The 16-year-old midfielder has signed a professional contract with MLS Next Pro, making him the eighth player from the Union Academy to achieve this milestone.

Chester — After a recent flurry of homegrown signings to the first team, some news finally came for the Union’s reserve squad. Philadelphia Union II announced Tuesday the signing of Kellan LeBlanc to his first professional contract. The 16-year-old midfielder made his debut for Union II as an Academy player, coming off the bench on March 24, 2024 against New England Revolution II. During that season, he made 12 appearances with three starts. On August 18, 2024, Kellan not only scored his first MLS Next Pro goal but recorded a brace in Union II’s loss to Toronto FC. For his efforts, Kellan was named MLS Next Pro’s Rising Player of the Matchweek.

At the Academy level, Kellan was key in the Union’s U-17 team’s 2024 Generation Adidas Cup win, contributing a goal in the penalty shootout against LA Galaxy. More recently, Kellan was called up to the United States Youth National Team for the U-17 squad for the Concacaf Qualifiers in Costa Rica. He had one goal and one assist as he and Union teammates Jamir Johnson and Jordan Griffin helped the US win the group and qualify for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar in November 2025. He also was called up to the USYNT U-15 squad in 2022.

In the press release, Union II head coach Ryan Richter stated:

“Kellan is a talented young player who showcased his ability at the professional level with Union II last season. He has become a key part of our midfield, and we’re excited to support his growth and further his development within the club’s pathway.”

Kellan has been steadily moving through the pathway from a young age, and has been impressive at each level. Starting out in West Virginia, he and his family relocated to Philadelphia to join the Union. Check out some videos below to see his growth:

As a U-12 with the Union in 2020:

https://x.com/PhilaUnion/status/1217476539647954954

Showing off in 2021:

https://twitter.com/phlunionacademy/status/1432417504014610433

Brace against Toronto in 2024:

Notably, former first team assistant coach Ryan Richter has taken the helm at Union II, as Kellan’s father, Marlon LeBlanc, is not returning. Marlon joined the Union coaching staff at the U-17 level in 2020 and then took over Union II through the 2024 season. He experienced great success with the squad, leading them to the Eastern Conference title before they were defeated in the MLS Next Pro Cup in 2024. A very popular coach among players and fans, it remains unclear what lies ahead for Marlon. One thing is certain: the future looks bright for Kellan, who may be poised to make a bigger impact at the Next Pro level.

For an interview with Kellan and Marlon LeBlanc, check out this piece Kyle and I put out in September 2024.

Main article photo courtesy of Philadelphia Union II.