Questions & Answers
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A gap year soccer academy is a great option for many aspiring collegiate soccer players. It is a year of player development between high school and college. This pathway affords players a much higher volume of training and games while not affecting any collegiate eligibility.
AC Professional Development Academy (ACPD) is an elite men’s soccer gap-year development academy based in Houston, Texas. The program is designed for high-level players ages 17–20 who want to bridge the gap between high school or club soccer and college or professional soccer—while preserving NCAA eligibility.
ACPD combines professional-level training, competitive matches, academic advancement, and recruiting support in a full-time environment that mirrors top collegiate programs.
ACPD is built for serious players who:
- Want to arrive at college prepared to contribute immediately, not just make a roster
- Are capable of playing college soccer but need additional development
- Want to compete with the transfer portal recruiting environment
- Didn’t receive the right offer or timing during the recruiting process
- Are late physical or tactical developers
- Are returning from injury and need a structured year to regain form
No. ACPD is intentionally structured to preserve NCAA eligibility.
Eligibility reassurance:
- Players do not compete for a college team
- Players do not receive compensation for playing
- Players do not sign professional contracts
- Competition is structured to align with NCAA amateurism standards
- Academic coursework is handled through approved pathways
ACPD actively educates families on NCAA, NAIA, and amateurism rules and follows best-practice compliance standards to protect every athlete’s future.
Players leave ACPD eligible to compete at NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA programs.
The ACPD academy is based in Houston, Texas, one of the strongest soccer markets in the United States, offering:
- Year-round training conditions
- Access to elite competition
- Central travel access for showcases and matches
- Strong recruiting visibility
Unlike junior college:
- You do not use a season of eligibility
- You are not labeled as a transfer athlete
- You avoid NCAA transfer restrictions
- You train year-round without college season limitations
- You enter college as an athletic freshman, not a JUCO transfer
For many players, ACPD offers a smarter long-term pathway
Players follow a professional daily schedule that includes:
- On-field technical and tactical training
- Position-specific development
- Strength, speed, and conditioning
- Sports psychology and leadership sessions
- Video analysis and classroom learning
- Competitive matches and showcase opportunities
- Academic coursework or online classes
This structure closely mirrors youth professional and top college soccer programs, preparing players for immediate success.
ACPD players typically compete in 35+ matches per year, including:
- Semi-professional league matches
- Collegiate-style competitions
- Showcase and exposure events
- High-level friendlies against college and academy teams
This exceeds the competitive opportunities available in traditional college seasons.
ACPD is led by Aaron Champenoy, a former National Champion and National Coach of the Year with 20+ years of collegiate coaching experience across NAIA and NCAA levels.
The coaching staff understands:
- What college coaches actually recruit
- How to prepare players for the modern game
- How to develop complete student-athletes on and off the field
Recruiting support includes:
- Extensive recruiting network
- Honest player evaluations and development plans
- College pathway and fit analysis
- Highlight video guidance
- Direct advocacy and communication with college coaches
- Education on today’s transfer-portal and recruiting landscape
- Recruiting partners and expanded resources
The goal is placement with purpose, not empty promises.
No, each individual will have their own customized academic plan catered for their needs to create the strongest recruiting profile possible and meet the needs of their family.
While academics are a core pillar of ACPD and recommended to bolster future success, they are not required.
Players may:
- Earn transferable college credits
- Enroll in online or hybrid coursework through partner institutions
- Receive academic advising and planning
- Enter college academically prepared—or ahead
Strong academic habits are essential for long-term athletic success. The goal is placement with purpose, not empty promises.
ACPD utilizes a partnership housing model, providing:
- Professionally managed accommodations
- Convenient proximity to training facilities
- Consistent, safe, and clean living environments
- Flexibility and oversight aligned with elite athletic programs
- Life Skill training and experience
This model supports player recovery, accountability, and a professional lifestyle—while offering families peace of mind.
Full housing details are provided during the admissions process.
The process includes:
- Completing the Recruit Me Form
- Player evaluation (video and background review)
- Initial phone or video call
- Offer and enrollment discussion
Spots are limited and filled on a rolling basis.
ACPD is a strong fit for families looking for:
- Improve level and quality not just make a roster, but impact a team
- A clear development plan—no false promises
- NCAA-safe eligibility protection
- Honest recruiting guidance
- A professional environment that prepares players for college and beyond
Complete the Recruit Me Form to begin the evaluation process
Schedule a call to speak directly with our staff and ask questions
Taking action early gives players the best opportunity to secure a spot and maximize development.
Yes. We accept players who meet our rigorous standards from out of state or international backgrounds.