2016 USL Experience Player Packet

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Congratulations on an excellent 2015 season and for being selected to the inaugural USL Experience. To be selected is a tremendous honor and opportunity. You have each showcased your abilities on the field and have been recognized by your coaches, the coaches you compete against, and the Super Y League Scouting Network as a top player. You should be very proud of your accomplishments. The USL Experience is a great opportunity for you to showcase your ability, and it is important to approach the event very seriously. Preparation starts before you arrive in Cincinnati and should carry on throughout the weekend and beyond. You are here for two main reasons: to improve your ability as a soccer player and to showcase your talent. The event is being held in conjunction with FC Cincinnati, meaning you will have direct access to professional coaches, players, and staff throughout the weekend. Utilize the training sessions and education from your coaches by applying them to your game. These coaches have been meticulously selected, are very experienced, and know what is required for players to reach the next level. They also want to help you further your soccer careers. Embrace and enjoy every moment throughout the weekend. You will be a part of exciting and unique opportunities that should be cherished. Working with a first-year professional club as a youth player is unprecedented. Training and playing in a 35,000 seat stadium is an experience most players only dream of having. You get to live it. Utilize this environment to your advantage, and focus on improving your game at all times. Be cognizant of the fact that it is important to perform on the field, but it is equally important to perform off the field. You will be treated like a professional this weekend. Make sure to prepare and behave like one at all times. Those qualities are prerequisites to make it to the next level. Best of luck and have fun! Sincerely,

Dan Lohrs, Director, Youth League Operations Page 2: USL X Sheet


About the USL • • • • •

The top professional soccer league underneath the MLS 29 total franchises set to compete in the upcoming 2016 season 11 MLS owned/operated franchises 18 Independently owned franchises Through various league platforms, the USL has the ability to reach more than 75 million people • Projecting over 1 million fans to attend USL matches in 2016 • 6 USL clubs with more than 10+ years in the league

Here at the USL, we believe the time for youth players to dream about playing professional soccer for an American based club is now. We aspire to increase interest in the North American professional game by creating a more direct connection between the American youth player and the domestic, professional game of soccer. Unlike any other elite youth player program in our country, the USL Experience is the first of its kind and will ignite a new level of passion for professional soccer across North America. We are excited to bring this professional experience to our Super Y League players and FC Cincinnati, as one of the newest additions to the USL.

At the USL Experience, the elite players of the Super Y League will have a chance to work with some of the best soccer coaches in the country. These coaches, similarly to the players at the event, have been identified through the Super Y League regular season, Regional Scouting Series events, and the North American Finals. All highly credentialed, with a proven record of developing some of the top soccer prospects in the country, elite coaches from the league will work in concert with other nationally recognized names in the soccer coaching community to form an unparalleled staff for the USL Experience. Peter Mellor, Goalkeeper Coach | Meghan Frey, Goalkeeper Coach Nick Mulvaney, U14 Girls Coach | Kevin Darcy, U16 Girls Coach Ricky Clarke, U14 Boys Coach | Anthony Anglin, U16 Boys Coach

In addition to the highly qualified staff listed above, the USL Experience will feature National Technical Directors from U.S. Soccer, who will be observing and evaluating players at the event.


SYL Elite Player Program History • The SYL, through U.S. Soccer and the United States Olympic Committee, was granted ODP programs to identify players for U.S. National Team Programs in 2002 • In 2015, the SYL identified an opportunity to provide unique scouting and identification chances to the league’s top performers closer to home

The New SYL Elite Player Programming • The SYL Regional Scouting Series offers regionally based identification events for players on the field and holistic, educational programming for the top 10% of league players AND parents off the field • Standouts at the Regional Scouting Series events are recognized as members of the SYL National Player Pool • 80% of players in the SYL National Player Pool are selected from the regular season and Regional Scouting Series events, while 20% are selected directly from the North American Finals championship event.

The USL Experience • 71 total players (U12-U16) have been chosen from SYL National Pool to participate in the USL Experience, which will deliver an exclusive and unprecedented look into professional American soccer • A comprehensive experience for the top 1% of the league, SYL players will compete against some of the highest level youth competition in the country during the USL Experience from April 14-17, 2016 • This 4 day residential experience will follow a professional schedule and format with training and competitive match play • Meals, lodging and training gear provided at no cost • Stadium and facility tour, plus access to FC Cincinnati pro players and staff (John Harkes and others) • Additional educational programming (workshops, presentations and seminars) • View professional team training sessions and attend USL rivalry match-up (FC Cincinnati vs Louisville City)


On August 12, 2015 the United Soccer League announced that FC Cincinnati will be the league’s 26th franchise and will begin play in 2016.

OWNERSHIP FC Cincinnati is led by Principal Owner Carl Lindner III, who currently serves as Co-President and Director of American Financial Group. Lindner previously owned the Cincinnati Reds. Long-time Cincinnati Bengals executive Jeff Berding will serve as FC Cincinnati President and General Manager. NIPPERT STADIUM The team will play their home matches at Nippert Stadium, located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. The stadium seats over 30,000 spectators and is one of the most historic stadiums in the country. TECHNICAL STAFF Former U.S. National Team player John Harkes has been named Head Coach for FC Cincinnati. Harkes brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the side, being the first American to play in the English Premier League. Harkes is a two-time FIFA World Cup participant and a two-time MLS Cup Champion with D.C. United. In 2005, he was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Harkes is assisted by Ryan Martin and Jamie Starr. ROSTER On December 7, 2015, FC Cincinnati announced its first class of signings. This inaugural group brings together veterans from both the USL and MLS and is highlighted by 2012 MLS Rookie of the Year Austin Berry. Over the past few months, FC Cincinnati has continued to sign talented players, including Omar Cummings, who won the 2010 MLS Cup with the Colorado Rapids and represented Jamaica at the international level. With a solid group of up-and-comers, veterans and local talent, FC Cincinnati look to field a team that plays attractive soccer and makes its fans proud. http://www.fccincinnati.com/player-roster/ TICKET INFORMATION FC Cincinnati will have reserved seats in section 108 for the players participating in the USL Experience. Parents and families wishing to sit in section 108 can secure seats for $20 per game in section 108, with no limit to ticket orders. Additional pricing options are also available for seating throughout the stadium. For inquiries, call 513-977-KICK, or tickets can be purchased online at http://www.fccincinnati.com/individual-game-tickets/.


U16 GIRLS

U14 GIRLS


U16 BOYS

U14 BOYS


MEDIA DAY

Professional athletes from all over the world participate in team media days on a regular basis. Learning how to interact with the media is something many young players do not get to experience until college or after signing their first professional contract. USL Experience will be holding its own media day on Thursday, April 14, where players will experience all the elements that go into a traditional media day for a professional athlete. Photoshoots and interviews from FC Cincinnati, the USL and Super Y League will all be taking place during USL Experience Media Day. Throughout the entire USL Experience, you will be followed by a camera crew who will capture video from the training sessions, matches and behind the scenes at all the events. The opportunity to be treated as a professional, both on and off the field, is something you have earned. Therefore, it requires that you conduct yourself accordingly.

In order to be ready for the interview sessions, please take a minute to think about your answers to some potential questions: Who got you interested in playing soccer? What’s your goal as a soccer player? How has the growth of Pro soccer in the US affected you and your aspirations? What is your opinion on the level of soccer in the US (MLS, USL)? What does being selected to the USL Experience mean to you? How has soccer helped you improve as an individual? What players do you admire or model your game after? What would be your professional soccer dream?


SOCIAL MEDIA Social media has become a vital part of the sport industry. Like all major events and teams, the USL Experience will be actively engaged on many social platforms. We encourage you to participate in this unique opportunity by posting content that reflects YOUR USL Experience.

Remember that you are now an ambassador for USL Experience and should be responsible and smart with your social media posts. We are excited to see what unique content you produce at our event!

MAKE SURE YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND YOUR CLUB FOLLOW THE USL, SUPER Y LEAGUE AND FC CINCINNATI SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS FOR REAL-TIME UPDATES AND INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR USL EXPERIENCE.

OFFICIAL EVENT HASHTAG #USLX FACEBOOK- UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE, SUPER Y LEAGUE, FC CINCINNATI TWITTER- @USL , @SUPERYLEAGUE , @FCCINCINNATI INSTAGRAM- @USLSOCCER, @SUPERYLEAGUE , @FCCINCINNATI SNAPCHAT- SUPERYLEAGUE


Hotel Information Hampton Inn Cincinnati Riverfront 200 Crescent Ave, Covington, KY 41011 (859) 581-7800 Each player will be rooming with someone from their USL Experience team. Room assignments and keys will be distributed once players arrive to the hotel. If you are on a flight that gets into Cincinnati after 2:30 PM, or you are driving, you may receive your room key at dinner.

Airport Information Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) 2939 Terminal Dr, Hebron, KY 41048 (859) 767-3151

USL staff will be present at the airport from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM on arrival day. We will have staff members at each terminal gathering players as they exit their gates and escorting them to the holding area near baggage claim. Once a significant group of players have arrived, a USL staff member will accompany the group on a charter bus to the hotel. If you are a player arriving after 2:30 PM, your bus may take you directly to dinner.

DESIGNATED PLAYER HOLDING AREA

* If you are travelling as an unaccompanied minor, please notify USL staff in advance so we can arrange pick up at the appropriate gate.


THURSDAY SCHEDULE Arrival- Media Day

12:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Players arrive

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM

Depart for Media Day

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Media Day/Dinner

9:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Depart for Hotel

10:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Lights out

If you are driving into Cincinnati, you will need to be dropped off directly at the hotel (Hampton Inn- Cincinnati Riverfront) between the hours of 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. USL staff will be present at the hotel to check players in.

*BE SURE TO BRING YOUR CLEATS AND SNEAKERS TO MEDIA DAY YOU WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES.


FRIDAY SCHEDULE 6:00 AM - 6:30 AM

Wake up

6:30 AM - 7:00 AM

Breakfast (boys)

7:00 AM - 7:30 AM

Breakfast (girls)

7:30 AM - 8:00 AM

Depart for fields

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Training (all)

9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

FC Cincinnati training session

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Meet and greet with FC Cincinnati

12:30 PM - 1:00 PM

Depart for hotel

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Girls pre-game meal

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Boys pre-game meal

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Downtime

5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Matches (girls)

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Matches (boys)

10:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Lights out


SATURDAY SCHEDULE 6:00 AM - 6:30 AM

Wake up

6:30 AM - 7:00 AM

Breakfast (girls)

7:00 AM - 7:30 AM

Breakfast (boys)

7:30 AM - 8:00 AM

Depart for fields

8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Training (all)

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Depart for hotel

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Downtime

12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

Depart for University of Cincinnati

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Lunch

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Tours

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Activity in Arena

4:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Dinner

5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

FC Cincinnati Fan HQ

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

FC Cincinnati vs Louisville City FC

10:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Lights out


SUNDAY SCHEDULE Departure Day

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

Breakfast

6:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Shuttles to airport

*USL staff members will be transporting players whose flights depart before 8:00 AM. All others will be transported by the charter buses which are accompanied by additional USL staff.

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION Jo Dragotta - Event Coordinator O: 813.514.1769 | C: 813.428.2906 E: jo.dragotta@uslsoccer.com Dan Lohrs - Director Youth League Operations O: 813.849.0585 | C: 845.661.1315 E: dan.lohrs@uslsoccer.com Joel Nash - U14 Boys Team Representative O: 813.514.1749 | C: 813.712.9485 E: joel.nash@uslsoccer.com Christian Velasquez - U16 Boys Team Representative O: 813.514-1745 | C: 352.410.3473 E: christian.velasquez@uslsoccer.com Matt Reda - U14 Girls Team Representative O: 813.269.1358 | C: 314.502.0353 E: matt.reda@uslsoccer.com Brett Luy - U16 Girls Team Representative O: 813.269.1351 | C: 217.620.0943 E: brett.luy@uslsoccer.com


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