Dave Debusschere Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer | Official Website
Dave Debusschere Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer | Official Website
Philadelphia Union Academy will commence the 2024-25 MLS NEXT season this weekend, hosting four matches against Achilles FC at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex on Saturday morning.
Saturday's matches signify the beginning of another season for Union Academy soccer. The team aims to build on their recent successes, including a Generation adidas Cup championship and a deep run in the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs, where two teams reached the semifinals.
The 2024 fall season introduces new elements for the club, featuring new personnel both on the sideline and on the pitch. Additionally, there are updated teams as part of MLS NEXT's evolution within the Pro Player Pathway. All MLS academies will now compete in the U19 age group with rosters comprising U18 players and a limited number of overage players. This change is intended to provide a higher level of competition for all MLS NEXT players before they transition to professional careers, college play, or other opportunities. The shift from U15 to U16 aims to give MLS clubs more time to establish clear development paths for each player. Teams will compete in the U19 age group at various events such as MLS NEXT Fest, MLS NEXT Flex, and the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs and Showcase.
MLS NEXT has also adjusted field sizes for the 2024-25 season, becoming the first North American youth soccer league to feature fields shorter than 100 yards. Field lengths will now range between 86-96 yards to enhance long-term development by introducing players to tighter spaces and emphasizing technical ability over physical attributes.
The action begins at 10 a.m. ET with matches involving the U-18s and U-13s on Widener University Turf Fields at WSFS Bank Sportsplex. Following these games, additional matches will take place at 12:15 p.m. ET featuring the U-14s and marking Union coaching debut of U-16 Head Coach Pedro Cavalcanti.
The weekend continues beyond Saturday as Philadelphia Union Academy has rebranded its Union Development Squad, now playing as Union 3 for the 2024-25 season. Led by former Union midfielder Fred da Silva with Ian Hennessy as an assistant coach, Union 3 will compete this fall in the United Premier Soccer League. Their season kicks off on Sunday, September 8, against New Jersey Alliance at Visit Delco Grass Field No. 3 at WSFS Bank Sportsplex.
All five matches will be streamed for free on Philadelphia Union's YouTube page.
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