Rodrigo Machado Selected for U14 YNT CAMP
Intercontinental Football Academy of New England (IFA) attacker Rodrigo Machado (Pawtucket, RI) is currently participating in the U.S. Under-14 Boys' National Team Central/Northeast Region Talent Identification Mini-Camp at McCurry Park in Fayetteville, Georgia.
Machado is one of 80 players born in 2012 to have been called in from 22 states and the District of Columbia. The camp is directed by Garrett Biller, U.S. Soccer's Talent Identification Director for Men's Youth National Teams, with Northeast Regional Manager Rob Irvine also in attendance.
Machado in action at the Camp
From Portugal to the National Team
Machado's path to the national team stage began overseas. He and his mother Helena moved from Portugal to the United States in 2021, and his soccer journey started with local clubs in Rhode Island. His performances caught the attention of IFA's scouting network, and he joined the club's MLS NEXT program in December 2024. He is a member of the U14 MLS Next Homegrown squad coached by Drago Kazakov.
DEVELOPMENT AT IFA
"He has easily been one of the most impactful and most improved players in the 2012 program for us," said Kazakov. "We are very proud of his current success. He fully deserved the opportunity he has been presented with at the Youth National Team camp in Georgia."
Since arriving at IFA, Machado's development has been shaped by Kazakov, who has had a significant positive influence on his growth as a player. He was also introduced to futsal as part of the IFA futsal program under the guidance of coaches Marlon and Klisman, which helped round out his game.
IFA's Growing National Team Presence
At the camp, players are divided into four sub-regional teams: Great Lakes, Mid-America, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast. Standout performers could earn a callback to the U-14 Boys' National Camp, scheduled for May 7-12 at the same venue.
Machado was one of ten IFA players invited to the U.S. Soccer Youth National Team Training Center in Foxborough whilst former player Tyler Gladstone was recently named in the U17 squad. In addition to US Selections, brothers Ibrahim and Hamza Frederick represented Grenada at the Concacaf U20 Qualifiers and Evans Welch made her debut for Bermuda in November.
Take the Next Step with IFA
IFA has opened our environment to players who are ready to compete and train at the highest levels.
Rather than attending a traditional tryout, players are invited into a session based on their level and location. This allows players and families to experience the IFA environment firsthand through training with current teams and working directly with our coaching staff.
Following the session, our staff will outline the most appropriate pathway within the club.
