ONE MISSION. ONE PATHWAY.
Two Clubs. One Elite Standard. Defining the peak of player development in Central PA.
Read the press release here.
Our Shared Vision
Keystone FC and North Union United (NUU) have established a formalized bridge for the region’s top-performing players at U13+. This collaboration ensures that talented players in Central PA have a clear, reputable, and supported route to the highest levels of the youth game while maintaining their foundational roots.
The Gold Standard Platforms
Through this partnership, players gain direct, supported access to the most prestigious youth soccer platforms in the United States:
- Girls Academy (GA): The leading national standard for female player development. It focuses on holistic growth and provides the highest level of collegiate recruitment and U.S. Youth National Team (USYNT) scouting.
- MLS Next Homegrown Division (HD): The premier national platform for elite boys’ soccer. It offers a professional-grade training environment designed for players tracking toward top-tier collegiate and professional careers.
How the Pathway Works
This is a unified ecosystem designed to support player growth at every stage:
- Collaborative Scouting: Technical staffs from both clubs meet regularly to evaluate player progress and identify "Pathway Ready" players.
- Technical Integration: Aligned coaching philosophies and supplemental Academy training ensure players are prepared for the rigors of national competition.
- Strategic Identification: Top-performing players receive invitations to "Academy Invite" sessions to gauge readiness for the GA or MLS Next HD platforms.
- Supported Transition: Any movement to a national roster is a collaborative discussion between the player, the family, and the Directors of both clubs to ensure the player’s best interests come first.
Why This Matters for Keystone FC/North Union United
- National Exposure for Central PA: This partnership ensures our region’s top talent is showcased and recruited at the nation's most scouted events, both collegiately and for the USYNT.
- Elevated Competitive Standard: By pooling the region's top talent into a single Academy pathway, we strengthen the rosters that represent Central PA on the national stage.
- Local Roots, National Reach: Ambitious players no longer need to look outside the region or travel long distances to find elite opportunities.
- Shared Professionalism: Families benefit from a transparent, reputable roadmap where leadership from both clubs works together to find the "best fit" for every athlete.