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PHOENIX � Phoenix Rising FC midfielder Jamison Ping’s journey to signing his first professional contract took 16 years and 11 months. His signing was announced on Feb. 28 � signifying Ping’s leap from the small town of Winona, Minnesota, to playing professional soccer in one of the country’s biggest cities.

On Ping’s 17th birthday, he was welcomed with a gift. Ping knew his family would be in the Valley, but they were unaware of what was to come. Ping would be granted his first opportunity to appear in the Rising’s starting lineup in their game against Rhode Island on March 22.

It was a special moment for Ping, one that he had been waiting for his whole life. Ping joined the Rising academy as an academy player in 2020 when he was 12. Now as a 17-year-old professional playing in the first team, the second-ever academy graduate in Rising history, Ping is eager to make his mark as he did in his academy days.

“It’s a different game,� Ping said. “I feel like I’ve adapted pretty well, just have to keep growing in what I do.�

The Rising’s academy setup offers young players, both boys and girls, opportunities to play soccer for its various youth teams. The academy creates pathways to the next level for these players � whether that be in college or for a professional team.

Academy seasons last around 10 months. So while the offseason is short, kids are offered ample opportunity to prioritize their development surrounded by talented coaches and players.

The Rising play in the USL Championship and sit fourth in the Western Conference after 13 league games. First-year coach Pa-Modou Kah has been clear about his vision to use the academy as a resource for the club.

“It’s massive,� Kah said. “In every top club, the base is the academy. For the overall growth of the club, it’s important that people put time and effort into their academy.�

Kah has been adamant about fielding players who are deserving of opportunities � regardless of age or experience. That philosophy showed in their 3-1 win against Orange County SC on June 7 when 16-year-old forward Cyrus Kowall became the youngest starter in Rising history.

“I think he was very good,� Kah said. “If you’re old enough, you’re good enough.�

The director of the Rising’s top academy program, MLS Next, is Andy Chapman � a former academy player himself for Watford FC in England. He also coaches the Under-17 and Under-19 teams. The Rising have been a part of MLS Next since its start in September 2020.

The MLS is the top professional soccer league in the United States. MLS Next offers the best developmental platform for the Rising’s young players as they compete alongside other high-level competition.

“It’s been very rewarding,� Chapman said. “We have established ourselves in the Southwest region as one of the top teams. It’s a great program with a direct pathway to our professional team.�

The Rising have involved several academy players from MLS Next, like Kowall, in the first team this season. Even more have been involved in their training sessions. Those players have worked with Chapman and are complimentary of his ability to bring out their best.

“I’ve known Andy for a while now,� Ping said. “He’s a great guy, supportive and helped me in moments I needed it.�

Forward Zach Da Silva is one of five academy players who signed USL academy contracts in March � allowing him to remain eligible for the academy, train with the first team and maintain college eligibility. Da Silva said Chapman has been a valuable figure in his development to this point.

“I came to him about two to three years ago not playing good and lacking confidence,� Da Silva said. “He really just took me under his wing and trusted me.�

Da Silva, 17, said all of the academy coaches try to push players so they are prepared for potential opportunities with the first team. Chapman said the club’s priority has been to bring in good people who will represent themselves, their families and the Rising at the highest level.

“The players deserve all the credit,� Chapman said. “We’re trying to create an environment for them to be challenged, and hopefully, live out some of their dreams of playing collegiately or professionally at the same time.�

While Chapman credits the club for allowing Kah to give young players a chance to develop with the first team, he appreciates Kah’s belief in the academy.

“It’s been refreshing,� Chapman said. “We have up to 10 players training with the first team every single day. Their involvement is all down to him.�

Chapman said a high standard is set early on in the academy stages between the players and their parents � allowing the players to be prepared if they are called upon to join the first team. It has not only led to involvement in the first team training sessions where intensity is high, but players have even been afforded opportunities to feature in games.

Ping, Da Silva and other academy talent featured significantly for the Rising during the preseason. Like Da Silva, Ping was once on a USL Academy contract after signing his in July 2024. Ping said he has had to adapt to the increased physicality and pace but it is just part of the learning curve for him because, as he says, “soccer is soccer.�

It is safe to say Kah has appreciated the 17-year-old’s efforts.

“Jamo is growing,� Kah said. “Let’s not forget he’s still a young player understanding the nuances of being a professional footballer. We are very happy with where he is.�

Ping has featured in seven games for the Rising this season, including two starts. He credits his coaches and teammates in the academy for helping him prepare for the challenges he has faced with the first team. Whether it is in training or at home, Ping said he regularly looks for ways to separate himself from his competition.

Da Silva, who is currently injured, has yet to play any first team minutes but one of the players who signed an academy contract alongside him, defender Braxton Montgomery, has featured plenty. Montgomery has started 10 games for the Rising this season. Kah described Montgomery as an “absolute model� for the academy and someone the team trusts.

Da Silva credits the academy for its dedication to preparing players in their transition to the first team.

“They (academy coaches) really want to push you forward so that you’re prepared for this,� Da Silva said. “We play similar styles as the first team so it’s easy to come from the academy.�

Da Silva said Kah “demands a lot� but that is exactly what he is after in a coach. He said Kah also treats the academy players the same as the first team players which sets realistic expectations for what is to come in their careers.

The Rising have showcased a dedication to treating youth development as a priority. Ping’s message to the young players rising through the ranks is simple � work hard.

“The youth is very important,� Kah said. “We have a bunch of academy players that we believe in. Hopefully we can create pathways for them now and in the future.�