AFC Mobile is broadening its footprint beyond the senior team with a new youth development pathway.
The club announced in July that it would join the National Premier Soccer League’s Under-19 pilot program, a fall effort that comes after the 2020 season was scrubbed in March. The pilot, run under the NPSL and affiliated with the U.S. Adult Soccer Association, includes AFC Mobile, the New Orleans Jesters, Pensacola FC and Port City FC. Each team plays six games from September through November, three home and three away.
“The introduction of a U-19 pilot under the NPSL umbrella represents our commitment to grassroots soccer,” NPSL Chairman Kenny Farrell said in a release, noting the format gives young players a visible platform in areas where opportunities are limited.
AFC Mobile co-owner Sean Landry said the pilot mirrors what the conference wants from its academies: “a direct relationship with a pathway to our senior team.” First-team coach Steve Wieczorek will lead the U-19 squad, which he guided to the GCPL Cup playoffs in 2019.
The club also plans to launch a youth academy this fall. Organizers say the goal is to develop players of all ages in Mobile and surrounding communities through a shared system of coaches and training philosophy. The first teams will be built from the players and coaches of the former Mobile Texans youth club. Wieczorek, who is finishing a doctorate in sports management, will serve as technical director, assisted by former Texans director Craig Ginsberg.
Interested players can reach the club at [email protected].