The Portland Timbers are a professional soccer club in Portland, Oregon that compete in Major League Soccer (MLS). They also have a youth academy, the Portland Timbers Academy, that aims to develop young soccer players in the Pacific Northwest region.
About Portland Timbers Academy
The Portland Timbers Academy was established in 2010 with the goal of creating a player development pathway for young soccer players in the region. The academy offers year-round training programs for players as young as 7 years old up to the U19 level.
Facilities
The Portland Timbers Academy is based at the Providence Park stadium in downtown Portland, where the Timbers play their home matches. The academy also has access to additional training facilities in the Portland area.
Teams and Leagues
The Portland Timbers Academy has teams across various age groups, including U12, U13, U14, U15, U17, and U19. The teams compete in various leagues and tournaments, including the MLS Next league, the US Soccer Development Academy, and the Cascadia Cup.
Players Who Have Gone on to Play College or Pro Soccer:
The Portland Timbers Academy has produced several players who have gone on to play at the college and professional levels. Some notable alumni include:
- Jeremy Ebobisse: Ebobisse played for the Timbers Academy before being drafted by the Timbers in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. He has since become a regular for the Timbers and has also earned caps for the US Men’s National Team.
- Rubio Rubin: Rubin played for the Timbers Academy before signing a professional contract with FC Utrecht in the Netherlands. He has since played for several other European clubs and has also earned caps for the US Men’s National Team.
- Foster Langsdorf: Langsdorf played for the Timbers Academy before playing collegiately at Stanford University. He has since signed a professional contract with the LA Galaxy and has also played for the USL Championship side San Diego Loyal SC.
Conclusion
The Portland Timbers Academy is an important part of the club’s commitment to developing young soccer players in the Pacific Northwest region. With access to top-notch facilities and a comprehensive player development program, the academy provides an excellent opportunity for young players to grow and reach their full potential. The academy’s success in producing players who have gone on to play at the professional and international levels is a testament to the quality of its program.