USL Feature
Thursday, March 11, 2010
TAMPA, FLORIDA – USL’s 2010 Super Y-League (SYL) ODP National Camp began for the boys Wednesday evening with Opening Ceremonies taking place at Mainsail Suites in Tampa, Florida. There, the boys met the SYL ODP Staff Coaches who will lead them through drills and 21 developmental competitions by the end of camp at noon on Sunday, March 14.
The SYL ODP Staff Coaches include: Paul Baber (Maine Premier Soccer), Ross Duncan (University of Central Arkansas), David Kelly (University of Hartford), Julian Richens (Rider University), Michael Ndoumbe (Crusaders SC of San Diego), Alistair Bain (Maine Premier Soccer), Danny Simpson (Eastern FC), Kerry Clarke (Quinnipiac University) as well as goalkeeper coaches Darren Wynne (Empire United) and Stuart Dobson (University of Santa Barbra). The coaches are led by SYL ODP Technical Director Dave Clarke (Quinnipiac University).
“I have been involved with the Super Y-League for the last two years,” University of Central Arkansas coach Ross Duncan said. “I think it is very important. It gives kids who would not otherwise have the opportunity a chance to play with a great new group of players and have access to the philosophy and training of great coaches.”
“The SYL ODP Camps are a good opportunity for me to be around other quality coaches and hopefully pick up a thing or two,” University of Hartford coach David Kelly added.
Unfortunately for the players and coaches, the weather in Tampa, Florida has not been cooperating. Heavy thunderstorms blanketed the area Thursday afternoon causing the matches to end at 5 p.m. Storms are also expected Friday.
“We were able to get some limited field-time in today despite the bad conditions,” SYL ODP Coordinator, Kate Thibault said. “We have a college coaches presentation scheduled for tomorrow evening, but if the weather is bad again we can bump that up and get these players more time with the coaches.”
Regardless of the rain and the limited field time, Kelly and Duncan will play their part in compiling a list of the top players at the camp. Those players will compete in the final matches of the SYL ODP Camps on Sunday to determine the top 16 players in the ’93, ’94 and ‘95/’96 age groups.
“I look for strong technique, athleticism and intelligence in the boys,” Kelly said. “I try to challenge my players while maintaining a flow of activities throughout the session. My goal is to facilitate learning without too many stoppages during the session.”
Duncan prefers players with a combination of heart and ability.
“I try to play a disciplined, up-tempo game,” he said. “The goal is to be highly technical all over the field and have a defensive mentality from front to back.”
“The SYL ODP Camps were a good opportunity for me to work with new coaches and players and also to recruit players for the University of Central Arkansas,” added Duncan.” I also like the SYL ODP selection process because it is much more subjective than other ODP systems. It almost takes politics completely out of the equation. Players are selected on merit, not who they know. It’s great.”
