Forward Madison signs academy goalkeeper to first team contract

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Forward Madison FC has signed 17-year-old goalkeeper Kevin Flores to an academy contract, pending league and federation approval. Flores is the first player to progress through the club's youth academy system to sign with the first team. He joined the Forward Futures program in 2023 and has gained experience playing at the MLS NEXT level and training with the first team since 2024.

Why it matters

This signing represents an important milestone for Forward Madison's youth development program, demonstrating their ability to cultivate local talent and provide a clear pathway from the academy to the professional ranks. It also highlights the club's commitment to investing in and promoting homegrown players.

The details

Flores, a native of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, joined the Forward Futures program at its launch in 2023 and began training with the first team in 2024 at age 15. He was named Player of the Year at Sun Prairie West High School in 2025 and has spent three seasons competing at the MLS NEXT level with SC Wave, where he captained the U-17 team. Flores has also gained international experience, playing a full match with Liga MX side Querétaro FC and trialing with the Atlético San Luis Academy in 2025.

• Flores joined the Forward Futures program in 2023.
• Flores began training with the first team in 2024 at age 15.
• Flores was named Player of the Year at Sun Prairie West High School in 2025.
• Flores has spent three seasons competing at the MLS NEXT level with SC Wave.

What’s next

Flores will remain available for Forward Madison's academy teams alongside his first-team duties.