LOWCOUNTRY UNITED SOCCER ACADEMY

ACADEMY SELECT PROGRAM

LOWCOUNTRY UNITED SOCCER ACADEMY

The goal of the LUSA Academy Select program is to provide an enjoyable, competitive atmosphere, where all players can be challenged to continue to develop their technical skills and also strengthen their love of the game of soccer.


Lowcountry United Soccer Academy (LUSA) is comprised of U13-U19 teams. This new competitive step forward is designed to meet the needs of players that desire a challenging playing environment. Our focus remains on holistic development and supporting players on an individual level to grow and develop in the game.

Academy Leagues & Associations

We are committed to serve our range of players in the Lowcountry with a variety of competitive offerings so that all players are exposed to the appropriate levels of competition.

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MLS NEXT

LUSA Academy Select Boys teams compete in MLS NEXT leagues. As part of the new competition tier, LUSA will now compete at a more competitive level, giving our players the opportunity to showcase their talent regionally and nationally and further their development.

Girls Academy Aspire

LUSA Academy Select GIRLS teams will compete in Girls Academy Aspire, for the upcoming 2026 fall season. As part of this competition tier, LUSA will now compete at a more competitive level, giving our players the opportunity to showcase their talent regionally and nationally and further their development.

National Academy League

LUSA Academy Select Boys teams will align with the MLS NEXT pathway and compete in the NAL for the Fall and Spring seasons. Teams will compete in the Carolina Conference with our U13-U19 teams.

Development Player League

LUSA Academy Select Girls teams compete in DPL national, regional and statewide competition in the fall and spring seasons. Teams will compete in the U13-U19 girls divisions. The DPL's mission is to develop the player & empower the person in a purposeful and memorable environment. 

State Leagues

LUSA Academy Select teams compete in statewide leagues in the fall and spring seasons. South Carolina Youth Soccer is a member of the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYS). US Youth Soccer is the largest member organization within the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). US Youth Soccer is organized into four Regions; SCYSA is a part of the Piedmont region.

Explore All Leagues & Pathways

Explore all leagues pathways and learn more about our commitment to providing the top youth soccer opportunities in the Charleston area.

EXPLORE PATHWAYS

Frequently Answered Questions

  • What is changing for the 2026/27 season?

    Beginning in the 2026/27 season, JIYSC/LUSA will follow the new U.S. Soccer Age Group model, which follows the August 1 to July 31 player registration.

  • Why is this change happening?

    U.S. Soccer is aligning youth soccer with the age-group structure used by most school systems. This helps keep more players with their classmates and creates a more consistent development pathway.

  • How will this affect my child’s team placement?

    Your child may move to a different age group than previous seasons. Some teammates may shift up or down depending on birthdays.


    Important: No player will be moved without thoughtful evaluation. Our focus

    is ensuring that each child is placed in the most appropriate environment for

    their development.

  • Does my child have to tryout again?

    All players will participate in standard annual evaluations/tryouts, just as they always have. The new cutoff date will simply determine which age group they

    attend.

  • Will my child be separated from his/her friends?

    We understand the importance of social connections. While teams must follow the new age-group rules, coaches will do everything possible to support players and families during the transition.

  • Do the age changes determine playing time?

    No. Placement is based on ability, development needs, and readiness, not solely on the cutoff date. Some players may play up when appropriate.

  • How are the new age groups better for development?

    The age-group structure creates a smoother alignment with school grade level and helps players grow physically, technically, and socially within a more consistent environment.

  • What is JIYSC/LUSA doing to support players during the transition?

    • Staff reviewed age group projections
    • Staff and parent education
    • Clear communication on placement timelines (more to follow)
    • Player evaluations that consider both ability and well-being
    • Opportunities for players to meet new teammates before the season starts

  • When exactly does this change take effect?

    The new August 1 – July 31 system starts with the 2026-2027 seasonal year (Fall 2026 tryouts and registration). The entire 2025 2026 season remains under the current birth year rules.

  • Can my child play up an age group?

    Players will be evaluated to play up on a case by-case basis and will be determined on a development-based outlook.

  • Will this affect high school soccer eligibility?

    No. High school eligibility is determined by your state's athletic association and school grade/age rules, not club soccer age groups.

  • My child has a late birthday and has struggled with being the youngest – will the age group change help?

    Yes! The seasonal-year alignment is designed to reduce the "relative age effect" and "trapped player" issues that have impacted many families under the birth year system.

  • If we move to a new team and there are duplicate jersey numbers, will I have to purchase a new jersey?

    Duplicate jersey number conflicts may happen as players transition to new age groups. We realize this may have a financial impact on families.