Phoenix Rising FC signs 16-year-old Jack Ramirez to USL Academy contract

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Phoenix Rising FC has signed Glendale native Jack Ramirez to a USL Academy contract for the 2023 USL Championship season.

USL Academy contracts allow young players to train and compete against professional players in the USL Championship while retaining their college eligibility. Ramirez is the fifth local academy product Rising FC has signed this season, joining Liam Mullins, Santi Hanus, Efetobo Aror and Joel Torbic on the club’s First Team roster.

“Jack trained with us in preseason,” said Rising FC Head Coach Juan Guerra. “He knows and understands our game model. He is one of the youngest players we have and is a player that has been excelling with the academy. This is something the whole club should be proud of, we are developing a clear pathway from the academy to the first team for local players.

“Andy Chapman and Danny Stone have done an incredible job with the academy. They’ve identified and developed players that can come and fit in with the first team environment at a young age.”

Ramirez, 16, currently attends Apollo High School in Glendale.

“I’m extremely excited and grateful to be signing an academy contract with Phoenix Rising,” said Ramirez. “I gained a lot of confidence and motivation when I trained with the first team during preseason. I want to thank my coaches and family for always supporting me and giving me motivation. I hope to use this opportunity to further my preparation for the next step in my career.”