Crossing the Pond to Partner on the Pitch
Intense, high-speed, unforgettable. These are just a few of the words the boys of the Northern Virginia United Academy (NVU) used to describe the elite-level instruction and play they experienced this summer with the players and coaches of the Dundee United Football Club.
During this special week, youth players from NVU took to the pitch to develop their technical and tactical skills in a highly immersive environment made possible through an exciting partnership between NVU and Dundee United. National players and coaches were on hand to guide participants as they learned the uniquely Dundee United approach to becoming competitive at the highest levels of play.
This partnership represents a new phase in the relationship between both clubs. Dundee United provides pathways to success and broadens the club’s influence farther afield, strengthening its reputation as an elite club continuously on the rise.
For NVU youth, learning about the Dundee United brand of culture, vision, and best practices provides players and coaches with an invaluable introduction to a high-level style of play in the European arena. Players can take advantage of a robust platform that develops and hones their skills, and the work ethic necessary to compete at higher levels.
Brian Welsh—Edinburgh native, Dundee United Hall of Fame legend, and current NVU Executive Director— had the vision to create the partnership between the two clubs. Launching the NVU Academy in 2020, Welsh envisioned creating a pathway to future success for the youth players. Working with Dundee United, a club with a world-renowned history, including a league title, two Scottish Cups, and two Scottish League Cups, Welsh built a robust, international training program—a program from which NVU players are already reaping benefits.
Recently returned from their trip this summer, NVU players, Noah Finley (CM/AM) and Alex Garrison (AMC/LW/RW) shared their impressions of this unique opportunity to learn and play in a next-level competitive environment. “The speed of play was very high and pushed us very hard,” said Noah.
Alex added that “The experience exceeded my expectations! The training was at an elite level and the coaching was excellent. Adapting to the speed of play and tempo of the drills was the hardest part.”
Coach Brian Welsh plans to continue providing NVU players opportunities to gain authentic insights into the world of professional soccer that are second to none. About the lasting impact of the experience, Noah shared that
“The exposure you can get from this club is incredible. Brian Welsh has opened so many doors for us. If you want to see the level you have to compete at to make it, then this trip is very important to your development…I couldn’t have gotten this opportunity anywhere else.”
