Wayne’s YSC Academy shapes the high school experience around soccer, and has produced players with the likes of Brendon Aaronson, who is now playing in Qatar for Leeds United. Philadelphia Union co-owner Richie Graham founded the academy in 2013, writes Matt Breen for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Classes have delayed starts to free up the mornings for training. When students are away playing for national teams, they have the option to attend school virtually. Students of this elite academy have access to indoor soccer fields, a world class weight-room, a sports psychologist, and a nutritionist.  

It doesn’t come without a price tag, with the tuition being a whopping $47,500 a year. Luckily, many students get scholarships to attend, and 35 percent of graduates move on to highly selective colleges and universities.  

“Ninety-five percent of the kids aren’t going to make it as a pro,” Graham said. “But they get a good solid education; they’ll get highly recruited, and we’re sending them to great schools. There are a lot of kids in our school who have been the first in their family to ever go to college.” 

Graham is hoping that the academy can produce players that will be the “key to success” for the U.S. Men’s Soccer team in the World Cup.  

Those dreams may come into fruition in 2026, when Philly will be hosting the World Cup. Until then, the YSC Academy will continue to provide a soccer-centered education for its students.  

Read more about the YSC Academy in The Philadelphia Inquirer.