YSC’s Mark Franek and American Soccer Nation featured in Philadelphia Inquirer

YSC’s Mark Franek Inspires Future Soccer Stars Through History

Our very own, Mark Franek, was recently featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer for his unique journey from teacher to lawyer and back to the classroom. After leaving teaching to practice law for more than a decade, Franek returned to education in 2022 and now teaches at YSC Academy.

The story highlights how Franek challenged students such as Cavan Sullivan to learn about the history of soccer in the United States. When students found existing books on the topic uninteresting and overly negative, Franek created a new course and eventually wrote his own book, American Soccer Nation. The book presents a more optimistic and comprehensive look at the growth of soccer in America and was published earlier this year.

Franek’s work demonstrates how passionate teachers can inspire students by connecting classroom learning to their interests and helping them see themselves as part of history in the making.

Source: Matt Breen, The Philadelphia Inquirer, June 2026

Read the full article here