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THE ACADEMY’S USA STORY · PUBLISHED 2022
MY STORY ABOUT
SOCCER IN THE USA.
From the NASL era to an opportunity for American players to experience football in Spain.
THE FOUNDATION
THE NORTH AMERICAN SOCCER LEAGUE ERA.
EST. 1968
The top professional soccer league started in the USA under the umbrella of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) around 1968. This league was called the North American Soccer League (NASL).
In the academy’s original story, founder Oscar Albuquerque recalls playing in the league from 1976 to 1979 with Toronto Metros-Croatia and Toronto Blizzard. He was part of the Toronto team that won the Soccer Bowl in 1976.
The league hit its peak in expansion teams in the 1978 season, having 24 teams competing nationally. It was a time of unprecedented growth and excitement for the sport in North America.
FROM OSCAR’S ARCHIVE
A LIFE IN THE GAME.
Oscar’s playing years across North America, from team photographs to the indoor game in the USA.
DENVER AVALANCHE
Oscar with teammates during his USA indoor soccer years. Photo: NASL Jerseys archive.
THE TEAM YEARS
Oscar in an archival team photograph supplied by the academy.
PHOENIX INFERNO
Oscar pictured for Phoenix on a Missile magazine cover supplied by the academy.
PELE
Giorgio Chinaglia
Gerd Muller
George Best
GLOBAL ICONS
THE ERA OF
INTERNATIONAL STARS.
The NASL was famous for the great signing of international soccer players—all national team icons who brought the world's game to American shores.
Unfortunately for the league, all the millions of dollars that were spent on transfer fees and high salaries for these great international soccer players couldn’t cover their season expenses with the attendance income, sponsorships, and TV revenues. The league eventually folded in 1984.
Franz Beckenbauer
Johan Cruyff
Bobby Moore
Carlos Alberto
Johan Neeskens
Eusebio
MODERN GROWTH
THE RELAUNCH: MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER.
The original article turns from the NASL years to Major League Soccer’s growth. Its figures reflect the time of writing in 2022, not today’s league.
SINGLE ENTITY STRUCTURE
The original story points to MLS’s single-entity model as a significant difference from the NASL years. Its historical figures and franchise-fee estimates are not presented here as current facts.
For the academy, the question remains how a developing player finds meaningful training and competitive opportunities beyond a crowded domestic pathway.
THE OVIEDO CITY RECOMMENDATION
A PATHWAY BEYOND BORDERS.
For American players considering football abroad, Oviedo City offers a residential training experience and a connection to the Spanish football environment. Compare today’s program terms before choosing your pathway.
UEFA PRO COACHES
Training with top-quality UEFA Pro license coaches 5 days a week.
SPAIN RESIDENCY
Full-board accommodation for the length of your chosen program in Oviedo.
FIRST TEAM PATH
Team sessions may be available to selected players, depending on level and status.
The original USA story was published in 2022. Current programs and match opportunities depend on eligibility, federation status and coaching decisions.
GLOBAL HEADQUARTERS
USA HQ
1421 Adams St.
Lake in the Hills, Illinois 60156
United States
SPAIN HQ
Arquitecto Reguera, 13-2A
Oviedo, Asturias
Spain
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