New England Revolution bet big on 17-year-old star with bright future | OneFootball

The New England Revolution addressed their future when they signed a contract with 17-year-old right-back Damario McIntosh until 2028, with an option to extend it into 2029. The story of this young athlete consists of an unremitting work ethic intertwined with natural talent that enabled him to go all the way from academy hot prospect to a full professional in MLS.

Damario McIntosh isn't just another young player on the New England Revolution roster; he's a representation of the development model the club is trying to solidify: finding, developing, and promoting talents that can shine on the MLS stage. Last season, the right-back played for New England Revolution II in MLS NEXT Pro, featuring in 25 matches, 20 as a starter.

His performance didn't go unnoticed by onlookers, as Curt Onalfo, the club's sporting director, hailed his development while underlining the importance of their academy setup: "Damario McIntosh is a young upcoming player who has shown big improvement since his arrival at the club."

This first-team promotion underscores a growing tradition in the New England Revolution: one of growing your own. McIntosh becomes the 14th to have done so and the ninth to have graduated directly from Revolution II to the pros.

The importance of local development

The McIntosh story is, to this effect, also the story of New England Revolution's ambition in shaping their identity within MLS. The Pro Player Pathway, as brought to light by Onalfo, must create a robust connection from the academy through to the first team to give such talents like McIntosh their rightful chance at success.

Moreover, the New England Revolution's investment in player development is not just about internal needs; it is also a matter of the club's relevance in American soccer. Players like McIntosh rising to the first team send a strong message to the young prospects: there's a promising future within this club's structure.

An up-and-coming athlete

Hailing from Jamaica, Damario McIntosh has already begun to make his presence known. In 2024, he was named an MLS NEXT All-Star-an honor shining a light on his skill set and potential. Since his arrival to New England Revolution's academy in 2023, McIntosh has impressed with his maturity, defensive skill set, and adaptability to the professional game.

His gratitude for the moment was clear in his statement: “I’m extremely grateful to sign my first MLS contract and represent New England Revolution at the first-team level.” For him, playing at a high level has always been a dream, and now reality invites him to take even greater strides in his development.