Last week, two of Republic FC’s young players earned a well-deserved invite to showcase their skills for the U.S. Youth National Team ranks. Academy goalkeeper Andy Castro, and first-team forward Da’vian Kimbrough each were invited to the federation’s U14 National I.D. Camp in Atlanta, Georgia from March 12 to 18. The invitations were each player’s first from the United States.
Kimbrough’s invitation marked his fifth to a national team program since signing a first team contract last summer. He previously earned three invitations to training camps for Mexico’s Youth National Teams – most recently in January for El Tri’s U16 training camp. In December, he was named to Mexico’s U15 roster for the Football Federations Cup tournament in Albir, Spain, where he was the tournament’s top scorer with four goals against Finland, Saudi Arabia, and Spain. After a stellar training camp, he was one of five homegrown players selected to the roster for the club’s opening night match vs. Orange County SC on March 9.
Castro, who features for the club’s U14 Academy squad, earned his first invitation to a YNT camp and second invitation to a national team program. He had previously been identified as one of the top players in his age group nationwide, earning an invitation to U.S. Soccer’s YNT Regional ID Center in November. He’s been a standout for the club’s U14 academy team this season, helping lead the squad to a stellar 15-3-5 record across all competitions, including four clean sheets.
Castro and Kimbrough are two of three players from the club to be recognized by the United States national team ranks in 2024. Last week, homegrown defender Chibi Ukaegbu participated in the federation’s U17 MYNT Domestic Camp in West Palm Beach, Florida, his first National Team invite.
Since the club’s academy launched in 2015, homegrown players continue to impress. Over 60 players have invited to represent their respective nations on the international stage, showcase their talents in Youth National Team camps, or participate in Regional ID Center sessions. This past weekend, midfielder Blake Willey made his pro debut against Miami FC in USL Championship play, becoming the sixth homegrown player to make his pro debut with Republic FC and the 17th player from the club’s academy to appear for the first team.
