Crew Juniors, the Columbus Crew’s youth development club, and FC Phoenix announced today a formal partnership to form Phoenix Crew Juniors (PCJ), providing families in surrounding communities an outstanding local option to be connected with one of the most comprehensive youth soccer models in Major League Soccer and the nation.
With this partnership, Crew Juniors continues to expand its sphere of influence at the community level by adding an influential youth club partner that has already grown to 27 teams after just forming in 2007. Phoenix Crew Juniors will play its matches at the CESA Value City Fields at Easton, and will field teams ranging from Under-8 to U-18 for both boys and girls.
FC Phoenix Director of Coaching James Field will now assume the role of Phoenix Crew Juniors Director of Coaching. Much like the Worthington Crew Juniors, PCJ coaches will benefit from the unique Crew-developed and branded coaching curriculum, in addition to a strong and consistent commitment to continuing education.
“We are very excited to welcome James and his entire FC Phoenix organization into our Crew Juniors family,” said Andrew Arthurs, the Crew’s VP of Soccer Business Development and Crew Juniors Executive Director. “He’s done a remarkable job building something special in a short period of time, and we all believe that the resources and assets that the Crew provides greatly enhance the experiences of our players.
“The Phoenix Crew Juniors will provide top-quality and comprehensive programming to families on the South and East sides of central Ohio. As those players develop and are ready for higher levels, they’ll be part of a model that provides that upward mobility and opportunity with our Crew Juniors Gold, Crew Soccer Academy, Crew 19s and Crew Super 20s.”
Phoenix Crew Juniors players will enjoy access to Crew players, coaches and facilities (Crew Stadium and the Crew Training Center at Obetz), will wear the colors of one of the most recognizable brands in American soccer, and will be able to reach their highest potential level in one comprehensive system. Crew Soccer Academy (U16 and U 18) teams are fully funded and have enjoyed tremendous success in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy league, which is the U.S. National Team’s player identification program.
“We are delighted to become the newest partner of the Columbus Crew and their youth program and are immensely excited about the opportunities and exposure that players within the southern and eastern communities of Columbus will now receive with this partnership,” Field said. “The level of professionalism and resources that currently exist with the Crew Juniors model will benefit players of all levels from recreational to select, to Development Academy and beyond.”
Crew Juniors Mission Statement
The Crew Juniors were formed to create the premier youth player development program in Major League Soccer. We strive to assemble the finest coaching staff and to be committed to their long-term development through continuing education. We commit to establishing an outstanding learning environment for young people, on and off of the field. We pledge to run the Crew Juniors organization with a sense of community, and a commitment to give back to the game and assist with its growth at all levels.
