Virginia Will Be Part of U.S. Soccer Spring Program

Feb. 8, 2018

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Seven-time national champion, Virginia will compete in the first-ever U.S. Soccer Spring Program, an initiative started by U.S. Soccer to further player development opportunities for players above the age of 17. Clemson, Duke, Georgetown, North Carolina and Wake Forest have also been selected to participate.

The bulk of Virginia’s spring schedule will be five games in a round-robin style tournament against the participating teams. The program will culminate with three games played at Wake Forest on April 21. The team with the most points based on results will be crowned champions.

The rules for each game played will function similarly to U.S. Soccer Development Academy standards. Games will be played with traditional time keeping, a maximum game day roster of 18 players and no re-entry.

“I believe the program will be a fantastic opportunity to further develop the relationship between U.S. Soccer and college soccer,” said head coach George Gelnovatch. “College soccer serves an important role in the development of soccer players in the United States and I am looking forward to the integration of meaningful FIFA standards into the college game.”

The games will also provide an additional opportunity for U.S. Soccer Scouts to identify potential U.S. Olympic and National Team players and expand the player pool.

“I’m excited that this program will add an additional element of competition to our spring schedule and provide an opportunity for our players to showcase their skills.

Virginia Schedule
March 17 – Georgetown at Virginia
March 24 – Virginia at Duke
April 7 – Virginia at North Carolina
April 14 – Clemson at Virginia
April 21 – Virginia at Wake Forest