Before the New England Revolution operated any Development Academy teams, Deven Apajee found himself watching youth games at the Seacoast United complex in Epping, N.H. Knowing he worked for the region’s sole Major League Soccer club, a bystander told Apajee to turn around, pointing to a wily … [Read more...]
ECNL Boys: Success spurs Boston Bolts striker Sancho Maroto
Growing up in Madrid, Spain, Sancho Maroto naturally found his way to soccer. As a boy, he idolized Real Madrid and the famed club’s cadre of world superstars. The Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, after all, was a short drive from his home. "My dream since I was a kid to play in Real Madrid, that was my … [Read more...]
Seacoast United joins girls Development Academy for 2018-19 season
Seacoast United was one of the inaugural 64 clubs when U.S. Soccer launched the boys Development Academy in 2007. With that foundation set, the New Hampshire-based club plans to join the girls DA for the fall of 2018, a move girls director Chris Scott said provides equal opportunity. "The girls … [Read more...]
Nico Benalcazar pursues pro, national team dreams at New York City FC
Like many youth players, Nico Benalcazar grew up dreaming of becoming a professional. The hope followed him while playing youth soccer in Stamford, Conn., and then as he progressed through the ranks at Beachside SC, a top youth club in New England. But when the New York City FC academy began in … [Read more...]
Agents, Right to Dream among opportunity providers in New England
JOHN POWERS Chairman | Right to Dream USA As the 2018 Major League Soccer SuperDraft in Philadelphia concluded, a New England-centric narrative surfaced: Three former prep school players were chosen in the first two rounds. The trio — Edward Opoku, Francis Atuahene and Ema Twumasi – had more in … [Read more...]
NEP, ECNL and DA directors lead coaching in New England
Nearly two decades ago, Jason Dewhurst was coaching for Massachusetts ODP when some of his players approached him, wanting to start a team. The Longridge, England, native, new to coaching girls, obliged. Little did he know at the time, that decision would set in motion a club — FC Stars of … [Read more...]