Simon Nee: U-15 Head Coach, Red Bulls Academy
Review of the Fall Season:
In the fall season, the U-15’s had a strong overall record in both the MLS NEXT Pathway to Pro (first in the division) and Inter League (second in the division) with a record of played 15 games, won 12, and tied two (2). The U-15’s also had a winning record versus MLS opponents – played nine (9), won seven (7), and lost two (2). This age group also had a fantastic 11-game winning streak in league competition to close out the season.
Additionally, our U-15’s had one of the youngest groups at the recent MLS NEXT winter showcase event in California with eight (8) players born in 2008 being selected in the 20-man roster. It was a fantastic experience for the players to qualify top of the group and win all three (3) games against MLS opponents – Minnesota United FC, Nashville SC, and Portland Timbers – and to do so, by scoring eight (8) goals and only conceding one (1).
Most recently, the U-15 age group also had two (2) players – Jeremiah White and Nate Worth – called into the U.S. Youth National Team camps for January and February.
Aims & Objectives:
Our number one objective is to accelerate the development of the top talents within the U-15 age group. We are already on track, as we currently have three (3) 2007 aged players that consistently train and play up with the U-17’s roster and eight (8) 2008 players that train and play games with the U-15s.
As this is a performance level age group, the end goal is always to be competitive within all competitions entered, qualify for the next round of the Generation Adidas (GA) Cup competition in the top bracket, and finish in the top three positions of league competition. Achieving all these goals would result in many more highly competitive games, including that against international opposition.
Success only brings more opportunity for higher level games. Therefore, for the U-15 age group, we are always striving to play the most competitive game schedule possible each season, so that we can evaluate our players at the highest level.
