U10 - U12 ELITE GIRLS PROGRAM
In addition to the MYSL program, players have the opportunity to enter the Directors Academy (DA), our elite competitive platform for U10–U12 players who are ready for a higher level of development and competition. Teams compete in 7v7 and 9v9 formats with statewide travel across Michigan, facing top clubs in a challenging environment designed for players seeking greater development. The DA requires a higher level of commitment from both players and families and provides an advanced training and competition platform for players motivated to push their game forward.
Experience MDA
Player Identification Process
At Michigan Development Academy, we believe the best way to identify players is by seeing them in a real training environment, either with a team or at one of our open training days. Our identification process is designed to give players and families a true understanding of the MDA experience while allowing our coaching staff to evaluate how players learn, compete, and interact within our training model.
STEP 1: Before the Session
Contact our girls Youth Development Director, Sam Harrington by email or phone. She will work with you to identify the right day, time, and team that best fits your player’s age group and level. Our goal is to ensure families arrive prepared and placed in the right environment, not guessing where they belong.
STEP 2: During the Session
Your player will train alongside current MDA players in a real training session. These sessions are structured, purposeful, and led by experienced coaches who focus on individual development within the team environment. The goal is not to perform for a scout during a single moment, but to experience the standards, culture, and expectations of MDA training.
STEP 3: After the Session
Within the following day, the appropriate coach or director will contact you directly. They will provide honest feedback on your player, answer any questions you may have, and discuss where your player may fit within the MDA program moving forward.
Sam Harrington
Girls Youth Development Director
Phone: (734) 649-3167
Email: sam.harrington@midevelopmentacademy.com
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Every decision at MDA is made with the long-term development of the player in mind. Training environments are built around the technical, tactical, physical, and psychological growth of each athlete, ensuring players develop the tools to succeed at every stage of the game.
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Michigan Development Academy provides a structured pathway that allows players to progress through every stage of their development within one consistent philosophy. The journey begins with recreational and introductory programs, progresses into local travel competition through the Michigan Youth Soccer League (MYSL), advances to statewide elite competition through the Directors Academy, and continues into regional and national platforms such as the National Academy League, USYS National League, and Michigan State Premier Soccer Program. The pathway ultimately culminates with opportunities to compete at the senior level through our men’s and women’s teams in the Troy United program, creating a complete development pathway from youth soccer through adult competition.
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At Michigan Development Academy, teams are placed in leagues and competitions that align with their ability, ambition, and level of commitment, ensuring players face the right challenges to promote development. Our goal is not simply to win games, but to create environments where players learn, adapt, and improve through competitive experiences.
Travel and competition schedules are intentional and thoughtfully planned. When teams travel, it is done with purpose — to face stronger opponents, gain valuable experiences, and create opportunities for team bonding, exposure to different styles of play, and personal growth. Every competition opportunity is designed to contribute to the long-term development of the players and the team, both on and off the field.
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At Michigan Development Academy, our culture is built around a clear set of core values: Player-Centered Development, Integrity & Transparency, and Commitment to Excellence. These principles guide how we coach, compete, and communicate across every level of the club.
Our coaches and leadership hold themselves to the highest standards of professionalism, preparation, and communication, creating an environment where players and families know what to expect. Through honesty, responsibility, and consistency, we aim to build a culture where players take ownership of their development, support their teammates, and strive to improve every day.
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MDA was founded on the belief that a club should be more than a roster list. We strive to build a community where players, families, and coaches work together, creating an environment that supports both athletic and personal development.
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Michigan Development Academy is led by a leadership group built on deep experience and a shared vision for player development. Our four founders collectively bring over 80 years of coaching and leadership experience, having worked across youth, collegiate, and elite development environments. Their backgrounds include club leadership, coach education, and high-level player development, all of which shape the standards and philosophy of the club.
This experience ensures that every aspect of the program — from curriculum design to daily training environments — is guided by leaders committed to mentoring players, supporting coaches, and building a development pathway that prioritizes long-term growth.