Summit 7 named official Academy partner of Huntsville City FC

HUNTSVILLE — In a move that melds two Huntsville standards – cyber and soccer, Summit 7 has been named the official academy partner of Huntsville City FC.

The partnership reflects Summit 7’s ongoing investment in Huntsville’s future, not only through innovation and defense, but by empowering youth and enriching the community we proudly call home, according to a news release from Summit 7, a cybersecurity provider for the nation’s defense industrial base.

Huntsville City FC’s Academy, a new program under the MLS NEXT Pro youth development system, is set to elevate youth soccer across the Tennessee Valley. The academy brings world-class training, national exposure, and college recruitment opportunities directly to local players, creating an unprecedented pathway to success in North Alabama.

“We believe in building secure foundations, whether that’s in the cyber realm or in the lives of young people chasing their dreams,” said Summit 7 CEO Scott Edwards. “Huntsville has been in need of a top-tier youth soccer program for many years. HCFC is bringing MLS NEXT, the top youth soccer program in the United States, to Huntsville and we want to be part of building a successful MLS NEXT Pro program in our community.”

The academy’s focus on developing young athletes, reducing barriers to opportunity, and building up local organizations resonates strongly with Summit 7’s broader purpose: Creating meaningful, lasting impact in the places we live and work.

According to the news release, Summit 7 and Huntsville City FC will work to:

• Expand access to competitive soccer across North Alabama
• Keep local talent in our region while connecting them to national and professional pathways
• Build a stronger, more vibrant community where kids can dream big and go far – on and off the field

“This partnership is more than a logo on a jersey,” the news release said. “It’s a long-term commitment to supporting what matters: our people, our youth, and our home.”