Three members of the Capital Area RailHawks Academy were recognized by the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and named to the Starting XI of the Year for the Eastern Conference. Director of the Capital Area RailHawks Academy John Bradford earned the Coach of the Year Award.
“We are very fortunate to have a talented and deep group of players in our Academy Program,” said Bradford. “To have multiple players recognized by U.S. Soccer is a testament to the program as a whole.”
Emmanuel Perez, a member of the U16 Capital Area RailHawks Academy, earned the Player of the Year award and was named to the Starting XI of the Year for the Under-15/16s Easter Conference. The midfielder led his team in goals and chances created.
“Manny had a fantastic season this past year and managed to be impactful in every game he played,” said Bradford. “He is a well-deserved Player of the Year recipient, and we look forward to another great season this coming year with the U18 Academy.”
The Capital Area RailHawks Under-17/18 Academy team had an extremely successful season. The U18 Academy finished first in the Southeast division, winning 23 of 33 league games and earning 72 points. The team led the nation in scoring, netting 113 goals in 36 games.
Jeremy Kelly, a member of the Under-17/18 Academy team, was selected to the Starting XI of the Year. Kelly was a catalyst in attack and vital to the success of the team. Kelly signed an amateur contract with the RailHawks first team in March and appeared against Toluca FC and in the US Open Cup against the New England Revolution. He earned his first start for the senior team against Indy Eleven on June 11. Kelly’s performance this year earned him an invitation to the US Soccer U20 Men’s National Team Camp, taking place from July 30 to August 7 in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.
Dylan Chain, a defender for the U18 team was also named to the Starting XI of the Year. Chain, who will continue his career at UNCW, earned the prestigious award after just his first year of academy soccer.
Coach of the U18 Academy John Bradford earned the Coach of the Year award.
“I felt that whenever a single coach is recognized within an organization or program, it’s truly a reflection of the staff overall,” said Bradford. “ Our staff works extremely hard and tirelessly to give our players the best chance to develop and be successful. It’s a tremendous honor for us all to be recognized with a ‘Coach of the Year’ award.”
Additionally, Jose Morales Jr. followed in the footsteps of youth products Jeremy Kelly and Nick Taitague by signing an amateur contract with the first team. Morales, a previous member of the U15/16 Capital Area RailHawks Academy, recorded 11 goals in 36 games as a midfielder. Morales appeared in the RailHawks’ match against West Ham United, playing 27 minutes against the Premier League team.
Colby Agu, a member of the U18 Academy, was called to the U19 USMNT for the International U-20 Men’s COTIF Tournament. Agu was named to the 22-player roster and will travel to Valencia, Spain. The US team coached by Brad Friedel is scheduled to play Venezuela, Mauritania, Spain and Bahrain.
“I am so happy for our entire program, and specifically for these players,” said Bradford.
The awards, national team call-ups, and contract offers highlight the talent available within the Academy. The RailHawks are dedicated to growing youth soccer in the Triangle; the success of the Academy is a testament to that dedication.
Three members of the Capital Area RailHawks Academy were recognized by the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and named to the Starting XI of the Year for the Eastern Conference. Director of the Capital Area RailHawks Academy John Bradford earned the Coach of the Year Award.
“We are very fortunate to have a talented and deep group of players in our Academy Program,” said Bradford. “To have multiple players recognized by U.S. Soccer is a testament to the program as a whole.”
Emmanuel Perez, a member of the U16 Capital Area RailHawks Academy, earned the Player of the Year award and was named to the Starting XI of the Year for the Under-15/16s Easter Conference. The midfielder led his team in goals and chances created.
“Manny had a fantastic season this past year and managed to be impactful in every game he played,” said Bradford. “He is a well-deserved Player of the Year recipient, and we look forward to another great season this coming year with the U18 Academy.”
The Capital Area RailHawks Under-17/18 Academy team had an extremely successful season. The U18 Academy finished first in the Southeast division, winning 23 of 33 league games and earning 72 points. The team led the nation in scoring, netting 113 goals in 36 games.
Jeremy Kelly, a member of the Under-17/18 Academy team, was selected to the Starting XI of the Year. Kelly was a catalyst in attack and vital to the success of the team. Kelly signed an amateur contract with the RailHawks first team in March and appeared against Toluca FC and in the US Open Cup against the New England Revolution. He earned his first start for the senior team against Indy Eleven on June 11. Kelly’s performance this year earned him an invitation to the US Soccer U20 Men’s National Team Camp, taking place from July 30 to August 7 in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.
Dylan Chain, a defender for the U18 team was also named to the Starting XI of the Year. Chain, who will continue his career at UNCW, earned the prestigious award after just his first year of academy soccer.
Coach of the U18 Academy John Bradford earned the Coach of the Year award.
“I felt that whenever a single coach is recognized within an organization or program, it’s truly a reflection of the staff overall,” said Bradford. “ Our staff works extremely hard and tirelessly to give our players the best chance to develop and be successful. It’s a tremendous honor for us all to be recognized with a ‘Coach of the Year’ award.”
Additionally, Jose Morales Jr. followed in the footsteps of youth products Jeremy Kelly and Nick Taitague by signing an amateur contract with the first team. Morales, a previous member of the U15/16 Capital Area RailHawks Academy, recorded 11 goals in 36 games as a midfielder. Morales appeared in the RailHawks’ match against West Ham United, playing 27 minutes against the Premier League team.
Colby Agu, a member of the U18 Academy, was called to the U19 USMNT for the International U-20 Men’s COTIF Tournament. Agu was named to the 22-player roster and will travel to Valencia, Spain. The US team coached by Brad Friedel is scheduled to play Venezuela, Mauritania, Spain and Bahrain.
“I am so happy for our entire program, and specifically for these players,” said Bradford.
The awards, national team call-ups, and contract offers highlight the talent available within the Academy. The RailHawks are dedicated to growing youth soccer in the Triangle; the success of the Academy is a testament to that dedication.
