In April 2021, Javanon announced an exclusive affiliate partnership with Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati, signifying the uppermost pathway opportunity for our U15-U18 boys to achieve the highest level of professional soccer in North America. As part of the affiliation agreement, Javanon becomes FC Cincinnati’s selected feeder club for the Greater Louisville area for players to follow in the footsteps of alums Sabin Merino (Athletic Bilbao, La Liga), Thabiso Khumalo (DC United) and John Michael Hayden (Houston Dynamo), among several others.

This Capstone move closes the loop and aligns all our programs to give our older players a road map in their soccer journey. As our elite boys advance through the MLS Next Platform from ages 12-13, they will then have the choice to continue on with Javanon, USYS, ODP and high school soccer through our College Pathway, or potentially move on in our Professional Pathway to compete for FC Cincinnati.

The FC Cincinnati Academy is part of an elite player development program and is intended for the region’s top players. The program is meant to develop players who could go on to play soccer at the highest national and international levels: professional clubs, youth national teams and colleges. All aspects of the program are conducted professionally and under the guidance of the FC Cincinnati technical staff in order to foster a continuous means of play and style throughout the club.

Our Javanon players are exclusively identified for potential inclusion in the program through competing in the MLS Next platform, additional FCC Academy staff scouting, trials, and recommendations through their Discovery Program. Once identified by Javanon as a player with potential to play for the FCC Academy, the player will be notified and extended an invitation to train with the FCC Academy. For selected players, offers to join the Academy may follow.

FC Cincinnati is committed to supporting youth soccer for both boys and girls. Javanon and FC Cincinnati are also working to pull together details for a program to support our girls teams, as well. A timeline for those activities has not been determined at this time. Obviously, we can’t wait to see future players join Javanon alum Emina Ekic in the NWSL.