Virginia players named to U-17 Residency Program

More great news regarding local soccer players has just been announced by VYSA today. Last week we shared the news of 9 players from Virginia being selected as representatives at this year’s US National Team U-14 training camps.


Congratulations are in order for two deserving players. Herbert Mejia-Flores and Jorge Calix were both recently named to the U.S. Soccer Under-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. Mejia-Flores is a member of Great Falls Athletic Association, a 2 year VA ODP participant and currently resides in Manassas Park, Va. While, Calix plays with Team America FC, is a 3-year VA ODP participant and lives in Alexandria, Va.



The U.S. Soccer U-17 Residency Program started in 1999 and has evolved into a national symbol of U.S. Soccer’s dedication to the development opportunities for players and the success of the Youth National Teams. The program has doubled in size over the years from 20 to 40 players, with two times now competing under the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team moniker. The teams train together during the week, and compete against club, college and international teams on the weekends.

The participants will be under the direction of head coach Wilmer Cabrera, who joined the team from New York’s BW Gottschee in the fall of 2007. Cabrera is a two-time FIFA World Cup veteran and has served as the spokesperson for MLS Futbolito and Verano MLS, two grassroots development soccer programs.

Players are also under the direction and guidance of assistant coaches Paul Caffrey, Gerson Echeverry, Paul Grafer and Eric Imler.  

Since the program’s inception, more than 300 players have been through the full-time Residency Program, with more than 100 of those players having moved on to Major League Soccer or the professional leagues in Europe. In addition, 19 program participants have registered at least one cap with the national team, among them Landon Donovan, Michael Bradley, Freddy Adu and Jozy Altidore. 
For more information, please visit www.vysa.com or call 540-693-1430.