ABOUT
Republic FC launched its Youth Development Academy in 2015, providing a top-tier training environment for youth players and the only youth-to-pro pathway in the Sacramento region. Republic FC Academy players have gone on to represent the club’s first team in league, friendly, and U.S. Open Cup matches, at the Division I collegiate level, as well as their respective nations on Youth National Teams.
The club’s Academy competes in the highest level of youth soccer in North America – MLS NEXT – providing a professional tier, high-level development environment to the region’s top players and teams. Since its effective replacement of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy system, which operated from 2007-2020, MLS NEXT has attracted 133 local clubs – home to 90% of U.S. Soccer’s national team player pool – and operates yearly postseason and showcase competitions in addition to the regular season running from September to May.
MLS NEXT
MLS NEXT provides the best player development experience in North America. Founded on a collaborative approach to governance and a commitment to innovation, MLS NEXT players have access to the highest levels of competition and to training to prepare them for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Learn more>>
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
- Implement a clear club culture and identity
- Deliver an optimal learning environment to maximize individual and team development
- Continually increase internal competition to raise overall standard of play
- Provide external competition to challenge players through adverse experiences
- Accelerate our high-potential players through individualized programming
- An integrated pathway to become a professional
HIGHLIGHTS
- Academy players signed to First Team (pro contracts):8
- Academy players signed to other professional teams: 22
- Academy players called into National Team programs: 68
- Academy players selected to National Team rosters: 15
- Academy players signed to Division 1 college soccer programs: 60
- Academy coaches to professional coaching jobs: 10
- National achievement awards by Academy staff: 4
CURRENT ACADEMY PROFESSIONALS
| NAME | YOB | CURRENT CLUB | PLAYED FOR FIRST TEAM | MLS DRAFT PICK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johan Garibay | 2000 | One Knoxville SC (USL League One) | ||
| Da’vian Kimbrough | 2010 | Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship) | X | |
| Fidel Barajas | 2006 | Charleston Battery (USL Championship) | ||
| Santiago Suarez | 2005 | New England Revolution (MLS) | X | |
| Rafael Jauregui | 2004 | Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship) | X | |
| Corey Hart | 2003 | One Knoxville SC (USL League One) | ||
| EJ Johnson | 2003 | Austin FC II (MLS Next Pro) | ||
| Erik Centeno | 2002 | Atlanta United (MLS) | X | |
| Mario Penagos | 2002 | Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship) | X | |
| Hayden Sargis | 2002 | D.C. United (MLS) | X | |
| Hunter George | 2001 | San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) / San Jose Earthquakes II (MLS Next Pro) | X | |
| Kwabena Boateng | 2001 | Gold Star FC Detroit (NISA) | ||
| Roberto Hategan | 2001 | San Jose Earthquakes II (MLS Next Pro) | X | |
| Quincy Butler | 2001 | TSG 1899 Hoffenheim II (Regionalliga Südwest) | ||
| Travian Sousa | 2001 | Tacoma Defiance (MLS Next Pro) | ||
| Ryan Her | 2000 | Oakland Roots SC (USL Championship) | ||
| Joseph Restani | 1999 | Oakland Roots SC (USL Championship) | ||
| Seamus McLaughlin | 1999 | LA Force (NISA) | ||
| Shaft Brewer | 1999 | Union Omaha (USL League One) | ||
| Clay Silva | 1998 | Salamanca CF (Segunda División RFEF) | ||
| Francis Avoce | 1998 | LA Force (NISA) | ||
| Nabilai Kibunguchy | 1998 | Orlando City B (MLS Next Pro) | X | |
| Ryley Kraft | 1998 | Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) | ||
| Gio Aguilar | 1998 | Vancouver Whitecaps 2 (MLS Next Pro) | X |
