While most youth soccer players in New England used the holiday period to unwind and recharge, a large chunk dove head-long into their club season. Down in Florida, local teams participated in three marquee events and largely found success against clubs that have the benefit of warmer weather and outdoor training.
The first was the IMG Cup Boys Invitational in Bradenton, Fla., from Dec. 19-22, where Black Rock FC, Boston Bolts and NEFC were strongly represented. Then, there was the Disney Boys Soccer Showcase from Dec. 27 through the new year in Orlando, Fla., with Bayside FC, Bruno United, GPS Massachusetts and Valeo FC all enjoying success.
Lastly, the U-16 through U-18/19 Boys ECNL teams had their first national event of the year, spanning Dec. 28-30 in Sanford, Fla. The Boston Bolts, Connecticut FC, FC Stars and FSA FC were all present.
Let’s take a look at how local clubs fared around the holiday period, with hundreds of college soccer coaches taking in the showcase events.
