Pennsylvania has quickly become one of the most powerful engines driving the growth of American soccer. Thanks to its world-class development pipelines, high-caliber academies, and intense competitive atmosphere at both youth and collegiate levels, the Keystone State is consistently producing players who are not only signing with MLS franchises but also excelling on the national and international stage.
Philadelphia Union Academy
The Philadelphia Union Academy is the crown jewel of soccer development in Pennsylvania. Based in Chester and fully integrated with the MLS franchise, the academy has become synonymous with producing elite American talent. With a residential model that allows players to live, study, and train at the YSC Academy, the Union offers one of the most immersive soccer experiences in the country.
The structure supports student-athletes with a curriculum tailored around professional development, combining rigorous academics with a demanding training regimen. This system has not only nurtured technical skills but has also built mental and physical resilience in players from an early age.
MLS Next Participation
Pennsylvania youth players gain national exposure through MLS Next, a platform created to replace the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Multiple clubs throughout the state participate in MLS Next, including FC Delco, Lehigh Valley United, and Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC Academy. These clubs compete against top academies across the country and regularly produce players invited to national team camps.
The intense, year-round competition and commitment to advanced coaching methods give Pennsylvania players a competitive edge, ensuring they are game-ready when opportunities with professional clubs arise.
Jack McGlynn
Although born in Queens, Jack McGlynn’s journey to MLS prominence was completed in Pennsylvania. The midfielder joined the Philadelphia Union Academy and quickly advanced through the ranks.
After shining for Union II in the USL, McGlynn signed with the Philadelphia Union first team in 2020 and has since become a vital part of their midfield rotation. His composure, left-footed delivery, and vision have earned him minutes in high-stakes MLS matches and CONCACAF Champions Cup games. His development stands as a testament to the effectiveness of the Union Academy’s integration with the pro level.
Paxten Aaronson
Paxten Aaronson, a product of the Philadelphia Union Academy and younger brother of U.S. international Brenden Aaronson, exploded onto the MLS scene with his creativity and goal-scoring ability.
A native of Medford, New Jersey, Aaronson’s formative soccer years were spent entirely in Pennsylvania, and he quickly moved from the academy to the first team.
In 2022, he secured a move to Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany’s Bundesliga, following the path of top Union talent making the leap to European football. His journey highlights the international credibility Pennsylvania soccer products are beginning to enjoy. Nowadays he plays for Eredivisie club Utrech.
Quinn Sullivan
Quinn Sullivan, born in Philadelphia, represents a multi-generational soccer legacy in the state. His grandfather, father, and uncles all played professional soccer, and Quinn is carrying that torch with distinction.
After progressing through the Union Academy and making his debut in 2021, Sullivan scored a Goal of the Year contender with a sensational bicycle kick. His versatility—able to play as a forward, winger, or attacking midfielder—makes him an asset, and his consistent performances have earned call-ups to the U.S. youth national teams.
High School and Collegiate Programs
Pennsylvania’s competitive high school scene includes powerhouse programs like Lower Merion, North Allegheny, and Conestoga, which regularly send players to D1 universities. Collegiate programs such as Penn State, Pitt, Temple, and Drexel have built strong soccer reputations, with the University of Pittsburgh reaching the NCAA Men’s College Cup semifinals in 2020.
These environments give aspiring professionals opportunities to test themselves against elite talent while receiving top-tier coaching and education. The combination of academic support and athletic ambition forms a reliable springboard to professional contracts or further trials with MLS-affiliated programs.
Cavan Sullivan
At just 15 years old, Cavan Sullivan has already drawn attention from some of the biggest clubs in Europe. Widely regarded as a generational talent, the young midfielder plays for Philadelphia Union.
Sullivan’s homegrown contract includes a record-breaking clause that will see him move to Manchester City when he turns 18. With technical brilliance, composure beyond his years, and a tactical IQ that belies his age, Cavan symbolizes the future of Pennsylvania soccer—and perhaps American soccer at large.
FC Delco and Lehigh Valley United
FC Delco, long recognized as one of the premier youth soccer clubs in the nation, has evolved to remain relevant in the MLS Next landscape. The club has produced dozens of college and professional players over the past 25 years, and its presence in Chester County ensures a pipeline of suburban talent feeds into higher levels.
Lehigh Valley United has likewise solidified its role, particularly in the eastern part of the state, consistently developing technically sound players who draw interest from D1 scouts and MLS scouts alike.
Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC Academy
On the western edge of the state, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and its academy offer an alternative path for elite players. The Riverhounds operate one of the most structured non-MLS professional academies in the country, competing in MLS Next and offering a clear pathway from youth squads to USL Championship appearances.
Players like Robbie Mertz and Mark Forrest began their careers with the Riverhounds before progressing to the pro ranks. The Riverhounds Academy provides regional access for talent that might otherwise remain undiscovered, ensuring a truly statewide development footprint.
Community Growth and Fan Engagement
The rising interest in soccer at the grassroots level in Pennsylvania has created a self-reinforcing cycle of support and ambition. Parents, coaches, and communities are investing time and resources in local programs, which has led to increased attendance at Union and Riverhounds games. Youth camps and clinics are thriving, and the visibility of hometown players making it to MLS inspires younger kids to pursue similar dreams.
As the local soccer community continues to grow, fans across the state are tapping into betting in PA to stay engaged with their favorite MLS clubs and emerging hometown stars. This engagement builds a stronger ecosystem that supports players on and off the pitch.
Why Pennsylvania Sets the National Standard
Pennsylvania’s blend of professional academies, MLS Next affiliations, community engagement, and collegiate support creates a holistic development environment that few other states can match. What makes Pennsylvania especially notable is the balance between urban programs like the Philadelphia Union Academy and broader statewide support from clubs and schools.
The state’s ability to cultivate talent from diverse backgrounds while maintaining high standards of coaching and competition is precisely what makes it a national leader. As MLS continues to evolve, the rest of the country is increasingly looking toward Pennsylvania—not just for its talent, but for its blueprint.