“The U.S. Soccer Development Academy helped launch the careers of so many of our current U.S. and Canadian National Team stars, and identified potential players who may not otherwise have earned the opportunity to represent their countries at many age groups.

“As that program ends, we believe that Major League Soccer’s new elite youth program is a clear path to having a world-class youth development structure in the U.S. and Canada. We look forward to collaborating with MLS to launch the new platform, and for FCC and other MLS teams to develop our sports’ next generation of players.

“Collaboration – not heated competition – always leads to better results, so we’re optimistic about what’s ahead for the youth soccer landscape in the U.S. and Canada through MLS’ efforts.

“While MLS begins the process of implementing and launching the new elite program, we remain 100% committed to raising the level of the game in our region.

We continue to fully fund the FC Cincinnati Academy – a fact that will not change – so that the top players in the region have the opportunity to train and compete at the highest level with the best resources, regardless of their financial situation.

We’ve implemented expanded scouting and training programs so that the FC Cincinnati Academy has a greater reach into communities in an effort to provide professional opportunities to the best players, no matter their backgrounds or where they live.

We plan to expand the age groups playing in the FC Cincinnati Academy to provide a longer pathway to potential professional careers, and will continue that work in light of today’s news with further information available this summer.

We have invested in growing the girls’ game regionally through our partnership with the Cincinnati DA and will be working with their leadership on the best path forward for families in the program. We also have an interest in potential future opportunities consistent with a women’s professional team through a dedicated girls academy structure, and will be working with MLS on how we can support female players in its new development program.

In the coming months we’ll announce a new program – already proven successful and popular in other markets – that allows more youth clubs the opportunity to join the FCC family, providing them with professional training, education and competitive resources for boys and girls players, coaches and families.

“Major League Soccer’s elite youth initiative is the next step in creating a world-class development model that will help lift the league and both countries up consistently among the world’s top soccer powers, especially as we approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup here in North America. We are optimistic about the future of not only the FC Cincinnati Academy, but also the future of youth soccer development overall.”