Overview
Introduced in the 2019/20 Montana Development Program season, Montana Youth Soccer is introducing two sub-programs to MDP. The introduction of these sub-programs is meant to improve MDP by providing players with more effective and pertinent soccer opportunities based on their age and level.
Birth Years: The MDP Junior Academy will be available for players born 2006 through 2009.
Structure: Players will enjoy a development focused program through 1-2 training weekends a month along with various events during the season, all with some of the best club and college coaches in Montana.
Placement: Players will be placed on either the State Team or Pool Team for their respective age groups after the Identification (ID) events are complete.
Identification
Junior Academy Identification is scheduled for August 8-9 in Helena.
Saturday, August 8 ID: These sessions will be by invite only for 2006-2009 players. Invites will be based on recommendation of Montana Youth Soccer member clubs. Session #1 - 1-2:30pm, Session #2 - 4-5:30pm.
Sunday, August 9 ID: These sessions will be an open event for all 2006-2009 players from across the state that are interested in being part of the program. An invite is not needed to attend. Session #1 - 10-11:30am, Session #2 - 1-2:30pm.
MDP coaches will evaluate each participating player based on a variety of on-field areas. At the conclusion of the ID process, players will be placed on either the State Team or Pool Team for their age group based on their evaluation(s). No players will be cut from the program.
Two Regions
MDP consists of two (2) regions. The state is split between the East region and the West region. These regions only apply to the Junior Academy.
- The East will consist of Billings, Bozeman and Butte, as well as the surrounding areas to these communities.
- The West will consist of Kalispell, Missoula, Helena and Great Falls, as well as the surrounding areas to these communities.
Season Schedule
Pool teams and State teams will each train once a month. Training will begin in late August and conclude in March. The Event schedule for MDP Juniors will mostly consist of the same events as previous seasons, with some potential changes.