Grande Sports AcademyAn athlete’s greatest dream is to play professionally. Grande Sports Academy is uniquely positioned to help our athletes accomplish that dream, while nurturing the importance of life skills and college-preparatory academics.

This is where young adults reach an unparalleled level of mental and physical development to maximize their potential and achieve their individual goals. As many of our past student-athletes have found, enrollment in Grande Sports Academy is the most important step towards performance excellence in soccer, academics and life.

Where Excellence Meets Opportunity

Core Values:

»Honesty

»Integrity

»Respect

»Commitment

»Discipline

»Teamwork

»Sportsmanship

“Picking my son up from the airport today and seeing how he is becoming a confident young man has helped us to believe that we made the right decision in sending him to GSW. Thanks to all of you for creating a safe, nurturing, and competitive environment that gives these young men an atmosphere that can help them make their dreams come true.”

Tammy F. – Grande Sports Academy Parent

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Grande Sports WorldGrande Sports Academy is located on the campus of Grande Sports World in Casa Grande, Arizona, just 45 minutes from Phoenix International Airport. Grande Sports World has quickly become one of the finest soccer training facilities in this country, and serves as a training destination for youth, professional and national teams from around the globe.

Completed in 2010 at a cost of $20 million, Grande Sports World is truly an athlete’s dream, boasting nine professional-grade championship-width soccer fields (six lighted); an impressive 58,000-square-foot training and conditioning performance center with top quality locker rooms; state-of-the-art training equipment for elite athletes; and two therapy pools for recovery and rehabilitation. The historic and beautifully appointed Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort is adjacent to the fields and performance center, and offers excellent accommodations for parents and guests.

Grande Sports World takes pride in offering players professional-grade fields that have been praised by World Cup and MLS coaches and players. The fields are just one of the reasons that Major League Soccer teams, Canada’s Olympic team, and even teams as far as Denmark, New Zealand and Africa come to train at Grande Sports World. These same fields and facilities are the everyday training ground for Grande Sports Academy students.

Where Excellence Meets Opportunity

Core Values:

»Honesty

»Integrity

»Respect

»Commitment

»Discipline

»Teamwork

»Sportsmanship

The GSA Commitment:Provide a safe environment away from home that nurtures and develops the individual talents of each student-athlete while instilling qualities of commitment, responsibility and teamwork.

Identify, develop and prepare student-athletes to be all they can be — personally, athletically and academically — and provide them with a foundation for success in all aspects of their lives.

Provide the finest youth soccer training environment in the nation.

Enhance the tactical and technical skills of our Academy athletes through competition against top-rated national and international teams.

Prepare young athletes for the next steps in their soccer career with the goal of college scholarships or professional contracts.

Here’s the best place to be, in the States, if you want to play like a European system. You’re surrounded by who you play with, so you get to know your teammates really well and build chemistry and train every day: and we have the best facility in the country.

Nico Muniz – Grande Sports Academy Graduate. Attained a professional contract from Real Salt Lake upon graduation.

The US Soccer Development AcademyThe US Soccer Development Academy is a partnership between US Soccer and the highest caliber youth academies around the country to provide the highest level of youth competition for the best youth players in the United States. The focus is to produce the next generation of National Team players.

The Academy’s programming philosophy of increased training, less total games and highly competitive games is based on US Soccer’s Best Practices. The Development Academy’s primary focus is player development, and Academy teams are required to train at least three days per week and rest one day per week during the Academy season.

The Academy connects US Soccer staff directly with the Development Academy clubs to develop and identify players for future Youth National Teams. Each Academy team is evaluated by a US Soccer Technical Advisor multiple times each year and each Academy club receives two formal evaluations from US Soccer. Additionally, the US Soccer Development Academy Program has a concentration of the best talent pool in the US for college coaches to identify and recruit players.

Real Salt Lake - Arizona is one of 80 academies selected to participate in the US Soccer Development Academy and the only development academy in the United States with a residency program and affiliation with a Major League Soccer team. It is the ideal place for players to play at the most elite level of youth soccer in the United States.

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Home of Real Salt Lake–AZ Academy

Grande Sports Academy Facts» Every GSA graduate has been offered a college scholarship or signed a

professional contract.

» Three GSA players have signed a professional contract with Real Salt Lake.

» One GSA player has signed a professional contract with Seattle Sounders

» One GSA player has signed a professional contract with a Brondby IF of the Danish Superliga League.

» One GSA player has signed a professional contract with Molde FK in the Tippeligaen, Norwegian’s top division.

» Seven RSL-AZ Academy players currently compete for US National Teams.

» Ten RSL-AZ Academy players played for the Real Salt Lake Reserve team.

» 2012 USSDA U16 Academy Player of the Year

» 2012 NSCAA All-Americans (2 players)

» 2012 USSDA West Conference U18 Player of the Year

» 2012 USSDA West Conference U16 Player of the Year

» 2012 USSDA West Conference U18 Starting XI (3 players)

» 2012 USSDA West Conference U16 Starting XI (2 players)

» 2011 USSDA Academy Coach of the Year

» 2011 USSDA Starting XI (2 players)4

A Professional AtmosphereReal Salt Lake has become a model club for Major League Soccer while enjoying great success in recent years, including winning the 2009 MLS Cup and finishing runner-up in the 2010/11 CONCACAF Champions League — the best finish ever by an American club.

Real Salt Lake has worked hard to build an organization that sets the bar for performance in Major League Soccer, and has developed a well-respected and successful style of attractive, attacking soccer. This culture of success, the professional atmosphere and approach to training and competition is conveyed from Real Salt Lake to Grande Sports Academy players who learn to “play the RSL way” and follow the parent club’s mantra: The Team is the Star.

Benefiting Our PlayersGrande Sports Academy/RSL-AZ players have the opportunity to:

» Receive multiple opportunities to showcase their talent to the Real Salt Lake coaching staff

» Train and compete with the Real Salt Lake first team in preseason at Grande Sports World and other venues.

» Travel to compete for Real Salt Lake in MLS Reserve League Matches with and against professional players

» Year-round exposure to the coaches, staff and the entire Real Salt Lake organization

» Participate in the Real Salt Lake Combine

» Watch and participate in MLS preseason friendlies on the Grande Sports World campus

Home of Real Salt Lake–AZ Academy

We’re training every day, sometimes twice a day, It’s helped a lot and is going to help me get to that next level.

Nick C. – Grande Sports Academy Player ”“

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The Grande Sports Academy coaching staff embraces the unique Real Salt Lake philosophy of training, and is recognized nationally and internationally for their professional playing and coaching experience – they have all played and coached at the highest levels – international, national teams, MLS and collegiate. Their total commitment and dedication is to youth development, training and coaching.

»Emphasis on individual field position, training and readiness

»Customized sustaining speed of play

»Strength and conditioning

»Effective, solid soccer builds character and confidence

»Technical and tactical awareness, as well as speed, ball control, strength and individual skill development for specific positions

»Total athlete

»Video analysis

»Mental toughness for competitive matches

Elite Coaching Staff Professional, Recognized and Accomplished

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Support StaffIn addition to the top-level coaching staff, there are numerous dedicated professionals at Grande Sports Academy to support the athletes and help them achieve and maintain their elite levels of performance, physically, mentally, nutritionally and personally.

Personal DevelopmentGrande Sports Academy is as committed to the development of the young athlete off the field as on the field. A growth mindset is the foundation of fulfilling individual potential and GSA provides just that environment.

Communication skills, life skills and individual personal development are integrated into the daily life at GSA.

The Director of Academic and Personal Development works with each student to establish personal goals. An initial assessment is completed by the Director and the students with input from the parents at the beginning of the academic/soccer year. Progress toward achieving these goals is the focus during the entire year.

Throughout the year, the students are exposed to the arts, music and culture by incorporating outside speakers, field trips and exposure to a wide variety of accomplished professionals.

Communication skills, both written and oral, are critical in life. Whether writing a college entrance essay or interviewing for a job, presenting oneself in the best possible manner is important to achieve a successful result.

The Director of Academic and Personal Development is responsible for organizing, coordinating and executing the personal and academic plan of each student. Open communication with parents is encouraged.

Real Salt Lake’s senior team has already reaped the benefits of the outstanding progress taking place at the Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy, even after just one season of operation. The high level of instruction provided by the RSL-AZ coaching staff has taught these talented youngsters how to play in RSL’s demanding system, in turn allowing us to seamlessly call up players for opportunities in MLS Reserve League contests.

Real Salt Lake’s long-term success on many fronts depends on how we develop our young talent on and off the field, and with the RSL-Arizona Academy serving as the focal point of our youth development system, we are confident this vision will succeed.

Jason Kreis – Real Salt Lake Head Coach

The Real Salt Lake-Arizona Academy has become a standout program in regards to youth development within Major League Soccer. To have blossomed to these great heights so quickly is a testament to the tremendous coaching and business staffs assembled and the world-class facilities available to the teams at Grande Sports World.

The RSL-AZ Academy will continue to draw some of this country’s most talented young soccer players, and any young man that wants to play professionally — in the US National Team system or collegiately — should know that he will have more chances to be scouted by some of America’s top coaches while at the RSL-Arizona Academy than anywhere else in the country.

Garth Lagerwey – Real Salt Lake Senior Vice President and General Manager

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Academy Life An Encouraging Environment

Residency — A Full-Time Focus on Achievement Students of Grande Sports Academy enjoy the benefits of full-time residency in a safe atmosphere focused on developing young athletes to become outstanding soccer players and exceptional young men. As the only soccer residency program in the United States affiliated with a Major League Soccer team – Real Salt Lake – GSA offers exposure to an unmatched level of performance and possibility.

On-Campus Learning and GrowingAcademy student-athletes live on campus and enjoy the opportunity to experience the life of a college setting. Each student-athlete will have a roommate for the school year and live in a comfortable room with ample space to study and relax. The dorms are located adjacent to the performance center and soccer fields, which creates an authentic student-athlete campus environment. Resident Advisors are available at all times to help students with any needs that may arise to insure a safe, friendly environment.

Academy ScheduleAt Grande Sports Academy, we believe in the importance of following a regimented, active daily schedule to strengthen the physical and mental health of our student-athletes.

Each day begins with a healthy breakfast, as it is imperative to start the day with a balanced, nutritional meal before heading off to school.

After school activities include studying, practicing and, of course, some “down” time to relax and rejuvenate for training. When you return to your residence after a full day of classes, you will go to study hall or a college preparatory life skill class.

Daily training is professional, fun and intense. The skills, discipline and fundamentals the athletes are taught on the field is first rate and directed by some of the world’s most esteemed coaches.

To round the day out, a hearty dinner follows training and curfew is at 10 p.m.

Weekends may include tournaments, practice and homework or chaperoned trips to the mall, sporting events, or movie theater. There are also regularly scheduled field trips to places like the Phoenix Symphony, or outings such as hiking excursions. To be well-rounded citizens, student-athletes take part in community service learning projects.

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Educational OptionsStudents at Grande Sports Academy presently have two high school educational options in Casa Grande: Vista Grande High School and Mission Heights Preparatory School. Parents and students are encouraged to evaluate both options and determine which school is most appropriate for each student.

Vista Grande has a mission, “to inspire excellence by providing globally competitive educational opportunities for all students”, directly in line with GSA’s goals of providing the best experience for its student-athletes. Opened in 2009, Vista Grande has a population of approximately 1,600 students and offers Advanced Placement courses, tutoring, college counseling and other support programs for Grande Sports Academy students.

A newly opened preparatory school, Mission Heights is smaller than Vista Grande and provides a more personalized level of education for students. With a maximum of only 500 students, Mission Heights’ mission is “to create an environment of academic success built on the pillars of college readiness, community service, civic duty, and self-discipline,” while helping students reach their ultimate potential. Mission Heights has a vision to prepare students to succeed at the nation’s top institutions of higher learning.

Vista Grande High School loves our Grande Sports Academy students. Our students had “I LOVE RSL Soccer” shirts made up to show them our support. The boys were polite and every teacher enjoyed having them in class.

Tim Hamilton, Vista Grande High School Principal

AcademicsLife at Grande Sports Academy is a dynamic mix of soccer, academics, personal development and fun.

The structured schedule of school and soccer training helps create a discipline that will lead to greater success on and off the field. Students travel to and from school together, and have ample training and study times before weekend matches. Through academic advising, directed study halls, college preparation, our Life Skills program, community service opportunities, and stimulating cultural and extracurricular activities, the Academy provides our student-athletes with the skills you need to succeed in the future.

Advantages of full-timeresidency at GSA:»Train in an environment that is the

highest level of youth soccer in the United States

»Academic development

»Off-field development—strength and conditioning, nutrition

»Personal development

»Daily interaction with the Academy coaches who are accomplished former professional players and coaches

»Maximum exposure to college coaches

»Opportunity to compete against international teams training at Grande Sports World

»Opportunity to compete for positions and play with the Real Salt Lake Reserve team

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Developing Youth Soccer PlayersOur programs are designed to help athletes achieve tangible results with the help of former professional soccer players and coaches, whose backgrounds include coaching numerous elite and professional athletes, collegiate national champions, and All-Americans.

The focus of the coaching staff is to develop players who possess the skill and soccer IQ to compete at the next level. Specifically, the Grande Sports Academy philosophy is to develop attacking-minded, creative soccer players who have the ability to play comfortably with the ball at their feet. Additionally, there’s a real focus on the plan for each session and each match, where players know their roles individually and collectively. While the directive from Real Salt Lake is 100% focused on player development, winning and lasting success are the by-products of training and developing players properly.

The training facilities, including the fields and fully-equipped gym, are first-rate, as are the living quarters and restaurant. Everything is in close proximity, which is very convenient. In addition, the entire staff at Grande Sports World are professional and very accommodating.

Teitur Thordarson – Former Head Coach Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Grande Sports Academy FactOver 100 college coaches from top soccer programs have visited Grande Sports World and hundreds more observed our Real Salt Lake – AZ teams compete in the Dallas Cup, US Soccer Development Academy Showcases, National Playoffs, the US Soccer Development Finals, the Generation Adidas Tournament and other tournaments and events during the year.

Healthy Minds and Bodies A Focus on NutritionOur specially crafted sports nutrition program helps support vigorous training and energy demands, all while promoting the health and wellness of our athletes. Students are instructed on how to daily fuel and hydrate their bodies. Consistency in sports nutrition and communicating correct nutritional habits to our student athletes is essential, as all daily meals at GSA are prepared to supply each athlete with a balanced diet of the right carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and fluids to fuel them for training, peak performance and proper recovery.

In addition to the nutrition education provided by Athletes Performance and our coaches, the meal program for our students is guided by a nutritionist who insures that menus for our students are well-defined and nutritiously balanced.

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“Nico Muniz – Grande Sports Academy Graduate

Joined Real Salt Lake in 2011

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Performance Training Renowned as the global leader for integrated performance training, nutrition and physical therapy for elite athletes, Athletes’ Performance (AP) provides Grande Sports Academy with the identical performance and conditioning services used by the US National team.

AP, the preferred source of performance training for the world’s top athletes, prepares our athletes to get the most out of their bodies by increasing strength, endurance and flexibility—leading to increased productivity and decreased injury.

Mark Verstegen, founder of AP and the training advisor for the US Men’s National Team, and AP have trained the German National Soccer Team since 2006, which has enabled the German team to achieve extraordinary success in Europe and in the 2006 World Cup. AP has also offered training services at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles since 1993 and supported gold medal-winning Olympic teams, MLS champions and all-stars in every major sport.

In addition to providing our athletes with the world-class instruction by AP, the physical training facilities at Grande Sports World are second to none in the US, and few soccer teams in the world have the quality of facilities available to the student-athletes at the Grande Sports Academy. The number of MLS teams and international teams that have come to train at Grande Sports World substantiates the superior facilities and fields available for Grande Sports Academy students.

It’s easier to come out and train. It’s easier to recover. It’s just comfortable — and it gives us the opportunity to be a team with the distractions out of the way.

Sigi Schmid – Head Coach, Seattle Sounders FC

Mark Verstegen (center), founder of Athletes’ Performance and athletic trainer for the US National Team.

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Life Skills ProgramThe Grande Sports Academy realizes that high school is a time where your decisions off the field can change the course of your life.

The Life Skills program is a comprehensive behavior approach that concentrates on developing the skills teenagers need for a successful life, such as communication, decision making, critical thinking, managing emotions, self esteem building, resisting peer pressure, and relationship skills. The program moves beyond providing information and adopts an interactive approach using games, role-playing, group discussions, and other dynamic teaching techniques to keep participants involved in the sessions.

»Study Skills/Time

Management

»Self-Esteem and Identity

»Nutrition

»Professionalism

»Hygiene

»Values

»Goals and Careers

»Communication

»Conflict Management

»Team Building

»Community/Leadership

Life Skills Topics:

Athletic Classroom SessionsThe classroom sessions are a key component at Grande Sports Academy. Coaches educate players and help them develop and improve their soccer “IQ” by showing game film, evaluating team/self performance through video analysis, and formulating team tactical strategies.

Exceptional Academic SupportAt the Grande Sports Academy, players are provided with comprehensive and personalized academic support to help them accomplish their goals off the soccer field. Upon arrival at the academy, each player will meet with the Director of Academic and Personal Development to discuss their athletic and academic goals. Parents and coaches are also a part of this discussion. After evaluating the student’s academic and athletic achievements, a detailed individualized program is developed to assist you to reach your goals.

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For Prospective College Athletes: Our Director of Academic and Personal Development and our coaches assist students through the unique college admissions process for student-athletes.

When our players compete in tournaments, college coaches are on the sidelines. Our coaches have continuing dialogue with top college coaches, which enables our players to obtain greater exposure than any other soccer academy in the country.

The Next Level of Education — College Preparatory Programs Our Director of Academic and Personal Development helps students navigate through the college admissions process by providing one-on-one counseling and closely monitoring grades and college requirements to assist students working towards their goals. Our Director of Academic and Personal Development also facilitates group seminars on college application preparation, essay writing, standardized test preparation, and scholarships.

Grande Sports Academy Fact100% of GSA graduates have been offered a college scholarship or have signed a professional contract. Six GSA players have signed a professional contract.

I feel like I’ve really matured as a player, so when I head off to college I’ll be ready to step in and play.

Matt Bersano – Grande Sports Academy Graduate. Scholarship Recipient, Oregon State University.

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It’s way different than club soccer, there’s actually more intensity, more speed.

David Flores – Grande Sports Academy Graduate. Scholarship Recipient, Loyola-Marymount

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Thank you for not only providing a wonderful soccer environment for my son (and the other boys), but for making an effort to provide a fully enriching environment. Really above and beyond. We have never seen him happier. He loves living there!

Brenlie N. – Grande Sports Academy Parent (son received a full scholarship from UCLA as a junior)

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Other Programs at Grande Sports Academy & Grande Sports WorldProfessional soccer teams and organizations from around the world regularly come for training to Grande Sports World. Visiting teams and coaches offer a host of new and unique opportunities for Grande Sports Academy students.

FIFA and the US Soccer Federation have come to Grande Sports World to conduct coaching licensing courses. Grande Sports Academy students are often able to train with coaches from around the world and gain exposure to different coaching philosophies and styles, as well as experience the varied cultural differences that these organizations bring to the campus.

Grande Sports Academy student-athletes get to interact with some of the top professional soccer players in the world as they come to train at Grande Sports World. Teams that have trained and played games at Grande Sports World include:

CAMPS & CLINICSGrande Sports Academy and Real Salt Lake – Arizona also host camps and clinics throughout the year. The camps are an ideal way to experience Grande Sports Academy and to learn more about the unique opportunity it provides. Visit GrandeSports.com for an updated list of upcoming programs, camps, events and dates.

» Real Salt Lake

» Seattle Sounders FC

» Vancouver FC

» New York Red Bulls

» Chivas USA

» Colorado Rapids

» Portland Timbers

» FC Dallas

» Sporting KC

» LA Galaxy

» Columbus Crew

» New England Revolution

» Houston Dynamos

» Montreal Impact

» DC United

» FC Edmonton (NASL)

» New Zealand U17 World Cup Team

» Rwanda U17 World Cup Team

» Canadian Olympic Team

» Denmark Mens National Team

» Denmark Mens U23 National Team

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Hotel

Dorms

Golf Course/PracticeFacilities

Performance Center

Soccer Fields

About Arizona Grande Sports Academy is located in Casa Grande, AZ, about 45 minutes south of Phoenix International Airport.

Situated halfway between the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas, Grande Sports Academy is located where the sun shines 330 days a year. Additionally, Arizona is a popular destination for travelers who seek some of the finest golf courses and resorts in the world.

Grande Sports Academy is located adjacent to the legendary Francisco Grande Hotel and Golf Resort. The resort provides the perfect accommodations for family and friends who can play a round of golf or relax by the pool in between watching soccer matches.

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Search Term: Grande Sports Academy twitter.com/GrandeSportsA

GrandeSports.com

12684 West Gila Bend Highway » Casa Grande, AZ 85193 Toll Free 877.909.9777 » Local 520.381.8111 » academy@grandesports.com

Our Growing List

» Stanford University

» Georgetown University

» University of Virginia

» Clemson University

» UCLA

» Loyola Marymount University

» Marquette University

» University of Washington

» University of Wisconsin

» Oregon State University

» Gonzaga University

» Boston University

» Stony Brook University

» University of Denver

» California State University – San Bernardino

» Gardner-Webb University

» University of Wisconsin

» University of Seattle

» High Point University

» United States Air Force Academy

» University of Louisville

» University of California Irvine

» University of South Carolina

» San Diego State University

» Grand Canyon University

» University of New Mexico

» University of Dayton

» Elon University

» Northwest Nazarene University

» University of the Incarnate Word

» Long Island University

» Yavapai College

» University of Nebraska Omaha

» College of Charleston

» Southern Methodist University

» University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

» Liberty University

Colleges & Universities where GSA Graduates Earned Scholarships

Jordan Allen, 2012 USSDA U16 Academy Player of the Year, 2012 US Men’s National Team member, 2012 USSDA U16 West Conference Player of the Year and 2012 USSDA West Conference U16 Starting XI.