U.S. Soccer and the Soccer Academy

Almost 12 years ago, I was working with Peter Mellor of U.S. Soccer as the National Goalkeeping Education Coordinator. In my years working with their coaching education program, I was able to develop a network of professional contacts and relationships with U.S. Soccer staff as well as the more than 5,000 coaches who have attended the coaching courses we organized.
 
Over the past five years, Darlington has hosted U.S. Soccer's National "A," "B," and "C" Licenses each summer. This relationship has been a great way to jump start Darlington's Summer Programs while, at the same time, offering great exposure for our Soccer Academy players. 

Each year, over 120 U.S. Soccer coaches arrive at Darlington in June to advance their coaching education and credentials. Many of them are college coaches, club coaches and professional coaches from all over the United States and the world. While these professionals are on campus, a large number of our Soccer Academy players have the opportunity to be seen by them, participating in various sessions as demo players. 

Two years ago, Jane Campbell ('13), was a demo player for my goalkeeping sessions. It was there that Girls Youth National Team Coach Mike Dickey first saw her abilities. Weeks later, he called Jane into her first National Team Camp. Now, two years later, she has attended over eight National Team training weeks and events.
  
This is just one story illustrating the opportunities our relationship with U.S. Soccer has brought to Rome, Ga. So, while you sit and watch the U.S. Women's National Team play for the World Cup Final, know that a number of the coaches that developed these ladies have been here at Darlington School!