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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:WHAT IS THE GALAXY RIOS? The Galaxy Rios is a fully funded player development program, providing elite youth players the opportunity to train in a professional environment with the specialized resources of the LA Galaxy. The Galaxy Rios will offer a professional learning environment with elevated standards both on and off the field designed to maximize player potential with the ultimate goal of promoting players into the LA Galaxy first team. The success of the Galaxy Rios is measured by how many members graduate to the professional ranks and not on wins and losses. WHO IS DIRECTING THE GALAXY RIOS? Galaxy assistant coach Trevor James oversees all aspects of the Galaxy Rios program as the club's Director of Player Development. WHAT AGES WILL COMPETE? In 2008, Galaxy Rios teams will compete at the Under-16, Under-18 and Under-20 levels. Each team will field a squad of approximately 25 players. WHAT LEAGUES DO THE GALAXY RIOS COMPETE IN? The Under-16 and Under-18 Galaxy Rios teams will compete in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy League, while the Under-20 team will compete in the USL Super-20 league. Additionally, the Galaxy Rios will participate in the MLS Under-17 Youth Cup, open only to MLS clubs. HOW WILL PLAYERS BE SELECTED? Galaxy Rios players will be identified through a variety of methods including open tryouts, invitational tryouts and an extensive scouting network. Player evaluations will continue on a year-round basis. Players are selected exclusively on playing ability and development potential regardless of economic status or club affiliation. WHAT ARE THE COSTS FOR PLAYERS? There will be no cost to players selected to participate in the Galaxy Rios. All expenses associated with the program, including training, equipment and travel will be provided by the Galaxy Rios. WILL RIOS PLAYERS BE ALLOWED TO PLAY FOR THEIR HIGH SCHOOLS? The Galaxy Rios will play in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy fall schedule; therefore players will have the option to participate with their high school teams. WILL PARTICIPATION AFFECT COLLEGE ELIGIBILITY? A player's college eligibility will not be affected through participation in the Galaxy Rios. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A HOME GROWN PLAYER? Major League Soccer recently launched a youth initiative assigning a homegrown territory for each club. Under this initiative, Galaxy Rios players within our homegrown area (75 mile radius of the Home Depot Center) will be allowed to sign a professional contract directly with the LA Galaxy instead of entering the MLS SuperDraft. WHAT IS EXPECTED OF RIOS PLAYERS? Galaxy Rios players are required to be responsible, respectful and disciplined at all times as representatives of the LA Galaxy. Furthermore, they must be fully committed to every aspect of their development and apply maximum effort during all Galaxy Rios sessions and events. WHAT RESOURCES WILL THE GALAXY RIOS HAVE ACCESS TO? The Galaxy Rios will benefit from the world class resources and facilities of the LA Galaxy. From training at the home depot center to interaction with the first team, Galaxy Rios players will be an integral part of the Galaxy family. |
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