Former Lion Onesime Muepu Continues European Journey with Signing

Grove United is proud to announce that Onesime Muepu has signed with Bourg-en-Bresse Péronnas 01 (FBBP01), continuing his rise through the European football landscape.

FBBP01 is a French association football team that plays in Ligue 3, Championnat National. 

For Onesime, the move represents another significant step in his development and an opportunity to continue growing within one of European football’s most historic environments.

A Journey That Began at Grove United

After joining Grove United in 2023, at just 18 years old, Onesime quickly became a key figure in the club’s attack. His pace, movement, and ability to create opportunities in the final third helped him establish himself as a consistent offensive threat.

During his time with Grove United, Onesime finished as the club’s leading goal scorer, with performances that helped open the door to opportunities abroad.

Through Grove United’s connections in France, Onesime earned the chance to train and trial with Red Star FC, a Ligue 2 club. The experience provided his first opportunity to immerse himself in the European football environment. His journey then continued with AS Beauvais Oise, where he further developed within the French football system and gained valuable experience competing in a professional setting. He then signed with historic FC Girondins de Bordeaux in the Spring of 2026, advancing his level of play once again. 

Continuing to Build the Grove United Pathway

Onesime’s journey represents the type of player development pathway Grove United is committed to creating. Through a combination of high-level competition, professional coaching, international relationships, and exposure to opportunities abroad, the club continues to help players position themselves for the next level of the game.

Another Proud Moment for Grove United

The entire Grove United family is proud to see Onesime earn this opportunity and continue his football journey in France.

“Seeing One make the next step in his career is an incredible moment for everyone at Grove United. One has always had the talent, determination, and mentality to reach the professional game, and we’re proud to have played a part in his journey,” said Grove United president, Justin Grove, “his story is a testament to the opportunities that can come through hard work and believing in the pathway. We couldn’t be happier for him and can’t wait to watch what he accomplishes next in France.”

Grove United Players Chosen for a Week of Training at Miami FC Academy

Four Grove United players have earned an opportunity to train with Miami FC Academy after impressing coaches during Grove United’s International Pro Combine & College I.D. Camp.

(left to right) Evan Bosak, Avi Meyrieux, Massimo Johnson, and Elijah Mcfaden

Elijah Mcfaden, Avi Meyrieux, Evan Bosak, and Massimo Johnson will spend a week in Miami working in a professional academy environment while continuing their evaluation by Miami FC coaches.

Creating pathways for players to pursue higher levels of soccer is an important part of Grove United’s mission. The club focuses on individual player development while connecting athletes with competitive experiences, professional environments, and opportunities beyond traditional club competition. Through its network of local affiliates, academy branches, and international professional club partners, Grove United gives players opportunities to be seen by coaches and organizations outside of their regular competition. The club currently highlights players who have gone on to sign with professional clubs and national teams.

The International Pro Combine and College I.D. Camp is one example of that approach. The event has brought together players and coaches from national and international soccer environments, giving Grove United athletes the chance to compete and showcase their abilities in front of visiting coaches and scouts. Throughout the combine, players participated in technical drills, training sessions, and practice matches. Mcfaden, Meyrieux, Bosak, and Johnson stood out during the event and were selected to spend a week with Miami FC Academy for further evaluation.

“This is exactly the type of opportunity we want to create for our players,” said Grove United President Justin Grove. “Elijah, Avi, Evan, and Massimo earned this opportunity through their performances at the International Pro Combine, and we’re excited to see them take what they’ve shown here into a professional academy environment. Our goal at Grove United is to give players the experiences, exposure, and development opportunities they need to continue pursuing their goals in the game.”

The Miami Football Club is Miami’s longest-tenured professional soccer club and has competed in the USL Championship since 2020. Founded in 2016, the club has built a development system designed to provide players with opportunities to grow within a professional soccer environment. Miami FC Academy serves as the club’s official youth development program and offers programs ranging from recreational to elite competition for boys and girls ages 4–20, with an emphasis on athletic and personal development.

For Mcfaden, Meyrieux, Bosak, and Johnson, the week in Miami provides more than a chance to experience a new training environment. It allows them to work with a professional coaching staff, compete alongside new players, and demonstrate what they can bring to a professional academy. Their selection following the International Pro Combine & College I.D. Camp is another example of Grove United’s efforts to connect its players with opportunities that can help shape their futures in soccer.

Grove United signs Asanda Tom to the club’s NPSL squad for the 2026 season

Grove United signs former academy product and professional midfielder Asanda Tom to the club’s NPSL squad for the 2026 season.

Tom joins Grove United from South African Premier Division side Chippa United. A product of the Grove Soccer Academy South Africa, Tom’s journey within the Grove pathway began years ago when he joined the academy in South Africa in 2015 before traveling to Richmond in 2016 as part of the Grove Soccer Academy USA Tour. Since then, the talented midfielder has continued to grow both professionally and personally, becom

ing another example of the academy’s international player pathway in action.

Following his development in South Africa and experience in the United States, Tom earned opportunities with some of the top clubs in South African football. He later joined the academy setup of Mamelodi Sundowns before signing with Cape Town City FC, where he featured with the reserve squad. After spending a season with Grove United in the NPSL, Tom signed professionally with Chippa United in the South African Premier Division.

Now, the South African midfielder returns to the United States ahead of the 2026 NPSL campaign, bringing experience, composure, and attacking quality back to Grove United. Known for his technical ability, vision, and control of the game’s rhythm, Tom adds another dynamic piece to the club’s roster for the upcoming season.

“Asanda is a special player with tremendous talent,” said Justin Grove, Grove United President and Technical Director. “He brings creativity, class, and magic to our midfield with the ability to dictate the tempo and change the game at any moment. His professional experience with Chippa United, along with being part of the Grove DNA as one of our top academy products, is evident every time he steps on the field.

“It’s exciting to see one of our academy players continue his journey with Grove United for the 2026 NPSL season. Asanda represents what our pathway is all about — developing players through the academy and helping them take the next step in their careers. We believe he has the talent and mentality to continue progressing to even higher levels here in the United States.”

Tom’s signing continues Grove United’s commitment to building a competitive squad while creating opportunities for players developed through the Grove Soccer Academy system around the world.