30 Jul Savannah United Celebrates the Success of Three Local Youth Soccer Players as They Embark on the Next Level of Playing Soccer

Savannah United is Savannah, Georgia’s premier youth soccer club, offering programs for all ages and skill levels, from recreational to competitive. Our mission is to nurture the development of each player’s soccer skills, character, and self-esteem. Over the years, many athletes have risen through our ranks, coached by our experienced team, to achieve success at elite levels. Here, we delve into the journeys of three former Savannah United players and their families, reflecting on their training experiences and the significant impact Savannah United has had on their careers as they progress to the next level.

Yehya Saif-Al-Din

Yehya Saif-Al-Din’s soccer journey began at the tender age of 4 when he first laced up his cleats at West Chatham YMCA. His natural talent for the sport quickly became apparent as he emerged as one of the top players with remarkable skills and determination. When the pandemic reshaped the landscape of youth sports, Yehya found a new home at Savannah United where he continued to hone his craft, developing a solid foundation in soccer and deepening his passion for the game. 

Reflecting on his time there, Yehya shared, “My time at Savannah United was instrumental in my development as a player. It helped me build a strong foundation in soccer and develop crucial skills that have been key to my progress. The coaching, support, and experiences I had at Savannah United truly shaped me into the player I am today.” 

Yehya’s exceptional talent did not go unnoticed. His journey culminated in earning a coveted spot on the FC Cincinnati Academy team, a testament to his resilience, growth, and unwavering love for soccer. His mom expressed her perspective, saying, “At Savannah United, I had the joy of watching Yehya’s passion for soccer flourish. I saw him form lifelong friendships and grow into a talented player with a bright future. The nurturing environment and dedicated coaches at Savannah United played a crucial role in Yehya’s development and success in the sport he loves.” His dad also reflected on the experience, noting, “Observing Yehya at Savannah United was truly rewarding. I witnessed his dedication and love for soccer deepen, his skills and confidence flourish on the field, and his embrace of teamwork and sportsmanship values. These experiences will stay with him for a lifetime.”

Thaddeus Sawyer

Thaddeus Sawyer’s soccer journey began with Savannah United at the rec level, where he played from 2012 until the spring of 2015. His development took a significant leap forward in the 2015/16 season when he joined the School of Excellence at Savannah United. By the 2016/17 season, Thaddeus had advanced to the U-9 level with the Premier Team at Savannah United Academy. Over the years, he continued with the Premier and Select teams through the 21/22 season. In the 19/20 season, Thaddeus began participating in Georgia Soccer’s ODP program, where his team achieved notable success by winning the South Region tournament in January 2020. His talent was recognized as he was selected for the ODP South Region Team for the 21/22, 22/23, and 23/24 seasons, and earned a spot on the ODP National Select team for 2023 and 2024. 

Thaddeus’s dedication to soccer extended to summer camps at IMG Academy, which he began attending in 2018. His impressive performances there led to a scholarship offer from IMG following the summer camps in 2022. 

Thaddeus has a deep appreciation for Savannah United and shared, “My time at Savannah United helped me develop a strong soccer technique to be able to play the game at a faster and higher level. I enjoyed learning the game and making friends on the way. I will always remember my time at Savannah United fondly.” Subsequently, he attended IMG for the 22/23 and 23/24 school years, where he captained the U-15 and U-16 MLS Next teams. His exceptional contributions were recognized with the IMG U-15 Most Valuable Player Award in 2023 and the IMG Soccer Core Value Award for Integrity in 2024. During the ODP Interregional Event in early 2024, Thaddeus was scouted by Nashville SC while playing with the ODP South Region Team. Following a successful trial, he was offered a position on their new U-18 team, as MLS Academies transition to a U-16/U-18 model for older academy teams. 

Thaddeus will begin school and his new soccer chapter in Nashville on August 5. Reflecting on his journey, Thaddeus’ dad shared, “Savannah United offered Thaddeus a place to play soccer and make friends when he was a boy. The friends we made over many weekends of tournaments and events became our extended family, and we still stay in touch and get together periodically, as many of our boys have gone in different directions. In hindsight, the Savannah United Academy and Select programs helped Thaddeus develop a very sound technical skill base and encouraged a healthy competitiveness that has helped drive his passion to play at the highest levels.”

Jake Maxwell

Reflecting on his journey, Savannah United has taught Jake Maxwell that hard work pays off. He believes that with determination and effort, anything is achievable. Jake expresses gratitude to his dedicated coaches and trainers who supported him through challenges and triumphs over the years. He also acknowledges his 2010 teammates for enriching his experience, making it an exceptional journey, and shared, “My time at Savannah United has taught me that hard work pays off. The coaches’ and trainers’ commitment to developing players has helped me become the best player/defender I can be. Their mentorship has had a profound impact on my life, on and off the pitch. I am grateful for Savannah United, the coaches and my teammates over the years for making this journey great.” Jake extends heartfelt thanks to the Savannah United Family for their integral role in his success and has accepted an offer to join the Barca Residential Academy U15 MLS NEXT team and will be departing for Arizona in the coming weeks. 

Jake’s favorite quote, by Pele, resonates deeply with him: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” From Jake’s father’s perspective: “We have a deep appreciation for Savannah United, especially their style of soccer that emphasizes playing from the back. The club’s focus on player development over wins and losses nurtures a genuine love for the game. Some of Jake’s closest friendships have been forged with teammates and their families, who have become part of our extended family. We are grateful to everyone at the club, as well as to the players and families who make up Savannah United.”

Gary Wright, Executive Director of Savannah United, expressed, “We are immensely proud of the dedication these boys have shown for their love of soccer. We wish them the best in all their future endeavors.”

Jeff Storey-Pitts, Select Director at Savannah United, added, “We are thrilled to have contributed to the soccer development of Thaddeus, Yehya, and Jake. They have blossomed into outstanding soccer players and remarkable young men. There’s no doubt they will excel at the next level.”