Super Y-League Feature
Thursday, September 6, 2012
TAMPA, Fla. - In just its first year in the Super Y-League, Orlando-based FC America is already making its mark. Qualifying five teams for this year’s 2012 North American Finals in Bradenton, Florida at IMG Academy, FC America is going for gold. FC America’s U12 girls, U13 boys, U16 girls, and U17 boys each finished atop their divisions in Super Y-League play this season while the U13 girls side finished second.
Success on the field is not the only aim of the club, however. The club lives by its motto "From Grass Roots to College Recruits." Since FC America was founded in 1991, more than 115 players have gone on to play in college and had the opportunity to further their education.
FC America Director of Coaching Scott Brody faces the constant challenge of achieving results on the field as well as off it. With the Super Y-League North American Finals on the horizon we caught up with Brody to get his thoughts on what we can expect from his teams at this year’s tournament.
FC America is sending five teams to the Super Y-League North American Finals in December. What are some of the things you’re looking forward to while at the tournament at IMG Academy?
We are very excited about the success of our teams, especially being our first year in the Super Y-League. We are looking forward to top competition and seeing how our players and teams compare with some of the best in the country. It is a great opportunity for us to compete and for our players to be seen.
This is FC America’s first year in the Super Y-League. What has this season been like for your club in Super Y-League play?
We could not have enjoyed our Super Y-League experience more. The league is well organized and the other clubs are great to work with. We are happy to be able to showcase our players and teams in such an exclusive league.
How will you prepare your teams both mentally and physically for the Super Y-League North American Finals?
We are very lucky that we play a highly competitive schedule throughout the year. This will hopefully allow us to be prepared physically for the challenge at the 2012 North American Finals. Mentally, this is a top event and I’m sure some nerves will be present. We have such quality coaches and players that we are confident we will be able to compete with some of the best clubs in the nation.
How do you balance competition vs. vacation mentality?
Great question. When we are in season we play a highly competitive calendar, taking our elite teams to top events around the country. We take a break for younger teams in December and older teams in January, and we encourage the players to rest. While we do have rest weeks built in to our calendar, we want to be sure our elite players and teams are showcased as often as possible.
Are there any special preparations for your teams that you’re putting into place ahead of the SYL Finals?
Since this is our first time participating, that time in December is usually off. This means we will now need to rest a bit in November to try to be as fresh as possible for the incredible competition we will face at the national finals.
What has the Super Y-League been able to provide the club and players in terms of development?
The Super Y-League has allowed us to keep our elite teams and players fit and together all summer. It has allowed us to work on different things at a time where we typically do not have our team together. It also allows scouts to see our top players and hopefully move them on to identification programs and national teams.
What have you told your players about getting to play at the world-class facilities of IMG Academy?
I have been to IMG and the facilities are top class. Our players are very excited to be there, to compete, and to be in the conversation about some of the best players and teams in the country. It will be an amazing event and our FC America teams plan to compete at the highest level.