West Pines United F.C. U16 Boys Black Team – Ranked 4th in the Nation
The 2011-2012 West Pines United Boys U-16 team is excited about the coming season. Last year’s successes, an infusion of new talent, and a rigorous off-season training program have the boys straining at the bit as their current season begins. As in recent years, they will face plenty of tough competition but they are eager to test their skill and resolve against the best youth soccer teams in the nation.
The U-15 version of the team laid a solid foundation for the current season. As Region 3 (East) Premiere League Champions, they qualified for the USYSA Southern Regional Championships, where they played three tough games against teams from Texas and Tennessee. That followed a busy year which included the Dallas Cup (quarter-finalists), the Disney Showcase, and their first participation in the USYSA National League, a nation-wide competition that features top teams from throughout the country. Their strong play was rewarded with another offer to play in the National League, as well as repeat invitations to Dallas and Disney.
A large part of the success of the team is constant competition for places on the roster and on the field. The 2011/2012 roster contains nine new faces, whose talent and determination came to the fore front in a series of grueling tryouts over the summer. Their abilities will be forged with those of the returnees which include players who have been honored with invitations to State, Regional, and National team camps and tournaments. This a group of players dedicated to success both on and off the field with academic achievements to match their athletic accomplishments. High grade point averages and Dean’s list awards are common in this group, and maintaining high academic standards is part of the ethics of the team.
Coaches Richard Jobson and Christopher Williams know that conditioning is one key to success in a long, difficult season. Demanding summer workouts, which combined skills training, tactical development, and weight training got the boys in shape for the start of the season, and special beach practices, in addition to twice a week team practices and week-end scrimmages, have the team in excellent condition for the challenges ahead.
Currently ranked fourth nationally by Soccer in College, The WPU Boys U-16 has big expectations and big challenges for the coming season. They will play the best competition in some of the top leagues and tournaments in the country but with strong leadership, unshakeable team unity, and solid preparation they are excited to see what the future holds.
