The Premier Development League (PDL) is a first step to the pros. Already known as the highest level of amateur soccer in North America, the PDL can now claim to be the only true developmental league for professional soccer. PDL owners voted prior to the 2000 season to transform the league into a U23 entity creating an opportunity for college players to fine tune their skills for future pro careers in the US or overseas. Pro coaches view the PDL as a key factor in the ever-growing player identification process, as well as, a direct route for those collegians that have a goal to play at the professional level. The league also plays a role in strengthening the college game. College coaches agree the PDL helps players to elevate their skills during the off season-all within the NCAA guidelines.

BENEFITS

• College preparation: This high level of competitive play week in and week out in the summer months (May through the last week of July) will give the player invaluable preparation for the college season.

• Possible Pro Career: PDL is a direct feeder system to MLS and the USL 1st and 2nd Divisions. This is where the pro coaches look first.

• F.C. Fredericksburg Gunners’ System: As part of the F.C. Fredericksburg Gunners PDL team, the player will be exposed to the Gunners’ fully integrated soccer club from the Super Y-League to the Super 20’s and finally to the PDL.

• Can college players play in the PDL and retain their college eligibility? Yes! The PDL is an amateur league affiliated with the United States Amateur Soccer Association.  College players participating in the league sign amateur registration forms with PDL clubs.

PDL Season 2008

 • The F.C. Fredericksburg Gunners will compete in the Mid-Atlantic Division (Eastern Conference) in the Premier Development League (PDL) in 2008. The Mid-Atlantic Division will consist of  9 teams: Richmond Kickers Future (VA), West Virginia Chaos (WV), the Williamsburg Legacy (VA), the Northern Virginia Royals (VA), the Virginia Beach Submariners (VA), Reading Rage (PA), Delaware Dynasty (DE), and Ocean City Barons (NJ). The PDL will play a 16 game schedule that runs from the second week of May to the third week in July with the National Finals being the first weekend of August. The top two teams in each division (a total of 16) advance to a single elimination playoff vying for the 2007 PDL Championship to be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel.

COST

• There is no cost to tryout.

TRYOUTS

The F.C. Fredericksburg Gunners’ will be looking to offer the opportunity of the PDL to local Fredericksburg players: both those currently playing in state and out of state college soccer, to all others attending local universities, and to outstanding high school seniors.

For futher information or to request a tryout, download and fill out the 2008 PDL Player Information Sheet and e-mail it to: Christian Neagu at cneagu@fcfred.com.

GO GUNNERS!!