ROCHESTER, N.Y. — As hundreds of youths try out for Empire United Soccer Academy, the future could be bright for some wanting to pursue a professional soccer career. This follows the return of the Rochester Rhinos and a partnership to create a player pipeline.

“My son, he’s 10, like you ask him what do you want to do when you grow up, ‘I want to be a professional soccer player,' and now that could be a real thing for him because of this,” said Lisa Dickerman of Henrietta.

Parents believe Jamie Vardy stepping in as a minority owner of the Rhinos and his willingness to be involved in youth development will give the young players hope.

“His message to the kids of just resiliency and being able to be the smaller guy out there at the beginning, but really fighting through that and proving people wrong," said Nicole Berg of Chili. "I mean that’s just a huge message to hundreds of kids.”

“It’s a big piece for him, you know inspiring the youth," said Jeff Oliver director of coaching. "He’s someone who has a pretty well-known story that he didn’t follow the normal pathway, right, and everyone has their own way to get where they want to be, and he is at the panicle of the game internationally.”

Empire United Soccer Academy says the development program with Jamie Vardy and the Rhinos will challenge players to reach the next level, and potentially play professional soccer in Rochester.

“Connectivity from pro to youth is something that we’ve long aspired to be a part of, and now we have that," said Oliver. "You can graduate from your youth club and potentially move on to the pro club, or just be a lifelong supporter of that team.”