17 players from D.C. United Academy heading to U.S. Soccer Training Center Program

D.C. United Press Release:

17 D.C. United Academy players invited to U.S. Soccer Training Center

U-16 Head Coach Roberto da Silva departs Academy

Washington, D.C. (January 24, 2012) – D.C. United announced today that 17 Academy players have been called-in to participate in a U.S. Soccer Training Center program. 10 players from the team’s U-18 program (born in 1994 or 1995) were invited, while seven players from the U-16 team (born in 1996 or 1997) were also tabbed to participate.

‘94-‘95: Suli Dainkeh, Patrick Foss, Ian Harkes, Collin Martin, Dakotah Niedemeier, Jalen Robinson, Nigel Robinson, Marcus Salandy-Defour, Michael Sauers, Christian Kershaw
‘96-‘97: Tyler Beaudoin, Jonathan Bell, Patrick Jean-Gilles, Tobias Kastan, Dolu Oyewale, Michael Seaton, Jonathan Sousa

U.S. Soccer conducts training centers in conjunction with local clubs and state associations to identify players with Youth National Team potential. Administered by the U.S. Soccer Development Academy regional conference’s technical advisor and members of the U.S. Soccer national staff, these sessions are designed to evaluate top players from the area’s Academy teams before Youth National Team trips and camps.

Roberto da Silva moves on: D.C. United announced U-16 Academy Head Coach Roberto Da Silva has made the decision to leave the club. Da Silva spent more than four years coaching in the club's Academy. 
“We'd like to thank Roberto for his time serving in our Academy,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “Roberto helped to establish our Academy as one of the best in the country and also helped develop first team players Andy Najar and Bill Hamid. We wish Roberto the best of luck in the next phase of his career.”

Da Silva led D.C. United to three SUM U-17 Cup Championships - in 2007, 2009 and 2010. 
Tom Torres, who has been with the D.C. United Academy for more than five years, has been named as the U-16 Head Coach. After joining the club in 2007, he assisted with the U-14 and U-15 Training Program, before serving as a coach in the club’s camp program beginning in 2008. Torres’ role expanded in 2009 as he assisted with the U-18 team, while continuing his work in camps and with the U-14 and U-15 Training Program. In 2010, he served as the U-15 Head Coach, Pre-Academy Coordinator, and as an Assistant Coach for both the U-18 and U-23 teams. 

Jorge Calix called-in to U.S. Residency Program: U.S. Soccer today announced the 31 players who have been named to the U.S. U-17 Residency Program for the 2012 spring semester, which included D.C. United’s Jorge Calix. Calix, who was on D.C. United’s U-16 team last year, also spent the fall semester in the U.S. residency program. Prior to joining D.C. United, he played with Team America Premier of Virginia. The U-17 team is coached by former United midfielder Richie Williams.

Academy friendlies scheduled: D.C. United’s Academy teams have a number of friendlies scheduled for the coming weekend. The full schedule is listed below (all times eastern).
Saturday, January 28
U-14s vs. Baltimore Bays at 12pm
U-15s vs. Baltimore Bays at 2pm
U-16s vs. Vienna at 10am

Sunday, January 29
U-16s vs. McLean at 12pm
U-18s vs. McLean at 2:30pm

Locals Calix, Mejia-Flores named to U.S. U-17 Men's National Team Roster for 2011 Nike International Friendlies

Virginia players named to U-17 Residency Program

Virginia Players Chosen for U.S. u-15 Boys National Team Roster

Ten Virginia Players invited to ODP U-14 and U-15 National Team Camps

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.