Did You Know?
Philadelphia Union Academy Players Help Lead Our Summer Soccer Camps!
Every summer, Philadelphia Union Academy players step off the training pitch and onto the fields of our youth Soccer Camps—not just as players, but as mentors, leaders, and role models. This is a rare opportunity for young campers to learn directly from some of the region’s most promising up-and-coming talent. For many Academy players, it’s a full-circle moment—just a few years ago, they were the kids dreaming big at camps just like these.
Working at summer camps is more than a fun side gig for our Academy players. It’s a key part of their development—both as athletes and as young professionals. By taking on coaching roles, they gain valuable skills in leadership, communication, and public speaking. Explaining drills, managing groups, and inspiring young athletes requires poise, clarity, and confidence—traits that serve them well both on and off the field.
At the same time, these experiences help reinforce the core values of the Union Way. Academy players take pride in giving back to the soccer community that helped shape them, and they understand the importance of being ambassadors for the club. Whether they're running drills, offering encouragement, or just kicking a ball around during breaks, they’re building real connections with the next generation of fans and players.
And there’s an added benefit: coaching others sharpens their own game. Teaching a skill often requires a deeper understanding of it—by breaking down movements and explaining tactics, Academy players reinforce their own learning and awareness.
So when your child attends a Philadelphia Union Summer Soccer Camp, they’re not just signing up for top-tier training and a great time. They’re stepping into a program where inspiration is everywhere—and sometimes, it wears the number of a future MLS star.
