In order to make sure you have everything you need to know about our Regional Development Schools, we've put answers to our most frequently-asked questions here:
What is the RDS?
The Regional Development School is a supplemental training program for advanced level soccer players. Participants try out to earn a place in the program each season. Upon acceptance into the program, players train on a weekly basis with Atlanta United’s professional coaching staff.
What are the benefits of the RDS program?
The RDS is focused on individual player development and is designed to compliment a players existing training schedule with their teams. Players take ownership of their development by working on technical elements of their game in addition to understanding how that fits in to their overall game.
Who is eligible to sign up for the RDS?
Anyone is able to sign up for the tryout process. Players are then selected for the program each season based on ability. Training is meant to be supplemental to a players team training, which should come first in the event of a conflict.
Does the RDS program include goalkeepers?
Yes. The RDS contains a training program for goalkeepers. Goalkeepers train in small groups with a dedicated goalkeeper coach for an hour before joining the field groups for the end of session games.
Where does the RDS train?
The RDS is located in various locations around the greater Atlanta area. While some locations may share fields with local soccer clubs, they are not club specific and are open to registration regardless of club affiliation.
Can I sign up for multiple tryouts?
Yes, but only if you plan to participate at multiple locations. Upon acceptance, billing is processed automatically.
Can I tryout at one location for consideration at another?
Unfortunately, you cannot try out in one location for consideration for a different location. This is due to the large volume of players we see at tryouts.
What do I do if I have a tryout conflict?
We appreciate that the soccer calendar is a busy one and there are likely going to be calendar conflicts along the way. If a particular tryout doesn’t work, we encourage players to pick an alternate location for the season or tryout the following season with us. Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate alternate tryout requests due to the volume of players in the program.
When does registration open?
Registration typically opens up a month before the program starts. To find out first, please consider subscribing to be notified of upcoming programs.
I haven’t received any follow up information after signing up – when will I hear more?
Confirmation e-mails will be sent the day 24-48 hours prior to the program start date to ensure we reach out to all those that have signed up. This e-mail will contain all necessary information for the tryout process.
Do I have to try out?
Tryouts are in place to ensure a high level training environment. Players must try out each season, regardless of whether they’ve made the program before or not.
I’m going to miss a session, can I make it up at another location?
Unfortunately we do not offer session make ups. If you anticipate a lot of conflicts within the current season, we ask that you consider signing up next time around instead.
What happens if a session is cancelled, how will I know?
If a session is cancelled we will reach out via e-mail as far in advance as possible.
Will my child receive a player evaluation?
All players who participate in the RDS will receive an RDS Player Evaluation at the end of the season. RDS Player Evaluations are designed to offer players insights to their sessions as well as actionable feedback to continue their development. RDS Player Evaluations are sent within four weeks of the program closing. If you have not received one within four weeks, please reach out to rds@atlutd.com.
What do the scores mean on the RDS Player Evaluation?
The player scorecards were created to give players that wow factor and inspire them to keep practicing and improving in future RDS sessions. They are not used to compare players or for UTD Juniors/ ATL UTD Academy recommendations. Parents are encouraged to place emphasis on the written feedback as this is more actionable for players to put into practice and develop their game.
My child is currently in the RDS program – what are the next steps to the program?
Girls and boys within the program are constantly under consideration for RDS Showcase recommendations each season. Players who earn RDS Showcase recommendations will then be invited to our annual RDS Showcase Event.
How does my child earn consideration for the RDS Showcase, UTD Juniors / ATL UTD Academy programs?
Players who are successful in making the RDS program are constantly evaluated by their coaches. At the end of each season coaches have the ability to recommend players for our RDS Showcase, UTD Juniors or ATLUTD Academy programs.
My child didn’t receive an RDS Showcase recommendation – should we keep doing the program?
We find that players develop at different rates and a lot changes in a short space of time at this stage in a child’s development. Players are encouraged to keep honing their craft and showcasing their ability within the RDS in order to earn a recommendation in the future. Player development doesn’t happen overnight. The RDS is available for players to focus on their individual development and technical proficiency.
Additionally, participating in the RDS program is the only way on to our RDS Camps.
What is the RDS Camps EIN?
Our EIN is 37-1755161
I’d like to sign up for an RDS Camp – where can I find the registration link?
RDS Camps are exclusive to those that have gone through our tryout process in the previous 12 months. Participants that meet this criteria will be periodically sent RDS Camp registration information. For more information, email us at rds@atlutd.com.
