Philadelphia Union Academy today announced its 2025 staffing hires ahead of the upcoming MLS NEXT season. In 2024, the U17’s became back to back Generation adidas Cup champions. For the 2024–2025 season, MLS NEXT has replaced the U17 age group with U18. The latest staffing additions include U15 Head Coach, Ben Moane, Head of Academy Goalkeeping, Jamie Cleland, Head of Medical, Academy & Professional Development, Veronica Dilzer, and Academy Performance Coach, Shabab Rahman.
“We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional individuals to our Academy staff as they all bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will contribute to our mission of developing the next generation of Homegrowns for the Philadelphia Union, said Director of Academy And Professional Development, Jon Scheer. “Their commitment to excellence both on and off the field will play a pivotal role in helping our players reach their full potential.”
Moane joins the Union from Stanford University’s Men’s Soccer, where he most recently served as the top assistant coach for one of the nation's premier teams. He brings extensive experience at both the collegiate level and in youth development, having previously held head coaching and leadership roles with the Boston Bolts. The U15s will play their next match on February 8th against Real Jersey FC.
Cleland arrives from the University of Delaware Men’s Soccer program, where he served as the Goalkeeping Coach and Assistant Coach. Prior to that, he was the Director of Goalkeeping at TSF Academy, bringing extensive expertise in developing goalkeepers at all levels.
Dilzer comes to the Union from the Philadelphia Phillies, where she was an Associate Athletic Trainer. Prior to the Phillies, Dilzer spent nearly four years at Lincoln University as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach and Director of Sports Medicine and Performance.
Rahman joins from New York City FC, where he served as Interim Performance Coach for NYCFC II, Academy Performance Coach, and later as Head Performance Coach for NYCFC II.
