Crew Juniors, the Columbus Crew’s youth development club, announced today that it has entered into an exclusive agreement with the New Albany Youth Soccer League (NAYSL) to become its official select organization, providing families in that community an outstanding local option to be connected with one of the most comprehensive youth soccer models in Major League Soccer and the nation.
The New Albany-based teams, which will be known as Crew Juniors New Albany, will train and play at Bevelhymer and Thompson parks. They join existing community-based programs Crew Juniors Worthington and Crew Juniors Phoenix. With this partnership, Crew Juniors continues to expand its programming at the community-based level by adding a successful youth club partner that will field teams ranging from U-7 to U-19 for both boys and girls.
“One of the core beliefs that drives our model is simply that much more can be accomplished by forming meaningful partnerships based on cooperation and respect than can be achieved alone,” said Andrew Arthurs, VP of Soccer Business Development and Crew Juniors Executive Director. “Adding this third community-based program will provide benefits, additional opportunities and value for all of our Crew Juniors players.”
Geoff Starks and David Merrick will assume the roles of Crew Juniors New Albany Directors of Coaching, with Jeff Warren serving as the Program Director. Much like at Crew Juniors Worthington and Phoenix, CJNA coaches will benefit from the unique Crew-developed and branded coaching curriculum, in addition to a strong and consistent commitment to continuing education.
“Crew Juniors New Albany will provide top-quality and comprehensive programming to families in the Northeast region of central Ohio,” Arthurs said. “As those players develop and are ready for higher levels, they’ll be part of a model that provides for that upward mobility and opportunity with our Crew Juniors Gold, Crew Soccer Academy, Crew 19s and Crew Super 20s.”
Crew Juniors New Albany players will enjoy access to Crew players, coaches and facilities (Crew Stadium and the Crew Training Center at Obetz); wear the colors of one of the most recognizable brands in American soccer; and have the opportunity to reach their highest potential level in one comprehensive system. Crew Soccer Academy (U 14, U16 and U18) 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.
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.
