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Shane Merklein and Caroline Neal have been selected to the US Youth Soccer National Training Center (NTC) in Tampa Bay, Florida

January 2022

Medford Strikers standout players Shane Merklein and Caroline Neal havebeen selected to the US Youth Soccer National Training Center (NTC) in Tampa Bay, Florida in late January. This is an outstanding achievement for both players who are now preparing to showcase their talents in front of US Soccer National Team staff and scouts. “I was very excited when I found out that I was selected for the NTC. This is a huge accomplishment for me. This will continue to push me towards future goals,” said Shane.

After being identified as top performers with the New Jersey Olympic Development Program, both players were then invited to the East Region ID Camp and Inter Regional ID Camps. Their strong performances at these ID camps resulted in an invitation to the National Training Center. The NTC is the final phase of USYS Olympic Development Program. The NTC will be attended by the top 23 players from each age group from around the country. “I am really looking forward to the high level of play. I can learn many new things about the game and myself as a player,” said Caroline.

Shane Merklein has been a goalkeeper for the Medford Strikers Surge since U9. Often the first to arrive at training and the last to leave, Shane works tirelessly to develop his goalkeeper skills. “I have been preparing for this opportunity for years. I practice on my own, with Universal Soccer Academy in addition to playing with quality players at Medford Strikers”, said Shane.

Caroline joined the Medford Strikers through our Junior Development Program when she was 7 years old. Since then, Caroline has been playing as a midfielder/forward for the Medford Strikers Impact in the EDP League. Caroline’s dedication to improving has been evident over the years and this opportunity can only help in her development. “My goals for the NTC are to improve my speed of play and to learn new things. I also want to make my club and ODP coaches proud of me and hope the National ODP identify me,” said Caroline!

The Medford Strikers Soccer Club is very proud of Caroline and Shane and wish them all the best at the NTC.

Five Medford Strikers Soccer players selected to participate in the 2019/2020 USYS East Region ID Camp

May 2020

Medford Strikers Soccer players Shane Merklien, Caroline Neal, Maddie Schultz, Luke Chattan, and Shane Lovett all were selected to participate in the 2019/2020 USYS East Region ID Camp. Coaches, peers, and scouts noted these players’ performance on and off the field of play. Now, these players are in the pool with the possibility of being selected for the ODP Inter-Regional event in November.

Congratulations, all of your hard work and dedication to the game are paying off! We are so proud of you! Keep emptying the tank!

Jacob Chatten has been selected to participle in this year’s prestigious Olympic Development Program’s Inter-Regional Camp

August 2019

Jacob Chatten, a member of the Medford Strikers 2002 Academy Boys squad, has been selected to participle in this year’s prestigious Olympic Development Program’s Inter-Regional Camp.

Together with 17 of his Eastern Region teammates, Jacob will travel to the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida this December. A total of 72 players nationwide were chosen for the opportunity to showcase their talents for scouts from the U.S. Men’s National Team and Major League Soccer.

His five-year association with Universal Soccer Academy and the Medford Strikers Soccer Club did more than develop Chatten’s technical skills as a center back.

“I think what made me stand out was my decision making on the ball, communication, speed, and physical presence in the backline,” said Chatten who has one other stop scheduled prior to heading south.

In November, Chatten will attend his Eastern Region team camp in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Best of Luck Jacob, at the Olympic Development Program’s Inter-Regional Camp this December! Your Medford Strikers Family is incredibly proud of you.

Madison Shultz named to the ODP East Region Team

August 2019

Madison Shultz has been chosen to participate in the East Region winter training session for the Olympic Development Program.

A goalkeeper for the Medford Strikers 2007 Impact Girls team, Shultz will join 48 other invitees in Hershey, Pennsylvania this December.

“Personally, I believe my confidence and willingness to learn and do better helped me stand out,” said Shultz about her tryout. “I also think that if I didn’t take control and talk to my teammates during games, I wouldn’t have stood out from anyone else.”

Her tenure with Universal Soccer Academy and the Medford Strikers has also had an impact.

“It helped me in this selection by teaching me the importance of having a presence on the field. They have also taught me the importance of hard work and being focused during practice,” said Shultz.

Shane Merklein to represent the East Region in ODP training

August 2019

Shane Merklein from the Medford Strikers 2007 Surge is among 79 East Region players invited to this winter’s Olympic Development Program.

“The Medford Strikers and Universal Soccer Academy, in just four years, has changed the way I view and play the game. The club has taught me to be a team player and a role model — both on and off the pitch,” said Merklein.

The goalkeeper indicated his “communication skills during the games helped me stand out the most” during tryouts.

Training is scheduled for December in Hershey, Pennsylvania.