CASL Players in the Spotlight

CASL Players in the Spotlight

Camden Harrison is the 24th
ranked defender in the country
for 2016's

I received an email this morning from CASL's Director of Coaching, Rusty Scarborough, who said - "Good news keeps coming, even in the summer break period!" It's true. Even in the "off-season", CASL continues to recognized through our players, team, and league accomplishments. Now, I must say, this is not the first email I've gotten from Rusty in the past week. I've received multiple emails the past week and half that have taken me to various landing pages spotlighting our players and teams. We've tried to push them out individually, but I've decided to put them all in one place. 

TDS Combine Best XI - Boys

The most recent email from Rusty took me to the TopDrawerSoccer.com's recap of the TDS Raleigh Combine. College coaches and scouts evaluated players during technical sessions, small-sided games, and full field games. A handful of CASL players were recognized in the Best XI including Camden Harrison (class of 2016), Colin Daughtry (class of 2017), Jacob Degler (class of 2016), Alex Rose, and Lucas Del Rosario (class of 2017). Del Rosario has also received national attention with his participation on the U15 U.S. Boys National Team and ranked by TopDrawerSoccer.com as the 3rd best forward in the country (#1 in the South Atlantic region) for the 2017's. 

TDS Combine Best XI - Girls

During the same TDS Combine event that featured over 100 of the region's top boys and girls club soccer players, CASL ladies were also well-represented in the Best XI. Sarah Barnes (2016), Paige Griffiths (2016), and Cayley Kennedy (2017) were all named to the Best XI on the girls side. Cayley was the youngest girl to make the Raleigh Best XI. 

U-17 Women's National Team

This week, Taylor Otto ('96 CASL Chelsea Ladies ECNL) is at Ohio State University training with the U17 Women's National Team in preparation for the U17 CONCACAF Women's World Cup. Taylor was 1 of 28 girls from across the country called up to participate in the training camp. The training camp is currently underway and will run through July 31. 

id2 National Training Camp

Morgan Reid is the top defender
in the nation for her class

Morgan Reid ('94 CASL Chelsea Ladies ECNL), Kenley Sigmon ('95 CASL Chelsea Ladies ECNL) and Dom Babbit ('95 CASL Chelsea Ladies ECNL) will all be traveling to Oregon this summer to participate in the id2 National Training Camp. This invitation-only camp brings together the nation's top youth players for five days of competition, evaluation, and fun. Morgan is also currently ranked by TopDrawerSoccer.com as the #1 Defender, #1 player in the South Atlantic Region, and #2 player in her class across the nation.

CASL Ranked a Top 10 ECNL Club in the Nation

The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), which is the highest level of elite girls competition in the nation, recently published their year-end review that recognized the top 10 ECNL clubs in the nation. The rank is based on consistent competitive excellence across multiple age groups. CASL ECNL teams (U14-U18) had an extremely successful year with top ranks in the Southeast Conference across multiple age groups, qualifying for the ECNL National Finals Playoffs, and making it the ECNL Final Rounds. CASL ended up tied for 8th with the San Diego Surf. This is the highest rank CASL ECNL has received.

                         2013 Overall Club Championship - Top 10

1. PDA

2. Dallas Sting

3. Eclipse Select

4. Dallas Texans

5. Slammers FC

6. Real So Cal

7. Colorado Rush

8T. CASL

                                 8T. San Diego Surf

                                 10. So Cal Blues

#CASLtbt- Guess who??

GUESS WHO? 

Hint: She's a rising U17 ECNL player who was recently called up to join the U17 U.S. Women's National Team Training Camp in preparation for the U17 CONCACAF World Cup. 

Answer: It's Taylor Otto, who is a member of the '96 CASL Chelsea Ladies ECNL rising U17 team. 

 

Taylor at 4 yrs old and Taylor now        

Taylor is featured as our CASL Throwback Thursday (#CASLtbt) on Facebook and Twitter (@caslnc). Earlier this week, Taylor was called to join 27 other elite soccer girls from across the nation at Ohio State University for the U17 Women's National Team Training Camp to take place July 21-31. Taylor spent the majority of last season recovering from an ACL injury, but her individual and team accolades throughout her youth soccer career secured her spot at this year's U17 Women's National Team Training Camp.

Taylor is ranked #98 by TopDrawerSoccer.com for all Club Soccer Girls in the nation. She has also been a part of the '97 Region III Olympic Development Regional Pool and has received invitations to participate at the US Soccer Training Center in Raleigh, the US Soccer U14 National ID Camp in Portland, and US Club Soccer ID2 Training Camps on two occasions. 

Taylor has been a member of the '96 Chelsea ECNL Ladies team since 2011 and played with the '96 CASL Spartan Elite Black from 2008-2011. She has helped her team bring home the NCYSA State Cup and the Disney Jr. Soccer Showcase Championship. Her ECNL team just came back from the National Finals in Richmond this week where they battled their way to a 4th place finish. 

It's no surprise that Taylor has found her way from humble beginnings of playing soccer in tennis shoes, when she is such a team player. She once said that, "Playing for this team ['96 CASL Spartan Elite Black] has taught me commitment, how to compete, and how to deal with adversity. It has also taught me how to respect the game I love. Best of all, being on this team gives me the chance to be with my friends almost every day. This team is like my family." 

We are proud to have Taylor as part of our CASL family, and we wish her the best of luck as she heads off to the biggest stage in soccer. 

Share your #CASLtbt pictures of your children or yourself with us today or tag them yourselves. 

#CASLtbt

#CASLtbt (ThrowbackThursday)

We are continuing to launch our #CASLtbt initiative through social media. This week, we remember these girls who were only 7 when this picture was taken (circa 2006). Now they are playing for U-14 Classic and Challenge teams. Please share your pictures with us through social media (twitter @caslnc #CASLtbt and facebook). We love reminiscing with you about the CASL days way back when! 

WRAL Soccer Center Field Construction

It won't be long until many of the WRAL Soccer Center fields become eligible for #CASLtbt. If you've driven by the WRAL Soccer Center recently, you've probably seen the tractors, fork lifts, rollers, bulldozers, surveyors and all sorts of other equipment that I don't know the names for. The machines and people are working hard in the heat to make sure the fields are ready for action this upcoming season. Fairway (field on the left as you enter the complex) is currently being transformed into turf fields. And, you may not be aware, but the back four fields are receiving a much needed upgrade through a grass turf planing process (see pictures below). A high-tech laser is used to help level the field. The fields will remain Bermuda Grass, but they will be more level, have the right peak for optimal drainage, and be a much better playing surface.  

Save the Dates: Free Clinics and 3v3 Tournament

National Guard Clinic for Coaches and Players

It's always hard to pass up something FREE, and this event is no exception. On Sunday, July 21, the National Guard, US Youth Soccer Association, and CASL are coming together to host a free soccer clinic for high school age boys (U15-U18) - don't worry, there will be one for the girls later in the summer. But, for now, the focus is on the boys.

This one-time clinic will feature top level instruction and soccer activities. The details are still coming together, but here's what we know so far:

• Date: Sunday, July 21
• Location: WRAL Soccer Center
• Registration is FREE
• Lunch will be FREE to any registered participants
• Players will also receive more free items: Camelback Water Bottle, National Guard Camps & Clinic T-shirt, Carabiner, and a Cinch Bag

This is a great opportunity to bring your team, friends, or come as an individual player or coach and learn some free insights and instruction from people who know the game best. You can register by clicking HERE! We will keep you informed on the latest details that come together (time, instructors, etc.). Remember, registration is limited to boys in high school.

RailHawk 3's: 3v3 Registration Deadline - July 22

Do you need an excuse to go to Disney World? Well, now you have one! This year, the RailHawks' 3v3 tournament is an official qualifying tournament for the Disney 3v3 Soccer Championships! The top 4 teams in each division will qualify for the Invitational Tournament in Walt Disney World. 

The RailHawk 3's is a one day event that features a unique, modified playing field. There is no offsides, one referee per game, and plenty of scoring. All games are played with a size 3 soccer ball, and there will be lots of great prizes throughout the day included a free gift from Adidas for each player.

Registration for the tournament is OPEN and is based on Fall 2013 age groups. CLICK HERE to register before the deadline - all checks are due by July 19 but you can also pay with a credit card. The tournament offers registration for teams from U8-U18 as well as Men's Open and Coed Open. The tournament will be on August 3rd (rain date of August 4). 

Free Soccer Injury Prevention Clinic - August 3

Here's another FREE clinic designed for youth athletes ages 10 and up, their families and coaches. The Sports Injury Prevention Clinic will be held at WakeMed Soccer Park from 4-6pm on August 3rd. The event will take place before the RailHawks game that night. At the clinic, you will hear from experts in the medical field about how to prevent and manage sports-related injuries in young athletes including minor (spraints), severe (ACL tears), and overuse injuries. You or your child has likely suffered from one or more of these injuries, but now research shows that taking certain steps before playing can reduce risks for injury. At this clinic, you will learn about ACL injury prevention, sports injury prevention, and the latest on concussions, proper stretching, warm-up and cool down exercises. Don't miss the chance to gain this competitive edge over your opponent, but also this opportunity to make sure you or your child stays healthy through the season. You can register for this FREE Youth Sports Injury Prevention Clinic,  brought to you by WakeMed, Wake Orthopaedics, DePuy Synthes-Mitek Sports Medicine, Carolina RailHawks and Safe Kids of Wake County, by CLICKING HERE! Registration is necessary and space for the clinic is limited.

On a Staycation this week? There's plenty to do this 4th of July holiday

AAA is projecting that 40.8 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more this 4th of July holiday weekend. I will be one of those people going bumper to bumper down I-40 toward the NC beaches. If you are smarter than I am and choose to have a "staycation" instead, there will be plenty for you to do in Raleigh this weekend including a RailHawks game, catching the final home match of the CASL Elite U23 NPSL team, enjoying some Ultimate Frisbee, or all that Raleigh has to offer this holiday week.

Saturday, July 6th is the RailHawks final home game before their month long summer break. The RailHawks will be taking on Puebla FC, the two-time Liga MX (Mexican First Division) Champion, at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7:30pm. As a member of CASL, you can get 20% off any ticket price point by entering the promo code - CASL - when you purchase your tickets.

CASL Elite U23 NPSL team vs. DC United U23 NPSL
Sunday, July 7 - WakeMed Soccer Park #2 - 5pm

This Sunday, July 7th, the CASL Elite U23 team will be playing their final home match in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). The team will be taking on DC United U23 team at WakeMed Soccer Park Field #2 at 5pm. Admission is FREE! Don't miss this chance to watch former Academy players Mike Paye, JP Rafferty, Fernando Castellanos and many more others who are representing their colleges and universities including UNC, NC State, Duke, Tyler College, South Caroline and Campbell. So, while I'm stuck in traffic on Sunday afternoon, you can be sitting in the stands at WakeMed soccer park and enjoying some high-quality soccer!

Don't forget, you can also venture out toward WRAL Soccer Center this week (July 4-7) to watch the U.S. Open Ultimate (frisbee) Championships. Games start on Thursday with the men's, women's, and mixed division finals starting on Sunday at 11am. All you have to do is pay $5 to park, and you'll get access to all the day's festivities. Visit HERE for a full schedule of events. This is an invitation-only tournament with some of the best teams in the nation and world competing. Teams will be travelling from Japan and Colombia to take on some of the best national Frisbee competition that we have.

Finally, you can also take in all the 4th of July action that Raleigh has to offer. On Thursday, Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh will be blocked off for the 4th of July celebration. The event is free and runs from noon to 11pm. There will be a kids zone, food and drink vendors, food eating contests, music performances at Red Hat Amphitheater, and fireworks around 10pm. Visit HERE to see a full schedule of events!

So, don't be bummed if you didn't get Friday off from work. There is still plenty to do this weekend in Raleigh, including lots of soccer opportunities. We hope that you all have a safe and fun week/weekend of celebrating our country's birthday. We are grateful to all of our service men and women who continue to protect our independence and freedom.

Friendship Cup: I'm Lovin' It

Friendship Cup: I'm Lovin' It!

Thanks to McDonald's for providing free food to our participants
and for discounting food for families!

This Saturday, I got the chance to experience my first Friendship Cup at WRAL Soccer Center. This is a day inspired by FIFA's International Fair Play initiative which encourages playing by the rules, using common sense, and respecting fellow players, referees, opponents and fans. The goal of the day is to provide young boys and girls (ages U10 and U12) the opportunity to play soccer in a safe, organized, and all-around inclusive environment. Thanks to the generous support of McDonald's this year, participation in the Cup was free of charge. After last year's successful one day tournament, I knew that I was in for a treat. I will try to paint a picture of the exciting day all in the name of friendship.

Two teams in action at the Friendship Cup! 

When I arrived around 2pm, volunteers greeted me at WRAL Soccer Center entrance with printed schedules. I pulled around Durham Bulls stadium not expecting there to be a crowd yet (opening ceremonies were at 2:30pm). I ended up having to park nearly at the exit of the complex - for once, I did not mind parking far away from the action. I navigated my way through families with their coolers, tents, chairs and kids in tow ready to camp out for the full day of soccer. Teams were scheduled to play 3 games, so families who came to support their kids were in it for the long hall. For those that didn't pack enough sustenance for the day, they could find relief in a McDonald's food tent (which gave each player a free sandwich!) or a local vendor who was serving up pupusas all afternoon. 

All of the teams formed a line on the South Side of the field facing the Radford building in preparation for the opening ceremonies. The players and their families received keynote speeches from CASL's Community Outreach Coordinator, Martin Rodriguez-Arispe, and CASL's CEO, Charlie Slagle. After the National Anthem, the teams scattered to their first game. When I was watching my first game and playing volunteer duties, I got a show of a team's potential goal celebrations (they were waiting to play their game) - I got to witness kids practicing their knee slides, pretend shining each other's shoes, cart wheels, and head first slides on the grass. I could tell from the start, these kids were so excited to be there and have the opportunity to play soccer with their families watching. Teams were represented from across the Triangle and included teams from many of CASL's own outreach efforts including a team from ROCKS (Raleigh Organized Community Kids Soccer) and a team from Haven House who were part of clinics earlier in the year. 

Families came prepared for the long day of soccer!

(sorry for the font change - technological difficulties today)

The camaraderie that surrounds people at community soccer events is truly remarkable. I truly think that Nelson Mandela was right when he made a speech at the Laureas Sport For Good Foundation. He said, 'sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair'. After my experience at the Friendship Cup, I think I saw this in action. I saw kids who speak different languages uniting in one goal, literally. You see parents helping each other and cheering together on the same sideline.Opposing teams were giving high-fives and practicing good sportsmanship. Referees, who reffed the games at no charge, told me that this is the best grou pof players to ref and they look forward to it each year. CASL continues to find ways to use the game of soccer to help people and our community, and the Friendship Cup is just one outlet to bring people together.

The final match ended around 10:30pm, but children went home knowing they were all winners. Each went home with a medal and a gift bag provided by Dick's that included donated items from McDonald's (the sponsor of the event): a free meal ticket and a t-shirt. They also got mini-soccer balls, another CASL t-shirt, a magnet, scarf,  Bruegger's bagel coupons, and more all in their gift bag provided by Dick's Sporting Goods. Hats off to all the volunteers and CASL staff who dedicated so much time and energy to make sure these kids and families had a great day. Charlie Slagle, Ron Sanyal, JB Buxton, Bob Harris, Erin Hensz, Martin Rodriguez-Arispe, Ramon Gallardo, Derek Teel,  Bill Hanckel, and Lindsay Vera.