skip navigation

Louisville Signs Local Standout Elijah Wynder to First Pro Deal

By USLChampionship.com Staff, 12/21/20, 10:00AM EST

Share

17-year-old, who was LouCity’s first USL Academy signing in 2019, made Championship debut in August


17-year-old Elijah Wynder has signed his first professional contract with Louisville City FC after having previously been the club's first USL Academy signing in April 2019. | Photo courtesy Em-Dash Photography / Louisville City FC

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Twenty months after making club history for Louisville City FC as its first USL Academy signing, midfielder Elijah Wynder is making the next step.

The two-time USL Championship Final-winners announced on Monday the 17-year-old has signed his first professional contract with the club, becoming the first local product to make the move from the club’s Academy into the First Team full-time.

“Signing Elijah to his first professional contract is a monumental moment for our club and our youth soccer community in general,” said LouCity Head Coach and Sporting Director John Hackworth. “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.”

A 17-year-old from Oldham County, Wynder was named Boys Soccer Player of the Year at the Courier Journal Sports Awards last June after he poured in 24 goals and tallied 12 assists as a junior at Louisville Collegiate in 2019. He also appeared for LouCity’s first team during its Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup run during the 2019 season.

In 2020, Wynder starred in February’s USL Academy Cup — the boys in purple went 2-1 — before rejoining the first team. The season culminated for him in the second half of an August 15 victory against Loudoun United FC. The midfielder came on as a substitute in his USL Championship debut, played beyond his years by taking a shot, completing his passes and winning a corner with an effort that had the locker room overjoyed.


Louisville City FC midfielder Elijah Wynder made his Championship debut on August 15 as a substitute against Loudoun United FC at Lynn Family Stadium. | Photo courtesy Em-Dash Photography / Louisville City FC

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

Prior to his time with LouCity, Wynder came up through the Ohio Elite Soccer Academy-Kentucky, now known as Elite FC Louisville.

“I’ve been around Elijah and his family forever,” said Charlie Traughber, Elite FC Louisville’s executive director. “One of the things we’ve always done from our side is put the player first — whether that’s wanting to play high school, college or professional soccer. Elijah was focused from a pretty early age on getting to the highest level, so to develop a player into someone who can sign a professional contract is fantastic.

“Being able to be from Louisville and play here, this is a huge thing for the soccer community to show the kids that there is a path. They don’t necessarily have to travel all over the country or out of the country to achieve their goals.”

An academy contract preserved Wynder’s NCAA eligibility, but he chose to live out a longtime dream by going pro ahead of the 2021 season. Wynder’s parents, Ranae and Mike, along with his siblings recently joined LouCity’s newest signee as he put pen to paper on a contract at Lynn Family Stadium.


Elijah Wynder signs professional terms with Louisville City FC. | Photo courtesy Em-Dash Photography / Louisville City FC

“This is a great moment for Elijah and his family, plus the LouCity and the local soccer community,” said Mario Sanchez, the club’s academy director. “I am extremely proud of the commitment Elijah has made to dedicating himself on and off the field, both with the academy and with the first team, to pursue his dream of becoming a professional soccer player.

“Elijah is a great example to all the local boys and girls in our community who aspire to follow their dreams that with hard work and dedication you can achieve your goals here.”

“It means a whole lot to be able to sign with the team where I’m from and represent the city,” added Wynder, who’s the 19th confirmed member of LouCity’s 2021 roster.

Follow the USL Championship

Most Recent News

Most Read News

Latest Videos