The GA held their Summer playoff and showcase event this year at Tuckahoe Turf Farms In Hammonton, NJ. The GA has over 90 member clubs that are split into nine conferences that make up their national footprint. Teams in the U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, and U19 age groups traveled from all over the US to compete in the event.

With over 300 plus teams scheduled to play over a one week period West Coast Soccer Club traveled three teams to New Jersey in the U15, U16 and U17 age groups.  The 07 West Coast Team kicked off the first games for the club competing in the Playoff division as one of the top qualifying teams from each Conference.  The U16’s did not get the wins vs Houston Dynamo Dash or Salvo SC from Minnesota but did gain valuable competitive game experience throughout the competition. Next up was the West Coast U17 girls who defeated SJEB a Virginia based team 2-1. Then a game vs Beadling SC from Pennsylvania was canceled due to inclement weather and their last game was a 2-2 draw vs Ol’ Reign. Many college coaches plus a youth national team scout could be seen on the sidelines for this talented WCS team. The youngest group U15’s traveling from the club performed well defeating Skyline from Colorado 2-0 and then had their second game cut short at halftime where it was at a 0-0 draw vs Albion San Diego.  In their third game they gave up an early goal in the opening minutes but West Coast came storming back with a 3-1 victory over Louisiana Elite. 

The Girls Academy was in the midst of a serious lightning storm throughout the East Coast and directly over the GA event that was being held in Hammonton New Jersey. The developing storm caused some serious issues. As thunder and lightning hit the area the GA’s main priority was the safety of the players. GA headquarters continued to monitor things closely throughout the event but ultimately had to shut things down at different times throughout the week, whenever there was a lightning strike within 10 miles of the soccer field all players, parents, coaches and referees including event personnel had to return to their vehicles, and wait out the storm until it passed.  This went on throughout the entire duration of the event.  Some teams had earlier flights out on the last days so they were unable to do makeups.

Even though not all games were able to be completed this week it was a tremendous experience for the players. All teams gained invaluable knowledge and learned how to weather the storm literally. The cancellations and delays did not ruin their spirit in fact it allowed the teams to do many team bonding activities and just immerse themselves in the local culture and environment. 

For more information regarding West Coast Soccer or the Girls Academy visit www.westcoastsoccerclub.com