Crew Academy Update: What to Know as the 2025-26 Season Kicks Off

Crew Academy Update: What to Know as the 2025-26 Season Kicks Off

While the Black & Gold First Team is entering the final stages of the MLS regular season, the Columbus Crew Academy is just kicking off its 2025-26 campaign.

As students go back to school, the Academy players have returned to the OhioHealth Performance Center for another season of success.

Because there’s a lot going on – and there are a lot of teams – here’s a quick breakdown of what every Crew supporter should know as their future stars take the pitch once more.

First things first: Let’s not wish away summer too fast. A few major events took place this past summer.

Academy products earn International Call-Ups and MLS NEXT All-Star Game MVP

Crew Academy and Columbus Crew 2 wingback Prince Forfor represented the Black & Gold at the MLS NEXT All-Star Game, where he was named the MVP. Forfor, 16, finished that match with a goal in MLS’ top showcase for youth players and prospects. He also received a call-up to the United States Youth National Under-17 Team, where he participated at a domestic camp in Georgia.

Additionally, Myles Johnson was called up to represent the Puerto Rico Youth National Team, and Jamail Danjaji and Manny Adewumni earned opportunities with the U-16 and U-15 U.S. Youth National teams, respectively.

Crew Academy players play for the Capybaras

Columbus has a One Club approach, establishing a succinct player pathway all the way through to the First Team. Through a commitment through individual and team development, players from younger teams earn enhanced opportunities to improve and showcase their abilities at higher levels of competition, as supporters have seen over the years.

That same thing is happening for Academy players featuring for Crew 2 during the MLS NEXT Pro campaign. Following their respective Academy seasons, Alex Gimple, Artem Grinblat, Deven Patel and Dylan Randazzo all stayed with the Crew this summer and played for the Capybaras.

This isn’t a new phenomenon. In fact, Crew 2 has featured a plethora of Academy players who have gained beneficial experience while competing with the second team.

Gimple, Randazzo and Grinblat have remained with the Capybaras and are joined by Gianmarco Di Noto, Zach Lloyd, Isaac Tortola and MLS NEXT All-Star Game MVP Forfor.

U15s Traveled to England for the Merseyside Cup:

Some might say Merseyside is red; others say blue. Well, last week, it was yellow. The Crew Under-15 Team just traveled across the pond to play in the Merseyside Cup against youth teams of Premier League outfits, as well as MLS and Hungary.

The U-15s played Aston Villa, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Ferencváros FC, as well as familiar foe Atlanta United.

The squad also made the most of their time in the U.K., stopping for a private tour of Anfield, seeing sights around London and playing friendlies against both Wolverhampton and Brighton & Hove Albion.

This trip came on the heels of last season’s U15 team trips that included trips to Egypt and Dubai. These trips give the players the opportunity to experience new cultures and meet new people, as well as compete with some of the top talent from around the world.

Staffing Updates and Newcomers:

Brian Bliss joined the Club as Academy Director this summer, while former Academy Director Dan Lock has remained with the Club and taken on a new role as Head of Coaching and Individual Development.

The Crew Academy also welcomed Performance Coach Brody Reid and Athletic Trainer Colin Serredszum to the Club this past offseason. Nearly all the Academy’s coaches from last year also return as Eddie Hertsenberg moved with his group from last season up to U16, and Shahad Farahani took over the U15 coaching position.

Previous Academy Kickoff Events:

Before the Merseyside Cup, the Academy teams, players and coaches got together for a Homestay Welcome Night on Aug. 4. Through the Crew’s Homestay Program, local Columbus families welcome some of the top youth soccer players from around the country as members of their homes. Just think, your family could host the next Aidan Morris. x

On Aug. 7, the club hosted Academy Media Day, which gave the athletes exposure to professional photography and the opportunity to show off some of their own personalities and favorite celebrations. The next day was Academy Signing Night, when players inked their contracts to officially join the Columbus Crew Academy!

Preseason Friendlies:

It wouldn’t be the start of the season without some friendlies! Before the MLS NEXT Fall season will formally kicks off on Sept. 6 against Chicago Fire, the Academy teams finished their preparations with the following preseason matchups:

Aug. 16

• Under 16s and Under 18s: vs. Chicago Fire FC

Aug. 23

• Under 15s: vs. Wolverhampton Wolves
• Under 16s and Under 18s: vs. FC Cincinnati

Aug. 24

• Under 15s: vs. Brighton Hove Albion

Aug. 29

• Under 16s and Under 18s: vs. Nashville SC

Back to School:

Crew School is back in full swing as students returned to Columbus to attend classes and further their education with the expertise of Club staff members. Crew School provides an engaging in-person learning environment providing support to online students.

Crew School, managed by educators Bryce Phillips and Angie Herrel, is fully immersed in the Academy environment while also preparing young men for future endeavors in soccer or beyond. The Club combines a focus on academic excellence, providing support and a form of accountability for the students, while also tackling complex soccer concepts and overarching life skills.

Phillips spent a decade in area middle schools, teaching computer applications, engineering and English language arts. He has also coached numerous sports, including football, baseball and basketball. Herrel, who also played collegiate soccer at Westminster College, joined the Crew this year after a nearly 20-year career teaching in elementary schools.

The Main Event: MLS NEXT Fest

The Fall Season culminates with MLS NEXT Fest from Dec. 4-15 in Meza, Arizona. Every MLS academy will compete in the Homegrown Division alongside 122 MLS NEXT Elite Academies (non-MLS academies), creating a platform for the most talented young players in North America to test themselves and prepare for the next level in their careers, with many each year going on to sign their first professional contracts as MLS Homegrown players.