Lionsbridge Academy Experience is a selective, professionally run summer talent accelerator for serious youth soccer players.
This 8-week summer program is modeled after the daily standards, culture, and expectations of Lionsbridge FC, one of the premier clubs in USL League Two, and is designed to prepare players for the demands of higher levels of the game.
Tryouts take place the week of March 1 and the deadline to register is February 23.
There is no fee to attend tryouts. Program tuition is due only after selection.
This 8-week summer program is modeled after the daily standards, culture, and expectations of Lionsbridge FC, one of the premier clubs in USL League Two, and is designed to prepare players for the demands of higher levels of the game.
Tryouts take place the week of March 1 and the deadline to register is February 23.
There is no fee to attend tryouts. Program tuition is due only after selection.
How Lionsbridge Academy Experience Works
Lionsbridge Academy Experience is a limited-enrollment development program led by current college and pre-professional coaches who work daily in competitive environments.
Players train 2-3 times on weeknights throughout the summer weekly in fixed groups, with the same assigned coaches, under centralized technical leadership. Group sizes are intentionally limited to preserve quality instruction, consistent feedback, and meaningful coach interaction.
This is a development focused, talent acceleration environment — not a camp, travel team, or recreational program.
Academy Leadership & Coaching Staff
Leadership and coaching quality are central to the Lionsbridge Academy Experience.
The program is led by highly-credentialed professionals with coaching, playing or administrative experience at the international, MLS, USL, NCAA Division I, II, III, NJCAA and NAIA levels. This is not a volunteer or part-time youth coaching model.
Players are coached by professionals who evaluate, recruit and develop players at the collegiate and pre-professional levels as part of their full-time roles.
Each training group is led by a primary academy coach and supported on the field by current Lionsbridge FC players, who assist with session execution, demonstrations, and individual feedback — giving players daily exposure to the standards of the first-team environment.
All coaches operate within a shared technical framework and are accountable to the Director of Coaching — ensuring consistency, professionalism, and clear standards across every training group.
Coaching assignments are made by the Academy based on age group, training needs, and overall program structure.
Lionsbridge Academy Experience is a limited-enrollment development program led by current college and pre-professional coaches who work daily in competitive environments.
Players train 2-3 times on weeknights throughout the summer weekly in fixed groups, with the same assigned coaches, under centralized technical leadership. Group sizes are intentionally limited to preserve quality instruction, consistent feedback, and meaningful coach interaction.
This is a development focused, talent acceleration environment — not a camp, travel team, or recreational program.
Academy Leadership & Coaching Staff
Leadership and coaching quality are central to the Lionsbridge Academy Experience.
The program is led by highly-credentialed professionals with coaching, playing or administrative experience at the international, MLS, USL, NCAA Division I, II, III, NJCAA and NAIA levels. This is not a volunteer or part-time youth coaching model.
Players are coached by professionals who evaluate, recruit and develop players at the collegiate and pre-professional levels as part of their full-time roles.
Each training group is led by a primary academy coach and supported on the field by current Lionsbridge FC players, who assist with session execution, demonstrations, and individual feedback — giving players daily exposure to the standards of the first-team environment.
All coaches operate within a shared technical framework and are accountable to the Director of Coaching — ensuring consistency, professionalism, and clear standards across every training group.
Coaching assignments are made by the Academy based on age group, training needs, and overall program structure.
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Tammy Stauffer, Director of Operations
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Josh Spencer, Director of Coaching
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Lionsbridge Academy Experience Coaches (complete profiles)
- Brendan Cook, Virginia Wesleyan University (Men's)
- Richard Dearle, Chowan University & Lionsbridge FC (Goalkeepers)
- Michael Eberle, Old Dominion University & Lionsbridge FC
- Jamie Gunderson, Christopher Newport University (Women's) & Lionsbridge FC
- Ryan Hagerty, Christopher Newport University (Men's)
- Sam Hall, Neosho County College (Men's and Women's)
- Zach Hanson, Old Dominion University (Women's)
- Sean Killion, Christopher Newport University (Women's)
- Shane Kohler, Virginia Wesleyan University (Men's)
- Hope Stacker, Old Dominion University (Women's)
Who Should Try Out?
Lionsbridge Academy Experience is designed for boys and girls ages 6-17 who:
- Are looking for elite level coaching and clear feedback
- Are serious about improvement and accountability
- Are comfortable in competitive training environments
- Are motivated by development and higher levels of the game
Consistent attendance is encouraged to support individual and group development, while recognizing that summer schedules may include family travel.
Player selections are made via tryout based on current ability, developmental potential and coachability.
What To Expect
Age Groups
- Players are grouped by age and developmental stage. The Academy plans to organize training in year age bands (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 16-18), with separate boys' and girls' groups where appropriate.
- Goalkeepers will train in age group and specialized sessions
- More advanced players may play up to older age groups if that is best for the player's development, at the discretion of the Director of Coaching.
Training Cadence
- Training takes place multiple weeknights starting June 15 through August 7. A full weekly schedule is shared with selected families prior to program start.
- Sessions follow a structured progression including technical work, positional development, and competitive play.
Top Quality Coaching
- Players will train with the same college coach throughout the summer
- Lionsbridge players will serve as assistant coaches for all training groups
Unified Technical Direction
- All groups train under a single technical framework
- Training standards and session design are overseen by the Lionsbridge Academy Experience Director of Coaching
Player Feedback & Evaluation
Development at the Lionsbridge Academy Experience is intentional and measurable. Players receive structured, written evaluations during the program (weeks 2, 5 and 8) that focus on:
- Technical development
- Tactical understanding
- Training habits
- Attitude, focus, and coachability
Feedback is provided by the assigned coaching staff and reviewed within the Academy’s technical framework to provide clear, honest feedback.
Goalkeeper Development
Specialized goalkeeper development includes integration into full-sided sessions and dedicated training with the goalkeeper coach, emphasizing technical foundations, decision-making, distribution, and game realism, aligned with Lionsbridge FC standards.
The Lionsbridge Connection
Families in Hampton Roads know the Lionsbridge standard: the trophies, the atmosphere, the culture, and the players who progress to the professional game.
Lionsbridge Academy Experience applies those same standards to youth development, delivered by coaches who live that environment every day.
Participation does not guarantee advancement or placement, but players gain first-hand exposure to what higher levels of the game demand — on and off the field.
Families in Hampton Roads know the Lionsbridge standard: the trophies, the atmosphere, the culture, and the players who progress to the professional game.
Lionsbridge Academy Experience applies those same standards to youth development, delivered by coaches who live that environment every day.
Participation does not guarantee advancement or placement, but players gain first-hand exposure to what higher levels of the game demand — on and off the field.
Tuition & Benefits
Lionsbridge Academy Experience is a premium, professionally staffed 8-week summer development program. Tuition reflects the level of coaching, structure, and operational standards required to deliver a consistent, high-quality training environment across the entire program.
Program Includes:
Training Gear (Included):
Each player receives the same core training gear provided to Lionsbridge FC USL League Two players:
Signature Program Events
Players receive exclusive access to three Lionsbridge Academy Experience events:
Tuition: $890 (ages 6-7) and $990 (ages 8 and up) includes all training, coaching, evaluations, gear, facilities and signature events listed above. There are no additional program fees.
Upon acceptance, families confirm enrollment with a 50% deposit due within 3 days of the roster offer. The remaining 50% balance is due by April 10. In accordance with the Lionsbridge Academy Experience refund policy, families may receive a full refund within 7 days of roster spot acceptance. After this period, the deposit becomes non-refundable as coaching assignments, group sizes, staffing and gear orders are finalized.
Need-based tuition assistance is available in limited quantities and is awarded after roster selections are finalized.
Lionsbridge Academy Experience is a premium, professionally staffed 8-week summer development program. Tuition reflects the level of coaching, structure, and operational standards required to deliver a consistent, high-quality training environment across the entire program.
Program Includes:
- Training sessions led by current college and professional coaches
- Fixed rosters with consistent, elite coaching throughout the summer
- Centralized technical oversight and shared curriculum standards
- Dedicated goalkeeper coaching and position-specific development
- Written player evaluations and structured feedback during the program
- Professional operations, scheduling, and parent communication
- Use of training facilities and PlayMetrics, our program administration platform
Training Gear (Included):
Each player receives the same core training gear provided to Lionsbridge FC USL League Two players:
- Three Lionsbridge training tops
- Two pairs of Lionsbridge training shorts
- Three pairs of Lionsbridge training socks
- One Lionsbridge backpack
- One Lionsbridge water bottle
Signature Program Events
Players receive exclusive access to three Lionsbridge Academy Experience events:
- Lionsbridge Academy Experience Night at TowneBank Stadium, including on-field recognition at halftime and finals of the LAE Skills Competition
- Private Meet the Team event, with opportunities for 1-on-1 interaction with Lionsbridge players and coaches
- College Pathway Night, offering insight into the college recruiting progress from NCAA Division I, II and III coaches
Tuition: $890 (ages 6-7) and $990 (ages 8 and up) includes all training, coaching, evaluations, gear, facilities and signature events listed above. There are no additional program fees.
Upon acceptance, families confirm enrollment with a 50% deposit due within 3 days of the roster offer. The remaining 50% balance is due by April 10. In accordance with the Lionsbridge Academy Experience refund policy, families may receive a full refund within 7 days of roster spot acceptance. After this period, the deposit becomes non-refundable as coaching assignments, group sizes, staffing and gear orders are finalized.
Need-based tuition assistance is available in limited quantities and is awarded after roster selections are finalized.
Tryouts Date & Selection
All tryout sessions take place at Jennings Stadium, Christopher Newport University. Players are required to attend both sessions for their age groups for full consideration.
U7, U8 and U9 (born 2019, 2018, 2017)
Sun., March 1 (4:30 - 5:30pm) & Mon., March 2 (5:30 - 6:30pm)
U10 and U11 (born 2016, 2015)
Sun., March 1 (5:45 - 6:45pm) & Mon., March 2 (6:45 - 7:45pm)
U12 and U13 (born 2014, 2013)
Sun., March 1 (7:00 - 8:00pm) & Wed., March 4 (5:30 - 6:30pm)
U14 and U15 (born 2012, 2011)
Wed., March 4 (6:45 - 7:45pm) & Thu., March 5 (6:45 - 7:45pm)
U16, U17 and U18 (born 2010, 2009, 2008)
Thu., March 5 (5:30 - 6:30pm) & Fri., March 6 (5:30 - 6:30pm)
- Step 1: Register for Lionsbridge Academy Experience tryouts
- Step 2: On-field evaluation by the Academy coaching staff
- Step 3: Selection based on performance, mindset, and overall fit
- Step 4: Invitations extended to selected players
All tryout sessions take place at Jennings Stadium, Christopher Newport University. Players are required to attend both sessions for their age groups for full consideration.
U7, U8 and U9 (born 2019, 2018, 2017)
Sun., March 1 (4:30 - 5:30pm) & Mon., March 2 (5:30 - 6:30pm)
U10 and U11 (born 2016, 2015)
Sun., March 1 (5:45 - 6:45pm) & Mon., March 2 (6:45 - 7:45pm)
U12 and U13 (born 2014, 2013)
Sun., March 1 (7:00 - 8:00pm) & Wed., March 4 (5:30 - 6:30pm)
U14 and U15 (born 2012, 2011)
Wed., March 4 (6:45 - 7:45pm) & Thu., March 5 (6:45 - 7:45pm)
U16, U17 and U18 (born 2010, 2009, 2008)
Thu., March 5 (5:30 - 6:30pm) & Fri., March 6 (5:30 - 6:30pm)
Program Dates
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Train the Lionsbridge Way?
Program Dates
- Monday, June 15 - Friday, August 7, 2026
- Location: Two Peninsula locations to be announced
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this a 1-week summer camp?
- Can my child participate in club soccer at the same time?
- What if my child is not selected?
- Is financial assistance available?
- What happens in the event of weather cancellations?
- I have a different question.
Ready to Train the Lionsbridge Way?
