“When I personally shared the news of his Homegrown contract to him over lunch, I’ll never forget the look on his face. “He is one of the original Academy members who joined our U-14s in 2015 and as a Brooklyn native, he’s our Club’s first ever signing from the five boroughs.” “Justin is an amazing and smart kid whose story is a special one for New York City FC,” Reyna said. “NYCFC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna broke the news to me – we were getting something to eat and he just told me, ‘We’re going to offer you a Homegrown contract.’ I just didn’t know what to say – but I was just crazy happy.” U-16 Boys National Team camp, Haak has been a consistent player making his mark on the pitch. One of the players called up by Shaun Tsakiris to U.S. Haak began with the Club’s first ever Academy side, the U-14s in 2015, and progressed through the entire pathway, ultimately helping win the Generation adidas Cup in 2017 and the USDA National Championship in 2018. It was an amazing chance for me and I just wanted to be a part of it.” “When NYCFC was first announced, I knew I wanted to play for the professional team in my own city that I’ve grown up in. “You dream about it almost your whole life and then what it actually comes – you almost can’t believe it.” “It’s hard to describe,” Haak said about signing a professional contract for NYCFC. Just recently, this dream came happened for 17-year-old New York City native Justin Haak who became New York City FC’s third-ever Homegrown Player to graduate from the Academy to the first team squad, following James Sands and Joe Scally.īorn in the East Village of New York City, Haak response to joining the ranks of pro was clear joy. While these talented teenagers may not be stepping on the pitch right away and earning minutes in a match, they are one step closer to being the pro they have always dreamed of - and, the MLS Academies are happy because signing their Academy players is proof of a job well done.Įveryone’s goal is signing homegrown talent Today, more of these dreams are coming true for top players at MLS academies across the USA. ![]() ![]() Tens of thousands of them, if not more, dream big dreams of lacing up their cleats one day, wearing a professional jersey and walking out on the pitch with a pro team and playing in a packed stadium. There are millions of youth soccer players in the USA. Boys U16 and U18 Men’s National Team, Haak is clearly a player to watch.ĭreams really do come true, at least for those with talent and the discipline to work to reach their goals. Not even able to vote or drink, 17-year-old Justin Haak has signed his first professional contract with the New York City FC. Player to Watch: New York City FC Sign Justin Haak
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