The DA's mission was to provide education, resources, and support to impact everyday club environments in order to develop world-class players.

On March 15, 2020, U.S. Soccer made the determination to end the operation of the Development Academy at the behest of MLS who wanted their Academies to be the only pathway for youth development and due to the financial situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organization was created as a partnership between U.S. Soccer and top level clubs across the country, emphasizing increased training with more competitive games versus more games in general, with the ultimate goal of producing world-class players.

The forward and upward motion of the logo's shape signifies the strategic growth and direction of the program.

The four stripes represent the four pillars of the Development Academy: excellence, pride, tradition, and education.

More information about best practices, the Birth Year Mandate, and further resources can be found on the U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives homepage.

The U-12 program was stopped at the end of the season 2018-2019 The Development Academy split the U-13/14 age group into single age groups to create foundation of the pathway at U-13 and U-14, to focus on individual player development.

The mission of the program is to provide education, resources and support to directly impact the everyday environment for clubs to develop world-class female players.

[7] On April 15, 2020, U.S. Soccer made the determination to end the operation of the Development Academy due to the financial situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

[8][9] The schedule of the Development Academy consists of a ten-month season which begins in September and finishes with championships in July.

Clubs take a break in league play during the winter due to weather conditions, but most continue to train.