FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Four New England Revolution Academy players have received national recognition following the 2015-16 Academy season. Trevor Burns (Southborough, Mass.) and Nicholas Firmino (Somerville, Mass.) have been selected to attend the Generation adidas Elite Soccer Program (ESP) during AT&T MLS All-Star Week in San Jose, Calif. In addition, Justin Rennicks (South Hamilton, Mass.) and Trey Miller (Monson, Mass.) were named to the United States Soccer Development Academy’s Eastern Conference “Starting XI” for Under-16 players.
ESP’s pinnacle annual event, which runs in conjunction with AT&T MLS All-Star Game festivities from July 25-29, is an invitation-only week-long program gathering the best MLS Academy players born in 2001 and 2002 to compete on the pitch and bond with each other off it. With the help of adidas and its grassroots development initiative, Generation adidas, ESP offers a world-class experience where on-field play is complemented by off-field learning opportunities, seminars, and competitions to help these athletes master the tools necessary to cultivate success as a professional.
The Generation adidas ESP event aims to celebrate the MLS player development model while also giving players a chance to connect with other top athletes in their region. While in San Jose, Burns and Firmino will be immersed in a professionalized environment while training, playing, and competing alongside some of the best MLS Academy players. The program is headlined by the ESP All-Star Game, which will take place on Wednesday, July 27. The two Revolution Academy standouts will also participate in other special activities including soccer tennis, futsal, and 7-vs.-7 tournaments. They will also attend both the Chipotle Homegrown Game on July 27 and the AT&T MLS All-Star Game on July 28.
“Trevor and ‘Firm’ should have fun and benefit from this experience,” Revolution director of youth development Bryan Scales said. “They are both coming off strong seasons and will enjoy the opportunity to play with other top MLS Academy players for the week.”
Burns, 14, is entering his second season with the Revolution Academy and plays as a central midfielder. Last season, he made 25 appearances and scored 11 goals with the Under-14s. Firmino, 15, is also entering his second season with the Revolution Academy and plays as a midfielder. Last season, he split time between the Under-16s and Under-14s. Overall, Firmino made 28 appearances and scored seven goals.
Two other Revolution Academy players, goalkeeper Trey Miller (Monson, Mass.) and forward Justin Rennicks (South Hamilton, Mass.), were honored for their 2015-16 campaigns with selections to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy’s Eastern Conference “Starting XI” for the Under-16 age group. Both players competed full-time on the Revolution’s Under-18 team this season. Miller, 17, made 16 appearances and posted four shutouts this past season while Rennicks, 17, made 19 appearances and scored five goals.
