By The Associated Press
The Sacramento Republic FC has signed 13-year-old Da’vian Kimbrough from Woodland, making him the youngest athlete in American professional team sports.
Kimbrough, who joined the team’s youth academy in 2021, was 13 years, 5 months and 13 days old when the deal was announced Tuesday.
“He is a remarkable talent who has committed to his dream of becoming an elite player, from competing with players in older age groups and thriving at top competitions, to stepping on to the first team training grounds,” Republic FC President and General Manager Todd Dunivant said in a press release. “We are honored that the Kimbrough family and Da’vian have chosen Republic FC to support his professional pathway, and we look forward to taking the next steps together.”
The team said that Kimbrough will continue his schooling through Elk Grove Charter School, which partners with the club.
After playing for North Bay Elite Futbol Club in Solano County and Woodland Soccer Club of Yolo County, Kimbrough scored 27 goals in 31 matches for the Republic’s under-13 team in 2021, when he was 11.
He played for the under-14 team last year, also joining the under-15 team for some matches. Kimbrough scored six goals this year as the New York Red Bulls Academy team won the Bassevelde Cup for under-13 teams in Belgium.
“Da’vian has shown tremendous focus, commitment and dedication, as well as a willingness to embrace the challenging road ahead of him,” Head Coach Mark Briggs said in a press release. “Over the last two years he has demonstrated his tremendous potential, and our goal is to continue to support and help him grow as a player and person.”
The Republic are part of the second-tier League Championship of the United Soccer League. Kimbrough, born Feb. 18, 2010, is eligible to debut on Saturday against the Birmingham Legion in Alabama. Their next home match will be Aug. 26 at Sacramento City College’s Hughes Stadium.
Maximo Carrizo signed with Major League Soccer’s New York City FC on his 14th birthday on Feb. 28, 2008. He has yet to make his MLS debut.
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