U.S. Girls’ National Teams Set for Exciting Euro Training Adventure!

San Antonio, Texas, USA - The excitement is palpable as the U.S. Under-16 Girls’ National Team (U-16 GNT) and the U.S. Under-15 Girls’ National Team (U-15 GNT) prepare for their highly-anticipated European tour this June. The teams will embark on an exhilarating journey, featuring training camps and matches in the Netherlands and on the Netherlands-Germany border. These young athletes are gearing up to showcase their talent and hone their skills in a competitive environment.

Leading the U-16 GNT is head coach Ciara Crinion. The team is set to face off against the Netherlands on June 11, Germany on June 13, and Norway on June 16, all taking place at the picturesque Sportpark Parkzicht in Uden, Netherlands. Notably, many players on this roster contributed to last year’s impressive victory at the 2024 Concacaf Girls’ Under-15 Championship held in Costa Rica, which indicates a strong team synergy.

The Players Taking the Stage

The U-15 GNT will be under the guidance of head coach Vanessa Mann, marking their first foray into international matches. They will also have their share of challenges, beginning with a match against the Netherlands on June 12 at Sportpark Vondersweijde in Oldenzaal, followed by a contest against Germany on June 15 at OBI-Arena in Rheine, Germany.

Both teams comprise a mix of promising young talent. The U-16 GNT roster features 20 players, all born in 2009 except for midfielder Loradana Paletta, who was born in 2011. Meanwhile, all players on the U-15 GNT, including standout Valentina Perrotta from DC Power FC, are born in 2010. The future looks bright, as all 40 players from these camps will be eligible for selection in the upcoming 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, with a focus on the 2008 birth year players.

Along with Perrotta, the U-15 squad includes talented individuals like goalkeeper Carmen O’Dea, who stands out as the only player outside the U.S., training with FC Barcelona youth teams, showcasing the array of talent the U.S. is cultivating on an international level.

Connecting to Development Platforms

This European adventure is a part of a larger strategy under the Olympic Development Program (ODP), which has been fostering young soccer players since 1977. According to Girls Soccer Network, approximately 100,000 players participate in the ODP annually, which is designed to identify and develop top talent across all 50 states. By encouraging participation in regional camps and providing competitions against other states, the program plays a crucial role in advancing young soccer careers.

Notably, of the 23 players on the U.S. Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) 2019 World Cup roster, 21 were ODP alumni, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in scouting and nurturing future stars. Players like Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach are just a few notable names who have benefitted from this platform, indicating its rich legacy in women’s soccer.

With both the U-15 and U-16 teams now on the brink of international play, there’s something to be said for the commitment these young women are demonstrating as they embark on this significant journey. It’s a vote of confidence not just for the players involved, but for the broader mission of the U.S. soccer community as well.

As these athletes take the field, they carry with them hopes, dreams, and the collective effort crafted through years of hard work and dedication. They are not just representing their teams; they are the future of U.S. soccer, showcasing the potential that exists within this vast network of talent.