After successful trials at State ODP and Regional ODP camps 3 of our U14 Girls (‘94s) are moving on to the U14 Girls National Identification Camp in Pomona, California from July 27th to August 2nd. Kristina Shakes, Yulie Lopez, and Paulina Speckmaier are members of the Schulz Academy U14 Girls team who earned an invite to the identification camp that brings together 100 of the best girls born 1994.  Schulz Academy is the only Florida club to send 3 players to the U14G National Identification Camp!

U14 Girls National Identification Camp Selections
Kristina Shakes		Yulie Lopez		Paulina Speckmaier

The players for the Under-14 Identification Camp are selected by regional USYS ODP coaches, with each region sending at least 20 players and sometimes as many as 35 to the weeklong camp. At the national camp the players will receive instructions and play games for a week, while being watched, evaluated and directed by U.S. Soccer’s National Staff coaches, U.S. Soccer coaches and other regional and state coaches.

The annual U-14 ID camp is used to select the player pool for the following year’s U.S. Under-15 Girl’s National Team, but the players do not usually start training in a National Team environment until the following year. Last year it was decided to select a 24-player roster of U-14s to participate in the Nike Women’s Friendlies against U-16 girls’ club teams, giving U-15 GNT head coach Tad Bobak an early chance to evaluate the players, all born in 1993, in game competition.  It is believed the same will occur this year.  The 2008 Women’s Nike Friendlies will take place in Carson, California in September.

“We are extremely proud of these girls and we wish them the best of luck at the identification camp. It is just a matter of time before more of our girls will get these opportunities as well and even get a chance to represent the U.S. Youth National teams at various levels. It was not long ago that Josmer Altidore was the first player from the Academy to get selected. Now more players are getting the chance especially with the Development Academy League and the Super Y-League.” said Academy Director Dr. Josef Schulz

Once again, good luck to Kristina, Yulie, and Paulina!!! Future U.S. Women’s National Team players. Impossible is nothing!