As a part of Republic FC’s commitment to invest and support the region’s soccer community, Republic FC’s Academy will once again host its Center of Excellence program offering supplemental training sessions for the region’s youth players. The program offers young players, ages 10-12, an opportunity to work with Republic FC’s Academy coaches – including Director of Talent Identification and U15 Head Coach Eder Quintanilla, who holds both USSF and UEFA “A” coaching licenses and experience coaching in Spain and Mexico, former Republic FC player Ivan Mirkovic, who led the U19 squad to the MLS NEXT Cup semifinals in 2021, and Brian Willey, who coaches the U13 team and has been with the academy since its inaugural season. Over the course of five Sunday sessions, they will provide specialized instruction and will introduce important technical and tactical concepts, helping expand their skills to prepare for a more competitive environment.
Parents can register players at SacRepublicFC.com/talentid to reserve their spot in the five-week Center of Excellence program. The program costs $150 for all five sessions, and all participants will receive a free ticket to an upcoming match, as well as a Republic FC t-shirt.
In 2015, Republic FC launched the region’s only youth development academy with a direct pipeline to playing professional soccer. The club’s staff have helped develop 11 players who have moved on to the professional ranks with a first-team side – including three who have joined Republic FC’s first team and three more who have been selected in the MLS SuperDraft – and over 60 who have continued their careers in college soccer programs. Most recently, the club supported Hayden Sargis, a local-standout player who spent 5 years with Republic FC’s youth development academy and two seasons with the first team, before joining MLS club DC United on a transfer this January.
What: Republic FC Academy Center of Excellence – players can register at https://www.sacrepublicfc.com/talentid
Who: Local players born in 2010, 2011, or 2012
When: February 27, March 6, March 13, March 20, March 27; 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Mather Sports Complex, 3755 Schriever Avenue, Mather, CA 95455
