JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In a pioneering move set to redefine soccer development in Northeast Florida, the Jacksonville Armada FC has announced a strategic partnership with Major League Soccer (MLS) and Jacksonville FC (JFC) to operate and finance the U16, U17 and U19 MLS NEXT teams.
This landmark collaboration, backed by owner Robert Palmer's substantial investment, underscores a joint commitment to nurturing soccer talent in the region and aligns with the Armada's vision as they gear up to enter MLS NEXT Pro.
The agreement entails that the U16, U17 and U19 MLS NEXT teams, previously under Jacksonville FC's purview, will now proudly carry the Jacksonville Armada FC name. This integration signifies a unified approach to fostering elite talent and cultivating a robust soccer culture in Jacksonville. It reflects a shared dedication among all entities within the MLS framework to elevate the standard of player development across the professional pathway.
Jacksonville Armada FC President and General Manager Nathan Walter expressed his enthusiasm about the new pipeline to create professional soccer players from Northeast Florida.
"We have a responsibility to make sure that we are engaging with the elite players within the marketplace. We've given them the opportunity to go on and sign professional contracts and make a career. And the cool thing about soccer is that you can do that within your ecosystem. So, if we can give children and players, particularly in Northeast Florida that opportunity to sign a professional contract, then that's what we are going to do," said Walter.
The appointment of Tommy Krizanovic as the MLS NEXT Pro academy director underscores the Armada's commitment to top-tier coaching. Krizanovic, also serving as the NPSL U23 head coach, will lead the U16 and U17 MLS NEXT teams while maintaining his role as the MLS NEXT academy director with JFC. Elmar Bolowich joins the Academy staff, focusing primarily on coaching the U19 MLS NEXT team.
To identify and recruit top-tier talent, the Armada will host ID clinics on April 30. These clinics offer aspiring players a chance to showcase their abilities and vie for coveted positions within the Jacksonville Armada FC MLS NEXT Pro Academy.