Joe Scally Signs a Pro Soccer Contract at the Age of 15
Joe Scally’s Historic Rise: Signing a Pro Soccer Contract at Just 15 Years Old
At just 15 years old, Joe Scally made history by signing his first professional soccer contract with New York City FC (NYCFC), becoming one of the youngest American players to secure a deal with a Major League Soccer (MLS) club.
A standout talent in U.S. youth soccer, Scally’s rapid rise from youth academy prospect to professional player is a testament to his exceptional skill, relentless work ethic, and the growing opportunities for young players in American soccer. His early signing marked a major milestone in his career and underscored the increasing emphasis on developing homegrown talent in MLS. 
“It is a dream come true.”
Joe Scally
The right defender spent much of the Major League Soccer preseason with the first teams in Florida, California, and Mexico and is one of the youngest players to sign with MLS in its 23-year history.
When he was six, Joe first registered in the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA). He played for Long Island Junior Soccer League (LIJSL) teams Sachem Starburst, Sachem Falcons, Sachem Lynxes, Sachem Destroyers and the Mastic Destroyers.
Scally competed for the Eastern New York Olympic Development Program (ODP).
Joe’s mother, Margaret Peragine, also made news when she was 15. She played on the LIJSL’s Sachem Tomahawks, who won the 1987 Patricia Louise Masotto Cup as Girls-Under-16 national champions.
Scally, who has also competed on the U.S. Soccer Boys U17 Youth National Team, will finish out the school year at Sachem North High School before starting full-time training with the seniors in the summer.
“It’s a dream come true for me,” Joe said. “I’ve wanted to be a professional soccer player ever since I was a little kid, and getting to do it right here at home in New York at this club makes it extra special. It was an easy decision, there are so many great professional coaches and players here who can help me improve every aspect of my game. I played other sports growing up but always returned to soccer as I love it.”
Joe has been playing three years up with the NYCFC’s Under-18/19s. Six academy players spent parts of the preseason with NYCFC’s first team.
“Joe has been one of the top performers in the academy for the past few seasons and has represented US Soccer at the U15 and U17 levels,” explained NYCFC Sporting Director Claudio Reyna. “He has all of the attributes we look for in a right back: he’s strong in defense and can support in attack to help create chances from wide areas.”
Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association: With over 100,000 youth soccer players–both boys and girls–and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) reaches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 11 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees, and administrators.
