FC Dallas signs 16-year-old Justin Che as league-leading 30th Homegrown Player
Frisco, Texas – FC Dallas has signed Academy product Justin Che as the club’s league-leading 30th Homegrown Player, the team announced today.
He will be under contract through the 2023 season, with a club option for 2024 season. Per team policy, additional terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
“Justin has been a member of the FC Dallas family since he was six and we’re thrilled to sign him to a first team contract,” said FC Dallas President Dan Hunt. “We are a club that believes in our young players. This is the lifeblood of FC Dallas.”
Che, 16, joined the FC Dallas Academy in 2009 and has scored 18 goals in 84 United States Soccer Development Academy appearances since 2016. At 16 years and 319 days old, Che is the seventh youngest player to sign with FC Dallas, behind Bryan Reynolds, Dante Sealy, Jesús Ferreira, Ricardo Pepi, Alejandro Zendejas and Paxton Pomykal.
The Texas native made his professional debut on July 25, 2020 with North Texas Soccer Club in the 2-1 season-opening win against Forward Madison FC. He has started in all 10 matches for North Texas SC in 2020.
“I’m very excited to be the 30th Homegrown in FC Dallas history,” said Che. “It hasn’t been an easy journey to get here but it’s one I’m ready to continue. I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.”
He has been called up to various U.S. Youth National camps. In May 2019, Che was called up to the U.S. U-16 Boys’ National Team to participate in the UEFA Development Tournament in the Czech Republic, where the U-16s defeated Hungary, 1-0, and were named champions of the tournament.
Che was born in Richardson and lives in Frisco with his family: mother Angelina, father Chris and brothers Neo (13) and Cyrus (8).
Name: Justin Che
Pronunciation: Ch-ay
Connect with Justin: Twitter | Instagram
Position: Defender
Height: 6-1
Weight: 165 lbs
Date of Birth: November 18, 2003 (16)
Birthplace: Richardson, Texas
Hometown: Frisco, Texas
Citizenship: USA
Transaction: FC Dallas signs defender Justin Che to a three-year contract with club option for 2024 season.
