Philly Leader

Philadelphia Union Academy announced its complete staff for the 2024-25 MLS NEXT season, which begins this weekend. The academy is coming off a successful year, with the U-17 team winning back-to-back Generation adidas Cup Championships.

Under the direction of Director of Academy and Professional Development Jon Scheer, the technical staff for the upcoming season includes Peter McDonnell as Head Coach for the U-18s, supported by assistant coaches Dominik Schleinitz and Jason Lages. Pedro Cavalcanti joins from Inter Miami CF to lead the U-16s, with Thiago Evangelista as his assistant. Henry Apaloo returns as Head Coach for the U-15s, assisted by Idrissa Kone, while Phil Karn continues to lead both the U-14s and Mid-Academy Phase. Willy Topp will head the U-13s in his second year.

New staff additions include Chad Balback as Academy Goalkeeper Coordinator, Kenta Mizumoto as Academy Athletic Trainer, and former Union Academy graduate Tiger Graham as an Academy Data Analyst.

The Union Development Squad has been rebranded to Union 3 for this season. Former Union midfielder Fred da Silva will coach Union 3 with Ian Hennessy serving as assistant coach. The squad will compete in the United Premier Soccer League starting September 8 against New Jersey Alliance at Visit Delco Grass Field No. 3 at WSFS Bank Sportsplex.

MLS NEXT has introduced new age group designations for this season, moving from U-15 and U-17 to U-16 and U-18 groups. All MLS academies will now compete in a combined U19 age group that includes primarily U18 players with some overage participants. This change aims to enhance competition levels before players sign professionally or pursue other opportunities.

Additionally, MLS NEXT has adjusted field sizes for developmental purposes. Fields will now range between 86 to 96 yards in length instead of being over 100 yards long.

Philadelphia Union Academy's new season kicks off on Saturday, September 7th with matches against Achilles FC at Widener University Turf Fields at WSFS Bank Sportsplex.