The Landon Donovan-helmed San Diego Loyal SC introduced Wednesday that it has signed its first native academy prospect to knowledgeable contract.
The Loyal signed 15-year-old goalkeeper and San Diegan Duran Ferree, pending league and federation approval, making him the primary native product to maneuver via the crew’s improvement pathway to the primary crew for the USL Championship facet.
The 4S Ranch native was a standout participant at San Diego Surf Soccer Membership earlier than becoming a member of the inaugural Loyal Choose program on April 22, 2021. That program was introduced on Jan. 8, 2021.
After a season with Loyal Choose, Ferree signed a USL Academy contract on Jan. 28, forward of the 2022 USL Championship season. He has since educated day by day with the primary crew and noticed his first inclusion within the SD Loyal 18-man roster on April 30 on the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
SD Loyal Staff Supervisor Donovan stated he has seen first-hand Ferree’s accelerated development.
“Since we established the Loyal Choose program and have now signed seven youth gamers to USL Academy contracts, our goal has remained unchanged — our objective has all the time been to supply a platform for our area’s prime youth gamers to maximise their improvement and attain their highest potential to finally in the future play for SD Loyal,” Donovan stated. “Duran is the primary of many gifted gamers that our membership will proceed to develop and signal to knowledgeable contract.”
Particulars of the contract weren’t instantly obtainable.
The Loyal Choose academy program — supported by Rady Kids’s Hospital — offers youth gamers representing areas and golf equipment throughout San Diego County the chance to coach and compete in knowledgeable surroundings and offers a path to the SD Loyal first crew. Whereas remaining with their respective youth golf equipment for coaching and matches, Loyal Choose gamers get a chance to compete in a full USL Academy League season, dealing with elite expertise from throughout the nation.
“San Diego has by no means earlier than had knowledgeable pathway for its elite youth soccer gamers,” SD Loyal President Ricardo Campos stated. “The dedication from our teaching workers, led by Landon Donovan to develop the subsequent era of native expertise is unmatched.
At Loyal Choose, Ferree posted two clear sheets in 2021 and has thus far allowed zero targets in six begins in 2022. For the 2021-22 youth soccer season, Ferree was chosen because the ECNL Boys Southwest Convention U16 Participant of the Yr in addition to an All-Convention First Staff choice.
“This has been an unimaginable journey for me and my household,” Ferree stated. “It’s a dream come true to have the ability to play skilled soccer for my hometown membership and it’s an honor to symbolize San Diego Loyal. From the membership to the workers, SD Loyal is the suitable place for me to proceed creating into one of the best participant I might be.”
The Loyal play its subsequent dwelling sport Saturday towards Phoenix Rising FC at 7 p.m. at College of San Diego’s Torero Stadium.
–Metropolis Information Service
