An Orange County youth has made sports history, as 14-year-old Francis Jacobs became the youngest male ever to sign a professional contract in U.S. soccer.

At just under 14 and a half years old, the Laguna Beach native signed with Orange County Soccer Club, Orange County’s sole professional soccer team, participating in Division II of the United Soccer League. OCSC hosts their home games at Championship Soccer Stadium, located inside the Irvine Great Park. 

Francis Jacobs – Photo courtesy of OC Soccer Club

“It is really exciting to be playing for Orange County SC,” said Francis Jacobs. “I would like to thank team owner James Keston, General Manager Oliver Wyss and Head Coach Braeden Cloutier for giving me this special opportunity. I want to make everybody who has helped me get here proud and I am looking forward to the future.”

Jacobs attracted professional attention with his brief U-14 Irvine Strikers career. His performances earned him call-ups to the United States National Team and the 2018 U.S. Junior National Team.

“Francis is a special Orange County talent and has shown a maturity on the field way beyond his years,” said President of Soccer Operations and General Manager Oliver Wyss. “He is the perfect model of player to develop in our pathway to professional program that we have established here in Orange County.”

Photo courtesy of OC Soccer Club

When asked about adapting to the speed of play in professional soccer, Jacobs told ESPN, “I was pretty nervous, but once the practice started, it was just a regular practice.”

“I’m so happy he became a professional with us because his family is so strong. His parents are awesome,” said Partnership Marketing Director Brian Tademy. “He’s got parents who are looking out for his best interests. They’re making sure he’s at his best and getting an education, while supporting his dream of being a pro soccer player.”

OCSC told Irvine Weekly that “there is currently no timetable for when Jacobs’ first match will be,” but “he is continuing to grow and develop as a professional player and will make the line-up when he is ready and his performance in practice warrants it.” 

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