USMNT Captain Carlos Bocanegra will speak to participants of the July 4-7 Cal South Pro+ Summer ID Camp. Photo Credit: Exposay.com

Youth Soccer News: Carlos Bocanegra to Address Cal South Pro+ Campers

USMNT Captain and Other U.S. Soccer Coaches and Scouts Participating in Cal South ID Camps

U.S. Men’s National Team Captain Carlos Bocanegra will be contributing his talents, experience and wisdom to the Cal South Pro+ Summer ID Camp at Concordia College. Bocanegra will be a special contributor at the camp with sessions that focus on what it takes physically and mentally to reach and maintain elite levels in the soccer world. Bocanegra’s audience will be Cal South and Washington Youth Soccer boys players in the 1997, ‘98 and ‘99 age brackets.

Bocanegra says he’s looking forward to talking with the players. “It’s going to be cool to see this group of boys, especially those from Southern California. This is where I grew up and it’s always been a region with great talent.”

The opportunity for the boys to measure themselves against other elite players is key. “I went to camps like this and began to understand what it was going to take to get to the level of other Cal South players like Eric Wynalda or a Cobi Jones,” Bocanegra explained. “My message is going to be that at this stage of their soccer lives, around 14 or 15, it’s time to start taking the game seriously. They should still have fun, but it’s going to take some commitment and work to keep getting better.”

Cal South’s Director of Coaching Education Steve Hoffman is excited to have Bocanegra as part of the camp’s curriculum. “Having any professional player take to our young players is fantastic. But when you have a player like Carlos Bocanegra, who started his soccer playing days in Southern California and has represented his country, that’s even more special. I feel Carlos has conquered the world of soccer by playing the game in multiple countries. It shows us all what a special player Carlos is. I am really excited for the Pro+ players from Washington and Cal South to spend a little time with our national team captain and Cal South alum.”

The summer ID camp is part of Cal South’s Pro+ Elite Player ID program. Pro+ was instituted earlier this year to expand and enhance the identification and advancement opportunities for youth soccer players in Southern California. Holding the camp locally means that costs can be kept to a minimum, allowing more players to participate. U.S. Soccer’s participation means that players will be seen and instructed by top level scouts and coaches. In addition to the boys’ camp July 4-7, there is a girls’ camp that runs June 30-July 3.

Bocanegra is not the only member of the U.S. Soccer establishment scheduled to be part of the camps. U.S. Soccer Technical Advisor Rod Becerra, who has responsibility for identifying and training top talent in Southern California, will be looking for potential national team members. Damon Nahas, the head coach of the U.S. Girls U-15 National Team, will be working during the girls’ training sessions as will Girls U-14 assistant coach Mark Carr. Michael Ndoumbe, a U.S. Soccer scout, will be attending both camp sessions. USC All American, team captain of FC Twente in The Netherlands and Cal South alumni Ashley Nick will be a guest at the girls’ camp. Additionally, both boys and girls campers will have sessions with sports psychologist Joshua Medcalf.

For more information on Cal South Pro+, please visit www.calsouth.com/proplus.

About Cal South: The California State Soccer Association - South (Cal South) is a 501c(3) California public benefit corporation and is the official youth and adult state soccer association of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer. Cal South represents over 240 Member Leagues and Clubs comprising our membership of more than 180,000 registered players, coaches, referees and league administrators. The organization, with a service area that extends from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, provides rewarding recreational and competitive opportunities for players of all ages, genders and skill levels. For more information about Cal South, visit www.calsouth.com.

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