An Update from MLS NEXT Director Richard Weiszmann

As we kick off a new season, we could not be prouder of what Town FC Academy has built in such a short time.

In our inaugural season, the Academy made an immediate impact. Our U16 group earned a spot in the GA CUP Qualifiers and at MLS NEXT Flex, while our U13 and U14 teams competed at the season ending MLS NEXT Cup. For a first-year program to reach that level of competition speaks volumes about the character, work ethic, and talent of our players well as the commitment of our coaching staff and families who believed in the vision from day one.

Since June, our players and coaches have been working through a long and intentional preseason, establishing the fitness, tactical foundation, playing identity, and team chemistry necessary to compete at the highest level. That preparation now transitions into competition, as our three oldest teams open the season against the Vancouver Whitecaps. It is an excellent early test and an opportunity to measure ourselves against a Professional MLS NEXT Academy. Players and staff are ready to compete and, most importantly, continue the development process we began in June.

This season also marks an important step forward for Town FC Academy. In addition to our Homegrown (HG) team, we've added six Academy Development (AD) teams, significantly expanding our player pool. But this growth is about much more than adding teams. Our goal is to create an environment where every player is challenged, held to high standards, and given the opportunity to develop. HG and AD players are training together as one larger group, which means that there is a higher level of competition every day, more opportunities for players to challenge themselves, and an environment where teammates push one another to improve. Players come to training every day knowing they will be pushed by their teammates, challenged by their coaches, and expected to take responsibility for their own development.

That competitive environment is a critical part of building a successful MLS NEXT Academy.

We know where we want to go. We also understand that becoming a formidable MLS NEXT program doesn't happen overnight. It is built through the daily habits of our players, the commitment of our coaches, and the support of our families.

We’ve established the foundation and now it's time to build on it.

We are excited about this group of players, excited about the season ahead, and most importantly, excited about the opportunity to continue building Town FC Academy together.

ABOUT RICHARD WEISZMANN

Richard brings decades of experience as a player, coach and leader to his role as Academy Technical Director at The Town FC. A former Cal Berkeley player and MLS professional with the New England Revolution, he also holds a USSF A License.

Following his playing career, Richard has spent years developing players throughout the East Bay, helping athletes advance to NCAA programs and the professional game. At The Town FC, he leads the Academy’s technical direction, coaching standards and player development pathway across the MLS NEXT program.

Richard Weiszmann
MLS NEXT Director
The Town FC