With a previous call up to the US under 14 National Camp and an impressive showing at last month’s Thanksgiving inter-regionals, Beachside U-13 goalkeeper Scott Levene was just named to the roster for the U.S. under 14 National Team heading to Guadelajara, Mexico this coming Jan 18-25th.
Scott, who started playing as a ‘keeper in rec. soccer when he was 6, found out that he had made the national team for the trip to Mexico when he was in school eating lunch. His mother Jane texted him to say “You have been selected to a National Team roster spot.” At that moment, Scott says “I shouted out, ‘I made the National Team!’ I was so happy that all I wanted to do was go home and read the e-mail.”
Scott likes playing keeper because he gets to see the whole field and all the action. “My goal is to stop others from scoring and the better I communicate with my defenders, the more likely we are able to shut down the other team’s offense” he says. Also, he adds: “it feels like you are flying when you dive.”
Playing at the state, regional, and national levels has given him the opportunity to play with the best players of his age group in the country. “Playing at this level has helped make me a better player. I have learned how hard I need to work if I want to play at the top level and hopefully some day at a Division 1 college and maybe some day as a pro.”
“On my Beachside team I am surrounded by great and supporting teammates” Scott continued.
“Unlike many other clubs, Beachside players are committed and come in knowing the game. My coach, Allan Zuniga, is a great coach. He has helped me a lot on what I should work on and how to improve my play. Also the help I have received from Pete Doneit since joining Beachside has been awesome. He has done some individual sessions with me to help me improve – two of these were just before I went to national ODP camp.”
“Thank you to Beachside for all your support for Scott and the training you have given him” said his parents Jane and Phil Levene