Jacksonville Armada FC operates U16, U17, and U19 MLS NEXT teams.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In a pioneering move to redefine soccer development in Northeast Florida, Jacksonville Armada FC joins Major League Soccer (MLS) and Jacksonville FC for U16, U17, and U19 operations and funding. announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with (JFC). MLS next team.
Backed by significant investment from owner Robert Palmer, this ground-breaking collaboration highlights our joint commitment to developing soccer talent in the region, leading to entry into MLS NEXT Pro. It aligns with Armada's vision of being ready.
With this agreement, the U16, U17 and U19 MLS NEXT teams previously under Jacksonville FC will now proudly call themselves Jacksonville Armada FC. This integration represents a unified approach to developing elite talent and fostering a strong soccer culture in Jacksonville. This reflects the dedication shared by all organizations within the MLS framework to raising the standards of player development across the professional path.
Jacksonville Armada FC President and General Manager Nathan Walter expressed enthusiasm about the new pipeline that will produce professional soccer players from Northeast Florida.
“We have a responsibility to make sure we engage with the elite players in the market. We have given them the opportunity to sign professional contracts and build their careers and the great thing about football is that you can. So if we can give kids and players, especially from Northeast Florida, an opportunity to sign professional contracts, that's what we're going to do,” Walter said.
The appointment of Tommy Krizanovic as MLS NEXT Pro Academy Director underscores Armada's commitment to top-level coaching. Krzanovic, who also serves as NPSL U23 head coach, will lead the U16 and U17 MLS NEXT teams while maintaining his role as JFC's MLS NEXT Academy Director. Elmar Borowicz joins the Academy staff and will primarily focus on coaching the U19 MLS NEXT team.
To identify and hire top talent, Armada will host an ID clinic on April 30th. These clinics provide aspiring players the opportunity to showcase their abilities and compete for coveted positions within the Jacksonville Armada FC MLS NEXT Pro Academy.