From Reading United AC
Photo courtesy of Chaos Soccer Gear on Unsplash
PA Classics (PA Classics Reading) and Reading United AC recently announced a landmark multi-year partnership that will align youth development with pre-professional soccer, creating a unified and clearly defined pathway for players across the greater Reading-Berks County region.
Grounded in a shared commitment to collaboratively growing the game, the partnership connects PA Classics Reading — one of the region’s youth soccer organizations — with Reading United AC, which competes in USL2 and WPSL, and has a long-standing history of providing a platform for players looking to reach the professional ranks.
At the core of the agreement is a clear structural alignment: Reading United AC maintains its pre-professional teams (USL2, WPSL, reserve teams) while reinforcing PA Classics Reading’s position within the local youth soccer landscape.
In turn, PA Classics Reading is designated as the Official Youth Partner of Reading United AC, establishing a seamless progression from youth soccer to the pre-professional level. This partnership will include youth team development, camps, youth organization outreach, and youth soccer training for all ages and abilities.
“This partnership represents a major step forward for soccer in Berks County,” said Steve Klein. “It aligns the mission of two organizations and allows for focus on player pathways, community, and long-term growth of Berks County soccer.”
Through this exclusive relationship, youth development inquiries within the Reading United AC network will be directed to PA Classics Reading, strengthening recruitment, enhancing coaching opportunities, while providing families with a clear and trusted development pathway.
“By aligning our organizations, we are creating something truly unique,” said Art Auchenbach. “PA Classics has a significant history in preparing youth soccer players for both college and the pros. We look forward to assisting this growth at the local level alongside PA Classics Reading.”
The partnership extends beyond structure into meaningful soccer integration. PA Classics Reading and Reading United AC will collaborate through shared player pools, allowing for deeper, more competitive rosters at the pre-professional level, while also providing youth players with direct access to high-level coaching, training, and matchday experiences.
A signature initiative of the partnership is the launch of the “Keystone Derby,” a marquee rivalry event featuring the clubs’ USL2 and WPSL teams. Designed as a premier fan and community experience, the event combines pre-professional soccer with youth engagement, in-game activities, and regional pride — making it a cornerstone of the local soccer calendar.
“This is about more than soccer — it’s about community and the long-term future of soccer in Berks,” said Christian Bauer.
The first-ever Keystone Derby features WPSL action between the two clubs. The game will be played on Saturday, May 30, at Alvernia University, Reading United’s home field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
About Reading United AC
Reading United AC is the Greater Reading area’s premier pre-professional soccer club. Led by the ownership group of Berks Professional Sports Inc., the club was founded in 1995 as the Reading Rage. Reading United’s commitment to professional player development has produced over 150 players on rosters of professional clubs throughout the United States, Europe, and Latin America. For more information about Reading United AC, visit the Reading United AC website.
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