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TAMPA, Fla. – For the first time, the best U-20 Elite division side at the USL Pathway Classic can book an early spot in the 2025 USL Academy Finals later this year.
Eight teams will compete in the U-20 Elite division at the Tournament Sportsplex of Tampa Bay in the inaugural USL Pathway Classic in April. The division will be split into two groups of four, and clubs will compete in a round-robin group stage across the first three rounds of competition.
On the final day, the winner of each group will go head-to-head for a trophy and an automatic entry into the 2025 USL Academy Finals, provided the club completes a full Academy League season with no forfeits. If the winner of the Pathway Classic also wins their Academy League division, the second-place club in league play will earn a bid to the Academy Finals.
This addition raises the stakes for the best clubs and players that USL Academy has to offer and further incentivizes teams to leave everything out on the pitch during every match.
“We are thrilled to announce this integration between the USL Pathway Classic and Academy Finals,” said Lucas Ohlman, USL Academy Director of Operations. “Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed the impact of this group and the exceptional quality it brings to our events. Achieving success in this division is no small feat, and we believe its champion should be celebrated and rewarded.”
The 2025 USL Pathway Classic will kick off on April 24 and feature both USL Academy and USL Youth clubs across four exciting days of competition. To learn more about the USL Pathway Classic, visit the league website at https://www.usl-academy.com/
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(Have a story suggestion for the Premier Media Group and the National Soccer Network regarding club/youth soccer, high school varsity, amateur soccer, collegiate soccer or professional soccer involving teams, players or coaches with ties to a particular state or states, contact Web and Content Editor/Director of News Dan Stickradt via email at dstickradt@thepremiermediagrp.com, or call 248-525-2349. Dan Stickradt is a 32-year veteran of the Michigan and national media circles and recently joined the staff full time at PMG in March of 2024. Want to schedule a broadcast game or live show, contact PMG/NSN Director of Broadcasting Jonathan Turner for availability and pricing at jonathan@thepremiermediagrp.com.)
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