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USASA Men’s Elite Player Program Camp in San Bernardino, California
(Galactics players Philipe Libreros and Oscar Carmona - third row 12th and 16th from left respectively)
July 3, 2008
(from the USASA website)
The Men’s Elite Player Program Camp came to a close on July 1 after three full days of training sessions and two exhibition games. The national camp was held at San Bernardino Soccer Complex in San Bernardino, CA, on June 28 through July 1.
“The 2008 Elite Player Program camp was outstanding; the USASA and the State Associations did an amazing job in sending players. I look forward to not letting this week go to waste, selecting players for upcoming competitions is going to be tough as they all had a great camp” said Aleks Mihailovic, Head Coach of the USASA Men’s National Team.
“I was impressed with the energy level between the players. I’m very, very pleased and proud of them” he added.
Fifty-four players from across the United States participated in the camp with hopes to make it into the USASA Men’s National Select Team player pool. The camp identifies players that exhibit skillful qualities, and once chosen to the national roster, they will be showcased in competitions against professional and international teams.
Craig Hill, 20, is a goalkeeper who was recommended to the camp by the Texas State Soccer Association-South.
“Being part of the camp has given me the opportunity to play at a higher level. My main goal is to play soccer professionally and I think I would be able to do so if I get selected. International games are also a plus, you gain experience and get to know interesting people” said Hill.
Also attending the camp was Mid-fielder Jesus Ochoa of California Soccer Association-South. He has been part of the USASA Men’s National Select Team for two years and played against the Ireland National Amateur Team.
In July 2007, the team went to play a two game series in Ireland; the USASA won both matches (1-0 and 2-0) against a well respected team that has been very successful in European international competitions over the last several years.
“What the USASA does for us, the players, is great; the Organization gives us that extra chance that we don’t have after college. Being exposed to other – professional and international – teams it’s a remarkable opportunity for those players that want to do more than just amateur soccer, and that is possible by being part of this camp, getting selected and playing professional style” said Ochoa.
His main goal is to represent the USASA anywhere he goes by playing his best, as he proved in Ireland.
“There’s nothing else a player would want other than travel and go play international games; I’m sure that is what everybody wants; we are here practicing and talking about playing other teams outside of the U.S., but once you are out there, the experience it’s unbelievable, it motivates you in a different way.”
Although practices and exhibition games have been completed, coaches are still working on the selection process.
"We are going select thirty-six players for our national pool. From that, eighteen are going to be chosen to represent the USASA in upcoming competitions” said Mihailovic. The decision will be made official within the next couple of weeks.
The Women’s National Camp will be held at San Bernardino Soccer Complex on July 3-6, 2008.
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