RENO, Nev. – For the first time in its history, the Reno 1868 FC is opening up its doors to an academy squad. The club will be sending a local team to represent Reno 1868 FC in the inaugural USL Academy competition.

“This is huge, it’s something that when I stepped in in April it was tops on my list to involve youth soccer more,” said general manager Doug Raftery. “It’s really neat to be able to compete against other USL Academy squads at this tournament.”

The u17 squad will be representing 1868 FC at the National USL Academy Cup in Tampa Bay this May. This is the first opportunity for academy squads to compete in the USL’s new academy system.

“We want to build upon this, it’s the start it’s not the stopping point” added Raftery. “The goal is that we find some talent within these current guys and we can build a pipeline of local talent to the club.”

All of Northern Nevada is represented on the youth squad, as they range from Truckee to Fernley and even reaching Las Vegas. The squad is filled to the brim with skill and qualifications, with players who have competed in various levels of competition.

“They’ll get an opportunity to experience things first hand, dealing with our current players. They’ll be on the bench during warmups,” continued Raftery. “Head coach Ian Russell and the rest of our staff will be spending time with them, with classroom sessions and plenty of opportunities to prove themselves outside of the tournament itself.”

The academy squad’s full roster, as well as player photos and bios, is available here.