This story was written by Laura Morgan, VYSA Co-Secretary

Four players from Valley Youth Soccer Association of the Lewis-Clark Valley
have been chosen to attend the Idaho Olympic Development Program’s Regional
Camp this summer.  The players are evaluated at monthly training sessions and can only be chosen for the Regional Camp if they are first chosen for the state team.

Fifteen year olds Lance Blank and Christian Haas and thirteen year olds Kian Shell and Rylee Morgan have earned the privilege of attending the camp. According to Skyler Bell, Assistant Director of Coaching for the Idaho Youth Soccer Association, records indicated that this is the first time in many years that players from Lewiston have been selected.

The boys’ camp will be held in McMinnville, Oregon and the girls will be at the University of Idaho. The camp is staffed by top coaches in the region who are highly certified.  The state team instructors also attend to coach their teams. Jim Hill, Director of Coaching for VYSA and a nationally certified “C” level coach is one state team coach who will participate.  Idaho is part of Region IV, which also includes: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.  The players receive advanced education through training sessions, lectures and soccer games with the top players from these states.

According to their website, the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program was formed in 1977 “to identify a pool of players in each age group from which a National Team will be selected for international competition; (and) to provide high level training.”

Lance Blank has played soccer for seven years and typically plays the striker position.  He loves the traveling and the opportunities to meet new people.  “I just love playing soccer!” he states. His father and assistant coach, Greg Blank, says that Lance has “a pretty good vision of the field and what’s going on.”  Lance believes soccer has taught him “to work as a team and to never give up.”  He hopes to play professionally, possibly for the Seattle Sounders.

Christian Haas is a mid-fielder.  His coaches have commented on his confidence as a player. Mona Haas, his mother, says he has a drive that stands out. Christian says soccer has taught him to “work as a team” and that he has learned “the discipline to work hard.”  He hopes to play competitive college soccer and, “the Olympics would be good, too.”

Kian Shell usually fills the positions of midfield or striker.  His father Pat says, “The ODP program is amazing and the coaching is phenomenal.” Kian is looking forward to learning to be a better player through the camp by working with the different talent levels of the other participants.  Kian is known for his cool demeanor while playing and the fact that he never backs down.  He says soccer has taught him “to not be selfish, to be a good sport, and to respect others.”

The representative to the girls’ camp is Rylee Morgan.  She has been playing soccer since Kindergarten and normally plays as a midfielder.  Her father and VYSA coach, Trent Morgan, explains that everyone comments on what a smooth athlete Rylee is.  “She’s fluid and graceful,” while at the same time packing power into her shots. Rylee’s goals include doing well in ODP, continuing to improve her
skills, and to someday play in college. When asked what she loves about soccer, she replied, “Scoring. Teamwork.  Being with friends.”  She smiles and adds that she plays soccer “because I like it…a lot!”