Academy

Hartford Athletic is proud to announce the success of its recent College ID Showcase held on Sunday, July 28th at Trinity Health Stadium. The event saw a turnout of over 40 talented players from ages 15 to 18 years old, and a lineup of 10 college coaches from renowned soccer programs in the area. 

Players participated in more than five competitive games throughout the day, providing an exceptional platform for the aspiring college athletes to demonstrate their abilities in front of college scouts and coaches.

One of the highlights of the showcase was an insightful learning seminar conducted by the attending college coaches. This seminar offered players valuable advice on navigating the college recruitment process, enhancing their athletic performance, and balancing academics with sports. The coaches shared their expertise and provided personalized feedback, helping players understand what it takes to succeed both on and off the field.

“We are thrilled with the turnout and the high level of play displayed at our College ID Showcase,” said Hartford Athletic CEO Nick Sakiewicz. “Connecticut is rich with young soccer talent and events like these align with our commitment to supporting young athletes by providing opportunities for them to achieve their dreams of playing at the next level. We are proud to connect players from our great state with college coaches and look forward to hosting more showcases in the future.” 

For more information about the Hartford Athletic Player Development Academy and upcoming tryouts, camps, and clinics, please visit hartfordathletic.com/academy. 

The Hartford Athletic Academy U12 and U13 boys teams have advanced to the semi-finals of the CJSA State Cup, a prestigious tournament that is a part of the larger US Youth Soccer National Championship Series.

Beginning the tournament in mid April, both teams advanced through group play by finishing in the top two in their group. The U12 team, led by Head Coach Roberson Cardoso, has gone 2-0-1, picking up 1-0 victories over Cheshire SC and CT Rush and drawing Valley FC to collect seven points and finish first in the group. Nicky Guerrero and Wyatt Boothroyd have combined for three goals in the team’s last two games, with Boothroyd providing the winner over CT Rush. They’ll face CT Rush in a rematch in the semi-final match this Thursday, May 23rd at 6:30 at the Day Hill Dome. 

The U13 team, led by first team Assistant Coach Joe Lucas Santos, picked up wins over Vale and Sporting CT to advance through their group after dropping their first match to CT Rush. In their 3-0 victory over Vale, Dion Dobruna recorded a brace, and Aniron Pal provided the exclamation point with a goal of his own. The U13s will also face CT Rush for a second time in the semi final, looking to best them in a rematch. The match is set to kickoff on Wednesday, May 22nd at Connecticut Sportsplex at 6:15pm.

The Hartford Athletic Academy is holding player development clinics all summer long, holding sessions at both Trinity Health Stadium in Hartford and the Day Hill Dome in Windsor. Go to hartfordathletic.com/clinics for more information.

Hartford Athletic have signed 18 year old midfielder Ian Shaul to a USL Academy Contract prior to the 2024 season, pending league and federation approval. Shaul is Hartford’s first Academy signing of 2024 and is the youngest player on the current roster.

The Saint Paul, Minnesota native began playing for Minnesota United’s Academy in 2018 before joining the Portland Timbers Academy in 2020 at just 14 years old. He made his MLS Next debut with Timbers 2 in 2022, and was named a starter for the MLS Next All Star West team. That same year, Shaul was called up to the U17 U.S. National Team Camp in Chula Vista, California. 

“Signing a player as young and talented as Ian is massive for our Academy,” said Head Coach and General Manager Brendan Burke. “Few players his age have his level of quality and experience. We expect him to compete for minutes on our first team and be a prime example of the talent that can develop rapidly through the professional environment that we provide.”

Shaul is committed to play collegiately at the University of Notre Dame next year. USL Academy contracts allow young players like Ian to play professionally while retaining their NCAA eligibility. 

Hartford’s 2024 roster is almost complete! Watch the new squad at Trinity Health Stadium all season long by becoming a season ticket member. Secure the best seat options at the best prices at HartfordAthletic.com/seasontickets.

Hartford Athletic midfielder Danny Barrera has re-signed with the Club for the 2024 season, pending league and federation approval. Barrera is the longest tenured player in Hartford history, returning for his sixth season in Green and Blue. Barrera will also be taking on a new role as a player development coach in the recently expanded Hartford Athletic Academy. 

“Hartford has become home for me and my family and I am truly honored to be back for a sixth season,” said Barrera. “I want to thank the ownership group for giving me another opportunity to play for the club I love and the best fans in the league. I am excited for the 2024 season, and we will all be working hard to get back to the playoffs.” 

Barrera is the Club’s all-time leader in nearly every statistical category including goals (16), assists (30), appearances (131), and minutes played (9,894). He is the only player in Club history to receive USL All-League First Team honors which he earned in 2021 after recording a league-leading 12 assists along with eight goals. The 33 year old is one of the league’s all-time great distributors across a nine-year career, currently ranking third in league history in total assists (50). 

“You cannot mention Hartford Athletic without thinking of Danny Barrera. He is a special player, and an amazing person on and off the field,” said CEO Nick Sakiewicz. “Players like Danny continuing on their soccer journey to mentor young players is invaluable and, as we take the Hartford Academy to another level, having Danny involved is critical to our success. There is no better way for our young players to improve than by learning directly from our professional athletes. This is a historic moment for our club and we are thrilled Danny will be part of our ambition to create a top-flight academy here in Connecticut.”

Barrera will attend academy training sessions and games throughout the season and work directly with academy players on improving their skills.  

“There is so much potential in the Hartford Athletic Academy and I am very excited to work with the many talented athletes in the program,” said Barrera. “I am incredibly impressed by the vision for the academy and I believe that we can develop the premier pathway for young players in this area.” 

More player signings will be announced in the coming weeks. Looking to lock up the best seats at Trinity Health Stadium to watch the Green and Blue in 2024? Secure the best seat options at the best prices when you purchase your season tickets today at HartfordAthletic.com/seasontickets.