On Tuesday, June 5, the New England Revolution conducted the first-ever Revs Training Center (RTC) for its newest affiliate club, Empire Revolution in Western New York.

The RTC was for the top boys across Western New York, born in 1996, 1997 and 1998.  With 50 talented young men in attendance, the Revs, Empire and U.S Soccer Development Academy staff coaches put the boys through the paces for an intense 90 minute session which simulated the Revolution’s regular training sessions and those run by the U.S. Soccer youth staff. 

The coaches were pleased with the standard of play from prospective Empire players, with a high work rate and infectious attitude prevalent among the players who wished to impress for a spot into the Revolution’s development system. 

“We’re very excited about how our first event with Empire went,” Revolution Academy Director Deven Apajee said. “The boys were outstanding and we enjoyed working with the Empire staff for this event. Everyone was thrilled to hear more about the details of our partnership, and the opportunities that are now available to the Empire players because of the Revs relationship.”

Apajee also provided players and parents with  presentation about the newly-launched Revs–Empire partnership and the unique and exclusive soccer opportunities – including international competition, extensive training,  MLS Reserve League call-ups and more - available to the players through the U.S. Soccer Development Academy program and the Revolution system.

Tuesday’s RTC was the first of many player development events the New England Revolution will be conducting in Western New York through their partnership with Empire.