USL Announces Partnership with Soccer Mindset Academy

The United Soccer League has announced a partnership with Soccer Mindset Academy (SMA), which becomes the Preferred Youth Mindset Wellness and Education Services Partner for all USL properties. Soccer Mindset Academy is welcomed as the newest member of the USL’s Preferred Supplier Program, which has grown rapidly alongside the organization to provide high-caliber products and services to its leagues and clubs over the past two years.

Soccer Mindset Academy joins the program following the announcement of United Soccer League’s latest property, USL Academy. As this youth initiative evolves, SMA will deliver highly effective online peak performance mindset training for players competing around the country via their interactive and convenient digital platform and app.

The SMA is passionate about supporting young soccer players as they seek to realize their potential both on and off the pitch. Users of the platform and app benefit from increased resilience and boosted confidence which leads to improved performance and positive mental well-being. Clubs in turn benefit from increased retention, team cohesion, improved performance, and a great professional edge.

The SMA content covers key mindset fundamentals as well as teaching skills, tools, and techniques used by world-class soccer players. Each module is designed to create life-long habits that improve each of the core elements of peak performance mindset, providing short and effective workouts that take just 5-10 minutes per day.

“We’re excited to bring on Soccer Mindset Academy as the newest member of the Preferred Supplier Program,” said Liam O’Connell, USL Sr. Director of Youth Development. “As we continue to build out our USL Academy platform, and as our clubs in the Championship, League One and League Two form affiliate relationships with their local youth clubs, a big emphasis will be put on creating a holistic player development experience within these pathways.”
 
“Developing the proper mindset and mental skills at a young age, especially in finding ways to overcome adversity, is critical for players to reach the professional ranks of the game. Having partners like Soccer Mindset Academy design tools to help their players with this specific area of their development will be a huge asset to provide to our clubs.” 

“SMA is really proud to add the USL to our community of forward-thinking partners, organizations who understand the importance of mental skills training for their players and coaches,” said Yal Bekar, CEO of Soccer Mindset Academy. “The USL, alongside partners such as the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program and United Soccer Coaches, shares our mission to help young players realize their potential both on and off the pitch. We are excited that the topic of mindset for young players is being shared with such a great number of dedicated people.

“We’re also super-excited to be launching the USL Mindset Challenge in February 2020. This challenge is USL-wide and aims to engage all of the USL’s young players in a fun competition with a great prize and enormous benefits in terms of their growth, mental well-being and performance.” 

Through its Preferred Supplier Program, the USL connects suppliers with new franchise owners and existing USL clubs in order to deliver the best possible experience for fans across North America. Preferred suppliers are “Best in Class” companies that provide services and products to professional franchises and stadium developers and must meet the USL’s strict quality standards. The USL is currently in discussions with suppliers that support stadium development, as well as the buildout of team front offices and operations.

For more information on the USL Preferred Supplier Program, contact Josh Keller at Josh.Keller@uslsoccer.com.

For more information on Soccer Mindset Academy and how to join the USL Mindset Challenge, contact yal@soccermindsetacademy.com and visit www.soccermindsetacademy.com.