Union Youth Academy Announcement Today

By: Andrew | September 29th, 2009

During an interview on the “It’s Called Football!” podcast from September 28th, Union President Tom Veit made the following statement regarding a development/youth academy system attached to the team:

“Well, if you actually watch our website tomorrow – and if you’re in the Philadelphia area watch the news – we’ll be making a major announcement tomorrow in regards to one of the cornerstones of our youth development process, and we’re going to have a very robust one. Nick Sakiewicz, our CEO, pioneered youth development at the time the MetroStars and became Red Bull. You know, Peter Nowak is former US Olympic coach, and you’ll be hearing some staff announcements from us in the future that are really going to show our commitment to it. We’re going to have a very, very strong youth development program, especially coming from the Delaware Valley where there’s so much quality soccer and so many quality players. So, there’s a huge commitment to that, and I guess we’ll be making one of many major announcements, one will be coming out tomorrow on one of the cornerstones of what we’re doing.”

He goes on to speak of the announcement itself, giving a vague indication of what it’ll actually be. The Union will be joining up with a major partner in regards to the basis of their youth development program. This being one of many steps they’re taking to initiate the program. EPYSA? FC Delco?

So tomorrow would be TODAY, and I’m keeping an eye on the team’s website for the announcement to be made. I’ll update this post with details as they are released.

[UPDATE]

As announced on the team website:

Philadelphia Union Select Youth Academy Partner
YSC Union Juniors Identification

Philadelphia Union have selected YSC Academy as their partner for an innovative training program specifically designed for young athletes, ages 8—12 years old. The program features two key components: it is “club neutral” and it is “barrier free”, enabling gifted players and youth clubs throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region to receive guidance and skill development under the watchful eye of World Class coaches at no cost to them.