Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) and the Houston Dynamo Youth Development System have announced a partnership that will include opportunities for young men and women to become part of the Dynamo Academy. James Clarkson, director of Youth Development for the Houston Dynamo, joined OLLU's Head Soccer Coach Shane Hurley to discuss this brand-new partnership Monday at the Lake.

The Houston Dynamo Youth Development System, presented by Statoil, will offer a special Residential Elite Camp at OLLU, including overnight accommodations. The camp, for older players born from 1992-96, takes place June 13-17. The curriculum and training will be based on technique and tactical development. Participants will play a number of small-sided and 11 v. 11 games throughout the week. Each player will be evaluated by the Dynamo coaching staff, and successful players will be invited to train with the Dynamo Academy. Registration is available by calling 713-276-7524.

The Houston Dynamo Youth Development System, presented by Statoil, is intended to develop and prepare soccer players to join the Houston Dynamo first team. The Youth Development System includes Kids Camps, the Dynamo Centers of Excellence, Dynamo Elite Camps, the Dynamo Junior Academy, the Dynamo South Texas Academy, and Academy teams at the U-15 and U-18 levels. More than 1,400 youth players participated in Dynamo Youth Development programs in 2008, with about 170 players participating in the Dynamo Academy and Dynamo Junior Academy.

The Houston Dynamo are a major league soccer (MLS) franchise that has won two MLS Cup championships in its first four seasons and represented the U.S. in four consecutive regional championships. The Youth Development System was formed to develop and prepare soccer players to join the Houston Dynamo first team.

The system includes kids' camps, Dynamo Centers of Excellence, Dynamo Elite Camps, Dynamo Junior Academy, Dynamo South Texas Academy and academy teams at the U-15 and U-18 levels.

Prior to joining the Dynamo, Clarkson was the South Texas Youth Soccer Association's Director of Coaching. He is also a national instructor for U.S. Soccer and U.S. Youth Soccer. He played professionally with the Manawatu AFC in New Zealand.

Hurley coached the men's soccer team during its inaugural season in 2007. He had a successful season with a 10-4-1 record. In 2008, he returned as coach of the men's team and added head-coaching duties for the first NAIA women's soccer team in OLLU history. In 2009, both teams reached the Red River Athletic Conference Championship Tournament.