Grove United Enters Partnership With Pro Club, Gulf United FC!

Grove United has entered into an official partnership with Pro Club, Gulf United FC! Gulf United Football Club is a professional football club in the UAE First Division. Renowned for developing young talent, the club stands out as one of the leading football brands in the region. Gulf United regularly participates in international exhibition matches against top professional teams, including Newcastle United and Al Ittihad FC.

The partnership will enable Grove United players to be directly scouted by Gulf United Pro coaches for the chance to sign professionally with the club. Gulf United participated in the Grove United International Showcase in August, where three players were selected for further evaluation. Notably, Grove United's top goal scorer, Will Collins, was signed for the 2025 season and will officially join the team in January.

Will Collins breaking away from defender before scoring for Grove United NPSL.

“Our aim is to nurture high-level players and provide them with opportunities to advance to the next level. This partnership with Gulf United creates a direct pathway for our players to reach the professional ranks abroad,” says club president Justin Grove.

Gulf United has established a reputation for helping players advance to top clubs across the world. In the last two years alone, they have successfully facilitated the signing of over 20 players to higher-level clubs in both the UAE and Europe. This indicates that Grove United players who join Gulf United are not only stepping into a professional club but also gaining access to a pathway that enables them to reach even greater achievements.

In addition to providing opportunities for Grove United players in Dubai, Gulf United players will join the Grove United Pro setup during the first team's NPSL season. These Gulf United professional players will contribute their overseas experience to the training and match environment at Grove United. This collaboration will enable them to be assessed by U.S. coaches throughout the season and gain exposure at our International Combines, which occur every six months with the participation of U.S. college coaches and international professional clubs.

“Following multiple conversations with Gulf United Owner, Jordan Shields, and Head of Operations, Junior Mutumene, it became evident that we share similar values regarding player development and facilitating opportunities for athletes to advance to the next level. Gulf United's dedication to excellence, demonstrated by their success in results and player movement in recent seasons and the world class facilities they offer players, reflects their alignment with our vision for player development. This partnership expands global opportunities for players of both clubs to develop, showcase their talent, and progress to the next level,” says Grove.

Gulf United FC is attending the January International Combine on January 10-12, 2025 at River City Sportsplex. Want the opportunity to be evaluated by Gulf United FC? Register today: https://form.jotform.com/243093890338564

U19 team competes in FC Delco tournament

Grove United’s U19 team competed in the top bracket of the FC Delco Fall Showcase last weekend in Philadelphia, finishing with a 1-1-1 record. The tournament is a top-level recruiting showcase, providing players with elite training facilities and exposure to college coaches while displaying their skills in a competitive atmosphere.

The Lions competed in three matches during the weekend tournament, with the first against FC Delco. Lucas Spiegel and Jackson Robbins each scored, both of which were assisted by Matthew Do. The game ended in a tie, with the final score of 2-2. Grove United’s second game was against the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals. In the head-to-head matchup, the Lions faced an early deficit, down 1-0. Grove United tied the game with a goal from James Blalock, assisted by Owen Blount. The Ukrainian Nationals scored a goal within the final minute of the match, beating Grove United 2-1. The third match, against FC Ballyhoo, was highlighted by goals from James Blalock and Bodhan Syvkie, with both scores being assisted by Lucas Spiegel. The Lions defeated FC Ballyhoo 2-1, finishing the FC Delco Fall Showcase with a 1-1-1 record.

Goalkeeper Cam Vester with a save vs FC Delco

The Grove United U19 team is a talented unit, with four players on the Lion’s roster who have recently committed to continue their careers at the collegiate level and several other top college prospects.

Grove United U19 College Signings:

Lucas Spiegel (Midfielder): University of Mary Washington

Matthew Melis (Defender): Roanoke College

Jackson Robbins (Midfielder): Hampden-Sydney College

Cameron Vester (Goalkeeper): Shenandoah University

The U19 squad will now travel to Raleigh, North Carolina, to compete in the top bracket at the visitRaleigh.com Boys College Showcase. The Showcase Series is notable for providing aspiring elite players with the opportunity to compete against talented clubs from across the country and gain exposure to college coaches. The Boys College Showcase is one of four elite tournaments in the series, and the Lions are now looking ahead to competing in the U20 top bracket.

INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE CAMP

Grove United brings International Pro Clubs and College Coaches to Richmond for a 4-day elite showcase camp!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to showcase your talent and train like a pro!

INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE CAMP

AUG 5- AUG 8, 2024

River City Sportsplex

U15 - Semi-pro/College

Showcase Your Talent

Grove United brings international pro clubs and college coaches to Richmond for a 4-day showcase camp. The camp will feature high-performance training sessions, small-sided games, and 11 v 11 matches to allow players different environments to showcase their talent.

Train Like a Pro

The camp will feature high-performance training that will mimic the pro and college environment.

Elite Level

The camp is open to elite, aspiring U15 - Semi-Pro/College players that are interested in playing at the next level. The camp is open to elite players 2010 and up.

Pro Clubs In Attendance

Red Star FC - France

Red Star FC is a Professional French Club in Ligue 2. The club is one of the oldest clubs in France and has produced professional players at all levels of European football every year. Last year 2 players were selected from Grove United for training and evaluation at the Parisian Club.

Gulf United FC - Dubai

Gulf United is a Professional Club in Dubai competing in the UAE 1st Division. The club is know for nuturing young talent and being one of the leading football brands in the UAE. Several Players from Gulf United FC will feature in the Grove United NPSL Team this year as a part of the Grove United x Gulf United partnership. More details to be announced soon.

Colleges in Attendance

Randolph Macon - NCAA DIII

Randolph Macon is a NCAA Division III program lead by Josh Laux. Coach Laux has guided Randolph-Macon men's soccer to three of the highest winning percentages in conference play in 20 years. Several current and former Grove United players have been linked with the Yellow Jackets.

Virginia State University - NCAA DII

Virginia State University is a Division II program in Petersburg, Va. The VSU program is lead by Bob Jenkins who has a comprehensive background in team and player development as well as in coaching education at the NCAA DI, US mens national team and youth club levels across the country.

Register Now! Space limited! Early Bird Special until June 12, 2024!

Registration Link: https://form.jotform.com/241424162629555

Please contact Grove United at Grovesoccerunited@gmail.com if you have any questions throughout the registration process.