On February 3rd, 2022 Rochester New York Football Club announced Ed Williams would join the side on loan from Doncaster Rovers - the first player to even join up from the prestigious English Football Leagues in the 27-year history of the club.
Today, on February 5th, 2022, #BelieveImpossible is moving to the continent, with the announcement that the club has signed 20-year-old Belgian prospect Milan Vanacker, an alumni of the Belgian Under-17 Men’s National Team.
Rochester New York Football Club Sporting Director Dr. Lee Tucker is already applying the club’s #BelieveImpossible blueprint to young prospects in American soccer, but the signing of Vanacker marks the first time the club has recruited a high profile prospect from Europe to join the project.
Tucker on Signing Vanacker:
“Milan is a former Belgium U17 player, who at 20 still has a lot of development ahead of him. Bruno and his team will work to get him to fulfil his potential, which we believe can lead to great things for him in the future.”
RNY FC Head Coach Bruno Baltazar sees that potential in Vanacker’s completeness and versatility as a young player.
"Complete and versatile young right back that shows unusual maturity and experience in his game. He can bring high performances and game knowledge to the team"
Milan Vanacker is showing that maturity and experience off the field as well as he embraces the idea of leaving Belgium to move abroad to America.
It will be the first time he has played professionally outside of Belgium.
“I'm glad and honored to sign for this club. It will be a big challenge for me and an exciting next step in my career. I can't wait to start and get to know my teammates.”
BelieveImpossible is about giving young prospects in the soccer community the opportunity to follow Jamie Vardy’s career path to realize their professional potential with Rochester New York Football Club. For the first time, that soccer community is extending beyond the borders of the United States and into Europe.
Rochester New York Football Club has signed Right Back Milan Vanacker to an MLS NEXT Pro PROFESSIONAL contract, pending league and U.S. Soccer Federation approval, in addition to his ITC and work authorization. Financial terms were not disclosed.”
Transaction: Rochester New York Football Club signs Milan Vanacker to MLS NEXT Pro PROFESSIONAL contract.
Name: Milan Vanacker
Position: Right Back
DOB: July, 12, 2001 (20)
Birthplace: Roeselare, Belgium
Height: 5 FT AND 7 IN
Nationality: Belgium
Last Club: NAC Breda
