Premier Soccer (estimated cost ­ $375 deposit, plus 7 payments of $316) If your child dreams of playing soccer at the highest levels and has found a true passion for the sport, this is the place for them. We provide a regular training and competitive season that is available to players within the US Soccer inspired Empire United curriculum and programming. Empire believes in creating a fun and challenging environment where like­minded players can grow as people and soccer players. Development of character and soccer acumen results from the pursuit of excellence and the many opportunities available within our program.

Season Season begins early November and ends early to mid July.

Training Sessions per Week Three training sessions per week from November through March and then 2 to 3 training sessions per week April through mid­July.

Competitions Players will have 25 to 35 opportunities a year for competition. A typical schedule will include some indoor league/tournament play, outdoor league play (Region 1 and Thruway), friendlies, and tournaments spread out evenly throughout the season.

College Recruitment Empire has a robust college recruitment plan for prospective student athletes that includes a Director of College Recruitment, college recruitment seminars, player profile booklets, online profiles, and the largest network of college coaches on staff than anyone in WNY (by a long shot).

Performance Training ­ NEW! The weekly training cycle will include performance training through Impact Sports Performance (Harbor Center) on site prior to the team training sessions twice a week for a large portion of the season (approximately 50 sessions)

Developmental Training (estimated cost ­ $850) Players not ready to make the jump to an Empire United Premier team but looking for additional training opportunities can sign up to train with the Empire teams. Developmental players are considered a part of the team and are free to attend all training opportunities available but must find opportunities to play games with another program. Players must be evaluated for this opportunity before participation is approved.

Notes Payments for the Empire United Soccer Academy premier team are made as a deposit around August 1st and then 7 monthly installments completing March 1st.

Programmatic features such as classroom time and video sessions are a part of this age level.

Exceptional players at this age level may also be identified for Pre­Academy and Girls State Academy (GSA) programming. Pre­Academy refers to programming for the United States Soccer Development Academy. This is an exclusive program run by US Soccer across the country. Empire is the only program in New York State West recognized by US Soccer with a Development Academy program. Girls State Academy (GSA) refers to an Empire exclusive program for high achieving female players from the Western New York area.

Empire United Soccer Academy – Buffalo 2016 2017 Overview

16 and Under (2001s) Programming

Empire United Premier Soccer (estimated cost ­ $375 deposit, plus 7 payments of $322) If your child dreams of playing soccer at the highest levels and has found a true passion for the sport, this is the place for them. We provide a regular training and competitive season that is available to players within the US Soccer inspired Empire United curriculum and programming. Empire believes in creating a fun and challenging environment where like­minded players can grow as people and soccer players. Development of character and soccer acumen results from the pursuit of excellence and the many opportunities available within our program.

Season Season begins early November and ends early to mid July.

Training Sessions per Week Three training sessions per week from November through March and then 2 to 3 training sessions per week April through mid­July.

Competitions Players will have 25 to 35 opportunities a year for competition. A typical schedule will include some indoor league/tournament play, outdoor league play (Region 1 and Thruway), friendlies, and tournaments spread out evenly throughout the season.

College Recruitment Empire has a robust college recruitment plan for prospective student athletes that includes a Director of College Recruitment, college recruitment seminars, player profile booklets, online profiles, and the largest network of college coaches on staff than anyone in WNY (by a long shot).

Performance Training ­ NEW! The weekly training cycle will include performance training through Impact Sports Performance (Harbor Center) on site prior to the team training sessions twice a week for a large portion of the season (approximately 50 sessions)

Developmental Training (estimated cost ­ $850) Players not ready to make the jump to an Empire United Premier team but looking for additional training opportunities can sign up to train with the Empire teams. Developmental players are considered a part of the team and are free to attend all training opportunities available but must find opportunities to play games with another program. Players must be evaluated for this opportunity before participation is approved.

Notes Payments for the Empire United Soccer Academy premier team are made as a deposit around August 1st and then 7 monthly installments completing March 1st.

Programmatic features such as classroom time and video sessions are a part of this age level.

Exceptional players at this age level may also be identified for Pre­Academy and Girls State Academy (GSA) programming. Pre­Academy refers to programming for the United States Soccer Development Academy. This is an exclusive program run by US Soccer across the country. Empire is the only program in New York State West recognized by US Soccer with a Development Academy program. Girls State Academy (GSA) refers to an Empire exclusive program for high achieving female players from the Western New York area.

Empire United Soccer Academy – Buffalo 2016 2017 Overview

17 and Under (2000s) Programming

Empire United Premier Soccer (estimated cost ­ $375 deposit, plus 7 payments of $322) If your child dreams of playing soccer at the highest levels and has found a true passion for the sport, this is the place for them. We provide a regular training and competitive season that is available to players within the US Soccer inspired Empire United curriculum and programming. Empire believes in creating a fun and challenging environment where like­minded players can grow as people and soccer players. Development of character and soccer acumen results from the pursuit of excellence and the many opportunities available within our program.

Season Season begins early November and ends early to mid July.

Training Sessions per Week Three training sessions per week from November through March and then 2 to 3 training sessions per week April through mid­July.

Competitions Players will have 25 to 35 opportunities a year for competition. A typical schedule will include some indoor league/tournament play, outdoor league play (Region 1 and Thruway), friendlies, and tournaments spread out evenly throughout the season.

College Recruitment Empire has a robust college recruitment plan for prospective student athletes that includes a Director of College Recruitment, college recruitment seminars, player profile booklets, online profiles, and the largest network of college coaches on staff than anyone in WNY (by a long shot).

Performance Training ­ NEW! The weekly training cycle will include performance training through Impact Sports Performance (Harbor Center) on site prior to the team training sessions twice a week for a large portion of the season (approximately 50 sessions)

Developmental Training (estimated cost ­ $850) Players not ready to make the jump to an Empire United Premier team but looking for additional training opportunities can sign up to train with the Empire teams. Developmental players are considered a part of the team and are free to attend all training opportunities available but must find opportunities to play games with another program. Players must be evaluated for this opportunity before participation is approved.

Notes Payments for the Empire United Soccer Academy premier team are made as a deposit around August 1st and then 7 monthly installments completing March 1st.

Programmatic features such as classroom time and video sessions are a part of this age level.

Exceptional players at this age level may also be identified for Pre­Academy and Girls State Academy (GSA) programming. Pre­Academy refers to programming for the United States Soccer Development Academy. This is an exclusive program run by US Soccer across the country. Empire is the only program in New York State West recognized by US Soccer with a Development Academy program. Girls State Academy (GSA) refers to an Empire exclusive program for high achieving female players from the Western New York area.

Empire United Soccer Academy – Buffalo 2016 2017 Overview

18 and Under (1999s) Programming

Empire United Premier Soccer (estimated cost ­ $375 deposit, plus 7 payments of $270) If your child dreams of playing soccer at the highest levels and has found a true passion for the sport, this is the place for them. We provide a regular training and competitive season that is available to players within the US Soccer inspired Empire United curriculum and programming. Empire believes in creating a fun and challenging environment where like­minded players can grow as people and soccer players. Development of character and soccer acumen results from the pursuit of excellence and the many opportunities available within our program.

Season Season begins early November and ends early to mid July.

Training Sessions per Week Three training sessions per week from November through March and then 2 to 3 training sessions per week April through mid­July.

Competitions Players will have 25 to 35 opportunities a year for competition. A typical schedule will include some indoor league/tournament play, outdoor league play (Region 1 and Thruway), friendlies, and tournaments spread out evenly throughout the season.

College Recruitment Empire has a robust college recruitment plan for prospective student athletes that includes a Director of College Recruitment, college recruitment seminars, player profile booklets, online profiles, and the largest network of college coaches on staff than anyone in WNY (by a long shot).

Performance Training ­ NEW! The weekly training cycle will include performance training through Impact Sports Performance (Harbor Center) on site prior to the team training sessions twice a week for a large portion of the season (approximately 50 sessions)

Developmental Training (estimated cost ­ $850) Players not ready to make the jump to an Empire United Premier team but looking for additional training opportunities can sign up to train with the Empire teams. Developmental players are considered a part of the team and are free to attend all training opportunities available but must find opportunities to play games with another program. Players must be evaluated for this opportunity before participation is approved.

Notes Payments for the Empire United Soccer Academy premier team are made as a deposit around August 1st and then 7 monthly installments completing March 1st.

Programmatic features such as classroom time and video sessions are a part of this age level.

Exceptional players at this age level may also be identified for Pre­Academy and Girls State Academy (GSA) programming. Pre­Academy refers to programming for the United States Soccer Development Academy. This is an exclusive program run by US Soccer across the country. Empire is the only program in New York State West recognized by US Soccer with a Development Academy program. Girls State

Empire United Soccer Academy – Buffalo 2016 2017 Overview

Academy (GSA) refers to an Empire exclusive program for high achieving female players from the Western New York area.

19 and Under (1998s) – Summer Only Programming

Empire United Premier Soccer (estimated cost ­ $350 per season) Top level players returning from college soccer can make one last run at a State Championship. The training environment can help prepare them for the fall as well.

Season Season begins mid­May and runs through early to mid July.

Training Sessions per Week Two training sessions per week from mid­May through to early July.

Competitions The main competition will be State Cup and with success, USYSA Regionals. Local friendlies may take place in preparation for the State Cup and Regional events.

Notes Late birth date high school seniors may fall within this age level. Those players can participate in the u18 programming from November through mid­May if desired.