ATLANTA UNITED SHOWCASE MATCH: U15 ACADEMY

Grove United U15 Academy will travel to Atlanta at the end of April to play against Atlanta United. The U15 Academy will match up with some of the best players in the country at the state of the art Atlanta United Training Facility.

Competing at the highest level in the country will push the U15 players in their individual and collective development and will be an excellent opportunity to showcase their talent in front of Atlanta United staff.

This will be the second trip to Atlanta for Grove United. The Grove United U19/UPSL squad traveled to Atlanta last year showcasing their talents in a 2-1 defeat to the MLS club. Grove United opened the scoring with a bicycle kick goal from Grove Forward Arfenne Senior in the 3rd min. Atlanta United equalized with a goal just before half time, and struck again early in the 2nd half from an attack down the right side. Grove United put the pressure on throughout the second half but was not able to find the equalizer.

16-year-old Lucas Spiegel had a stand out performance in the center-midfield leading to his selection to the NPSL First Team and selection to travel to French Club Red Star FC on trial later that year.

Grove United is dedicated to providing the best developmental environment to push players to the next level and opportunities to showcase their talent on a domestic and international stage. The showcase match is a part of Grove United's U15 spring schedule. The Lions are coming off of a 3-2 victory over Arlington SC and will continue preparations for the Atlanta trip in the coming weeks.

If you want the opportunity to match up with the top players in the country and get exposure at the highest level, register for an ID session at https://form.jotform.com/223127671737156 or contact Grove United at grovesoccerunited@gmail.com

Grove United Launches U13 Academy to Complete Academy Pathway!

Grove United launches the U13 Academy Team to complete the full Academy pathway. An elite aspiring player in Grove United now has a pathway from U13 through the NPSL Grove United first team, where players progress to college programs and professional contracts. 

Grove United is dedicated to providing THE elite development environment in Central Virginia. The development environment at the U13 age group will mimic the current Grove United pro-development Academy setup, providing a holistic approach to player development. The program includes an elite match environment, high-performance training, strength & conditioning training, tactical analysis, wellness program, and a college recruitment counselling program. Grove United Academy is a one-stop shop for player development covering all aspects a player needs to advance to the next level. 

"Developing the individual player is at the heart of our coaching philosophy and developmental approach. The final expansion of Grove United to U13, allows a complete U13 - First Team pathway for players and parents who are looking for true player development through a holistic, player-centric coaching philosophy. Players will progress through the Academy pathway and into the First Team, where they will have the opportunity to showcase their talent on a national stage in the UPSL and NPSL, and to move on to college and pro contracts," says Grove United president, Justin Grove

The Academy is led by one of the most experienced and decorated coaching staff in Central Virginia. Individual player development is central to the coaching philosophy, with the emphasis on developing and pushing players to reach the next level and to reach their individual and collective goals. For information on the coaching staff and to read their full profiles, please visit https://www.grovesocceracademy.com/prostaff

Within the U13 - First Team player pathway, the Grove United Academy competes in several leagues and competitions to provide players meaningful matches against top competition, enabling players to develop, compete, and showcase their talent at regional and national levels: 

• USL Academy- U15 | U17/U19

• UPSL Academy U13 | U15 | U17 

• EPSL- U17 | U19

• UPSL - U19 | United Pro

• NPSL- U19| United Pro

• Showcase Matches vs MLS Academies 

• Showcases & Tournaments

• Opportunities to be selected to train with International Pro Academies

Grove United will be hosting ID Sessions in March and April to finalize the rosters for all age groups.  If you wish to be a part of the Grove United experience, please register for an ID Session using the following link: https://form.jotform.com/223127671737156

"Unlocking Success: How Shane Calvert's College Coaching Experience Elevates Grove United"

Coach Shane Calvert joins Grove United bringing years of college coaching and director of coaching experience to Grove United!

Coach Calvert was the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at NCAA Division II Lees-McRae College, becoming the 10th head coach in the program’s history. Shane’s collegiate coaching experiences also include stops at Wofford College (2015-2017), Clemson University (2014-2015) and his alma mater Tusculum University (2005-2007).

Career highlights include helping coach Clemson to the 2014 ACC Championship and to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament and helping coach Tusculum reach No. 1 in the NCAA Division II national rankings during his time with the team a few years prior.

"We are very excited to bring someone of Coach Calvert's caliber into the Grove United coaching staff. Coach Calvert has worked in some of the the top college environments in the country. He has helped developed national championship winning teams and helped push players on to the pro level. His first-hand experience working with elite players will be crucial in developing and guiding our players to the next level. Coach Calvert has a winning mentality and shares our vision for elite player development," says Grove United president, Justin Grove

In addition to his vast college coaching experience, Coach Calvert has been heavily involved in youth development, coaching in several clubs across the country. He was most recently the Executive Director of Cook Inlet SC where he oversaw all aspects of the club.

"I am truly honored to be joining the great staff of Grove United! From the first time I met with Coach Grove, I believed in his vision for the program! I am looking forward with the players and staff to accomplish great things", says Shane Calvert.

Coach Calvert’s qualifications include USSF C License, NSCAA Premier Diploma, and National Goalkeeping License

If you are interested in being developed by Grove United's elite coaching staff, register for an ID session to be evaluated.