Located at 291 Medford-Mt. Holly Rd, Medford, NJ, Real Futbol Academy was founded in 2016 and was formerly Real Jersey Football Club [Club description, Address, Founding/History]. Operating as an MLS NEXT member, the soccer organization frames its competitive standards around Grit | Passion | Excellence [Competitive ranking, Sport, Mission/Philosophy]. Families can contact club staff by email at info@realfutbolacademy.com or follow team updates across Instagram, Facebook, and X [Email, Instagram handle, Facebook page, X handle].
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE US
Why families choose this club
Championship record
The club cites 6-time NJYS State Cup Champions, 6-time USYS East Region Champions, and 2-time USYS National Champions among its program honors [Why families: Proven track record].
College pathways
RFA reports placing over 75 players into collegiate programs and provides older players with tools, film, and connections for recruiting [Why families: College pathway].
Philadelphia Union pathway
The academy highlights strong ties to the Philadelphia Union and access to their premier player development platform [Why families: Philadelphia Union ties].
National team alumni
Academy rosters note 3 players currently representing the United States internationally and 2 playing professionally under amateur contracts for the Philadelphia Union reserve team [Why families: National team alumni].
Top tier leagues
RFA fields teams in MLS NEXT Homegrown, MLS NEXT Academy, Girls Academy, and Girls Academy Aspire [Why families: Elite league access].
Intentionally smaller rosters
According to the club's staff page, RFA deliberately maintains smaller club sizes to allow coaches to personalize training rather than expand for profit [Why families: Deliberately smaller club].
PROGRAMS
Programs
RFA serves boys and girls ages 8-18 (U8-U19) in a structured program tailored to each age group, ensuring a smooth transition from fundamentals to competitive travel [Programs summary, Program Structure]. For female players, 'Zone 1' (U8-U12) emphasizes technical mastery and confidence-building, while 'Zone 2' (U13-U19) targets Girls Academy and National Academy League competition with college and pro pathways [Programs summary]. Seasonal programming includes the Fall 2026 Real Jrs Program along with team training/games for age groups across all age brackets [Fall season]. The club emphasizes quality instruction over quantity, fostering a positive, supportive culture that builds confidence and skill [Program Focus].
FallFall 2026 Real Jrs Program and team training/games for age groups
TUITION
Cost to play
For the Fall 2026 Juniors Program serving players born in 2020 and 2021, the club lists registration tuition at $225 [2.2.9].Annual full-year club fees for travel squads in MLS NEXT and Girls Academy divisions are not published directly on the public website.
COACHING
Coaching
Customized development model
The club states its coaching philosophy rejects 'one-size-fits-all' and 'win at all costs' approaches, instead centering on customized team training tailored to each athlete's talents and skill level [Coaching model].
Foundational instruction
To support this approach, coaches are given freedom to innovate and build personalized training environments, prioritizing foundational skills and sportsmanship [Coaching model].
Core player standards
Player expectations are framed around five tenets: Show grit, Be a team player, Be coachable and respectful, Have a positive attitude, and Come ready to train and improve [Player Philosophy].
Executive leadership
Executive administration is led by President Mike Winters alongside Sporting Director Russell Aaronson [Mike Winters — President, Russell Aaronson — Sporting Director].
Technical directors
Technical leadership includes Director of Coaching Jon Kopytko, Zone 1 Director Ian Carmelia, MLS Academy Director Kevin Hartwyk, MLS II & Girls NAL Director Jay Deroian, and Director of Goalkeeping Gus Valeriano [Jon Kopytko — Director of Coaching, Ian Carmelia — Zone 1 Director, Kevin Hartwyk — MLS Academy Director, Jay Deroian — MLS II & Girls NAL Director, Gus Valeriano — Director of Goalkeeping].
Russell Aaronson
Sporting Director
Jon Kopytko
Director of Coaching
Mike Winters
President
Ian Carmelia
Zone 1 Director
Jay Deroian
MLS II & Girls NAL Director
Kevin Hartwyk
MLS Academy Director
Gus Valeriano
Director of Goalkeeping
PLAYER PHILOSOPHY
Player Philosophy
RFA's stated player philosophy: Show grit. Be a team player. Be coachable and respectful. Have a positive attitude. Come ready to train and improve.
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