Orlando City has placed an emphasis on developing Homegrown talent over the past few years. Seven of the club’s 11 all-time Homegrown Player signings have occurred since Dec. 31, 2018. This year, the club has seen success with its older age groups.
The Orlando City academy was originally formed in 2012, while the club was still in the USL Pro. The youth development system starts at the U-6 level, called the Little Lions, and goes up to the U-23 team.
In the past, the Orlando City academy teams played in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA).