International Pro & College Combine Recap!

Day #1 of the International Pro & College Combine

The International Pro & College Combine was held on January 10-12. 160 players were in attendance, taking advantage of the skill-elevating resources provided. 8 pro clubs and 5 colleges were present, which was significant for aspiring players seeking pro-development and exposure to larger markets. 

The combine featured advanced technical sessions, possession and tactical exercises, and matches granting players a platform to showcase their ability in varied environments. 

A standout feature of the event was the panel sessions, where coaches engaged directly with players and parents. Discussions centered on the demands of next-level competition, what coaches look for in aspiring players, and the qualities required to succeed in both collegiate and professional soccer.

Arsenal FC Academy's Josh Pugh, working with players

Notable contributors included Gulf United FC’s Junior Mutumene, Arsenal FC Academy’s Josh Push, and USL Championship team Miami FC’s Marcello Alves. These esteemed coaches offered professional training and invaluable insights into the pathways to achieving success at the highest levels of the sport through both on-field sessions and informative panels.

College coaches representing Virginia Commonwealth University, Hampden-Sydney College, and several other universities provided players with detailed information about recruitment and what is expected concerning athletics and academics for players planning to obtain a roster spot at the collegiate level. 

Professional Clubs in attendance (8):

Gulf United FC - Dubai 1st Division

• Coach: Junior Mutumene

Red Star FC - Ligue 2

• Coach: Vincent Doukantie

Arsenal FC Academy - England 

• Coach: Josh Pugh

Miami FC - USL Championship

• Coach: Marcello Alves 

Georgia FC - NISA

• Coach: Joao Garcia 

Parma Calcio 1913 - Italian 2nd Division Serie B

• Coach: Francesca Lanotte

Toluca FC - Mexico 1st Division / Volta Redonda FC - Brazil 2nd Division

• Coach: Rodrigo Cruz

Colleges in Attendance (5):

VCU Mens NCAA Division I

Virginia State Mens & Womens NCAA Division II

Hampden-Sydney College Mens NCAA Division III

North Carolina Wesleyan University Mens NCAA Division III

Randolph-Macon College Womens NCAA Division III

Despite challenging weather conditions, the players demonstrated commitment to performing at a high level. The elite coaching staff showed great adaptability, delivering sessions that kept players engaged, motivated, and continuously learning throughout.

The next International Combine will take place from July 28–31, offering players another exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in a development environment that mirrors the professional level. This event also provides a platform for players to showcase their talents in front of both college and professional coaches.

Don’t miss your chance to elevate your game and take your skills to the next level!

Refer to our social media pages for additional highlights of the International Pro & College Combine!

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.