USL Feature by Jason Minnick
Friday, March 05, 2010
TAMPA, FLORIDA – Following their opening training sessions yesterday morning, the 200+ girls at the 2010 Super Y-League (SYL) ODP National Camps competed in their initial live-action matches Thursday afternoon at Ed Radice Sports Complex in Tampa, Florida. The girls were back at it again this morning.
Each team will compete in two matches today and Saturday before the top players are identified by the SYL ODP Staff Coaches for participation in the SYL ODP Select Team games, which will be played at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 7. Girls who stand out in those games will be named to the 2010 SYL ODP Select Teams and will be recommended to the U.S. National Team Staff Coaches for participation in U.S. National Team Programs.
U.S. Soccer National Staff Coach Mike Dickey is also at the SYL ODP National Camps to identify players who possess the ability and desire to represent their country. Dickey spoke to the girls during the camp’s opening ceremony. Among other topics, Dickey discussed the countless hours of practice needed to reach the level of the athletes at the recent Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also spoke about the women on the U.S. National Team, which defeated Germany, 3-2, on Wednesday to claim its seventh Algarve Cup Championship in Portugal.
One of the players hoping to get noticed this week is U16 Cleveland Internationals goalkeeper Emily Hinton.
“I hope to be noticed as an outstanding player who can positively impact the [U.S. Youth] national teams,” Hinton said. “I also hope to receive constructive criticism that will help me to improve my skills, strengths and weaknesses.”
“I play soccer because of my coaches, friends and teammates,” Hinton added. “The experiences I’ve had in soccer teach me life’s morals while keeping me busy and letting me focus on productive activities.”
When she is not playing soccer, Hinton assists the Special Olympics.
“The highlight of my year so far has been the opportunity to donate money and volunteer my time to the Special Olympics,” Hinton said. “I was even named head coach of the Special Olympics in my region."
“One of the saddest moments of my life was when I realized that my cousin with cerebral palsy will never walk, talk or live independently in her life. This is a tough topic because my cousin will never be able to experience things that we all take for granted.”
Hinton’s abilities in goal, coupled with her benevolent mind-set will serve her well in completing the goals she has set for herself.
“In five years I see myself studying hard in college to prepare for a good job,” Hinton said. “I also want to be playing for the women’s soccer team at a Division I school.”
Hinton and her club, the Cleveland Internationals, utilize the SYL to prepare for soccer, and life, at the next level.
“The USL provides great opportunity and a chance for players to showcase their abilities or personalities that form unique players,” Hinton said. “The competition in the SYL is tough. It challenges players. It allows strong and talented players to stand out.”
