DME Academy Sarasota Tryouts 2026–2027: Your Journey Starts Here

March 30, 2026

At DME Academy Sarasota, tryouts are more than just team placement, they are your entry point into one of the most complete player development program in the state of Florida.

With direct alignment into MLS, national platforms, and elite regional competition, DME offers opportunities for every serious player, from future pros to committed athletes looking for the right environment to grow.

As we head into the 2026–2027 season, here’s a full breakdown of what’s available and where you fit.

MLS NEXT (Boys – Highest Level)

This is the top tier of DME Academy Sarasota, built for elite-level players with the ambition and ability to compete at the highest level in the country.

With the recent expansion and alignment of MLS-operated platforms, DME players now have a clear and realistic pathway into the professional game.

What This Means:

Direct alignment with MLS-tier competition structure
Access to national events, showcases, and identification opportunities
Competing against top academies across the country
Professional training standards, expectations, and environment

This environment is for players who:

Are highly committed year-round
Want to push toward MLS NEXT / pro pathways
Thrive in a competitive, demanding culture

👉 This is not for everyone — and that’s the point.

National Academy League (NAL) – Boys Platform

The National Academy League (NAL) represents the next level of national competition and exposure, and is now more connected than ever to the MLS ecosystem.

DME’s boys program competes in NAL as part of a unified pathway system tied into MLS and its expanded competition tiers.

What You Get:

National competition against top clubs
Showcase events with real exposure
A proven pathway upward into MLS-tier opportunities
High-level training with structured development

This level is ideal for players who:

Are serious about development
Want national competition
Are pushing toward the next level

👉 NAL is where ambition meets opportunity.

Elite & Competitive Teams (Boys U12-U8 & Girls U8-U19)

Beyond MLS and NAL, DME Academy Sarasota offers a complete competitive structure for both boys and girls, ensuring every committed player has the right level and pathway.

This includes platforms such as:

FGAL, NPL, WFPL and guest playing opportunities with ECNL and GA
Regional and state competition leagues
Top-level travel and showcase opportunities

These leagues still connect into the broader development pyramid and provide:

Strong competition environments
High-level coaching and curriculum
Opportunities to progress into higher platforms over time

For Boys:

Clear tiered progression system
Opportunity to move into NAL or MLS pathway as you age up
Exposure through showcases and events

For Girls:

Rapidly growing platform with strong teams across age groups
Competitive league play and regional/national exposure
A development-first environment focused on long-term growth

👉 Every player has a pathway — the key is earning your next step.

The DME Difference

DME Academy Sarasota isn’t a traditional club, and it’s not trying to be.

It’s a development-first environment built for players and families who want more:

Professional-level coaching
A connected national and international network
Academic + athletic pathways
A culture built on accountability and growth

DME has positioned itself as a serious player in Southwest Florida, offering year-round programming and pathways from early development all the way to national-level competition.