Soccer Stars bills itself as a crib-to-college youth soccer development platform.
The Youth Athletes United-owned franchise has strengthened that pathway in the Big Apple.
Metropolitan Oval and Soccer Stars United are launching Met Oval SSU. The program will be based in Manhattan and train on Randall’s Island.
SSU is Soccer Stars’ advanced travel platform that operates in select markets, including New York. Met Oval’s academy has roots going back a century and has placed hundreds of players in NCAA programs over the last decade with 75 alumni moving on to MLS or international professional environments.
“We want kids to enjoy the game and have fun while learning the fundamentals of sport. And we want them to know they can stay with one brand and have a real pathway,” YAU co-founder and CEO Adam Geisler told Buying Sandlot.
“If they just want to enjoy soccer, great. If they want to take it to another level and start being competitive, we have a pathway. If they want to continue their pursuits at that next elite level, whether it is collegiate or professional, we now have a partnership with Met Oval. There is no other entity in the country that could really have that type of opportunity for the parent or kid.”
Professional coaching, structured development
Direct pathways to MLS Next Tiers 1+2, National Academy League, Northeast Academy League
Multiple age groups across U8 to U19
Local access so Manhattan kids do not need to leave borough
“The genesis of this idea was how could we find a synergistic partner that has incredible experience, reputation and acumen,” Soccer Stars VP Toby Tenenbaum said. “This is an opportunity to have that truly holistic opportunities for our families to stay with us. It kind of completes that journey.”
Met Oval sporting director Jeffrey Saunders said he believes the partnership is an example of how a nonprofit youth sports organization can productively collaborate with a for-profit entity and provide access to all and expedite development.
“In order to provide a true developmental environment, you have to have an ethos that’s consistent with development,” he said. “We have to align what are the developmental goals, what are we offering the kids and how is that benefited by entities who are investing in and expanding that environment. We can say, ‘Hey, listen, we can do this the right way.’”
Geisler said there is “definitely potential” for SSU to form similar partnerships with clubs in other cities, but the immediate focus is on proving the concept in New York.
“If we can start and get in with kids at an earlier age group, we can increase the probability of success for each of those kids,” Saunders said. “And each of those kids are going to have a different path. Not everyone is going to become a professional or go play D1. But we want to make sure they reach their ceiling all the time.”
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