by Alex Lloyd Gross
With FIFA games just a few months away, Philadelphia is buzzing with soccer. From the Philadelphia Union and international games played at the stadium in Chester, kids dream of playing soccer professionally. A convention is underway at the Pennsylvania Convention Center this week until January 17, 2026.
“It’s very exciting for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer to welcome the 2026 United Soccer Coaches Convention, as the organization celebrates the 50th anniversary of its first event in Philadelphia in 1976,” said Chris Branscome, the longtime CEO of Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer as well as a board member of United Soccer Coaches. “Philadelphia is always the best location for the convention and sets attendance records each time.” he said.
Inside the convention, makeshift soccer fields , complete with bleachers were set up for demonstrations. Inside meeting rooms, were converted into classrooms, to teach skills, business or anything else. related to soccer. On the ground floor is a small exhibit area that attendees can visit and get information from companies or providers .
The Philadelphia Union has a booth there that people can register their children , who will play on the same grounds as professional soccer players. Ages run from 4 years old through 17, Union officials said. You can register at the event if you want to go,
Relics and collectibles from the over 150 year history of the “beautiful game” in the Greater Philadelphia region will be presented by Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer in a special display at the Pennsylvania Convention Center during the United Soccer Coaches Convention.