Philadelphia Union today announced that the club has named Pedro Cavalcanti as Head Coach of the Philadelphia Union Academy U16 team. Cavalcanti will join the U16 staff effective immediately ahead of the 2024 MLS NEXT season.
“We're thrilled to welcome Pedro to the Union Academy. His extensive coaching experience and dedication to player development will be instrumental in advancing our vision and pipeline strategy," said Jon Scheer, Union Director of Academy and Professional Development. "We believe Pedro is one of the top young coaches in the country, and we’re confident that his energy and leadership will enhance our talent development efforts at the academy.”
Before joining the Union, Cavalcanti served as the U15 Head Coach at Inter Miami CF, where he also held positions as U14 Head Coach and U13 Head Coach, significantly contributing to the club’s youth development since July 2019. Under his guidance, the U15s reached the Quarterfinals of the 2024 Generation adidas Cup and led them to the MLS NEXT Cup playoffs in each of the past two seasons. Additionally, Cavalcanti managed AS Roma USA Academies, leading the U15 team to a national championship in 2018. His diverse experience includes roles with the Colombian National Team during the 2016 Copa America Centenario and the 2014 FIFA World Cup, coaching at Weston FC, and serving as First Team Assistant Coach at Grupo Desportivo Estoril Praia in Portugal.
Cavalcanti holds an MLS Elite Formation Coaching License, a USSF National A Coaching License, a UEFA B license, and a FIFA Master’s degree. He also earned a BA in Psychology and Exercise Physiology from the University of Miami and attended Florida Gulf Coast University. Pedro will make his Union coaching debut on Aug. 17 when the Union Academy hosts FC DELCO in friendlies held at the WSFS Bank Sportsplex.
