USL and the National Guard are teaming once again in 2014 to offer a series of free development clinics for youth soccer players. A pair of clinics has already been set for 2014, with the Jacksonville (Florida) Youth Soccer Club set to host on Saturday, February 15 and Fredericksburg (Virginia) Area Soccer Association hosting on Saturday, February 22. Additional dates and locations will be announced in the coming weeks.
The clinics are free to all participants, and are designed to benefit boys and girls youth soccer players ages 15-18. The clinics are led by USSF-licensed coaches and college players, and are designed to introduce, sharpen, and challenge every player, help prepare them for their upcoming season, and take them to the next level of their development.
Lunch will be provided at both events and clinic personnel will be available to answer questions about the college recruiting process and potential financial aid. The clinic curriculum will focus on individual foot skills, technical drills, tactical practices, small-sided games and coached scrimmages, all presented in a fun, positive learning environment.
“Following the overwhelming success of the clinics we offered in 2013, we are proud to once again join with the National Guard to help grow youth soccer,” USL Executive Director of League Growth & Partnerships Steven Short said. “Any help and guidance we can provide to these high school-aged players is crucial as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.”
The JYSC event is set to run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chuck Rogers Regional Park in Jacksonville, with registration from 8-9 a.m. After a warm-up and parent briefing, the players will participate in a technical training session from 9:30-11:30 a.m. with small-sided games immediately following lunch. The day concludes with full 11 v 11 games from 2:30 -4 p.m.
FASA is hosting its third USL/National Guard event, set for 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Fredericksburg Field House. Following check-in, the morning session will run from 10-11:30 a.m. with the afternoon session set for 1-2:30 p.m. The National Guard will make a presentation during lunch, from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
“Hosting free clinics and camps gives the Guard a vehicle to introduce a local Guard recruiter to members of their local community who may not have considered the Guard as an opportunity to earn a paycheck and get tuition assistance to help pay for their college costs,” said Sgt. 1st Class David Therrell, program manager for the National Guard’s soccer program. “Both coaches and parents get excited to hear there is alternative financial assistance for college available through Guard membership.”
United Soccer Leagues: USL has become the largest organization of elite-level soccer leagues in North America by building on the vision, commitment, and passion of players, fans and investors. Now in its third decade of operation, USL continues to be a driving force in the growth of soccer in the United States, Canada and Caribbean. USL provides a clearly defined path for the progression of male and female soccer players beginning at the youth level (Super Y-League/NextGen), continuing through the amateur level (PDL/W-League/Super-20/W-20) and up to the professional level, both outdoor and indoor (USL PRO/MISL). A platform for countless players to reach for their dreams each year, USL is devoted to developing the sport at the grassroots level in every community across the region.
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