DME Academy Sarasota is officially stepping into the competitive arena of the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL), announcing its entry into Division 1 for the Fall 2025 season. The move continues DME’s commitment to expanding player progressions and offering top-tier opportunities within a competitive national platform.

“We keep adding new elements that all make sense to our vision for player progression and challenging our committed and passionate players the right way,” said John Taylor of DME Sarasota. “This is a natural next step as we continue to raise the bar for what high-level development looks like. Talented players from our older age groups will earn roster spots, game time based on performance and individual player roadmaps.”

The Sarasota squad will join forces with our program in Daytona, which has seen rapid success in the league. After an impressive campaign in Division 1, the Daytona team is slated to move up to the UPSL Premier Division in the 2025-26 season—marking another major milestone in DME’s rise within the U.S. soccer landscape.

With both locations now fielding teams at different levels of UPSL competition, DME is uniquely positioned to offer a full developmental ladder that supports players at varying stages of their soccer journey. This dual-team approach allows for internal promotion, increased playing opportunities, and a clear path from academy to senior-level soccer.

DME teams continue to create waves with a strong reputation for disciplined, exciting play and an unrelenting focus on growth. The club continues to attract talent and attention with its professional training environments, experienced coaching staff, and strategic competition schedules.

“We’re a club on a mission—investing in platforms that match ambition with action and bringing real quality to every league it participates in. With Sarasota now in UPSL Division 1 and Daytona elevating to the Premier Division, DME is making it clear: this is only the beginning.” – Jared Antista, General Manager of DME Sarasota