Recently, Philadelphia Union Homegrowns Mark McKenzie, Anthony Fontana and Matt Real went to Major League Soccer's Rookie Symposium to learn about being a professional player in the league.
The Symposium had former stars such as Taylor Twellman discuss how to be a professional off-the-pitch.
The rookies learned about handling social media, financial management and planning and other important key aspects that will mold the foundation of being a successful, professional athlete.
For defender Mark McKenzie, the experience was very insightful.
"I enjoyed the experience,” McKenzie said. “I found benefits in multiple presentations, specifically the financial management and planning, the introduction to the MLS Players’ Union, and the Player Identity meeting with the sports psychologist.