As the Riverhounds Development Academy (RDA) moves from its Winter Technical Training Academy to its Spring Training Academy, it reflects on a widely successful March campaign.
“March was a monster month for us in the way of high-level team competition and individual success stories,” said Academy/Youth Development Director Jason Kutney. “It has been great to see the positivity as we power into tryout season.”
Here is a review of this month’s achievements and news for the road ahead.
TOURNAMENT RECAP
On the RDA boy’s side, teams faced competition in the Ohio Elite Showcase, Richmond Ultimate Cup, Jefferson Cup Tournament and Las Vegas Players Showcase. At the Jefferson Cup Tournament, the 2004 Boys team finished on top with the championship. The 2003 and 2005 boys teams also had strong showings at the Jefferson Cup Tournament, both finishing in second place.
The RDA girl’s side participated in the Jefferson Cup Tournament and Las Vegas Players Showcase as well. Notable finishes include the 2003 Girls team making the championship game at the Jefferson Cup Tournament (the title match was canceled) and the 1998 Girls and 2000 Girls teams both placing second place at the Las Vegas Players Showcase. The girl’s side also participated in Baltimore Mania and the Jefferson Cup Showcase. The 2006-07 girls finished in second place at Baltimore Mania whereas the 1999 Girls team took home the title at the Jefferson Cup Showcase.
In addition to tournament play, the RDA 2000/1999/1998 boys battled Gannon University to a close 2-1 defeat on March 26 in Erie, Pennsylvania. This is the first of more “RDA College Prep” matches, as the 1998 Girls team will play Slippery Rock in late April.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND NOTES
From March 5-13, RDA goalkeeper Dane Jacomen participated in the United States Under-16 Boy’s National Team Camp. He has been a member of RDA since 2014, competing under head coach Niko Katic on the 2000 Boys team. For further information on Jacomen’s experience, click here.
The RDA boy’s side also featured 2004 Boys team members Seth Basinger, Sean Ahia and Marshall Richter participating in the US Club Soccer id2 program in Indiana this month.
In addition to the boy’s side’s achievements, RDA girls Tatum Gretz, Molly Piso, Mia Bhuta and Kendall Walton were selected into the 4/22-4/23 US Soccer National Training Center. In addition, 11 RDA girls were selected into the 3/27 US Soccer Regional Training Center. These athletes include Kate Friday, Sydney Gray, Ava Wert, Irene Doleno, Kyndall Jenkins, Jaime Dermotta, Brenna Springer and the four aforementioned girls players.
RDA COACHING SPOTLIGHT
Check out our March Spotlight feature on RDA coach Dave Nicholas, as he details his past coaching experiences across the United States and in England. To learn about Nicholas’ soccer career and coaching philosophy, click here.
ROAD AHEAD
The Riverhounds Academy 2017 summer camps are now open to registration. For more information on our summer camps, visit here.
Additionally, registration for the RDA’s tryouts for the 2017-18 season is officially open. Announced earlier this week, interested applicants can learn more at www.riverhounds.com, here.
Tournaments and events for the RDA in April include the PDA Spring Kickoff (boys and girls), Adidas Blue Chip Showcase (boys and girls) and the ECNL Composite Event (1998-99 girls).
