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MLS Philadelphia Union

Philadelphia Union Affiliate YSC Academy Graduates 13 Students

June 3, 2016 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release


CHESTER, Pa. - Philadelphia Union affiliate YSC Academy saw the growth of 13 young men on Friday as the school held its annual graduation. Of the 13 in the graduating class, 12 of those students will go on to compete at the collegiate level. The 13th member has intentions of signing a professional contract.

"I am honored to have had the opportunity to watch you grow both on and off the field of play, and admire your commitment and dedication to your soccer and academic pursuits," Richie Graham, YSC Founder, said at the ceremony. "Passionate commitment to pursuing a dream is not always an easy road and you all should be extremely proud of your work ethic and accomplishments."

YSC Academy was built with Graham's vision and on the idea that athletes could get an education, while continuing to develop their soccer careers. Their accomplishments set them apart from their peers across the country.

"These fine young men have set high expectations for themselves and made significant sacrifices," Head of School Dr. Nooha Ahmed-Lee said. "Their character shows in all they do. I am confident that all these qualities, coupled with their passion for soccer and learning, will continue to serve them well in the future and distinguish them as the Class of 2016 YSC Academy graduates."

As for the graduating class, 12 members will move on to play at the collegiate level. Robert Campbell will head to Clemson University, while Joe DeZart will also be joining him in the ACC, at Wake Forest University. Jerren Nixon and Raheem Taylor-Parkes will be attending the University of Virginia. The final piece to the ACC puzzle is Auston Trusty, who will be attending the University of North Carolina.

The Big Ten will be represented as goalkeeper Justin Bajek will be attending the University of Maryland, while Andrew Verdi will attend the University of Michigan. Tiger Graham will be representing the Ivy League at Dartmouth. Diallo Simon-Ponte, who plays for Continental FC, a youth development affiliate partner club, has committed to Fairfield University.

In addition, Lamine Conte will pursue his career at the University of Mobile in Alabama. Abu Winter will head south to Florida to play Palm Beach Atlantic University. Emmanuel "Manny" Perez will spend a postgraduate year at YSC Academy. And midfielder Yosef Samuel will be looking to sign a professional contract.

Academy teams will wrap up the 2015-16 USSDA Regular Season on June 4, when five teams will play host to D.C. United's Academy. The U12s already wrapped up their season in May. The U18s and U16s will soon begin the postseason, where both teams are currently ranked in the Top 10 in each respective age group.

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