GROVE UNITED LAUNCHES U15 SQUAD TO ENHANCE PLAYER PATHWAY

Grove United is excited to announce that it will expand its elite player development platform by adding the U15 age group to its program. 

The U15 environment will mimic the environment that Grove United already provides to its U17, U19, and semi-pro groups, providing all components that aspiring players need to push to the next level and put them all under one roof, creating a seamless and progressive pathway.

“The addition of the U15 age group allows for Grove United to introduce its unique development methodology and philosophy at a younger age. This allows for greater impact to propel players to the next level in the later stages of their individual development track,” says Grove United president and technical director Justin Grove.

The environment will provide a fully comprehensive program including on-field training, strength & conditioning, a wellness program, tactical analysis, an injury prevention program, and a college recruitment mentorship program. 

The U15 squad will compete in the USL Academy (USL - A) against some of top talent in the country, participate in high-level showcases, have access to European tours, and play in other high level competitions, and it will replicate the established elite level of Grove United's U17 through semi-pro groups.

The program is for aspiring players looking to play at the next level, whether it be pursuing a college or a professional career. Grove United has started to build the U15 squad and has already accepted high-level players. Grove United will continue to add to the squad through tryouts and ID sessions in December, and will begin competition in Spring 2024.

Technical Director Justin Grove will be personally overseeing the U15 player selection process. If you are interested in joining Richmond’s elite development program, register directly at https://form.jotform.com/223127671737156 or contact Justin Grove via text at 804-484-9010 or email grovesoccerunited@gmail.com.

GROVE UNITED JOINS USL ACADEMY

Grove United is excited to announce it will compete in the USL Academy in 2024.

Grove United is dedicated to growing its development pathway to propel aspiring players to the next level. The USL Academy provides clubs with an elite youth development and competition platform to prepare players for the college and pro level and provides Grove United players with elite level competition and an avenue to gain valuable exposure opportunities.

Grove United will compete in both the USL Academy Cup in March 2024, and the 2024 USL Academy League. The USL Academy Cup is an annual 4-match, 4-day tournament in Tampa Florida featuring top youth and pro development clubs from across the country. The cup includes special player events, multiple panels throughout the weekend, scouts and coaches watching in-person and virtually and additional activations in the Player Village.

“We had a great USL Academy experience in 2023. We are excited for Grove United to compete in 2024 and provide this elite platform and level of exposure to our players,” said Grove United president Justin Grove.

Grove United will compete in the U15 and U19 USL Academy age groups. It will hold tryouts for the 2024 season from December 16-23. Register for tryouts and ID sessions by visiting grovesocceracademy.com.

GROVE UNITED ANNOUNCES JEFF GETTLER AS NEW DIRECTOR OF COACHING

Photo @Jessica Hendricks Photography

Grove United is pleased to announce Jeff Gettler as its new Director of Coaching.

Jeff Gettler brings a wealth of experience to Grove United, having 39 years of collegiate coaching experience and 308 NCAA men’s soccer victories. Gettler spent 33 years as a collegiate head coach including 14 years (1995-2008) at the University of Richmond [NCAA I], and four years (1991-94) leading Lafayette College [NCAA I], which featured a combined three teams making the national final. He also spent nine years (1982-90) at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst [NCAA I], four years (1978-81) leading Bates College [NCAA III], and two years (1976-77) at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell [NCAA II]. 

Gettler spent six seasons (2010-15) as coach and Deputy Director of Athletics at Husson University [NCAA III], leading the Eagles to three conference titles and three national tournament appearances. In 2009, Gettler was an assistant coach at Bradley University [NCAA I], working alongside head coach Jim DeRose, one of his former assistant coaches. Gettler is currently the assistant coach at the Randoplh Macon women's progam working alongside head coach Carly Gettler.

While at the University of Richmond, Gettler led the spiders to a top 20 national ranking for a number of years, culminating in a 1998 CAA Championship and an automatic NCAA tournament berth. That team was captained by current Director of Goalkeeping, Adrian Clewlow. They also earned their first-ever NCAA at-large berth in 2002, making their third all-time appearance in the postseason. In 2003, the University of Richmond won its first Atlantic 10 regular season title with its eighth consecutive winning season.

In addition to his collegiate career, Gettler has over 10 years of experience as a Director of Coaching in both state associations and youth clubs. In these roles, he won several U17 & U19 league titles, took his U17 & U19 teams to national championships and managed a staff of over 30 coaches on coaching development. He also initiated, organized, taught, and administered the state association coaching certificate program, having licensed over 270 coaches. 

Gettler’s proven ability to connect with players, to identify top talent, and to guide and mentor coaches makes him a valuable asset to the Grove United developmental programs. 

“It is an honor to bring someone with Gettler’s pedigree to Grove United. His experience will make an immediate and lasting impact on the program for coaches and players to develop to the next level. As a former player under Gettler, I have seen first-hand the tremendous influence he has on pushing players to the next level, and his addition in the Director of Coaching role will greatly enhance our elite programs,” stated Grove United President, Justin Grove.

Gettler is one of the most decorated coaches in the region, holding numerous licenses and certificates and boasting years of international experience. Among Gettler's credentials are a U.S. Soccer A license, FA International Coaching certificate (Bisham Abbey, England), KNVB certificate (Zeist, Holland), DFB International Trainer-Kongress (Aachen, Germany) and a CBD diploma (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). In addition, he has attended the B license coaching course in Toronto, Canada and two English FA's Managers and Coaches courses in Cheshire, England. 

Gettler holds a master's degree in Human Movement from Boston University and a bachelor of arts from Lycoming. With his years of college recruiting experience and an extensive coaching network he will help to guide our players in their college recruitment process. 

“Gettler has always been ahead of his time with his training methods. His vast coaching experience and education domestically and internationally offers a unique perspective on player development from tactical, technical, physical and psychological perspectives,” said Grove.

Gettler’s expertise moves beyond developing players, as he is equally as passionate about developing those in coaching roles. He has been at the forefront of pushing coaching education and development on a collegiate, local and national level. 

Gettler has been thoroughly involved with the United Soccer Coaches Association and its coaching education programs since entering the field. As a 37 year member of the NSCAA/USC, he has served as a National Staff Coach for the Academy, a Clinician at the National Convention in '84, '90, and '94, he hosted and organized four Regional Conventions in New England, and was the National Convention Program Director for the NSCAA National Conventions in '85, '86, and '87. Gettler was a USSF national staff coach, licensing coaches for national C, B, and A levels of certification. 

In addition to his influence in coaching development on a national stage, Gettler has personally developed and mentored numerous coaches throughout his career. Eighteen  of his assistant coaches progressed to head and assistant college coaching positions, as his infectious passion for the game influenced others to pursue college coaching careers. 

Gettler will oversee the coaching development, curriculum design, and player development within Grove United. He will work with the technical staff to refine training methods and will work with Grove United players to make a direct impact in players’ progress.  

“We are dedicated to providing the top elite environment for aspiring players. Gettler’s expertise in mentoring coaches to the next level will push our coaching staff to new heights and therefore elevate the development environment for the players,” said Grove.

Bringing someone with Jeff Gettler’s pedigree into the program further highlights Grove United’s commitment to providing the best training and playing environment for its players.