Ajax Utah Merges with Utah Athletic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 2026

Ajax Utah Merges with Utah Athletic, Expanding Opportunities for Youth Soccer Players Across Utah

Founding leadership of Ajax Utah joins the Utah Athletic organization as the two clubs unite under a shared vision for player development, competitive excellence, and global opportunity.

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Utah Athletic is pleased to announce the immediate merger with Ajax Utah, one of Utah's oldest established youth soccer organizations. Effective immediately, Ajax Utah players, families, and staff will transition into the Utah Athletic family, with tryouts for the newly integrated Utah Athletic Club North location scheduled for May at Galena Hills Park in Draper, Utah.

This merger represents a significant step forward for youth soccer development in the region, combining Ajax Utah's passionate community roots with Utah Athletic's expansive infrastructure, elite programming, and nationally recognized resources.

Leadership Transitions

Ajax Utah co-founder Joe Baca will step into the role of Girls Club Director at Utah Athletic Club North, providing dedicated leadership and continuity for the girls' program and the families who have long trusted the Ajax organization. Co-founder Troy Stroud will join the Utah Athletic Board of Directors for a period of 24 months, bringing his experience and perspective to guide the organization's continued growth.

"Joining Utah Athletic as Girls Club Director is a tremendous opportunity," said Joe Baca. "Our players deserve access to the best coaching, the best competition, and the best pathways available. We're confident this move delivers exactly that."

"This is an exciting moment for our players and our community," added Troy Stroud. "We've always been committed to developing great soccer players and great people. Utah Athletic gives us the platform to take that mission further than we ever could on our own."

What This Means for Ajax Utah Players

Players transitioning from Ajax Utah will immediately gain access to the full suite of resources and opportunities that define the Utah Athletic experience, including:

• Pathways to Utah Athletic Academy — one of the strongest Academy systems in the state of Utah, providing a clear competitive and developmental ladder for aspiring players.

• An official partnership with Adidas, offering players access to premium equipment, apparel, and brand-affiliated opportunities.

• Platform leagues that provide structured, high-level competition designed to accelerate player growth.

• An international network of Athletic Clubs, opening doors to global playing and development experiences.

• Opportunities to train and compete alongside elite players and coaches with international backgrounds.

• A developing player performance platform that equips athletes and families with data-centered tools for tracking fitness, athletic output, and long-term development goals.

Upcoming Tryouts

Tryouts for Utah Athletic Club North will be held in May at Galena Hills Park in Draper, Utah. Current Ajax Utah families are encouraged to attend and are welcome to reach out directly with any questions regarding the transition process. Additional details regarding tryout dates and registration will be communicated to current Ajax Utah families directly.

About Utah Athletic

Utah Athletic is a premier youth athletic organization based in Utah, committed to elevating the athletic experience of all athletes both on and off the field. Through elite coaching, competitive programming, global partnerships, and an innovative approach to player development, Utah Athletic provides pathways for players at every level to reach their full potential.

Media Contact Dallin Cutler Utah Athletic dallin@utathletic.com