Another USL Championship team has broken new ground.

Louisville City FC became the latest USL side to sign a local standout from its academy, announcing the addition of 17-year-old midfielder Elijah Wynder.

“Signing Elijah to his first professional contract is a monumental moment for our club and our youth soccer community in general,” Louisville City Head Coach and Sporting Director John Hackworth said in a press release. “Elijah was a talented player when we initially brought him into train with our team, but he needed to learn the level of commitment that it was going to take to get to the professional ranks. Elijah took his opportunity after signing his academy contract last year.

“Our hope is that Elijah is the first of many local players to develop in our current pathway to becoming a professional player here in Louisville. It certainly should inspire both boys and girls from this region to believe that they can accomplish the same thing that Elijah just did.”

Dream: realized. 👊

After two years on an academy deal, local midfielder Elijah Wynder has signed his first professional contract: https://t.co/NS7bL4yIYZ pic.twitter.com/AkbFm4wUjy

— Louisville City FC (@loucityfc) December 21, 2020

Wynder trained with the club after signing an amateur agreement with the club during the 2019 and 2020 seasons, he made his first USL appearance earlier this year.

He was named the Boys Soccer Player of the Year at the Courier Journal Sports Awards in June, scoring 24 goals and adding 12 assists as a junior at Louisville Collegiate in 2019.

"Ever since I’ve gotten here, I’ve loved the team and the culture,” Wynder said in a release. “It’s been a great experience, and I’m blessed to continue it.”

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