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News

Paul O’Brien Distinguishes Himself at U.S. Soccer Academy Director Course

Placer United is proud to congratulate Paul O’Brien on his successful completion of the U.S. Soccer Academy Director course offered by invitation only to candidates who are working Club Academy Directors with a USSF A license.

Paul was selected as one of only fourteen participants from across the country to participate in the year-long course. U.S. Soccer developed the Academy Director (AD) course to assist in better improving, educating, and informing youth soccer leaders from around the country. The course includes face-to-face interactions, numerous individual and group projects, as well as 7-course modules which included one held in Manchester City, England.

The accomplishment goes beyond the certificate of completion.  Upon the conclusion of the course, Paul was selected as a training mentor for candidates in the next course due to his demonstration of leadership from the prior year.

“It was both an honor and a privilege to be selected for this invitation-only course by USSF,” said Paul. “The course was pretty intense at times as it’s a pass or fail environment with absolutely no allowances given to anybody regarding assignment deadlines or attendance at the out-of-state meetings. But I did have a great time learning and working alongside some of the top USSF Academy Club Directors from all over the U.S . We all share the same goals of raising the standard and daily training environments in our clubs for the betterment of the players.”

Placer United is proud to have Paul at the helm of our Club and look forward to all the exciting things he will continue to offer with his new license designation.

Congratulations and #placerproud!

News

Placer Girls Attend Development Academy Captain’s Workshop

(L-R) Lucy Newlin (04), Madison Hamm (05)

Lucy Newlin (04), Madison Hamm (05), and Aynsley Conner (02/03) attended the inaugural Girls Development Academy Captain’s Workshop.

The session is designed to give players an opportunity to engage in activities to highlight what it takes to become a Youth National Team player, be successful as a collegiate player, and to be a leader on a team at the Development Academy level.

The girls also watched presentations from U17 Youth National Team Head Coach, Tracey Kevins, and an NCAA Coaches forum and leadership workshop by USSF Club Development Manager  Marguerite Ferrell.

This was a great opportunity for the girls to enhance their leadership skills.

College Bound

Emilie Wallin Commits to Humboldt State

Emilie Wallin (2020) of U17 US Soccer Development Academy Commits to Humboldt State Lumberjacks

“I am super excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Humboldt State University. I would not have been able to do this without the continuous support of my friends, family, and teammates who always motivated me to do my best. Also a big thank you to Ron Benjamin for his dedication to developing me into a better player each day, as well as helping me through this process. I would also like to thank my previous coaches: Steve Oppenheim, John Enos, Brian and Dani Adamson, Reggie Glaude, Jose Ordaz, Felix Osorio, Santi Cruz-Roveda, Kim Gonzalez, Gregg Thompson, Mo Ruiz, Alex Butterfield, Katie Burton, Sarah Fawcett, Casey Tate and Todd DeCarlo, all of whom who played a very important role in my growth as an athlete, and of course Coach Paul Karver who has provided me with this amazing opportunity! Go Jacks!”—Emilie Wallin

College Bound

Molly Branigan Joins Santa Barbara City College Women’s Soccer

“I am super excited to announce that I will be continuing my education and soccer career next year at Santa Barbara City College. I want to give a huge thanks to my coaches Ron Benjamin and Todd DeCarlo for everything they have done for me and for making my final years at the Club the most memorable. I can’t wait to see where these next two years take me. Go Vaqueros!”—Molly Branigan

College Bound

Kyle Prusia Heads to American River College

“I am very honored to announce that I have committed to American River College to continue my academic and athletic career. I would like to thank my family for always supporting and providing for me, as well as my coaches: Matt Scammacca and Shaun Hilton. Also, I’d like to thank my teammates and the club as well for helping me reach my goal. I cannot wait for this next chapter. Go Beavers!”—Kyle Prusia

College Bound

U17 Center Back Marli Bannai Commits to UC San Diego

U17 US Soccer Development Academy and Center Back, Marli Bannai, Commits to UC San Diego

“I am so excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at UC San Diego! I would like to thank my family, friends, and teammates who have always supported me and pushed me to be my best. A huge thank you to Ron Benjamin for his incredible dedication and support throughout these past two years. Also, a huge thank you to my previous coaches: Don Finley, Katie Burton, Kevin Unsworth, and Mark Broers! Finally, thank you to Coach Jones, Coach Painter, and Coach LaPorte for giving me this amazing opportunity! Go Tritons! —Marli Bannai

College Bound

Josh Golka Commits to UC Merced

“I am honored to announce my commitment to play soccer and further my education as a UC Merced Bobcat. I’d like to thank my family for always supporting me, and my coaches: Matt Scammacca, Kevin Unsworth, Don Finley, Rich Donofrio, Cory Clonce, Juan Fresquez, Jimmy Frazelle, and all of the others for building me into the player I am today. Most importantly I have to thank Placer United for giving me the ability to not only grow as a player but also to showcase my talent. Thanks to the club and to my amazing teammates, I’m proud to say I’ll be playing soccer in college and fulfilling a childhood dream.”—Josh Golka

 

College Bound

Darian Louthan Is Headed for Sac State Hornets Soccer

Darian Louthan of U19 US Soccer Development Academy is Headed to Sac State Hornets

“I am excited to announce my commitment to Sacramento State University to continue my academic and soccer career. I consider it an absolute privilege to have this opportunity and am beyond thankful for all of those who have helped me while I traveled this road. Without question, my coaches Todd DeCarlo and Ron Benjamin played an integral role in pushing me to improve on the field and mentoring me off the field. Ron’s persistence and dedication in developing me as a player have paid off by providing me this opportunity. A huge shout out to all of my teammates for helping me succeed on the field and making the sport I love even more enjoyable. I cannot thank Coach Randy Dedini enough, for taking a chance on me and providing an opportunity to play collegiately. This sport has given me so much during the last 12 years, and now I get to enjoy the ride a little longer. Lastly, I would like to thank my parents for all of the time, effort and energy they have spent getting me to all my practices and games while also being my number one supporters. I am beyond thrilled to start the next chapter of my life at an amazing university. Go Hornets!” —Darian Louthan