Philadelphia Union Sign Academy Product Jack de Vries as a Homegrown Player Forward/midfielder de Vries becomes 12th Homegrown in Union history; Signing to take effect on January 1, 2020

CHESTER, Pa. (August 20, 2019) – Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has signed Academy Product Jack de Vries to a professional contract, making the forward/midfielder the 12th Homegrown Player in Philadelphia Union history.

Born in Akron, Ohio and raised in both Brussels, Belgium and Virginia Beach, Virginia before moving to the Delaware Valley, de Vries’ deal is for the Dutch-American to join the first team effective January 1, 2020.

"Completing the signing of an Academy Product to the first team is a momentous occasion for both the player and our club, and the same holds true with Jack finalizing his agreement today,” said Ernst Tanner, Union Sporting Director. “He is an exciting attacking prospect who has appeared at the highest levels within his age group in the United States youth national team setup.”

Continued Tanner: “Additionally, he is a very versatile player, capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or as a forward. He is ready for the leap to the professional game and we are pleased to have him officially join our first team next season.”

De Vries has appeared for Bethlehem Steel FC as an Academy player, playing in three games (two starts) this season. He made his debut for the team in Bethlehem’s 2019 season opener at Birmingham on March 10, and would go on to start his first USL match vs. North Carolina FC in Steel FC’s home opener one weekend later on March 16.

The attacker has been a frequent participant in the United States youth national team system, receiving four call-ups in 2019 alone from the Under-17s. Most recently, he was in a domestic training camp with the U-17s in Carson, California from July 27-August 7. He also participated in the 2019 Concacaf Under-17 Championship, helping the United States to a runner-up finish.

TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign forward/midfielder Jack de Vries as a Homegrown Player on August 20, 2019, with the signing effective January 1, 2020.

Name: Jack de Vries

Position: Forward/Midfielder

Height: 6-0

Weight: 165

Hometown: Brussels, Belgium

Born: March 28, 2002 in Akron, Ohio

Citizenship: United States, Netherlands

Acquired: Philadelphia Union sign forward/midfielder Jack de Vries as a Homegrown Player on August 20, 2019, with the signing effective January 1, 2020.