ELITE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Our Mission
The Elite Youth Development Program (EYDP) was created to provide a year-round training environment for serious, committed players of all levels — regardless of club affiliation. Our mission is to deliver a sustainable pathway for technical, tactical, physical, and mental growth in a supportive yet highly competitive setting that mirrors the standards of elite academies around the world.
EYDP is designed to complement club commitments, not replace them — offering players the opportunity to receive purposeful, structured training that enhances their development without conflict. Whether a player dreams of reaching ECNL, college soccer, or simply wants to grow into the best version of themselves, EYDP provides the coaching, culture, and consistency to make that possible.
The EYDP Tiers:
Grassroots (Ages 6–12):
Designed for players still building their technical foundation, this tier is divided into two groups based on level and readiness. The focus is on ball mastery, coordination, decision-making, and confidence-building in a positive, structured environment.
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Junior (Ages 6–12):
For players ready to train with higher intensity, this tier introduces more advanced technical demands, tactical concepts, and a competitive training culture. Players are separated into two groups based on level and commitment.
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Senior (Ages 13–18):
Our most advanced training tier, divided into Group A and Group B based on performance and readiness. Group A is reserved for high-performing players competing or preparing for top-level environments such as ECNL, college, and national competition.
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We believe that football is more than just a game — it’s a platform to build discipline, confidence, and character. At Lincoln Football Academy, EYDP is where passion meets professionalism, and where players train with purpose — to rise, compete, and become complete footballers.
EYDP
Developomental Phases
The Elite Youth Development Program operates as a season-long training system designed to provide consistent, high-level development throughout the year. Each season runs for 10–12 weeks and is offered during Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, giving players the opportunity to train year-round in a structured, progressive environment.
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Players are placed into one of three development phases based on age and ability, with sessions held once per week:
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Grassroots: Fridays | 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
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Junior: Fridays | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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Senior: Wednesdays | 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM​
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Placement into each phase is determined by the coaching staff following an initial player evaluation. Our goal is to place every athlete in the environment that best suits their current stage of development. As players progress or face new challenges, movement between groups may occur mid-season based on performance, commitment, and growth. This ensures that every player is constantly being pushed at the right level — and supported every step of the way.
SPRING SEASON
March 7th - April 25th
SUMMER PROGRAM
Summer 1: June 2nd - June 27th
Summer 2: July 7th - August 1st
FALL SEASON
August 29th - November 14th
WINTER SEASON
January 9th - February 13th
Hugo Salcedo
Academy & EYDP Director
Coach Hugo Salcedo is a dedicated and forward-thinking football educator whose impact on Lincoln Football Academy has been both foundational and transformational. His coaching journey began at the early age of 18 with FC Force European School, where he demonstrated a rare combination of maturity, technical knowledge, and leadership from the outset.
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While earning his Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, Hugo further honed his craft as an Assistant Coach with the University of North Texas Women’s Soccer Program, gaining valuable experience at the collegiate level and deepening his understanding of athlete development in high-performance environments.
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Over the past three years, Coach Hugo has played a pivotal role in the growth and evolution of Lincoln Football Academy. His commitment to delivering extraordinary, purposeful training has been instrumental in helping LFA establish itself as one of the premier youth development environments in the region. From curriculum design to player mentorship, Hugo’s influence can be felt in every layer of the academy’s culture and standards.
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Before the transition to Solar SC, Hugo was a key figure in the rise of Lincoln FC, contributing to its identity, methodology, and success on the field. His unwavering dedication to the academy’s vision, and to the growth of every player within it, continues to be a driving force behind Lincoln’s pursuit of excellence.
"I don't run away from a challenge because I am afraid. Instead, I run toward it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet."
- Nadine Angerer
