LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Lexington SC is partnering with Fayette County Public Schools to provide inclusive pathways to higher level soccer for every player who partakes in the club’s youth system and high school soccer. The move comes after the club drew criticism over the past year fro m some in the Central Kentucky soccer community for requiring certain academy players to choose between playing for the LSC academy or high school soccer. What They’re Doing Three pathways forward are being offered by the club which have been in the making since the summer of 2024. June 1 of every year going forward will be the deadline for players to decide on a pathway. Full-Time Academy Player – Players who commit fully to LSC’s Academy will train and compete exclusively within the program. While they won’t participate in high school soccer, they will have the opportunity to attend select college camps, combines, and all-star events with academy approval. Academy High School Player – Athletes choosing this hybrid model will play for their high school team during the fall season while remaining part of LSC’s Academy. Once the high school season concludes, they will return to the academy and be placed accordingly based on performance and evaluation. High School Club Team Player – This traditional pathway allows athletes to represent their high school team in the fall while competing with an LSC youth club team, assigned based on performance and evaluation by club staff. To further provide exposure and support for high school soccer in Fayette County, LSC will be hosting two KHSAA boy’s soccer matches in the club’s stadium this coming fall. Henry Clay, the defending state champions, will play Paul Laurence Dunbar on August 28. Lafayette and Frederick Douglass will face off on September 25. What They’re Saying “We strongly believe in the immense benefits of scholastic sports and research supports this,” said Kristian Junker, who is the Director of Athletics at Henry Clay High School. “We are pleased to move forward with this new partnership, which creates a pathway for students to continue playing in their local communities while pursuing high-level development.” “Over the last year, we’ve spent a lot of time listening to coaches and athletic directors to better understand how we can work together to support these student-athletes,” said Kim Shelton the CEO of LSC. “This partnership isn’t just about development, it’s about making sure players can have the best possible experience, whether that’s competing for their high school, playing at the highest club level, or striving for future collegiate and professional opportunities.” Categories: Featured, Local News, More Sports, Sports Tags: FCPS, high school soccer, KHSAA, lexington sc, Soccer, youth soccer ...read more read less