USL Hartford Athletic

Hartford Athletic Expands Youth Academy

Published on April 22, 2023 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Hartford Athletic News Release


HARTFORD, Conn. - Hartford Athletic announced an expansion of its youth academy structure today. Beginning Fall 2023, the club will house eight boys youth academy teams, adding U8, U10, U11, U13 and U14 to the U12 youth academy, U15 youth academy and U19 academy teams that play under the club's current academy structure. Hartford Athletic is partnering with Everson Maciel who has over 20 years of experience in youth soccer in Connecticut to support the expansion and augment the experience for players, parents, and coaches.

"The expansion of our academy is another exciting step in the growth of our club," said Hartford Athletic Chairman Bruce Mandell. "Our academy will provide more players a unique pathway to the pros and connection to our first team coaching staff and players. We have seen an incredible enthusiasm from youth soccer players in our community who want to be part of our club, and with the guidance and experience of Everson Maciel, we will be able to provide a best-in-class experience."

Everson Maciel played professionally in Brazil, Malaysia, and the United States. Maciel played for the Western Mass Pioneers of the USL from 2004 to 2008 and was named one of the top ten players of the decade. Everson also represented the United States as a member of the national futsal team in the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Lithuania. He has been involved in supporting youth soccer in Connecticut for over 20 years as owner of CT premier soccer club Ginga FC. Maciel will work with Technical Director Ray Reid to provide administrative support for the Hartford Athletic Youth Academy.

"I am thrilled to partner with Hartford Athletic to help grow the Academy and provide opportunities for players and families to connect with Connecticut's professional soccer team," Maciel said. "Hartford Athletic has been a great community partner to all youth soccer clubs and players across the state and the region, and I am excited to work with the Club to continue to grow the game we love in the state we love."

Hartford Athletic Youth Academy teams will benefit from many resources the club is able to provide including training in a professional environment, access to first team coaches and players, season tickets to first team matches and more. The U19 team will compete in the UPSL for a second consecutive season. The U13-15 teams will play in the National League while the U8-U12 teams will join the Elite Developmental Program.

Hartford Athletic's Academy players have already shown an ability to make an impact at the professional level. Current U19 Forward Ali Taleb (Glastonbury, CT) made his professional debut during the club's US Open Cup match against Landsdowne Yonkers FC on April 4th and Dren Dobruna (Waterbury, CT) appeared in the 18-man roster for the 2022 season finale against Louisville City FC. Former U19 academy players Pearse O'Brien (West Hartford, CT) and Damon Rouse (Albany, NY) have also appeared in matches for Hartford Athletic.

"Connecticut is a state full of talented young soccer players who we look forward to welcoming into our expanded academy structure," said Ray Reid, Hartford Athletic's Technical Director. "This is a fantastic opportunity to identify homegrown talents who we can develop into players that help down the road. We also look forward to continuing to deepen our relationships with our Youth Soccer Affiliates and all those who work hard across the state to provide soccer playing opportunities to young players and coaches."

Tryouts will be held May 1st through the 4th at Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford. Appearances from first team players and coaches will be made throughout the week including: Hartford Athletic Technical Director and four-time collegiate national champion coach Ray Reid, Head Coach and U.S. Men's National Team legend Tab Ramos, assistant coaches Omid Namazi and Dan Gaspar, and first team players including Danny Barrera. Players looking to try out should visit https://www.hartfordathletic.com/academy/ for more information and to register. Tryouts are free to attend. Please direct all questions to academy@hartfordathletic.com.

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