The Sporting Kansas City Academy has experienced a highly successful history since its formation in 2007. The program currently consists of six teams at the U-19, U-17, U-15, U-14, U-13 and U-12 levels

Sporting KC Academy players have the opportunity to eventually join the Sporting Kansas City first team without going through the MLS draft process. In late 2006, Major League Soccer announced an initiative that created a “Homegrown Protected List” for each team. Clubs now have the opportunity to retain the professional rights of players developed within its youth academy. Sporting KC immediately began investing significant resources in the identification and development of young players from the region. Sporting KC along with all other MLS Academies, is a participant in the FIFA training compensation and solidarity payment system, as codified in FIFA’s Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players

The Sporting KC Academy has produced 18 Homegrown Players who have been signed to the Sporting Kansas City senior team.