Here’s how the Philly region became home to America’s ever-growing pro soccer pipeline

The pathway to playing professional soccer in America is changing, and for a growing number of young players, it starts right here in Philadelphia.

YSC Academy is a private school located at the Philadelphia Union’s headquarters in Chester. The program was started by Union investor and part owner Richie Graham with the goal of building a more viable youth pathway in America akin to the European academy model.

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YSC Academy is the education half of what makes up the Philadelphia Union’s larger soccer development program through its youth academy, which begins at age 12. While almost all MLS teams have youth talent development programs, YSC Academy’s dual focus on education is what sets it apart.

Even at an elite soccer school like YSC Academy, 72 percent of graduates will go on to college instead of into a true path to the professional game. One of the school’s main goals is a greater focus on balancing education and soccer training.

“Twenty-two players have signed an MLS homegrown contract,” said YSC Academy CEO, Jared Micklos. “Additional players who go on to college or find another route also are able to play professionally and [among] all of our total graduates, over 30% have played professional soccer throughout the US and internationally.”

While YSC Academy looks to accelerate the growth of soccer in Philadelphia, Drexel University’s new men’s soccer coach, David Castellanos, also got his start here, but via a different path. His started in North Philadelphia, training with his brother and father.

“It was my dad, myself and my younger brother pushing through. Ultimately, we started with the Philadelphia Recreational Leagues, and we grew up playing in Olney.”

Castellanos mentions that the YSC Academy model looks to be paying off for scores of kids looking to play high-level or even professional soccer. He also noted that schools like YSC can only take an athlete so far — the beginning, middle, and end of that path starts with the player.

“If you’re a high-quality player, you will have a pathway determined by your skillset and determined by your mindset,” he said. “If you’re determined and eager to improve as a player and a person, you will get found.”

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