2012-13 Development Academy Playoffs and Showcase kicks off at FC Dallas Park in Frisco, Texas

CHICAGO – The U.S. Soccer 2012-13 Development Academy Playoffs and Showcase kicked off on Monday and runs through Friday, June 28 at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas, with 32 of the top teams in the United States competing in the U-15/16 and U-17/18 age groups.

Development Academy Playoffs and Showcase – a culmination of the teams’ 10-month-long season – based on their regular season records. The teams that finish in first place in their respective groups will qualify for 2013 Finals Week from July 14-20 in Houston, Texas. U.S. Soccer covers all expenses for teams at Finals Week.

All of the Academy Playoff games will be scouted by National Team scouts.

Teams were separated into four pots and drawn into eight groups of four, and teams could not be drawn into a group with another team from its division. Each team will play three group games over four days.

[ + Click here to view 2012-13 Playoff groups ]

The 2012-13 Development Academy Playoffs and Showcase will also feature educational events for coaches, including a futsal presentation by National Team Coach Keith Tozer.