Grove Soccer Expands to the Valley, Introducing Grove Academy West

Grove Soccer is proud to announce the launch of Grove Academy West, bringing our high-performance training environment, individualized development model, and proven player pathway to the Shenandoah Valley.

Building on our success in Richmond, Virginia, and our international programs in Paarl and Cape Town, South Africa, this expansion marks the next step in Grove Soccer’s commitment to identifying, developing, and elevating young soccer talent in communities across the globe.

⁠“Every Grove location shares one vision — to provide a professional environment where players can reach their full potential,” said Justin Grove, Founder & President of Grove United. “We’re excited to bring that same culture of excellence to Harrisonburg and create new opportunities for players to train, compete, and grow within a clear pathway to the next level.”

Grove Academy West will begin competition in the UPSL Academy League starting January 2026, offering advanced technical training, tactical development, and personalized growth plans modeled after professional club standards for players U13–U20.

With locations now in Richmond (VA), Harrisonburg (VA), Paarl (South Africa), and Cape Town (South Africa), Grove Soccer continues to expand its development network — providing players with meaningful pathways to success right here in Virginia and around the world.

⚽️ First Tryout: Sunday, December 7

📍 Horizon Sports Complex, Harrisonburg, VA

👉 Register here: https://form.jotform.com/253139412602146

Grove United Expands Leadership Team with New Academy Director

Grove United is thrilled to announce Luca Thabet as our new Academy Director, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in youth development and player pathways.

Coach Luca joins Grove United from MLS NEXT club Sporting Springfield, where he served as a Director of Coaching, leading high-level player development and coaching education initiatives at the top tier of U.S. youth soccer.

With over eight years of head coaching experience across all ages and genders, Luca brings a deep passion for leadership, mentorship, and giving back through the game.

Throughout his career, he has held multiple leadership roles, including Director of Coaching, Assistant Director of Coaching (Boys & Girls), Club Manager, ADP Director, and Founder/Director of Futsal United.

Coaching Credentials:

•⁠ ⁠U.S. Soccer B License (A License Candidate)

•⁠ ⁠United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma

•⁠ ⁠Director of Coaching Diploma

•⁠ ⁠Advanced Youth Coaching Diploma

•⁠ ⁠Professional Diploma from FC Barcelona

He has also completed specialized tactical certifications through Formative Football in High Press, Building from the Defensive Third, and Observation Methodology in Formative Football.

From playing futsal in Egypt to competing semi-professionally with Charlottesville FC and Grove United, Luca has dedicated his life to the beautiful game.

“After speaking with Coach Luca, it was clear that his vision and methodology perfectly align with the direction of Grove United,” said Justin Grove, President of Grove United. “He loves and cares deeply about this community, and returning home to Richmond to serve it means a great deal to him. His expertise and passion for player development will help uplift our academy, elevate the standard across every level, and play a key role in taking Grove United to the next stage of growth.”

“From the first conversation, it was evident that our philosophies on coaching and player development were completely aligned,” said Coach Luca Thabet. “I’m excited to return home and contribute to the continued growth of Grove United — helping the club push from strength to strength and providing players with the environment they need to reach their full potential.”

We are excited to welcome Coach Luca to Grove United. His extensive experience, educational background, and passion for player development will play a vital role in elevating our academy and shaping the next generation of Grove United talent.

#GroveUnited #LionsStandTogether #AcademyLeadership #SoccerDevelopment #GroveFamily

Onesime Muepu Signs With French Club AS Beauvais Oise

Grove United forward Onesime Muepu has officially signed with AS Beauvais Oise, marking a major milestone in his journey into European football.

Muepe bicycle kick goal against DC United in 2023

Muepu joined Grove United in 2022 during his senior year of high school and quickly made his presence felt. Over the course of three seasons, he rose through the ranks to become one of the most prolific strikers in club history. He led the team in goals during his debut campaign and consistently demonstrated a knack for unlocking defenses with his pace, technical ability, and instinct in front of goal.

His consistent performances and natural attacking flair caught the attention of international scouts. Following extended interest and evaluation, AS Beauvais Oise secured his signature during the 2024 summer transfer window, launching a promising new chapter in the young forward’s career.

Founded in 1945, AS Beauvais Oise competes in the Championnat National 2, the fourth tier of French football. The club is based in the city of Beauvais, in the Hauts-de-France region, and has a rich history of developing players who have progressed to higher levels in French and European football. The club plays its home matches at the Stade Pierre Brisson, a 10,000-seat venue that regularly hosts competitive fixtures and provides a strong platform for emerging talent. AS Beauvais has built a competitive squad with ambitions of climbing the national ranks, and the signing of Muepu is a strategic move to inject youth, athleticism, and creativity into their attacking unit.

President of Grove United, Justin Grove, offered high praise for Onesime Muepu following his recent signing with AS Beauvais Oise: "From the moment Onesime joined our club as a young player, it was clear he had something rare — not just talent, but a hunger to grow, to lead, and to rise. He didn’t just train hard; he lived the process, showing the kind of discipline and maturity that sets future professionals apart. Over the years, we've watched him turn setbacks into fuel and potential into performance. His signing with AS Beauvais Oise is a proud moment for all of us at Grove United, and just the beginning of what we believe will be a remarkable journey in European football.”

In 2024, Onesime took his first step toward the European stage with a trip to France to participate in an identification session with Red Star FC, a club known for its strong youth development program. During this trial period, he impressed the coaching staff with his technical ability, sharp instincts, and overall attacking prowess. His standout performance earned him an invitation to tryout at multiple French clubs in an extended tryout period. 

This year, Onesime returned to France and went on trial with AS Beauvais Oise, where his potential and versatility as a forward were quickly recognized. This opportunity ultimately led to his signing with Beauvais, marking a significant milestone in his transition to European football and the next phase of his career.

Onesime now follows in the footsteps of four Grove players who have signed with clubs overseas:

• Will Collins (Gulf United – 1st Division, Dubai)

• Asanda Tom (Chippa United – 1st Division, South Africa)

• Brian Chidzvongo (Bulawayo Chiefs – 1st Division, Zimbabwe)

• Rodrigo De Groote (Inter Playa – 3rd Division, Mexico)

  
  

In addition to helping players advance to the collegiate level, the club remains deeply committed to developing and propelling talent to the next level—both domestically and internationally—through its growing network across the United States and abroad.

Onesime has already made an impact at AS Beauvais Oise, having both scored and provided an assist in his early appearances for the club. His performances have not gone unnoticed—he was recently featured in a local French newspaper, highlighting his rapid adaptation and contribution on the field.

He continues to light up the stage wherever he goes, bringing creativity, energy, and a fearless mentality to each opportunity. We are proud to see Onesime represent Grove Soccer on the European stage and look forward to cheering him on as he climbs the ranks of European football.