RICHMOND, VA - (Thursday, July 22, 2010) – Richmond Kickers Youth Soccer Club is pleased to announce that Ashley Riefner ’93, Alyson Brown ’95 and Payton Cook ’96 were all recently selected to the 2010 U.S. Youth Soccer Region I Olympic Development Program player pools. In addition, Cook has been invited to U.S. Soccer’s U-14 Girls National Identification Camp. These selections were made official after the conclusion of ODP camps, which the girls attended earlier this month.
Receiving an invitation to be part of the U-14 National player pool, Payton Cook has aspired to a level most female players can hardly fathom. While attending the U-14 Girls National Identification Camp, Cook will get a chance to compete alongside the best players in the country. The Identification Program plays an important role in the developmental process by introducing players to a level of soccer that they would not otherwise witness at such a young age. Cook will receive instruction and play matches for a week, while being watched, evaluated and directed by U.S. Soccer’s National Staff and Coaches.
Riefner represents just one of two ladies selected from the state of Virginia to participate for the regional club in the ’93 year age bracket. She will be showcasing her talents on the global stage in March as the Regional team prepares for a tournament conducted on Russian soil. Naturally an outside midfielder, a position change to outside fullback has brought some deserved attention Riefner’s direction. Her speed and ability to make runs down the flank has Regional coaches pleading with Ashley to make the defensive switch a permanent one.
Age is simply just a number when the conversation revolves around Alyson Brown. Competing in an older age group, Brown has been a rock solid performer on her rising U-16 Kickers Girls Elite team. Displaying a steady skill progression since joining the Kickers at the U-13 level, Brown has been credited for her consistent performances on the pitch. Her selection to the 2010 U.S. Youth Soccer Region I ODP player pool is a true testament to her hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence on both her club and ODP State teams.
