{mosimage:200}The third season of U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy kicked off Saturday, leading a total of six clubs that will begin the 2009-2010 campaign during Labor Day Weekend.

One of the Academy’s newest members, Weston FC, played its first official game at home against Birmingham United on Saturday along with Miami FC Kendall and Atlanta Fire United. AFC Lightning and Concorde Fire will open their seasons on Monday.

Many of the 77 Clubs in the Academy will start their year the following weekend, but that will not include last season’s national champions.

Crowned U16 champs, Derby County Wolves, and U18 victors Indiana United Academy (Carmel), are both scheduled to start the year in November along with the rest of the Great Lakes Division.

Highlighting the third year of the Development Academy will be the Winter Showcase, Dec. 2-5 at the Reach 11 complex in Phoenix, Ariz., and the Spring Showcase from May 28-June 1 at a location to be determined. Academy Playoffs will once again be held at Bryan Park in Greensboro, N.C., from June 25-29 and Finals Week at The Home Depot Center is set for July 10-18.