8.20.14 --For Immediate Release:  On Tuesday August 19^th, FC Wisconsin had a special visitor to its training session, United States U14 National Team coach Bryan Johnson (BJ).   Coach Johnson’s only stop on the night was to the FC Wisconsin training facility to watch, assess and speak with the U14’, U16’s and U18 USSDA programs.

“We are always excited when Coach Johnson comes to watch the boys play.  Having him attend our session this early in the season and evaluate the boys, the talent and the possibility of inviting some to the US Training center is certainly a tribute to the culture of the club, the training and player development going on by all our staff and all our players. Hearing about the FCW players he is interested in and having him evaluate them and leave excited to see them compete in games is quality” – said USSDA Director and Co-DOC Ben Shepherd.

BJ spoke to the U14’s about the US Training Centers, the US National teams, and preparing to play at the next level whether that’s for your country or for a college or university.  He spoke about the positive environment, staying coachable and most important the relationship between academics and soccer.  Speaking about keeping grades up helps the soccer side and the soccer side helps to manage time and stay focus on the academic side. 

Last year FC Wisconsin had 4 players for the U14 USSDA team invited into the US training center including current members Andre Wangard and Austin Holtebeck. 

“Anytime a player gets invited into an Official US Training Center it’s exciting.  It’s a tribute not only to that player and his hard work, but also the players around him, the work rate of the group and the club environment which allows players to grow and develop.  Our goal is to continue to develop all our players across the entire club and help put them in the best environment to develop” – said Co-DOC Billy Solberg

The USSDA teams open up their season on the road vs MLS Club Columbus Crew on September 13^th and then travel to Internationals to compete on the 14^th. 

For more information on the club and all our teams please visit www.fcwisconsin.com

For updated scores and highlights, follow us on twitter and Instagram.

Twitter:  @FCWisc

Instagram: fcwisconsinnationals