When the doors to the Zions Bank Training Center opened in February 2018, it solidified Real Salt Lake’s intent to provide the RSL Academy with all of the tools necessary to promote players through the ranks of the club to the first team and beyond.
Already a leader in player development, the club’s roster makeup and contribution has been significantly impacted by those from the RSL Academy since 2014. In 2018 and 2019, the RSL Academy fleet of products contributed an MLS-leading 23,100 minutes played ahead of the abbreviated 2020 season.
With the addition of 16-year-old goalkeeper Jeff Dewsnup as the club’s youngest-ever signing direct from the RSL Academy, the club has not only strengthened its long-term growth plan but has proven that its individual training plan extends from the beginning stages of the RSL Academy through the first team.