Ocean City, NJ – The Ocean City Nor’easters and Nor’easters Academy are proud to announce the formation of their USL Academy teams, reinforcing the club’s commitment to developing top-level youth talent and providing a clear pathway to the professional game. The Nor’easters’ USL Academy program will serve as a bridge between youth soccer and the club’s senior teams, offering an elite training and competition environment with exposure to professional-level coaching, scouting, and career opportunities. 

Who Can Play for the Nor’easters USL Academy Teams?

The USL Academy program is designed for elite male and female players aged 15-20, offering a direct developmental bridge from high-level youth soccer to collegiate, pre-professional, and professional opportunities. The Nor’easters Academy teams will feature a mix of high-performing youth players and top college prospects who are ready to train and compete at an advanced level.

By adhering to USL Academy standards, the Nor’easters will ensure that players benefit from:

✅ A direct pathway to the club’s USL League Two and future USL W League teams
✅ Competitive matches against other USL-affiliated Academy teams
✅ Professional-level training environments modeled after senior team structures
✅ Exposure to college, pre-professional, and professional scouts and opportunities

Competition Structure & Long-Term Vision

For the 2025 season, the USL Academy teams will operate from May through July, fully aligned with the USL League Two and USL W League calendars. This schedule ensures that Academy players train alongside and in the same professionalized setting as the Nor’easters’ first team, gaining valuable exposure to high-level coaching and competition. The season will culminate with the USL Academy Playoffs in December, providing players with a national stage to showcase their talents.

Looking forward, the Nor’easters plan to expand the USL Academy program into a full 10-month competition model, in line with USL Academy’s vision. This will allow Academy teams to compete year-round against other USL Academy clubs affiliated with teams in USL League Two, USL League One, USL Championship, the USL Super League, and the USL W League. By offering consistent, high-level match opportunities throughout the year, the Nor’easters will ensure that Academy players continue to develop in a structured and competitive environment that prepares them for the next level.

Pathway for Both Male and Female Players

The USL Academy program will serve both male and female players, forming a direct bridge to the Nor’easters’ planned USL W League team. With the rapid expansion of the USL W League and the launch of the USL Super League (Division I women’s professional soccer), the Nor’easters are committed to expanding opportunities for female players and providing a structured pathway to collegiate and professional soccer in South Jersey.

The Nor’easters & USL’s Player Development Pathway

With plans to introduce a Division I men’s professional league in 2027-28, the United Soccer League (USL) has developed one of the most extensive soccer development structures in the world, featuring leagues across multiple levels of the men’s and women’s game.

With over 150 Nor’easters alumni advancing to the professional ranks, the launch of the USL Academy program is a critical step in ensuring that South Jersey’s top youth players have access to an elite pathway without needing to leave the region. By establishing a structured track from youth soccer to pre-professional and professional levels, the Nor’easters continue their commitment to developing homegrown talent and raising the level of soccer in South Jersey.

The Role of the NEXT Program

As part of the Nor’easters’ NEXT program, the USL Academy teams will align with United Soccer League’s Development Pathway standards, delivering a professional training and competition structure for South Jersey’s top young players.

“Our USL Academy teams represent a significant advancement in our commitment to developing South Jersey’s top young talent,” said Bill O’Neill, NEXT Director. “This program will enable players to compete at the highest levels while preparing them for collegiate and professional opportunities.”

The NEXT program is the Nor’easters’ premier development initiative, designed to offer elite training, high-level competition, and direct exposure to college and professional pathways. Its mission is to ensure that every ambitious player in South Jersey has access to a structured, high-performance environment. By integrating with the USL Academy system, the NEXT program provides a clear, year-round pathway to college, pre-professional, and professional soccer opportunities for the region’s top young talent.

A Unique Opportunity for South Jersey’s Top Youth Players

Nor’easters Sporting Director Kevin Nuss emphasized the club’s unique position within the USL pyramid, stating:

“The Nor’easters provide an unmatched development pathway in South Jersey. Through the USL Academy, League Two, and soon, the W League, we are giving young players direct access to a professional soccer environment. Our goal is to ensure that talented players in our region don’t have to leave home to chase their dreams. With this program, they can develop within a structure that mirrors the professional game, gain exposure to top-level scouts, and take the next step in their careers.”

Further details regarding player identification sessions will be announced in the coming days.