Croatia Juniors Alumnus Apolo Marinch Signs with Columbus Crew Academy
Instagram: @crewacademy96
Croatia Juniors alumnus Apolo Marinch has signed with the Columbus Crew Academy.
Marinch, a 2010-born forward / attacking midfielder, was a member of Croatia Juniors from 2017 to 2022. Marinch began training with the Columbus Crew youth development program in 2018, when Croatia Juniors coach Zel Marusic recommended him for a trial with the Crew’s U12 Generation Adidas team. After being selected as an alternate at age 8, Marinch kicked off a successful period with the club, ultimately being selected for the U12 squad at age 9 and competing with the team in Atlanta later that year.
The highlights of Marinch’s time with the Crew’s academy include a placement on the U12 Generation Adidas Cup team in 2019; an invitation to train with the Dinamo Zagreb Academy in Croatia in 2021; a selection as Player of the Day at the National League playoffs in Bradenton, Florida in December 2023; an opportunity to train with the Crew 2 and FC Cincinnati 2 teams in May 2024 as a 14-year-old; and winning his first game with the Crew U18 team against a men’s semi-pro side last week.
Joining the Columbus Crew’s Academy is a big step in Marinch’s career. He says, “Signing with the academy meant a move to Columbus for myself and my family. Also, it was a tough choice because I had an opportunity to join clubs in Cincinnati, Denver, Zagreb, or Slovenia. But after spending time at the Crew training facility, working with the coaches, trainers, and players, Columbus was really the only choice for me. I feel the Crew is the best fit. I am improving and learning so much on a daily basis and really enjoying everything about the organization. Moving forward, I think the Crew will continue to help me improve on and off the field and I will work hard every day to improve.”
Marinch has high expectations for his continued development. “When the Crew feels I’m ready, Crew 2 will be my next destination,” he says. “After that, my goals are to make the first team and one day move to a European club.”
Croatia Juniors wishes Apolo the best of luck as he pursues a professional career!
Apolo at the Ohio State Cup with the former Academy Director of Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb, Romeo Jozak.
