Nashville SC has added Isaiah Jones to their team, making him their second Homegrown Player to join.
Nashville Soccer Club has officially announced the acquisition of American-Sierra Leonean midfielder, Isaiah Jones, from the U17 Nashville SC Academy, on a first-team contract.
The 17-year-old homegrown penned a contract that will last until 2027, with an option for 2028. He is the second player to join the team as a homegrown player, following Adem Sipić who signed this year.
Jones was introduced to the media and fans during Nashville SC’s preseason match against Birmingham Legion FC on Thursday.
Nashville General Manager, Mike Jacobs expressed his excitement for Jones and his family, stating that he embodies the qualities they look for in a young player, such as hard work, athleticism, and leadership.
“Isaiah exemplifies what we look for out of our youth academy as a homegrown player, and I’m so excited for him and his family for this special moment”.
“He has all of the attributes you look for in a young central midfielder – industrious, tenacious, athletic, and tough – but it’s his character and ability to influence winning that now sees him make the next step in his career as a first-team player”.
Jones, originally from Thompson Station, TN, has been a standout player at the Academy since joining the U15 team in 2020. He has quickly risen through the ranks and even had the opportunity to play for Nashville SC’s MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, Huntsville City FC, during the 2023 season.
As per MLS homegrown player rules, clubs are allowed to directly sign Academy players to their first-team rosters. Jones, who hails from Sierra Leone, moved to the United States in 2013 with his seven siblings and was adopted by Mike and Hayley Jones.
His older brother, Malachi, was drafted in the MLS SuperDraft last December after a successful college career at Lipscomb University. Jones’ other siblings are also involved in soccer, with two of them currently playing in college.
He joins his brother Zion on the U17 team at Nashville SC’s Academy. The transaction for Jones’ signing was made official, with his player profile listed as a midfielder, standing at 5’9″ and weighing 165 pounds. He was born on April 8, 2006, and is currently 17 years old.
His hometown is Thompson Station, TN and he holds dual nationality of Sierra Leone and the United States. His previous club was Nashville SC Academy’s U17 team. Jones was acquired by the club as a homegrown player through their Academy team.
