Steel FC announces signing of Haitian youth international forward

Florida native Shanyder Borgelin is the latest player from the Philadelphia Union Academy residency program to sign a pro contract with Bethlehem Steel FC.

The 17-year-old forward spurned interest in Germany to join the academy from Florida two years ago. A raw talent from North Lauderdale, Florida, Borgelin has shown enough improvement to push for minutes at Steel FC and on Friday his signing was made official.

“We are particularly pleased for Shanyder, as it took a huge leap of faith for him and his family to join us at the Academy,” Union Academy Director Tommy Wilson said in a news release. “It is not easy as a teenager to leave home and come to a new environment. This is another example of the power of the Union Academy allied to our school and residency program operating together with Bethlehem Steel to provide an outlet for our emerging talent. Shanyder has worked hard, but knows that this is just the beginning.”

Borgelin has made a pair of late game substitution appearances for Steel this season, including his Steel FC debut in the season opener at Birmingham Legion FC on March 9. He’s also been called up to the Haitian youth international team.

“Shanyder provides both height and speed up top and we are happy to add another young prospect to the Steel,” Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner said in a news release. “Shanyder’s physical abilities create great chances and new opportunities for us in the attack.”

Borgelin joins defender Ben Ofeimu and the versatile Issa Rayyan as players who have signed pro contracts after being recruited from outside the area to join the academy. He’s the fourth academy signing to a Steel FC contract this year when including academy and Villanova grad Zach Zandi.