United have announced an exclusive partnership with Western Pennsylvania-based youth club Beadling Soccer Club in an effort to improve player advancement for a professional pathway starting at a young age.
"We're really looking forward to building a strong partnership with Beadling SC," Ryan Martin, director of United's academy, said. "The club is the most accomplished in the history of Western Pennsylvania and we're excited to create the ideal pathway to professional soccer for the best soccer players in Pittsburgh and the rest of the region."
Through the partnership, both D.C. United and Beadling SC will cooperate to combine and enhance resources for player development, with the top players in Western Pennsylvania transitioning to the United developmental academy at an age to be determined.
"Since their inception, D.C. United and their academy have defined the tradition of success by consistently producing high quality players for the first team, top college programs and the U.S. Men's National Team," Peter Smith, director of player development at Beadling SC, said. "This partnership furthers our mission of providing the best training and development opportunities for our players."
The two teams will stage annual scrimmages against each other and United coaching staff will lead educational sessions for Beadling SC coaches while also expanding the scouting network between both clubs. BSC will also stage United Talent Centers, where the top players in the area, regardless of club affiliation, will be coached and identified by United coaching staff. The first Beadling-hosted Talent Center will take place on December 16 in Pennsylvania (more details to come).
"Beadling SC is thrilled to partner with D.C. United Academy, one of the top MLS academies in the nation. At the helm of D.C. United as general manager and VP of soccer operations is former Beadling SC player Dave Kasper, so the relationship is a natural fit for two clubs committed to the development of American soccer players," president of Beadling SC Denny Kohlmyer. said. "This alliance will greatly increase the development and identification opportunities for the talented players in our region who dream of playing at the highest levels."
For more information on Beadling SC, please click here.
