08 Jul 2015 Arkansas United girls team advances out of pool play
The Arkansas United U19 Girls had a great showing at the 2015 US Youth Southern Regionals held June 18-25 at Burns Park Soccer Complex in North Little Rock.
The state champions from 12 states, including Arkansas, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, North Texas, South Texas, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina and Louisiana compete each summer in the US Youth Southern Regionals, the most prestigious tournament in the South. Each of four regions of the United States has a tournament for the state champions in those regions.
Arkansas was represented by one team in each age group ranging from U13 to U19 in both the boys and girls divisions. Each team is part of a pool, much like the World Cup, and a team must finish first or second in its pool to advance to the playoffs.
The level of soccer at the event is very high as there is a lot at stake for these players and teams. There is a chance to win the tournament and represent your club, state and region at the national tournament. More than 150 college coaches are in attendance, looking to offer scholarships to the best talent in the South.
The U19 girls from Arkansas United represented the only Arkansas team to advance out of pool play. The squad made it all the way to the semifinals before losing to Birmingham United Soccer Club from Alabama.
The U19 girls team from Arkansas United is comprised of players from Little Rock, Conway, Bryant, North Little Rock, Cabot and other cities in the 501 area. The team was coached by Justin Hawkins, director of coaching for Arkansas United Soccer Club. "It was great to see the girls come together and compete at such a high level all week,” said Hawkins. “They really enjoyed playing together and representing the various towns they are from in Central Arkansas and Arkansas United as their club. So many of these girls have grown up and developed as soccer players in our club and our entire club is proud of their accomplishments. We just want to continue to grow as a club by offering soccer at every level for children all over the 501 area and beyond."
