How does the U.S. U-17 Women’s Youth National Team prepare for international competitions. What are the key components of the team’s roster and upcoming matches. How does the team’s performance impact the future of women’s soccer in the United States.
U.S. U-17 Women’s Youth National Team: Roster and Upcoming Matches
The U.S. Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team is gearing up for an exciting international trip to England. Twenty players have been called up for this overseas adventure, which will take place from February 10-19. The team is set to face England’s U-17 WYNT in two matches at St. George’s Park in Burton upon Trent, scheduled for February 15 and 18.
Among the selected players, five have already represented the USA at the 2022 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in India, bringing valuable experience to the squad. The roster primarily consists of players born in 2006, with one exception – midfielder Melanie Barcenas, born in 2007.
Key Players to Watch
- Emeri Adames: Forward who played in all four World Cup games and provided one assist
- Jordyn Bugg and Nicola Fraser: Defenders who each played in three World Cup matches
- Onyeka Gamero: Forward who played every minute of three World Cup matches, scoring one goal and assisting another
- Amalia Villareal: Forward who participated in three World Cup matches, contributing one goal and two assists
Other notable players include Melanie Barcenas, Claire Hutton (who scored six goals in the 2022 Concacaf U-17 Championship), and Eleanor Klinger, all of whom trained with the U-17s last year.
The Path to the 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup
This group of talented young players is eligible for the 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, which has an age cutoff for players born on or after January 1, 2004. The current training camp and international matches serve as crucial stepping stones in their development and preparation for future competitions.
How does the experience gained in these matches contribute to the players’ growth? International exposure at this age level provides invaluable experience in high-pressure situations, different playing styles, and cultural adaptability. These factors are essential for their progression towards senior-level soccer and potential future World Cup appearances.
Diversity and Talent Distribution in U.S. Youth Soccer
The U-17 Women’s Youth National Team roster showcases the widespread talent across the United States. The 20 players hail from 12 different states and represent 18 distinct youth clubs. This diversity highlights the strength and depth of the youth soccer system in the country.
Notable Representation
- Three players from the San Diego Surf
- Defender Carla Small from Waipahu, Hawaii, attending IMG Academy in Florida
What does this geographical diversity mean for the future of U.S. women’s soccer? The wide representation ensures a rich pool of talent from various playing styles and soccer cultures within the country. This diversity can lead to a more versatile and adaptable national team in the future.
Preparing for the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
Prior to the current roster, the U.S. U-17 Women’s Youth National Team had an impressive showing at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India. Head coach Natalia Astrain selected 21 players for this prestigious tournament, which took place from October 11-30, 2022.
World Cup Group Stage Details
- Opening match: October 11 vs. host India (10:30 a.m. ET on FS2) in Bhubaneswar
- Second match: October 14 vs. Brazil (7 a.m. ET on FS2)
- Final group stage match: October 17 vs. Morocco (10:30 a.m. ET on FS2)
All matches were broadcast on either Fox Soccer Plus or FS2, providing excellent exposure for the young talents.
The Impact of the Global Pandemic on Youth Soccer Development
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the development and international exposure of young soccer players worldwide. For the U.S. U-17 Women’s Youth National Team, international play didn’t resume until late April 2022 at the Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship in the Dominican Republic.
How did the team overcome these challenges? Despite the setbacks, the U.S. team showcased their resilience and skill by winning all seven of their games in the Concacaf Championship, securing both World Cup qualification and the regional title.
Pre-World Cup Preparation
To ensure the team was ready for the World Cup, coach Astrain organized a successful three-game trip to Spain in August 2022. The results were impressive:
- One win against Spain
- One draw against Spain
- A victory over Germany
These matches proved crucial in fine-tuning the team’s tactics and building cohesion among the players.
Age Composition and Eligibility for the 2022 World Cup
The 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup had specific age requirements for participating players. To be eligible, players had to be born on or after January 1, 2005. Coach Astrain’s selection reflected a balance of experience and youth:
- 16 players born in 2005
- 5 players born in 2006
At the start of the World Cup, the team composition was as follows:
- 11 players aged 17
- 10 players aged 16
How does this age distribution benefit the team? The mix of older and younger players creates a dynamic where more experienced players can mentor their younger teammates, fostering leadership skills and team cohesion.
The Importance of Team Unity and Positive Spirit
Coach Natalia Astrain emphasized the growth and unity of the team in the lead-up to the 2022 World Cup. She praised the players for their rapid development and their ability to come together as a cohesive unit in a short period.
What factors contribute to this team’s success? Astrain highlighted several key elements:
- Dedication to playing a specific style of soccer
- Strong support for one another off the field
- Positive team spirit
- High level of competitiveness
These factors create a powerful foundation for success in international competitions and contribute to the overall development of players as they progress in their soccer careers.
Long-term Impact on U.S. Women’s Soccer
The U-17 Women’s Youth National Team plays a crucial role in the future of U.S. women’s soccer. These young players represent the next generation of talent that will eventually feed into the senior national team and professional leagues.
How does early international exposure benefit these players? Competing against top teams from around the world at a young age helps players:
- Develop tactical awareness
- Improve technical skills under pressure
- Build mental resilience
- Gain valuable experience in high-stakes matches
- Learn to adapt to different playing styles and cultures
These experiences lay the groundwork for future success at higher levels of competition, potentially contributing to continued dominance of the U.S. Women’s National Team on the world stage.
Pathway to Professional Soccer
Many players from the U-17 team will go on to play college soccer, with some potentially moving directly into professional leagues. The skills and experiences gained at the youth national team level can significantly impact their future careers.
What opportunities await these young players? Successful performances in youth national teams can lead to:
- Scholarships at top universities
- Increased visibility to professional scouts
- Opportunities to play in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL)
- Potential careers in European professional leagues
The U-17 Women’s Youth National Team serves as a crucial stepping stone in the development of these young athletes, providing them with the tools and experiences necessary to succeed at the highest levels of women’s soccer.
Challenges and Opportunities in Youth Soccer Development
While the U.S. U-17 Women’s Youth National Team demonstrates the strength of the country’s soccer development system, there are always challenges to overcome and opportunities for improvement.
Challenges
- Balancing academic commitments with soccer development
- Ensuring equal opportunities for players from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds
- Maintaining competitiveness as other nations invest more in women’s soccer
- Adapting to evolving tactics and playing styles in the global game
Opportunities
- Leveraging technology for more efficient training and player development
- Expanding scouting networks to identify talent in underrepresented areas
- Collaborating with professional clubs to create seamless pathways for young players
- Investing in mental health and holistic athlete development programs
How can U.S. Soccer address these challenges and capitalize on opportunities? Continued investment in youth development programs, coach education, and infrastructure will be crucial. Additionally, fostering partnerships between youth clubs, colleges, and professional teams can create a more integrated development pathway for young players.
The Role of Coaching in Youth National Teams
The success of youth national teams heavily relies on the quality and approach of their coaching staff. In the case of the U.S. U-17 Women’s Youth National Team, head coach Natalia Astrain plays a pivotal role in shaping the team’s playing style and fostering player development.
Key Aspects of Youth National Team Coaching
- Balancing individual skill development with team tactics
- Creating a positive and supportive learning environment
- Preparing players for the physical and mental demands of international competition
- Instilling a sense of pride and responsibility in representing their country
- Adapting coaching strategies to suit the unique needs of teenage athletes
What makes a successful youth national team coach? Effective coaches at this level possess a combination of technical knowledge, leadership skills, and the ability to connect with and motivate young players. They must also stay updated on the latest developments in soccer tactics and training methodologies to ensure their team remains competitive on the global stage.
The Future of Women’s Soccer in the United States
The U.S. U-17 Women’s Youth National Team is just one component of a larger system aimed at maintaining the United States’ position as a powerhouse in women’s soccer. The success of these young players today has far-reaching implications for the future of the sport in the country.
Potential Long-term Impacts
- Continued success of the senior Women’s National Team in international competitions
- Growth and sustainability of professional women’s soccer leagues
- Increased participation in youth soccer programs across the country
- Enhanced opportunities for women in coaching and administrative roles within soccer
- Positive influence on gender equality in sports and society at large
How can the success of youth national teams contribute to these long-term goals? By nurturing talent at a young age and providing high-level competitive experiences, the U.S. Soccer Federation is investing in the future of the sport. These young players not only represent the next generation of soccer stars but also serve as role models for countless girls across the nation, inspiring them to pursue their dreams both on and off the field.
As the U.S. U-17 Women’s Youth National Team continues to compete and develop, they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of a nation passionate about soccer. Their journey from youth prospects to potential world-class players is a testament to the strength of the U.S. soccer development system and the bright future that lies ahead for women’s soccer in America.
U.S. Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team Calls Up 20 Players For Trip To England
On the Pitch
USA Will Face England U-17s at St. James Park, England FA’s National Training Center; Five Players on Roster Were Part of USA’s 2022 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup Team
CHICAGO (Feb. 5, 2023) – The U.S. Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team will travel to England from Feb. 10-19 to play two matches against England’s U-17 WYNT at St. George’s Park in Burton upon Trent, England. The games will take place on February 15 and 18.
Twenty players have been called up for the first action of the year for this age group, five of whom represented the USA at the 2022 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup in India. Nineteen of the players were born in 2006 and one, midfielder Melanie Barcenas, was born in 2007.
Each of the five players who were in India saw significant action. Forward Emeri Adames played in all four games and had one assist. Defenders Jordyn Bugg and Nicola “Nikki” Fraser each saw action in three games. Forward Onyeka Gamero, who was one of the top players at the World Cup, played every minute of three matches and had a goal and an assist while forward Amalia Villareal played in three matches and had one goal and two assists.
Several other players on the roster including Barcenas, midfielder Claire Hutton (who was a part of the USA’s 2022 Concacaf U-17 Championship and scored six goals in the tournament) and midfielder Eleanor Klinger saw training time with the U-17s last year.
This group of players is age-eligible for the 2024 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, which has an age cutoff of players born on or after January 1, 2004.
The 20 players on the roster come from 12 different states and 18 different youth clubs with three players from the San Diego Surf. Defender Carla Small, who attends IMG Academy in Florida, hails from Waipahu, Hawaii.
U.S. U-17 WOMEN’S YOUTH NATIONAL TEAM (Club; Hometown) – FEBRUARY TRAINING CAMP
GOALKEEPERS (2): Sonoma Kasica (Florida Premier FC; St.
Petersburg, Fla.), Kealey Titmuss (Nationals; Grand Blanc, Mich.)
DEFENDERS (7): Aven Alvarez (North Carolina Courage; New Hill, N.C.), Jordyn Bugg (San Diego Surf SC; El Cajon, Calif.), Nicola Fraser (Real Colorado National; Highlands Ranch, Color.), Tanna Schornstein (San Diego Surf SC; San Diego, Calif.), Tabitha Sine (Dallas Texans; Coppell, Tex.), Carla Small (IMG Academy; Waipahu, Hawaii), Kamryn Winger (Virginia Development Academy; Woodbridge, Va.)
MIDFIELDERS (6): Melanie Barcenas (San Diego Surf SC; San Diego, Calif.), Kendall Bodak (NEFC; Monson, Mass.), Claire Hutton (World Class FC; Bethlehem, N.Y.), Eleanor Klinger (Internationals SC; Cleveland, Ohio), Grace Restovich (St. Louis Scott Gallagher; St. Louis, Mo.), Avery Robinson (Florida Elite Soccer Academy; St. Johns, Fla.)
FORWARDS (5): Emeri Adames (Solar SC; Red Oak, Tex.), Onyeka Gamero (Beach FC; Cerritos, Calif.), Miri O’Donnell (FC Bay Area Surf; San Ramon, Calif.
), Jaden Thomas (FC Dallas; Dallas, Texas), Amalia Villarreal (Michigan Jaguars; Lansing, Mich.)
U-17 WYNT
Twenty-one players named to USA roster for 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup
CHICAGO – U.S. Under-17 Women’s Youth National Team head coach Natalia Astrain has named the 21 players who will represent the United States at the 2022 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup to be held in India from Oct. 11-30.
The USA kicks off Group A on Tuesday, Oct. 11 against host India (10:30 a.m. ET on FS2) in Bhubaneswar. The match will be played in a stadium that will likely be filled to capacity (19,000). The USA continues the group on Oct. 14 vs. Brazil (7 a.m. ET on FS2) and wraps up first round play against Morocco on Oct. 17 (10:30 a.m. ET on FS2). All of the matches of the tournament will be broadcast on either Fox Soccer Plus or FS2.
Astrain named the final roster after a successful three-game trip to Spain at the end of August in which the USA won and drew with Spain and then defeated Germany.
Due to the global pandemic, this group of players didn’t return to international play until late April of this year at the Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship in the Dominican Republic, a tournament in which the USA won all seven of its games to qualify for the World Cup and take the regional title.
Players born on or after Jan. 1, 2005, are age-eligible for this World Cup. Astrain chose 16 players born in 2005 and five born in 2006. Eleven players will be 17 years old at the start of the World Cup and 10 will be 16.
“I give a lot of credit to players for how much this group has grown in a short time,” said Astrain. “They are a very united team, not only in their dedication to playing our style of soccer on the field, but in supporting each other off the field. They are a team full of positive spirit and competitiveness, and the opportunity to represent the USA in a World Cup is one they are embracing with humbleness and tremendous excitement. We are really looking forward to seeing the positive impact this World Cup will have on their developmental journeys.
”
Astrain named 15 players who were part of the USA’s Concacaf championship team (in part due to a few injuries late in the selection process) and six players who made late runs to earn a World Cup roster spot. This will be the first U-17 Women’s World Cup since 2018 after the 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the global pandemic and thus the first World Cup experience for every player on the roster.
The tournament will be a truly special experience for midfielder Mia Bhuta, whose father was born in Mumbai and grew up in Rajkot in the state of Gujarat in Western India. He came to the USA when he was 16 years old and now his daughter, the first-ever player of Indian descent to represent the U.S. Women’s National Team in a World Cup, will get to do so in a country in which she still has many relatives.
2022 U.S. UNDER-17 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP TEAM ROSTER BY POSITION (CAPS/GOALS):
GOALKEEPERS (3): Abigail Gundry (NC Courage; Wake Forest, N.
C.; 5), Victoria Safradin (Internationals SC; Eastlake, Ohio; 7), Valentina Amaral (Florida Kraze Krush; Oviedo, Fla.; 2)
DEFENDERS (6): Ella Emri (San Diego Surf; San Diego, Calif.; 3/0), Nicola Fraser (Real Colorado National; Highlands Ranch, Colo.; 8/1), Jordyn Bugg (San Diego Surf; El Cajon, Calif.; 0/0), Savannah King (Slammers FC HB Koge; West Hills, Calif.; 9/0), Cameron Roller (Solar SC; Sherman, Texas; 8/1), Gisele Thompson (Total Futbol Academy; Studio City, Calif.; 9/0)
MIDFIELDERS (5): Mia Bhuta (Internationals SC; Pittsburgh, Pa.; 10/2), Riley Jackson (Concorde Fire; Roswell, Ga.; 8/2), Charlotte Kohler (MVLA; Woodside, Calif.; 8/6), Lauren Martinho (NC Courage; Cary, N.C.; 10/5), Ella Sanchez (Racing Louisville; Louisville, Ky.; 3/0)
FORWARDS (7): Emeri Adames (Solar SC; Red Oak, Texas; 3/2), Onyeka Gamero (Beach FC; Cerritos, Calif.
; 9/5), Nicollette Kiorpes (NEFC; Worcester, Mass.; 8/5), Melina Rebimbas (PDA; Warren, N.J.; 10/8), Samantha Smith (Boise Thorns FC; Boise, Idaho; 10/3), Taylor Suarez (Charlotte SA; Charlotte, N.C.; 9/2), Amalia Villarreal (Michigan Jaguars FC; Lansing, Mich.; 10/8)
The 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup features 16 nations divided into four groups of four teams. The top two finishers in each group advance to the knockout round quarterfinals. All 32 matches of the tournament will take place across three venues in India: Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on the east coast and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa and DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, which are located on the west coast.
2022 FIFA U-17 WOMEN’S WORLD CUP GROUP A SCHEDULE – USA
| Date | Match | Kickoff (ET) | Venue; City | TV |
Oct. 11 | USA vs. India | 10:30 a.m. | Kalinga Stadium; Bhubaneswar | FS2 |
| Oct. 14 | USA vs. Brazil | 7:00 a.m. | Kalinga Stadium; Bhubaneswar | FS2 |
| Oct. 17 | USA vs. Morocco | 10:30 a.m. | Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Goa | FS2 |
ROSTER NOTES:
- With eight career goals each at this level, forwards Melina Rebimbas and Amalia Villareal enter this World Cup as the USA’s leading scorers.
- The six players on the World Cup roster who were not a part of the U.S. team at the 2022 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship are goalkeeper Valentina Amaral, defenders Ella Emri and Jordyn Bugg, midfielder Ella Sanchez and forwards Emeri Adames and Samantha Smith.
- Nineteen of the 21 players on the roster have been capped at the U-17 level, led by midfielder Mia Bhuta, Rebimbas and midfielder Lauren Martinho, who all have 10 caps. Bugg and Smith are uncapped.
- The roster is made up of players from 17 different youth clubs and 13 different states. Defender Giselle Thompson plays in MLS Next for the U-17 boys’ team at Total Futbol Academy in Los Angeles.
- Six players hail from California, four come from North Carolina and two are from Texas. Players also come from Colorado, Idaho, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania
- The youth clubs who played multiple players on the roster are the NC Courage (3), San Diego Surf (2), Solar FC (2), and Internationals SC (2).
- Of the 21 players on the roster, eight are currently high school seniors, 10 are in their junior year and two are sophomores. Bhuta has graduated from high school and will enroll early at Stanford University in January.
- This will be the first World Cup as U.S. head coach for Natalia Astrain, who took over the program in November of 2021. Astrain joined U.S. Soccer after spending the 2021 National Women’s Soccer League season with the Kansas City Current and brings a wealth of coaching experience in both the professional and youth ranks. In her native Spain, she served as head coach for FC Barcelona, Club Damm, Club Levante Las Planas and as an assistant with Atletico Madrid and the Spain Women’s National Team. She also spent time as technical director of Barcelona’s women’s academy.
Women’s junior team of Russia (U-17)
daily News
July 17
Women’s junior teams U-17 and U-16 completed the selection tournament
Senior team won 4:2.
July 17
Russia U-17 – Russia U-16. Control match. LIVE
July 15
U-17 women’s junior team beat Miras
Past matches
Russia U-17
17 July 2023 11:00
4:2
Selection tournament.
Juniors
Russia U-16
Russia
15 July 2023 11:00
1:0
Friendly match. Girls U-17
Miras (UFL)
Russia U-17
13 July 2023 11:00
3:0
Selection tournament. Juniors
Russia U-15
Russia
18 February 2023 11:00
3:2
Friendly match.
Girls U-17
Chertanovo
All meetings
- Photo
- Video
Go to album
50
Russia U-19 – Russia U-15 – 3:0. Kazan. Central Stadium
July 13, 2023
Go to album
99
Russia U-17 – Chertanovo – 3:2. Women’s teams. Friendly match. Türkiye, Antalya, IC Green Palace
February 18, 2023
Go to album
38
Women’s junior team of Russia (U-17) – Women’s junior team of Russia (U-15) – 9:0.
