MLS & EFL Veteran Manu Ledesma Joins UPSL with Manu Ledesma Academy
Ahead of the Spring 2025 season, former professional soccer player and MLS (FC Cincinnati) and EFL Championship (Brentford, Middlesbrough) veteran Emmanuel Ledesma has announced that his academy will field a team in the UPSL Ohio Premier Division. Based in the Cincinnati area, Ledesma has been dedicated to expanding and developing his academy since retiring in 2023. Now, for the first time, he will lead a men’s semi-pro team, also serving as the team’s head coach.
“My experience at the highest levels of professional soccer underscored the importance of structured development,” said Ledesma. “I wanted to build an academy that not only provides elite training but also mentorship. My goal has always been to create a space where young players can develop technically, tactically, and mentally—preparing them for collegiate and professional opportunities.””
Ledesma’s career took him across England, where he played for Brentford, Middlesbrough, and Brighton & Hove Albion. In 2017, he moved to the U.S. to join the New York Cosmos before becoming a key player for FC Cincinnati during its expansion into Major League Soccer. As an MLS player for FC Cincinnati, the Argentine playmaker became a fan favorite, scoring 22 goals in 56 appearances. Now, he is focused on giving back to the Cincinnati community that embraced him so deeply.
“Cincinnati became the perfect home for me, thanks to its passionate soccer culture and strong community support,” Ledesma added. “Our goal in this first season is to compete at a high level and establish ourselves as a serious contender in the UPSL Midwest Conference. After multiple rounds of tryouts, the team is eager to get started. We’re not just here to compete—we want to push for the playoffs and challenge for a national title.”
To stay updated with Manu Ledesma Academy and other UPSL Premier Division sides, visit upsl.com. To register your team to join this upcoming Spring season, please visit www.upslregistration.com/application/team
About United Premier Soccer League
The UPSL was formed in 2011 and occupies the unofficial fourth tier of US Soccer. Across its Premier, Division 1, Women and Academy divisions there are more than 600 teams competing nationwide. The UPSL is the largest Pro Development League in North America and is a National Affiliate member of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF). Each UPSL team is individually owned and operated. UPSL teams are eligible to participate in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds through the league’s affiliation with USSF. More information about UPSL can be found at www.upsl.com or by following the league on Facebook (facebook.com/upslsoccer), Instagram (@upslsoccer) and Twitter (@upslsoccer). Contact UPSL: [email protected] / Media: [email protected].