Photo: Bryan Berlin / wikimedia (BY-SA 4.0)
The Philadelphia Union and Parkwood Youth Organization have formed a new affiliation. It creates a direct talent pipeline from Northeast Philadelphia’s volunteer-run soccer club to the professional organization’s youth teams.
The partnership integrates Parkwood Soccer into the Union’s Club Affiliate Program. This gives Parkwood players access to specialized positional training, Union select team tryouts, and invitations to elite programs. Parkwood’s volunteer coaches will also work with Union technical staff and gain access to the club’s curriculum.
Phil Griffiths, technical director of Philadelphia Union Youth, praised Parkwood’s leadership in a statement shared with the Northeast Times.
“Coming together and creating further opportunities for their players like the Union’s player pathway program is a testament to the club’s leadership, professionalism, and commitment to continue growing the sport and level of play.”
Parkwood Soccer President Dan Singleton called the deal an investment in the local soccer community. Singleton told the Northeast Times:
“At its core, Parkwood Youth Soccer is founded on community. As a volunteer organization, players, coaches, and families play a significant role in the success of our organization.”
The affiliation also opens Union-run clinics, camps, and other programming to Parkwood players. Parkwood Youth Organization is based in the Parkwood section of Northeast Philadelphia.