Sarah Piper US U-16 Girls’ National Team Camp 2016

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The club was very excited to have Sarah Piper (U15 ECNL) report into the US U-16 Girls’ National Team Camp from Feb. 20-27 at the U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Carson, California. All of the players that attended the camp were age-eligible for the next FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2016, but the main birth year for that tournament is 1999. This age group is in the second year of a two-year cycle before becoming the U-18s and then the U-20s with the goal of playing in the 2020 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

The club asked Sarah for some observations and feedback on the team camp:

“This camp I played as a holding center mid instead of my usual center back which I really liked playing because it challenges me as a player. Going into center back is much easier for me since it is pretty much holding midfield, but with a lot more time so I feel like going in as a center back is good to show well, but going in as a holding center mid is what will make me a better player since it is a challenge. I definitely have gotten better at screening the forward’s feet as a holding mid since that was a main emphasis for the “6” position, but have also worked to increase my speed of play.

Playing around girls who are as good or better than you for a whole week constantly keeps you on your toes and checking your shoulder because you will never have more than about 3 seconds on the ball, guaranteed. The position of holding mid I think is especially challenging on the attacking side because, personally, I think we have very creative and quick attacking midfielders on the U16s so it makes me better by having to play faster than I would ever play at the club or even regional level.

The number one advice I would give a player going into national camp is to stay open to any suggestions or positions the coaching staff throws at you. My last camp I came in as a center back, had no clue what to do at first, but later realized that if the national team wants me at center back, I’m going to be the best center back I can be because they have already given me my chance, I just have to prove to them that they made a good decision with me.

Many things are different from camp and any ECNL training or game, but especially the speed of play and first touch of some of my teammates. Some of those girls can do magic on the ball and every once in a while I just have to sit back and admire their creativity because it is a true blessing to be able to work with and learn from the best in the country.” Sarah Piper, U15 Texas Rush ECNL / U16 GNT Camp Attendee.