UDA SOCCER PROGRAM
I HAVE BEEN OFFERED SPOT IN THE ACADEMY, HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO ACCEPT?
Typically we look to recruit 15 new players/students each year into each program, however this number can sometimes be more or less depending on our roster needs. You are encouraged to accept your spot as early as possible to ensure your spot on the team is secured. Your $1300 deposit is 100% refundable should you complete an application into one of the universities and not be accepted. Your deposit secures your spot and signals to UDA your commitment and that we don't need to recruit another player to offer your spot to.
WHEN DO STUDENTS ARRIVE FOR PRESEASON?
As we play year round, players will report to campus in mid August. UDA will host a team meeting and training session, which will include orientation for new students with UDA staff and a campus tour.
HOW MANY PLAYERS ARE IN THE UDA PROGRAM?
We run two squads of 22-25 players (2 GKS and 18-23 outfield as a preference), with no more than 50 players within the program. We have a U-19 as well that is a mix of our freshman who are young enough and some local players to facilitate more matches for players.
In order to ensure that we meet and provide a positive experience for all students selected for the program, we do not over recruit. And we recruit by position.
In order to ensure that we meet and provide a positive experience for all students selected for the program, we do not over recruit. And we recruit by position.
HOW LONG IS MY SEASON?
We play a ten month season from mid August through June with a two week break for Christmas. However, please note our competitive leagues play some games in early January and can continue into July and August. You may need to be available for those games.
HOW MANY GAMES DO I PLAY?
On average we have played over 35 games per year, and each player enrolled into the program is guaranteed involvement in a minimum of 25 competitive games per year for development.
We keep track of every player’s minutes played. Some players will play over 25 games a season depending on the squad they are playing with.
We keep track of every player’s minutes played. Some players will play over 25 games a season depending on the squad they are playing with.
WHAT LEAGUE DO I PLAY IN?
Our teams play in:
Both teams will play in friendly matches with USL sides El Paso Locomotives and New Mexico United 2-6 times a year.
- UDA Maroon - United Premier Soccer League & Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup
- UDA White - United Premier Soccer League & NIRSA College League
Both teams will play in friendly matches with USL sides El Paso Locomotives and New Mexico United 2-6 times a year.
DO I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL MY SECOND OR THIRD YEAR TO GET PLAYING TIME?
All players are offered the opportunity to play within the top tier team regardless of their year. Players are selected based on performance, not year group.
WHAT IS THE CURRENT UDA RETENTION RATE?
The retention rate for the UDA program is over 85+ percent.
ACADEMIC & ADMISSIONS
DO I NEED TO TAKE THE SAT OR ACT?
The universities will use the SAT and ACT as part of their admission decision. However, they look holistically at an application, taking into consideration transcripts, AP classes and AP scores as well as college credit.
DO AP CLASSES COUNT AS PART OF THE ACADEMIC ADMITTANCE PROCESS?
Yes, AP classes count but need to be related to the degree course you are seeking. For example, if you are interested in studying business then you might consider enrolling in AP Economics, or AP finance etc. If you are unsure which AP classes to sign up for please contact Brian Haley at [email protected].
IS THERE FAFSA?
Yes, NMSU uses FAFSA. New Mexico State University’s school code is: 002657.
DACC: E00876
DACC: E00876
WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT FINANCIAL AID?
WHAT ABOUT HEALTH INSURANCE?
Utilize your parents health insurance. There are student services for health care on campus.
IS THERE SUPPORT FOR ACADEMICS?
Each of our UDA academies has a student support officer outside of the normal support each university provides. Induction packets are sent out to each incoming player/student to provide helpful guidance in order to get to know the students prior to arrival. The major role of the support officer is to provide social, cultural and emotional support for students in order to help them succeed within their studies and gain the most from their experience.
Note: The student support officer along with the coaching staff will monitor the required UDA 90% percent class attendance policy for students in order to be eligible for training or playing in games.
Note: The student support officer along with the coaching staff will monitor the required UDA 90% percent class attendance policy for students in order to be eligible for training or playing in games.
WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?
All freshman students are guaranteed placement at a dorm if they so choose. There are many options and UDA can help guide you through your decision for your first year.
There is a range of choices for accommodation, both on as well as off campus. Learn more using the links below: https://housing.nmsu.edu/
There is a range of choices for accommodation, both on as well as off campus. Learn more using the links below: https://housing.nmsu.edu/
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY ACCOMMODATION?
We recommend bringing bedding— You can also buy utensils for cooking and eating if you plan to choose to cook for yourself.
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR MEAL PLANS?
Many students choose from the different meal options.
More information can be found here: https://dining.nmsu.edu/
More information can be found here: https://dining.nmsu.edu/
AM I ALLOWED TO WORK WHILE I STUDY?
Yes, students can work either on campus or off campus. On campus you can work up to 20 hours per week.
TRAVEL & LOGISTICS
WHEN CAN I ARRIVE PRIOR TO THE START OF CLASSES?
You can choose a move-in date shortly before classes start.
WHAT AIRPORT SHOULD I ARRIVE AT?
El Paso International Airport
HOW DO I GET TO MY ACCOMMODATION AFTER I LAND?
Free Shuttle service: https://asnmsu.nmsu.edu/our-services/airport-shuttle.html
CAN I TRAVEL HOME DURING SCHEDULED BREAKS?
Yes, students can return home as they wish for scheduled breaks but keep in mind our league games may overlap with some holiday periods.
CAN I STAY ON CAMPUS AFTER THE END OF THE YEAR?
Students can stay and work in Las Cruces over the summer, but private housing would be needed as dorms are closed unless you are taking summer classes.
