Sporting Development League

Promoting Player & Coach Development

Sporting Development League (SDL) is an independent youth soccer league featuring Academy Affiliate clubs from across the region.

Player and coach development is provided in cooperation with the SKC Academy.

The league consists of clubs in the U11 (2013) & U12 (2012) age groups. The top-level teams from each club will play a minimum six-game season with a flexible schedule that offers freedom to participate in additional leagues and tournaments throughout the season.

League Objective

SDL provides a competitive and more importantly, a developmental opportunity for players and coaches from each of the selected Affiliate clubs.

League Philosophy

SDL is an opportunity for the selected Academy Affiliate players and coaches to engage with Sporting KC Youth Soccer, Sporting KC Academy and continue their development.

Through this league, we strive to create safe and healthy competitive environments where players and coaches can solely focus on their development.

Fall 2023 League Schedule

Fall 2023 League Standings

Participating Teams

Competition Format

AGE GROUP	FORMAT	LENGTH	FIELD SIZE	BALL SIZE	GOAL SIZE	SUBS
U11	7v7	3 x 15 min	75 x 50 - 75 x 55	4	16' x 7'	Rolling
U12	7v7	3 x 15 min	75 x 50 - 75 x 55	4	16' x 7'	Rolling

League Benefits

Registration is free! There are no additional fees for teams invited to participate in Sporting Development League.
Opportunity to play in a competitive and professional environment league against the top teams & talent in the Midwest region
The league has a sole focus on development for the selected Academy Affiliate clubs, players and coaches that are involved
Identification opportunities for U12 Academy Affiliate boys linking them to the SKC Academy staff
Coaching education initiatives and collaboration between Academy Affiliate & SKC Academy staff
Referees that work SDL have the opportunity to be evaluated by an on-site assessor with the goal to help to develop their skills and knowledge to better enforce the game

Player Development Initiatives

Field sizes to allow for more player actions in a single match
Shorter time periods to facilitate a higher intensity and quality of play
Rolling substitutions in the U11 & U12 age groups to allow for less stoppage of play
7v7 Game format in the U11 & U12 age groups

Coach Development Initiatives

Game model development and improvement
Collaboration between Affiliate and SKC Academy coaches in game principle development
Access to online webinars hosted by SKC Academy coaches