Fox Soccer Academy player Denzel Akyeampong takes the next step in his career and signs with USL One club Charlotte Independence.
It is a great story to tell, a story like a fairytale. Denzel Akyeampong joined Fox Soccer Academy at the age of 9. It was in 2013, when our International Program Director Mark Smith met the young Denzel at a PE lesson with the Crystal Palace foundation in South London.
"I had a PE lesson at my primary school and Crystal Palace FC came down to do our lessons. At that time it was football season, that was when I first met Mark Smith. He invited me to come train with him twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday. Him and I became very close and he took me under his wing. He made me into a better player."
Denzel played a crucial part at the development of Fox Soccer Academy and the success of the team. He has accomplished 3 league titles (2x ECFA Cat. 1, 1x ECFA Cat. 2) in two years and played a big part of the team qualifying for two National Finals (2022, 2023) in a row, being crowned National Champion in 2022.
Not only his performances on the field, but also his professionalism and dedication to the sport were of utmost importance and gathered interest of many professional clubs and academies. Trials with several academies were lining up with West Bromwich Albion amongst others.
In July 2022 he joined the Fox Soccer International Showcase (together with Cameron Ashia, signed for Derby County, UK), followed by an appearance at the Fox Soccer Winter Showcase in the same year, in which Charlotte Independence Head Coach, Mike Jeffries, was present to scout and recruit talents. One player that was on top of the list: Denzel Akyeampong.
Fast forward, 6 months later, Denzel Akyeampong has signed a long-term contract with the USL One side with the goal of continuous development of his talent and the opportunity to excel in a professional setup. He has some amazing mentors with Charlotte Independence head coach Mike Jeffries, or former Manchester United and Newcastle FC star Gabriel Obertan.
"It is a dream come true. The last couple of months have been amazing for me. The opportunities I have been given through Fox Soccer Academy have changed my life. Thank you to the coaches and the whole FSA Family for your trust and support."
After wearing the Fox Soccer Academy jersey for 10 years, it is now time for the 19-year-old to move on to greater endeavors and to make a name for himself.
We wish Denzel all the very best and will follow your development closely.
Everyone at Fox Soccer Academy is immensely proud of you!
