Professional - MLS

Q&A: D.C. United academy’s Nolan Sheldon on Homegrowns, much more

This month D.C. United's youth academy reconvened to begin preparations for the 2016/17 season, which kicks off with matches for the club's five U.S. Soccer Development Academy teams on Sept. 3. Last week academy director Nolan Sheldon was kind enough to sit down for a detailed conversation with SoccerWire.com about D.C.'s mindset, methodology and expectations for the season ahead. Here is part 1 of our far-ranging chat; the second part will run next week.

Pipeline repair: Why Chris Durkin picked D.C. United over Europe

Looks can be deceiving in soccer. Chris Durkin's baby face matches his tender age of 16, but his 6-foot frame, calm demeanor and cultured passing range give the impression of a much older talent. And though he's only been a full professional for a few weeks now, D.C. United's newest Homegrown has already blown up a few other shallow impressions, too.

Atlanta United up the ante with Andrew Carleton Homegrown signing

On Thursday Atlanta United FC marked another milestone on their impressive ramp-up from expansion concept to instant contenders, announcing the signing of U.S. youth national team prodigy Andrew Carleton, age 15, to a Homegrown player contract. SoccerWire's Charles Boehm investigates what's happening down in Georgia.

Portland Timbers add Boise Nationals SC as youth partner club

The Portland Timbers have announced the addition of the Boise Nationals Soccer Club (BNSC) as part of the “adidas Timbers Alliance,” a strategic partnership with elite local youth clubs in the Timbers’ development territory, designed to build unique working relationships and development opportunities to help channel the top youth players towards the Timbers’ development programs and the Timbers Academy.

City of San Jose, Earthquakes move forward on new youth fields complex

Toronto FC enters player development partnership with Ontario SA

Q&A: April Heinrichs dishes on Girls DA, Mallory Pugh and more

When U.S. Soccer announced the new Girls Development Academy initiative last week, April Heinrichs was front and center. A few days afterward, she spoke to SoccerWire.com in a one-on-one conversation in which she expanded on a number of the leading topics in youth development today. Here are some of the highlights from that discussion.

SoccerWire Q&A: D.C. United COO Tom Hunt on his club’s new logo, search for new fans

Amid the impending opportunities and challenges of their upcoming new stadium, D.C. United have refreshed their beloved club crest, a break with tradition that was unveiled at a hip gathering of season-ticket holders and club officials at D.C.'s Union Market on Thursday. SoccerWire.com caught up with Tom Hunt, United's chief operating officer and the driving force behind the rebrand, to discuss this move and others that lie ahead as the Black-and-Red move into a new era.