The rising demands placed on soccer players dreaming of playing in college or beyond has led to the proliferation of virtual learning options.
One of the nation’s best programs spun off from a traditional brick-and-mortar school: YSC Advantage.
Originally launched in 2013 to serve the burgeoning Philadelphia Union Academy, the physical school, YSC Academy, currently has just under 100 students. With players recruited from around the country, it offers a learning environment tailored around the demands of high-level training sessions and games.
Five years after that, YSC Advantage was launched. Seeking to offer a human-centered approach to educating through virtual technology, the school places the student-athlete in the center. YSC Advantage is expertly curated and designed by Dr. Nooha Ahmed-Lee, Head of YSC Academy, based on rigorous research into adolescent learning and the most effective cognitive learning practices.The aim is to serve the player as he or she seeks to reach the highest level, pursuing dreams of playing at the professional level.
Of course, not every player will immediately reach those goals of becoming a pro, although both programs have facilitated the pro pathway: 30% of YSC Academy graduates have reached the professional level and 53% of YSC Advantage graduates currently play professionally. Keeping college soccer in the frame is also an important avenue for students-athletes who can earn an education and continue their careers on the field.
“We support students who are incredibly passionate and talented soccer players, dreaming of soccer careers, become high school graduates who are prepared for college academics/athletics or life as professional athletes,” Advantage Faculty member Susan Kroll said. “We do this by getting to know them, caring about their aspirations, personalizing schedules and curriculum, helping them manage their school and creating a balance of learning to fit their unique needs.”
Centering YSC Advantage around the student-athlete allows for a customizable plan to be drawn up. That keeps a player eligible for the NCAA, and there’s a long list of players that have graduated from Advantage to play at high-level men’s programs: Brown, Princeton, South Carolina and Virginia – just to name a few.
The flexibility offers players the chance to travel as needed, whether for youth national team camps and competition, competing as an amateur for a reserve team or play at a national event.
Here’s a look at a typical day for a student enrolled with YSC Advantage:
Day in the Life – YSC Advantage
• 7:30 a.m. Breakfast
• 8-9:30 a.m. Morning Team or Individual Training
• 10:00 a.m. Shower/Snack
• 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Classes (5 class periods with free periods, based on individual)
• 12:00 p.m. Break for Lunch
• Mid-Day IDP/Video/Gym Session
(extra academic help as needed)
• 3:30 p.m. Classes/Day Complete
• 4:00 p.m. Team Training
YSC Advantage is currently educating and supporting players at five MLS clubs, three youth amateur clubs and three European professional clubs.
To learn more about how YSC Advantage can provide educational solutions for organizations, leagues, clubs and/or individuals, please contact Jared Micklos at [email protected].
Prospective Student-Athletes interested in applying for YSC Advantage can submit an inquiry online.
Follow the program on Instagram @yscadvantage.
