Fort Wayne United F.C. congratulates Amelia White on receiving an invitation to join the U15 Girls National Team at their next camp (April) in College Station, Texas. This is the first camp in the next cycle of training as that age group prepares for the U17 World Cup in 2020.
Amelia is one of a number of Fort Wayne United players who has participated in training camps at the U.S. Regional training centers in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. U.S. Soccer Training Centers are run directly by U.S. Soccer and are used to identify players for the National Team Program.
Fort Wayne United is no stranger to U.S. Regional Programs and has a working relationship with the U.S. Regional Director, Mike Dickey, who has been particularly impressed with one player’s skill set. “Amelia White has been participating in the United States Soccer Training centers in the Ohio South market for over a year now. She has shown continuous improvement during that time,” said Dickey. “We are excited that she is getting an opportunity to represent her family, club and our U.S. Training Center at the upcoming Youth National Team camp, best of luck Amelia. GO USA!”
Director of Coaching, Bobby Poursanidis, echoes these sentiments and adds, “All of us at Fort Wayne United FC are proud of Amelia for working hard to get this amazing opportunity. The coaches who have worked with her over the past 4 years know that she is blessed with an incredible gift.” He continues, “We believe in the environment we offer. At the end of the day, however, it comes down to the player taking advantage of this environment and working on their game individually. Amelia is gifted but also understands that talent alone doesn’t get you there. It requires commitment to the sport, fine-tuning your skill set every chance you get, participating in the extras and having the confidence to ‘produce’ every time you step on the field.”
Of course, there are many factors involved in a player getting a chance to move up the ladder. Building a program capable of advancing players to the next level is crucial. Fort Wayne United is proud to have built one such solid foundation. This includes partnerships with other soccer organizations that possess similar philosophies and ambitions to aid and assist players to help them develop and reach their individual goals. Our latest venture with FC Pride (Indianapolis) is one such pairing that offers our players the opportunity to play for their own club team as well as participate in ECNL events and games.
Respected FC Pride coach Matt Blackbourne has a unique perspective on evaluating Amelia as he has witnessed her in action as both an opponent (when her FWU team plays against his FC pride team) and as a player he coaches during ECNL events.
“Having been on the receiving end of Amelia's goals in games we've played against Fort Wayne, I can say I felt a little relieved and very privileged to have had the opportunity to coach Amelia on my team and see her score goals for us,” he said. “She is a player with instinctive goal scoring talent and athleticism, who lights up a game anytime she touches the ball. The U.S. National Camp opportunity will be the start of great things for her. Of course, it goes without saying that credit has to go to the Fort Wayne United staff for nurturing such a talent.”
At the end of the day, it comes down to the player…that is why ALL of us do what we do. And we are so happy to be promoting a player who not only possesses amazing soccer skills, but is also a great human being! We asked Amelia for her thoughts on the opportunity she now has in front of her.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to go to the U.S. National Training camp. I have worked very hard to get to where I am today. Fort Wayne United has put in so much effort to help make my dream become a reality,” said White. “With hard work I believe I can do anything. My coaches and teammates have always pushed me to be better. They are not only a support group, but a second family to me.” She added, “My twin sister, Sophia, and I have always been competitive; pushing each other to our limits. I thank her for always backing me up on defense. Fort Wayne United has not only helped me become a better soccer player, but has taught me how to have good character and sportsmanship.”
Amelia joins a growing list of Fort Wayne United players who have gone on to the National Team level. Currently, Akil Watts is in the residency program with the U17 Men’s National Team. Professional player Sarah Killion is a U20 World Cup Champion and currently in the U.S. Women’s National Pool. Another current pro, Jamar Beasley was a U20 National team member. His brother, DaMarcus Beasley is a 4-time world cup player, and currently with Houston Dynamo in the MLS. All of these phenomenal soccer players are from Fort Wayne, Indiana and all are products of Fort Wayne United (Citadel/Fever).
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