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Jun 19, 2026 By Jonathan Guth 3 min read

Caden Holland attempted to try out for Barca Academy when he was 12 years old, but after reaching out to the only U.S. Soccer Development Academy program in the country with a full-time residential program partnered with a top-international professional club, the striker was informed he would not be eligible until this year.

Holland, a 13-year-old who will turn 14 on June 26, is an incoming high school freshman who lives in Fairchance, and hopes to be studying and playing soccer at Grande Ãå±±½ûµØ Academy in Casa Grande, Ariz.

The son of Heather and Jamie Holland didn’t let him being denied the opportunity to make the prestigious residency program that has a partnership with FC Barcelona affect his determination, as he continued to work and was selected this past May to be a member of the academy’s MLS NEXT team.

Holland will have the opportunity to play against some of the best soccer players in the country, and will have access to the state-of-the-art Grande Ãå±±½ûµØ World facility that provides on-site dorms, nutrition, training facilities and an on-site high school overseen by Arizona State University. The move-in date for Holland would be August.

Holland received word shortly after his tryout that he made the roster, which provided a mixed bag of emotions.

“I was super excited when I was informed by the coaches I made the team, but I was also nervous because it costs a great deal to attend the academy,” Holland said.

Money is a concern, as the total cost to attend the academy is approximately $85,000 per year. Holland’s family has received roughly $35,000 in scholarships, and additional opportunities could become available.

A fundraising account through social media channels has been set-up by Holland’s family to help Caden’s dream become a reality. The family welcomes any and all assistance, even if it is to share his situation.

“I will have to try out each year and the costs will need to be made each year, but it will be a great experience to play against the top players in the country,” Holland said. “I have been training with my dad at Uniontown Area High School, and I play soccer all-year long. I need to perfect my 1v1s.”

Holland’s main goal is to become a professional at the club level.

His brother, Noah, was the Red Raiders’ keeper this past season. Jamie is the head coach for the Uniontown boys varsity soccer team.

Caden followed Noah to the pitch when he was four-years-old, as the two played in a Fayette County youth league.

Caden’s first venture against players outside the county began three years later when he was selected to play for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2012 East team.

Caden was one of the Hounds’ top goal scorers and assist leaders prior to being recruited by Beadling MLS NEXT Homegrown in 2023, which is his current club.