April 20, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Orange County SC News Release
Orange County SC is thrilled to announce the signing of midfielder Ben Norris to a USL Academy Pro contract for the remainder of the 2023 season. Norris now joins goalkeeper Mark Hyan, defender Ashton Miles and forward Nico Ruiz as OCSC’s Academy Pro contract players.
Norris is currently a member of OCSC II and will now be eligible to feature for the senior team, maintaining his collegiate eligibility while on this USL Academy Pro contract.
“Ben has thoroughly deserved this contract with his performances in our reserve team,” OCSC Sporting Director Peter Nugent said. “He is an exciting young player, who plays with a relentless energy every time he sees the field.
The 16-year-old from Poway, CA has had an impressive youth career with San Diego Surf prior to joining OCSC II. He was named to the Elite Clubs National League U15 All-America Team for the 2020-2021 season. He followed that up with an ECNL U16 Boys Southwest All-Conference Team nod in 2021-2022.
“Being a pro has been a dream of mine since I was four, so it feels amazing to sign with OCSC,” Norris said. “I started with Orange County about a year ago and ever since I have been here I’ve loved it.”
While with OCSC II, Norris played in all four matches in the 2022 USL Academy Finals in Florida, where OCSC II took home the Showcase Division Title.
Norris becomes the latest local product to enter OCSC’s Next Wave of talent on their Pathway to Pro, in hopes of one day playing abroad and follow the footsteps of former OCSC players like Kobi Henry.
OCSC II begins play in the 2023 USL Academy League season later this summer, competing in the Southwest Division.
Per league and club policy, terms of the transaction will not be disclosed.
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