During uncertain times, there is nothing more valuable than the assurance of commitment. When it comes to soccer – getting back on the pitch with your coaches and teammates – players and their families can rest assured that the Columbus Crew SC Academy isn’t going anywhere.
In light of recent news of the disbandment of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, Major League Soccer announced on Wednesday evening that the League will launch a new youth competition platform to provide elite competition against domestic and international teams throughout the academy systems, along with regionally and nationally held tournaments.
“We respect U.S. Soccer’s decision and will work with Major League Soccer to continue to provide developmental and top-tier competition opportunities for our Academy teams,” said Crew SC Technical Director Pat Onstad. “For us, this is a work in progress and we are looking forward to the opportunities that this new competition will bring.”
Onstad assured that Crew SC and Crew SC Academy “remain steadfast in maintaining the culture and methodology of the team” – something that was communicated to Academy staff, players and families this week. He added that Crew SC Academy will continue to attract top talent, as the development of that area remains a priority for the Club.
“MLS and its owners have made a significant investment in the Academy programs and player development over the years,” said Onstad. “We will continue to field our Academy teams and provide a fully-funded path to the professional level for players,” added Onstad.
“We have had some solid players come through the Academy – players like Aboubacar Keita, Sebastian Berhalter and Aidan Morris – and we want to continue developing similar players,” he said. “We have a good crop in the Academy at the moment and we believe that they can continue to develop and become First Team players for our Club.”
Crew SC Academy’s mission has long been to develop players that can join the First Team, something that will not be changing any time soon.
