Lebanon County Youth Soccer Standouts Gain International Experience in United Kingdom

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Lebanon County Youth Soccer Standouts Gain International Experience in UK

Two Lebanon County youth soccer players got the chance to take their game overseas this past week, representing both their local roots and the Philadelphia Union Player Pathway Program on an international stage in the United Kingdom.

Sawyer Showers-Mann, a Northern Lebanon product who plays for FC Delco, and Benny Root, a Cedar Crest product who plays for PA Classics Harrisburg, were among the players selected to compete abroad through the Philadelphia Union Player Pathway Program, better known as Union PPP.

In their first taste of competition on the trip, the two local standouts wasted little time making an impact. Showers-Mann finished with 3 goals and 1 assist, while Root added 1 goal and 2 assists in a match against Solent Sports FC Portsmouth.

The tour also included matches against Moneyfields FC in Portsmouth and I Pro Academy in Birmingham, giving both players the chance to test themselves against international competition while gaining valuable experience in a different soccer environment.

Showers-Mann (L) & Root (R)

What Is Union PPP?

The Philadelphia Union Player Pathway Program is an invite-only supplemental training program for travel players ages U8 through U14. Designed to work alongside a player’s club team experience, Union PPP focuses on technical development, tactical understanding, and long-term growth, with players identified through scouting or tryouts.

Union PPP partners with EPL Sports Tours to provide players with opportunities like this trip to the United Kingdom. Through that relationship, players are able to compete against strong youth clubs, experience different styles of play, and grow within a professional football setting both on and off the field.

A Memorable Opportunity

For Showers-Mann and Root, it was the kind of opportunity that goes beyond the scoreboard. Not only were the two Lebanon County players able to represent their community in international play, they also created memories that are likely to last a lifetime. It is also the type of experience that may serve as the first mile-marker among many in their unique journey within the sport they love.

More Union Connections

The local connection to the Philadelphia Union does not stop there. Lebanon native Neil Pierre, 18, is currently on loan from the Union to Danish football club Lyngby. His older brother, Nelson Pierre, 21, also came through the Union system and is now part of the Vancouver Whitecaps organization while on loan to FC Tulsa.

Photo Credit: Philadelphia Union

Photo Credit: Vancouver Whitecaps