RSL Elite Development Program (EDP) is founded on two core objectives:

(1) Player Identification

(2) Player Development

We invite all age-eligible players to attend tryouts and showcase their talent.

Program Overview

• 8-week training program

• Led by Real Salt Lake MLS NEXT Academy coaches and former MLS professional coaches

• Focused on technical development for top pre-academy players

• Four eligible age groups: U11, U12, U13, U14 (Field Players & Goalkeepers)

• Most sessions will be Sunday afternoon

• Location: Zions Bank Real Academy Training Center

Program Highlights

• 17 of 26 players on our current U15 MLS NEXT roster participated in RSL EDP

Tryout Information

Dates: August 16, 23 & 30 

Tryout Fee: $100

Eligibility: Open to players residing in Utah, Nevada, and Arizona

Program Cost

Training Fee: $600 for 8 sessions

(Only applicable if selected for the program)

Please refer all questions to Aaron Heffernan (aheffernan@rsl.com)

The EDP Skills Sessions are designed for players who want to accelerate their individual development through focused technical training and competitive small-sided environments.

Unlike traditional team training, these sessions place an emphasis on maximizing touches, improving decision-making, and developing the technical tools needed to perform under pressure.

Whether you're looking to sharpen your first touch, become more confident in 1v1 situations, or improve your finishing, EDP Skills Sessions provide an environment where players are challenged, coached, and encouraged to take risks.

Program Focus

Each session is built around individual player development and includes:

• Ball mastery and technical development

• First touch and receiving under pressure

• Passing and combination play

• 1v1 attacking and defending

• Finishing and goal scoring

• Small-sided games that promote creativity and decision-making

Why Small-Sided Training?

Small-sided games create more opportunities for players to:

• Get more touches on the ball

• Make quicker decisions

• Improve spatial awareness

• Develop confidence in possession

• Compete in game-realistic situations

With fewer players on the field, every player is more involved in the action, leading to faster development and increased repetitions.

Who Should Attend?

EDP Skills Sessions are ideal for motivated players who:

• Want additional training outside of their club environment

• Are committed to improving their technical ability

• Enjoy competing in challenging, high-tempo training environments

What to Expect

Each 90-minute session is designed to maximize player development through a progression of:

• Dynamic technical warm-up

• Ball mastery activities/Individual technical training

• Small-sided games

Coaching Staff

Sessions are led by Utah Royals FC and Real Salt Lake coaching staff, along with former professional players and experienced coaches committed to helping players reach their full potential.