This May and June saw tremendous turnout for the Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) tryouts. More than 1,000 players tried out for the RDA during this period.

RDA teams are now set for the 2017-18 season, and training will start this July. For the first time ever, RDA directors required invited players to provide a Letter of Recommendation or Character Reference as a final step in the acceptance process. This Character Reference will help RDA players better understand the concept of professionalism.

TRAINING PROGRAMS

Summer Training Programs for the Hounds Academy are now open, including Technical Training and Goalkeeper Academy.

The Technical Training program will last six weeks, beginning on July 10. Boys and Girls aged 3-14 years old will be led by current and recently retired professional players as well as receive visual demonstrations throughout practice sessions. Click here for more information on Technical Training.

During an eight-week Goalkeeper Academy, players have the opportunity to hone their goalkeeping skills through modern methods and approaches. Former professional team keeper Hunter Gilstrap will lead the academy, helping players improve positioning and shot-stopping techniques, among other skills. Click here for additional details about Goalkeeper Academy.

SUMMER CAMPS

Summer Camps are underway in Connellsville and at Highmark Stadium. At these training sessions, players have the opportunity to refine technical skills during small-sided games and other fun activities while working with professional coaches and players in a safe environment.

Registration is still open for future camps, including upcoming locations at Upper St. Clair (June 26-29), Norwin (July 10-13) and Bethel Park (July 10-13). The Hounds Academy offers 10 different camp locations this summer, which lead into Invitational Camp Week this August at Highmark Stadium. For more information, click here.

PITTSBURGH RIVERHOUNDS COLLEGE SHOWCASE

From June 2-4, more than 40 collegiate coaches were in attendance for the fourth annual Pittsburgh Riverhounds College Showcase. Of these coaches, roughly 70 percent represented Division I collegiate programs. Several athletic scholarships have already been offered to participating players – a direct a result of decisions coming out of the College Showcase. Teams from five different states and Canada participated in games at Highmark Stadium and Duquesne University. After a successful 2017 College Showcase, RDA is in touch with several additional clubs to expand the event in 2018.

TOURNAMENT RECAP

This past month consisted of many notable tournament finishes. At the PDA Showcase, the 2001 Girls team placed first.

On the boy’s side, the 2003 Boys team took the title at the Potomac Tournament. In addition, the 2005 and 2004 Boys teams finished as finalists in this event.

NEWS AND NOTES

Super Y League play has begun for RDA Under-14 Boys and Girls teams, in addition to Under-11 Boys and Under-12 Girls teams for the Academy East Super Y League.

This coming weekend, RDA teams will attend U.S. Club Regionals in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. RDA teams making the trip include 1999-2004 Girls teams and 2000-2004 Boys teams. Each squad is looking to win its regional event to qualify for the U.S. Club National Cup in July.

Earlier this month, RDA goalkeeper Dane Jacomen announced he has signed on to play for D.C. United Academy beginning this August. For more information on his decision and journey with RDA, click here.