Academy Products Make Their Professional Debuts

With Jacksonville Armada FC Owner Robert Palmer’s “community-based soccer” idea echoed in recent club efforts, there is nothing more fitting than young Jacksonville athletes making their professional debuts with the first team.

Defender Michael Melvin and midfielder Joshua Castellanos stepped onto the field Sunday in the Armada FC’s first match in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL).

Not only was it their first match with a professional club, but their first match representing their hometown soccer team.

“I think playing for the Armada means a little bit more for Michael and I,” said Castellanos. “We get a chance to represent our hometown and having the city behind us is incredible.”

Both players are recent college graduates and started training with the club in offseason, before their official signing on April 13.

“It’s always been my dream to play at the professional level. I spent a lot of time at the fields by myself as a kid trying to improve and strengthen my love for the game. So it means the world to me to finally be at that level,” said Melvin.

Head coach Mark Lowry recognizes the importance of having local faces on the team and was impressed by the players’ potential immediately.

“We believe in giving young players an opportunity, but just having talent is not enough. Melvin and Castellanos have the mental toughness and character required to survive in the pro game. They are walking proof that if you are willing to sacrifice and work extremely hard, then we will give you the opportunity,” said Lowry.

The pair played at Nease High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. and helped their school reach the FHSAA Class 3A regionals in 2012.

Castellanos went on to play at the University of North Florida, scoring 10 goals and winning first-team Atlantic Sun Conference honors as a junior.

Melvin appeared in 75 matches for Clemson University and notched the assist to the winning goal that gave Clemson its championship in the ACC Tournament final in 2014.

What makes this pair most unique is their close history rooted in youth soccer though.

They both played for First Coast KYX, now known as the Armada FC Youth Academy, and helped their teams to win the 2012 State Cup at the U16 level and the 2015 State Cup at the U19 level.

As the Interim Executive Director of the Armada FC Youth Academy, Pat Cannon was glad to witness the progression from Academy players to professionals.

“It’s always been our goal to have the pathway for our Youth Academy players to get into the Armada’s first team,” said Cannon.

“Now we have three players [including Derek Gebhard] that have came through the Youth Academy, played in our U23s, and now are playing with the first team. This has created a buzz with our current youth players and gives them aspirations to also achieve this.”

The Jacksonville Armada staff prides itself on the development pyramid the club has created through its youth program.

Club President and General Manager Nathan Walter said since the inception of the club, everyone has been working hard to create a player pathway for young aspiring players in Northeast Florida.

“It was a very proud moment Sunday against one of the toughest opponents we have faced in club history to have three Academy graduates on the field at the same time. Clubs talk about it, but we did it. I am very proud of everyone involved to get us to this point,” said Walter.

Melvin and Castellanos share the excitement of what it means to now be representing the club at the professional level.

“I grew up playing and training at Patton Park, so I feel right at home here at the Armada. I’m excited for this season and hoping to contribute as much as I can,” said Melvin.

“We’re blessed to play the sport we love and still be close to our family and friends,” said Castellanos. “I’m grateful for the opportunity but having a long-time friend like Michael definitely makes the hard times easier and the good times more memorable.”

The Armada FC Youth Academy is conducting tryouts now through next week, which means the next player announcement for the senior squad could be just around the corner.

For more information about the Youth Academy, visit ArmadaFCYouth.com.