The Union kids are growing up.
On National Signing Day Wednesday, 10 players from the Union Academy signed national letters of intent to continue their soccer development at the college ranks.
"Education is crucial to us both on and off the field, evidenced by our world-class school," Union Academy director Tommy Wilson said. "We will always look to produce First Team players as our No. 1 priority, but educational attainment goes hand-and-hand with that. Along with our staff, I congratulate the players on the commitment they are making to some of the top colleges in the country."
Delaware County was represented well as Havertown natives, Shane and Conor Bradley, committed to Villanova University, while Robert Campbell, from Wallingford, picked Clemson University. Media's Auston Trusty signed with the University of North Carolina.
Paoli's Tiger Graham signed on with Dartmouth College, while Joseph DeZart out of of Jackson, New Jersey, committed to Wake Forest University. Two Academy goalkeepers made their decision with Justin Bajek, from Middletown, Delaware, picking the University of Maryland and Andrew Verdi, out of Ivyland, selecting the University of Michigan.
Forwards Raheem Taylor-Parkes (Wesley Chapel, Florida) and Jerren Nixon (Smyrna, Georgia) both selected the University of Virginia.
All 10 players will be involved with the Union under-18 teams through the 2015-16 season.
Justin Bajek
Position: Goalkeeper
Hometown: Middletown, Del.
Development Club: Kirkwood
University: University of Maryland
Shane Bradley
Position: Defender
Hometown: Havertown, Pa.
Development Club: Nether Providence
University: Villanova University
Conor Bradley
Position: Midfield
Hometown: Havertown, Pa.
Development Club: Nether Providence
University: Villanova University
Robert Campbell
Position: Defender
Hometown: Wallingford, Pa.
Development Club: Nether Providence
University: Clemson University
Joseph DeZart
Position: Defender
Hometown: Jackson, N.J.
Development Club: Ironbound Premier
University: Wake Forest University
Tiger Graham
Position: Forward
Hometown: Paoli, Pa.
Development Club: TEYSA
University: Dartmouth College
Jerren Nixon
Position: Forward
Hometown: Smyrna, Ga.
Development Club: KSA
University: University of Virginia
Raheem Taylor-Parkes
Position: Forward
Hometown: Wesley Chapel, Fla.
Development Club: VSI West Florida Flames
University: University of Virginia
Auston Trusty
Position: Defender
Hometown: Media, Pa.
Development Club: Nether Providence
University: University of North Carolina
Andrew Verdi
Position: Goalkeeper
Hometown: Ivyland, Pa.
Development Club: VSI West Florida Flames
University: University of Michigan
