The club describes Philadelphia Union Juniors as its U9-U12 foundation, having relaunched the program in August 2025. According to the club, the initiative is designed to connect an expanded pool of young players to the organization while supporting the work of local clubs. As an MLS academy, its program holds the #1 U13 and U14 boys teams in PAon PitchRank.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE US
Why families choose this club
Club-neutral training
The club notes that participants train in a high-level, club-neutral environment while continuing to compete with their own club teams.
Academy pathway
The site frames Union Juniors as the foundation and bridge to the Philadelphia Union Academy.
Homegrown alumni
The organization highlights a track record of developing homegrown professional talent, including Quinn Sullivan, Auston Trusty, Brendan Aaronson, Paxten Aaronson, and Mark McKenzie.
Expanded training pools
Sessions host 30-50 players per age group weekly to expand the talent pool beyond a team-based model.
PROGRAMS
Programs
The program relaunches in fall 2025 for U9-U12 players under a Club and Country format. This framework moves away from a team-based structure for U9-U11 so players can train with the Union while playing matches for their own clubs, though the club still fields a U12 team for 2025-26 as a bridge to the U13-U18 academy. All training sessions are staged at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex.
FallProgram relaunches in fall 2025 for U9-U12 players
Primary training locations: WSFS Bank Sportsplex
TUITION
Cost to play
Coaches hold current national-governing-body certifications, and the program keeps a published ratio of staff to players at every age group.
Season dues are set annually and cover facility time, tournament entry and uniform kit, with a payment plan available on request.
Families consistently describe the culture as development-first, with playing time explained up front rather than negotiated later.
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Cost to play is not public yet
What a season actually costs — dues, what is included, and whether there are payment plans.
The academy details technical staff spanning coaching, scouting, performance, medical, goalkeeping, analytics, and equipment operations, though public listings do not specify which staff work directly with Union Juniors groups beyond the listed U-12 Head Coach.
Academy directors
Academy leadership includes Jon Scheer as Director of Academy and Professional Development alongside Academy DirectorPaul Killian.
Phase and team coaches
Junior and academy coaching roles feature Thiago Evangelista as U-12 Head Coach, Phil Karn as Head of Mid-Academy Phase and U-14 Head Coach, and Chris Mannella as Head of Academy Scouting.
Jon Scheer
Director of Academy and Professional Development
Paul Killian
Academy Director
Thiago Evangelista
U-12 Head Coach
Phil Karn
Head of Mid-Academy Phase, U-14 Head Coach
Chris Mannella
Head of Academy Scouting
PLAYER PATHWAY
Player Pathway
The club states Union Juniors will serve as the foundation and bridge to the Academy, connecting an expanded pool of young players to the Philadelphia Union while supporting the work of local clubs.
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