The Sarasota Paradise soccer club recently signed five teenagers to USL academy contracts. Each of the new academy signings have already made an impact with the Paradise U20 team in UPSL play and the USL Academy league, and have had opportunities to train with the professional team.
By signing the academy contracts, Joshua “Aran” Spengler (18), Lucas Fredericks (19), Eeli Elovaara (17), Tristan Frederickson (18), and Michael McGurk (16) are eligible to play in first-team games for the Paradise USL League One team while maintaining their college eligibility.
“These young men have shown professionalism and maturity throughout the season both in the reserve team environment and first team environment," said Mark Ward, Sarasota Paradise U20 head Coach
and first team Assistant Coach. "We are excited to offer this opportunity to these talented young men and show the community that our pathway is thriving.”
Spengler, from Riverview, came to Paradise from the West Florida Flames youth soccer club. A crafty, technical midfielder, Aran reads the game well and has a strong presence on the field as a leader in and out of possession.
“I am extremely grateful to Paradise for their belief in me and my efforts to take my career to the next level. I feel blessed to have been given such an opportunity, and I’d like to thank my family, friends, and coaches who have all supported me along my journey,” Spengler said.
A talented attacking player from Sebring, Fredericks’ previous club was the Miami Vipers in the UPSL. A fast and aggressive winger, Lucas has attracted the attention of MLS academies and MLS Next clubs, but chose the Paradise U20s for the next step on his developmental journey.
“Thank you to the staff and my teammates for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. I am excited for this next chapter and ready to get back to work,” Fredericks said.
Elovaara, from Wilmington, N.C., brings two years of USL Academy U20 experience with the back-to-back South Atlantic Division Champion Richmond Kickers. He broke into the Kickers U20 starting lineup as a 15-year-old. A consistent goal threat and chance creator, the attacking midfielder has made an immediate impact on the Paradise U20s, scoring goals and providing assists in the USL Academy league since joining the club in June.
“I am really grateful for this opportunity, and super excited to get to work and learn from such great players and coaches every day,” Elovaara said.
Originally from Naples, Frederickson, a goalkeeper, spent the last two years with the FC Bayern München Global Academy in Germany. While there, Tristan had the benefit of training and playing within one of the most legendary global brands in soccer and their professional staff, including FIFA World Cup winner Klaus Augenthaler, the Head Coach of the Bayern Global Academy.
“I am very happy with this club, with an amazing staff and players who welcome me and push me to do my best," Frederickson said. "The environment is amazing and I am very grateful to continue to be a part of this supportive community.”
McGurk, from Palm Harbor, played his youth soccer for the Clearwater Chargers and the West Florida Flames. Relentless with his work ethic and a quick learner, he has been a key goal contributor for the Paradise U20s since they began competition in March, scoring six goals and providing three assists in all competitions.
“I want to give a huge thank you to all the coaches, my teammates, my parents, and everyone who has believed in and supported me throughout this journey," McGurk said. "I’m excited for what’s ahead and ready to keep working every day.”
“Mark Ward and [U20 Assistant Coach and pro team captain] Aaron Walker have done an incredible job working with our U20s this season," Sarasota Paradise Technical Director and first team Head Coach Mika Elovaara said. "To bridge the developmental gap from youth soccer to the professional game is complex and challenging, and I am grateful to have such great coaches and role models in key roles at our club. As we recognize the work Aran, Lucas, Eeli, Tristan and Mikey have put in for years to earn this next step on their journey, we are excited to see where each of them are headed. The work and the journey continue at an even higher level now.”
For more information about the Sarasota Paradise Pathway to Pro Academy, visit sarasotaparadise.us/about-youth-academy. For tickets to the inaugural professional season, visit sarasotaparadise.us/2026tickets.
Submitted by Ryan Bailey
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota Paradise soccer club signs five teens to pro pathway deals
