FirstPoint USA, the world’s leading college soccer agency, has further expanded its portfolio of MLS clubs by teaming up with the Columbus Crew to support academy players who decide to pursue college soccer as part of their playing and personal growth.
Awarded the MLS Academy of the Year in 2023, the Crew have been recognized by their peers as one of the foremost academies in the country for their development of players on and off the pitch through their holistic approach.
One of the 10 founding members of the MLS, Columbus Crew has a rich history of success, winning three MLS Cups (2008, 2020, and 2023), the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2002, MLS Supporters’ Shield titles in 2004, 2008, and 2009, the Campeones Cup in 2021 and Leagues Cup in 2024. Nineteen of their Academy players have progressed through to sign contracts with the First Team, while US international Wil Trapp became the first player in MLS history to become a Homegrown club captain.
Academy Director Dan Lock welcomed the new partnership:
“We are excited to be working in partnership with FirstPoint USA and enhancing our support to talented young players transitioning from our Academy to the college pathway. We are fully dedicated to an individual’s development as a player and person through our Club’s philosophy and our obligation and responsibility is to help every player achieve their potential. This partnership with FirstPoint USA will provide players who are on a college pathway more resources, support, and guidance in helping them achieve that goal.
FirstPoint USA brings a wealth of experience and an impressive network of college coaches from some of the top programs in the country. We know our players will be in great hands with the FirstPoint USA staff throughout their journey.”
The Columbus Crew Academy works with players from U11 – U14 in its Pre-Formation squads through to the full-time age groups from U15s to U18s at the MLS NEXT Level, focused on the long-term holistic development of each individual player. Adopting a “club wide” style of play and coaching methodology that connects and aligns the Academy to the First Team, each level at the club shares the same principles, concepts and language throughout the player development pathway.
FirstPoint USA’s Founder and Chief Executive Andrew Kean added:
“We are delighted that the Columbus Crew have invited us to become their college pathway partner and to have an Academy of their stature on board is fantastic recognition for us. They have a fantastic reputation for developing talented young players who have progressed into top level professional soccer and some of the best college programs, and we are looking forward to working with their staff to further enhance their player support services.
By providing a hands-on, personal approach with families, we have the structure to find the best fit athletically and academically for the individual players we work with.”
Established in 2001, FirstPoint USA has worked with more than 35,000 student-athletes, while providing scouting services to colleges and universities across the country. In addition to Columbus Crew, FirstPoint USA works with Philadelphia Union, Nashville and FC Cincinnati in the MLS, while partnering with English Premier League clubs Arsenal and Fulham.
For more information on both organizations, visit firstpointusa.com and columbuscrew.com
