Nashville SC to launch youth soccer academy – Nashville Post

The youth soccer movement continues to spread across Nashville.

On Monday, the Nashville Soccer Club announced it will be launching the Nashville SC Academy — a fully funded program aimed at top-level youth in the Nashville area and across the state of Tennessee. The project will look to prepare youngsters to compete in Major League Soccer and international events.

The Nashville SC Academy is constructing a new facility on the grounds of Currey Ingram Academy, a K-12 day and boarding school located in Brentwood that specializes in working with students with learning differences.

“Currey Ingram Academy is proud to be the home of Nashville SC’s elite youth soccer development program,” Currey Ingram Head of School Dr. Jeffrey Mitchell said in a release. “As a school that already provides an array of extracurricular opportunities for students, I am especially excited how the Nashville SC Academy at Currey Ingram Academy aligns with our mission of promoting students’ strengths.”

The Academy will compete against other MLS youth soccer clubs from across the country, beginning with the U12 Generation adidas Cup in late November in Atlanta. The U12 group will be the first age group launched, followed by the U13, U14 and U15 teams in the 2020-21 season.

“The launch of The Nashville SC Academy further solidifies the club’s commitment of being in Nashville, with Nashville and for Nashville,” Nashville SC CEO Ian Ayre said in a team release. “We are the first professional soccer club with a truly elite soccer academy in the state.

“Our goal is to inspire young athletes to want to play for our first team and create a pathway for them to do so at no cost. Our Academy will provide players with a unique experience and a learning environment that will be unmatched in the United States.”

Former MLS player Jamie Smith has been named the Academy Director. Smith has 14 years of professional experience as a player and coach and has helpe launch several youth soccer academies across the country. He played for the Colorado Rapids under Nashville SC head coach Gary Smith, winning the MLS Cup in 2010. After retirement, Smith got involved with youth coaching and has been a staple ever since.