Northeast Pre-Academy League inaugural season underway
CHARLESTON, S.C. (Feb. 24, 2009) – The Northeast Pre-Academy League for U-14 and U-15 boys’ teams officially kicked off the weekend of Feb. 14-15 with four clubs in action.
The U-14 and U-15 teams from Albertson (N.Y.) opened the weekend at PA Classics on Sat., Feb. 14, before heading south to the Maryland Soccerplex for contests with Bethesda SC the following day.
Albertson’s U-14 squad defeated PA Classics, 5-2, and dropped a 3-1 contest to Bethesda
In the U-15 group, the Albertson-PA Classics game ended in a 1-1 tie, while the Albertson-Bethesda contest was similarly deadlocked at 0-0.
“We are very pleased that the first weekend lived up to our expectations,” said Dan Citrin, Bethesda’s U-15 manager. “We played two very good games against two very good teams. The referees were excellent; they had very good control over the game and were knowledgeable and consistent in their calls. While the weather was a bit nippy, the turf fields at the Maryland Soccerplex were in excellent shape. We very much look forward to the rest of the season – for our players to continue to develop and not least to develop positive relationships with clubs throughout the region.”
“The first weekend was great for our teams,” said PA Classics Director of Coaching Steve Klein. “As expected, Albertson’s teams were well-prepared and we had two great matches. The level of competition between the member clubs is extremely high and our players look forward to the challenge, but more importantly, we can focus on the development of our players and teams without the pressure of having to win at all costs. That is what is great about the Northeast Pre-Academy League – winning isn’t valued more than development of the players.”
Play continues this weekend as Bethesda, PDA, Match Fit, FC Greater Boston Bolts and the Red Bulls take the field.
The 12-team Northeast Pre-Academy League features well-known member clubs in seven states, all but one of which are current members of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Participating clubs include: Albertson SC (N.Y.), Bethesda SC (Md.), Blau Weiss Gottschee (N.Y.), FC Greater Boston Bolts (Mass.), FC Westchester (N.Y.), Match Fit Academy (N.J.), Metropolitan Oval (N.Y.), Oakwood SC (Conn.), PDA (N.J.), PA Classics, Seacoast United (N.H.) and Red Bull (N.Y.).
“The league includes a number of like-minded clubs throughout the Northeast region committed to developing good players and to a better balance between training and games, and with less emphasis on results,” Citrin added. “We also look forward to consistently good competition with good referees on high-quality fields.”
Visit the temporary Northeast Pre-Academy League Web page for updated schedules, scores, standings and other relevant information. A new US Club Soccer Regional Leagues Web site is currently being developed and will be available in the next couple of weeks.
About US Club Soccer:
US Club Soccer is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop competitive club soccer in the United States. It has been a member of the United States Soccer Federation since July 2001 and has grown to over 2,300 member clubs and leagues in 49 states. In addition to sanctioning tournaments, leagues and other competitions as well as offering a range of programs for its members, US Club Soccer annually conducts the National Cup and the National Collegiate Showcase. US Club Soccer also directs its own annual player identification and development program – id2.
The U-14 and U-15 teams from Albertson (N.Y.) opened the weekend at PA Classics on Sat., Feb. 14, before heading south to the Maryland Soccerplex for contests with Bethesda SC the following day.
Albertson’s U-14 squad defeated PA Classics, 5-2, and dropped a 3-1 contest to Bethesda
In the U-15 group, the Albertson-PA Classics game ended in a 1-1 tie, while the Albertson-Bethesda contest was similarly deadlocked at 0-0.
“We are very pleased that the first weekend lived up to our expectations,” said Dan Citrin, Bethesda’s U-15 manager. “We played two very good games against two very good teams. The referees were excellent; they had very good control over the game and were knowledgeable and consistent in their calls. While the weather was a bit nippy, the turf fields at the Maryland Soccerplex were in excellent shape. We very much look forward to the rest of the season – for our players to continue to develop and not least to develop positive relationships with clubs throughout the region.”
“The first weekend was great for our teams,” said PA Classics Director of Coaching Steve Klein. “As expected, Albertson’s teams were well-prepared and we had two great matches. The level of competition between the member clubs is extremely high and our players look forward to the challenge, but more importantly, we can focus on the development of our players and teams without the pressure of having to win at all costs. That is what is great about the Northeast Pre-Academy League – winning isn’t valued more than development of the players.”
Play continues this weekend as Bethesda, PDA, Match Fit, FC Greater Boston Bolts and the Red Bulls take the field.
The 12-team Northeast Pre-Academy League features well-known member clubs in seven states, all but one of which are current members of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Participating clubs include: Albertson SC (N.Y.), Bethesda SC (Md.), Blau Weiss Gottschee (N.Y.), FC Greater Boston Bolts (Mass.), FC Westchester (N.Y.), Match Fit Academy (N.J.), Metropolitan Oval (N.Y.), Oakwood SC (Conn.), PDA (N.J.), PA Classics, Seacoast United (N.H.) and Red Bull (N.Y.).
“The league includes a number of like-minded clubs throughout the Northeast region committed to developing good players and to a better balance between training and games, and with less emphasis on results,” Citrin added. “We also look forward to consistently good competition with good referees on high-quality fields.”
Visit the temporary Northeast Pre-Academy League Web page for updated schedules, scores, standings and other relevant information. A new US Club Soccer Regional Leagues Web site is currently being developed and will be available in the next couple of weeks.
About US Club Soccer:
US Club Soccer is a non-profit organization whose mission is to develop competitive club soccer in the United States. It has been a member of the United States Soccer Federation since July 2001 and has grown to over 2,300 member clubs and leagues in 49 states. In addition to sanctioning tournaments, leagues and other competitions as well as offering a range of programs for its members, US Club Soccer annually conducts the National Cup and the National Collegiate Showcase. US Club Soccer also directs its own annual player identification and development program – id2.
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