CINCINNATI, OH --- FC Cincinnati has signed on to become the official jersey sponsor of the Cincinnati Development Academy, announced FCC President and General Manager Jeff Berding in a press conference today.
One of the first 25 clubs to be selected for the Girls’ Development Academy by U.S. Soccer, Cincinnati Development Academy players will don jerseys bearing the FC Cincinnati name and begin the first season in the fall of 2017.
“We are committed to growing the game of soccer beyond the men’s game” said Berding. “There are a number of talented players from the Greater Cincinnati region, including elite players such as Heather Mitts and Rose Lavelle, who have become role models for our youth. With the bar continuing to be raised by U.S. Soccer we feel strongly about not only supporting but participating in raising the bar for our youth players here in the region.”
The CDA will be run jointly by Kings Hammer Soccer Club and Cincinnati United, which are helmed by presidents Tim Bronsil and Dan Kunkemoeller, respectively.
Bronsil and Kunkemoeller, released a joint statement: “FC Cincinnati’s dedication to youth soccer can be felt at every club. We are thankful for their support of the CDA. As our players travel around the country competing in the highest league, they will represent our city and region. Having FC Cincinnati as our sponsor shows the commitment of this region to the growth of the game.”
Bobby Puppione will serve as the Girls Technical Director while Tiffany Roberts, will be the Academy Director.
Recently, current members of the CDA competed with their respective clubs at the Region 2 Championships in South Dakota with players from the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky area representing every age group in semifinal action from 13U to 18U. Four teams from 13U-16U competed for the Region 2 title. This fall, the Cincinnati DA will field U14, U15, U17 and U19 teams.
The Girls’ Development Academy was created by the U.S. Soccer federation to accelerate the development of world-class female players and includes the most elite talent in the country.
With the announcement of the Academy structure, U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Jill Ellis commented on the initiative, "We all know how important it is to create the correct environment and expectations for elite player development, something that was highlighted for me during my time as Development Director for our youth Women’s National Teams,” said Ellis. “The Development Academy is an important step forward to continue the growth of the women’s game in the United States, and to create the best pathway for players to reach their full potential.”
For more information on the Cincinnati Development Academy, please visit Cincyda.com.
