[DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY] In August, U.S. Soccer announced it would be adding a U-13/14 division to the Development Academy and it's now accepting applications for the 10-month program that begins in fall of 2013. On Nov. 6 at 1 pm ET, U.S. Soccer is holding a public webinar on the program conducted by Director of Scouting Tony Lepore.

Launched in 2007 with 64 clubs fielding teams in U-15/16 and U-17/18 divisions, the Academy is currently comprised of 80 clubs.

The U-13/14 program will consist of fall and spring outdoor leagues run by U.S. Soccer, a winter futsal program, and a limited number of regional and national events.

"The U-13/14 Development Academy program introduces younger players to meaningful competition on a consistent basis without placing unreasonable travel demands on them," said Lepore. "At these younger ages, it's critical for players to spend as much time as possible in training and free play environments instead of airplanes, cars and hotel rooms, so we are designing a program with a more local format than the older ages in the Academy program."

The deadline for clubs to submit the online application, available here, is Dec. 1, 2012.

To access the public webinar (Nov. 6, 1 pm ET), go here and click “enter as guest.” Space will be limited.