While the end of the calendar year is in the middle of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy season, it’s still a good time to look back on the highlights from the past 12 months in the Union’s youth system.
Bethlehem Steel FC Established
The establishment of a USL team was arguably the most important youth development move the Philadelphia Union made in 2016. While Academy players were eligible to compete as amateurs before with affiliate Harrisburg City Islanders, the Union never took advantage.
With Steel FC in place, the Union not only provided an opportunity for Academy players to get minutes but also regularly train with the USL squad.