Rowdies sign local athletes to academy contracts
March 7, 2024 - Tampa Bay Rowdies officials announced Thursday that they signed local youth standouts Christian Ortiz and Taner Akin to USL Academy contracts for the 2024 season, pending league approval. The program allows the boys, 16, to play professional soccer while maintaining their college eligibility. Ortiz is a New Port Richey resident who has played in four preseason Rowdies matches. Akin participated in the team’s preseason youth camp this year.