Youth Soccer Spotlight – San Diego Surf SC Girls Representing Their Country on the Soccer Field
One of the oldest competitive youth soccer club in San Diego, San Diego Surf Soccer Club was established in 1977 to draw the best players from the surrounding areas of Carlsbad, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach and Del Mar to form teams to compete against the best teams in Southern California and across the nation. Today, the club has developed homegrown players who have reached the pinnacle of soccer.
The San Diego Surf SC program is one of the top rated clubs in the nation, boasting of both USSF full Development Academy and ECNL and has a long history of excellence in player development. Recently, several girls from Surf SC have been selected to play on US National teams and even for National teams abroad.
It is always an honor to be asked to represent your country, especially on the soccer field. To reach this level of play is a huge accomplishment.
“First and foremost this is testament to the individuals and their incredible dedication and perseverance,” said Jeremy McDonald, President. “Surf SC a few years back, made substantial changes to our program in an effort to better align with US Soccer and international best practices. We are starting to see the results of these initiatives and we at Surf could be more proud of our players and coaches.”
U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team
Forward Sunny Dunphy, Midfielder Marley Canales, Midfielder Taylor Kornieck, Midfielder Arlie Jones, Defender Julie Doyle, and Defender Kaiya McCullough.
“To have six players on a international travel roster for the U.S. is unprecedented for our club,” said Colin Chesters, Technical Advisor and former Director of Coaching.
While this is not the first time some of these talented young women have been selected as part of a National Team pool, it is very unusual for so many top players to be selected from a single club.
“Having six girls who have been selected to play on the US Soccer U18 team is an amazing accomplishment for any youth soccer club and goes to show Surf SC’s focus on player development. Surf SC attracts top players who want to play with other top players,” said Josh Henderson, Senior Director of Coaching. “I’ve been a part of a number of youth soccer clubs who have developed players who have been selected for national teams, but I have never heard of a single youth soccer club with six players being selected in the same season.”
Related Article: U-18 USWNT LA MANGA TOURNAMENT RECAP
“It’s a wonderful achievement for the club and more importantly the players themselves,” Mark Spooner, Head Coach and ECNL Director. “As a club we couldn’t be happier for them or prouder of them. There is no doubt in my mind that each of them went away and did everyone proud. Each of them are developing to not only excellent soccer players but wonderful young women too. I’m extremely excited to continue to monitor their development over the remainder of this season and as the graduating seniors go onto continue their athletic careers elsewhere.”
“It is intensely satisfying to know that Surf SC has so many talented players and works hard to develop players to their full potential,” said Henderson. “I want to help all our players reach their dreams of playing soccer at the highest level.
Surf’ SC’s younger female soccer players are also in the spotlight. Other talented young women at Surf SC include:
National Teams Aboard
Midfielder Bianca Caetano-Ferrara, GU17 Brazilian Women’s National Team
Goalkeeper Mia Shalt, GU17 Peruvian Women’s National Team
U.S. Under-16 Girls’ National Team
Forward Trinity Watson
U.S. Under-15 Girls’ National Team
Midfielder Mia Fishel, Midfielder Maddie Mercado, and Defender Sierra Dunphy
“Midfielder Mia Fishel and Midfielder Maddie Mercado are two incredible soccer talents at Surf SC, and it is great to see their efforts rewarded over the past year,” said coach Paul Dolinsky. “Both girls have become regulars in the National Team Camps at the age group. They are very special players.”
Tryouts for San Diego Surf for players born in 1998 – 2001 are April 18-21, 2016. Click here to sign up to tryout.
Related Article: Surf Girls To Play for National Teams Abroad
