April 22, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – Hartford Athletic News Release
HARTFORD, Conn. – Hartford Athletic announced an expansion of its youth academy structure today. Beginning Fall 2023, the club will house eight boys youth academy teams, adding U8, U10, U11, U13 and U14 to the U12 youth academy, U15 youth academy and U19 academy teams that play under the club’s current academy structure. Hartford Athletic is partnering with Everson Maciel who has over 20 years of experience in youth soccer in Connecticut to support the expansion and augment the experience for players, parents, and coaches.
“The expansion of our academy is another exciting step in the growth of our club,” said Hartford Athletic Chairman Bruce Mandell. “Our academy will provide more players a unique pathway to the pros and connection to our first team coaching staff and players. We have seen an incredible enthusiasm from youth soccer players in our community who want to be part of our club, and with the guidance and experience of Everson Maciel, we will be able to provide a best-in-class experience.”
Everson Maciel played professionally in Brazil, Malaysia, and the United States. Maciel played for the Western Mass Pioneers of the USL from 2004 to 2008 and was named one of the top ten players of the decade. Everson also represented the United States as a member of the national futsal team in the 2021 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Lithuania. He has been involved in supporting youth soccer in Connecticut for over 20 years as owner of CT premier soccer club Ginga FC. Maciel will work with Technical Director Ray Reid to provide administrative support for the Hartford Athletic Youth Academy.
“I am thrilled to partner with Hartford Athletic to help grow the Academy and provide opportunities for players and families to connect with Connecticut’s professional soccer team,” Maciel said. “Hartford Athletic has been a great community partner to all youth soccer clubs and players across the state and the region, and I am excited to work with the Club to continue to grow the game we love in the state we love.”
Hartford Athletic Youth Academy teams will benefit from many resources the club is able to provide including training in a professional environment, access to first team coaches and players, season tickets to first team matches and more. The U19 team will compete in the UPSL for a second consecutive season. The U13-15 teams will play in the National League while the U8-U12…