The Columbus Crew today announced that Grove City native and Crew Soccer Academy product Ben Swanson is set to sign his first professional contract as a Homegrown Player at a special Crew Youth Soccer event on Thursday, October 16 at 6:00 p.m. ET at Thompson Park (5646 Thompson Road, New Albany). The 17-year-old Swanson began his soccer career at age 8 as a member of the Crew Juniors and Academy programs and he will formally sign his paperwork and speak to the Crew Juniors Under-9 boys team at their training session.
Swanson is set to become both the youngest Homegrown Player signed in Crew history and the longest-tenured Crew Youth player in organization history. He will also be the ninth Homegrown Player signed by the Black & Gold. Swanson will be available for selection when he is officially added to the roster on January 1, 2015. Per club and MLS policy, terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.
Swanson is set to be joined by Sporting Director and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter and Senior Vice President of Business Development and Executive Director of Crew Juniors Andrew Arthurs at the event.
