DME Academy Sarasota Ranks Among Top Three Clubs in MLS NEXT Academy Division
October 19, 2026
Across six age groups, DME Academy Sarasota ranks third overall in the Sunshine North Conference, reinforcing the club’s commitment to player development, competitive excellence, and a winning mindset.
SARASOTA, FL | October 2026 — DME Academy Sarasota continues to establish itself as one of the strongest performing soccer clubs in the MLS NEXT Academy Division, currently ranking third out of 13 clubs in the Sunshine North Conference based on aggregate points per game across all six age groups.
With a combined record of 22 wins, 7 draws, and 8 losses, DME has earned 73 points through 37 league matches, producing a 59.5% win rate, 1.97 points per game, and an impressive +53 goal differential.
The results place DME ahead of several established programs, including IMG Academy, Jacksonville FC, Tampa Bay United, and West Florida Flames in overall points per game.
For a club that has experienced significant growth in recent years, these numbers represent more than a strong start to the season. They demonstrate the progress of an organization committed to building a competitive environment across multiple age groups.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Through the latest available league standings, DME Academy Sarasota has produced the following results across its U13 through U19 teams:

| Performance Metric | DME Sarasota |
|---|---|
| Aggregate Conference Ranking | 3rd of 13 |
| Combined Record | 22-7-8 |
| Total Matches | 37 |
| Win Percentage | 59.5% |
| Points Earned | 73 |
| Points Per Game | 1.97 |
| Goal Differential | +53 |
| Matches Earning Points | 29 of 37 |
| Unbeaten Percentage | 78.4% |
Perhaps most importantly, DME has secured points in nearly eight out of every ten matches played.
The club’s U17 team currently sits first in its age group, while U15 and U16 hold third and second place, respectively. The U14 team is also positioned fourth, giving DME four teams inside the top four of their respective divisions.
Building a Winning Culture Across the Club
While individual team success is important, DME Academy Sarasota measures progress across the entire organization.
The club’s third-place aggregate ranking reflects results from all six participating age groups, rather than the performance of a single standout team.
Only NONA Soccer Academy (2.18 PPG) and Orlando City Lake Nona (2.04 PPG) currently sit ahead of DME Sarasota (1.97 PPG) in the overall conference rankings.
DME’s 59.5% win percentage is also the third highest among the 13 competing clubs.
For DME Academy Sarasota’s leadership, this reinforces a philosophy that has helped guide the club’s growth: player development and a winning mindset should work together, not compete against one another.
“Development should be a minimum expectation of every youth soccer club. We believe teaching players how to compete, how to respond to adversity, and how to win is also an important part of their development,” said Jared Antista, Founder of DME Academy Sarasota.
“Winning isn’t everything, and we certainly don’t expect to win every match. But we expect our players and coaches to prepare, compete, and approach every opportunity with the intention of winning. That’s a mentality that extends well beyond soccer.”
From 16 Teams to More Than 30: Growth With Purpose
DME Academy Sarasota’s competitive success comes alongside significant organizational growth.
Since expanding its Sarasota operations in 2023, the club has grown from approximately 16 teams to more than 30, while continuing to expand its recreational, competitive, and full-time academy programs.
That growth has not come without challenges. From managing training facilities across Sarasota County to competing against larger, more established soccer organizations, DME has continued to invest in its coaching staff, training methodology, player opportunities, and competitive platforms.
Participation in the MLS NEXT Academy Division represents an important part of that evolution, giving DME athletes access to a nationally recognized competitive environment and meaningful matchups against respected Florida soccer programs.
The club has also expanded its full-time student-athlete programs, providing additional training, academic flexibility, and a development pathway for players seeking a more comprehensive soccer experience.
More Than Results: Building Players Who Compete
At DME Academy Sarasota, development remains central to the club’s identity.
Technical proficiency, tactical understanding, decision-making, discipline, and accountability are expectations across the organization.
But DME also believes players benefit from learning how to compete in meaningful games, manage pressure, and contribute to team success.
A winning mindset is not simply about the final score. It is about preparation, consistency, resilience, and the willingness to challenge yourself against strong competition.
The club’s early-season results suggest that this approach is producing positive outcomes.
And with plenty of soccer remaining, DME recognizes there is still considerable room for improvement.
The Standard Continues to Rise
A third-place aggregate conference ranking is an encouraging benchmark, but DME Academy Sarasota has no intention of treating it as a final destination.
The objective is to continue strengthening every age group, improving individual players, developing coaches, and building an environment where ambitious athletes can reach their potential.
As the season progresses, DME will look to build on its early results while continuing to raise expectations across the club.
“We’ve grown quickly, but growth alone isn’t the goal,” Antista added. “We want to build something that consistently develops good players, competes against the best, and creates opportunities for families who believe in what we’re doing. These results are a positive reflection of the work, but we’re far from finished.”
Six age groups. 37 matches. 22 wins. Third overall in the Sunshine North Conference.
For DME Academy Sarasota, the numbers reflect a club continuing to move forward.
Do More Everyday.
Data reflects the MLS NEXT Academy Division Sunshine North standings provided as of October 19, 2026. Aggregate rankings are calculated using combined points per game across U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19. Rankings and statistics are subject to change as additional matches are played.