Rhode Island Surf Monthly January 2026
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
All-American
Three Rhode Island Surf standouts were named United Soccer Coaches' All-Americans in December, the most prestigious honor on offer for the best high school players in the country. Alexa Barajas, Jack Mefford, and Sal Alessio were all rewarded with nods following their brilliant Fall campaigns with their respective schools, following in the footsteps of club alumni Emma Kucal and Brent Karpowich.
The achievement marks the second year running in which Rhode Island Surf has been represented on both the girls' and boys' teams, further cementing the club's proven track record of developing New England's top talent. This trio is destined for big things.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
Festive Season
Rhode Island Surf headed out West in early December to take part in MLS NEXT Fest, the largest youth soccer scouting and talent identification event in the United States. The club was represented by our BU19, B2009, B2010, and B2011 Academy Division groups in the Arizona, finishing with an overall record of 7-3-2.
Our B2010 MLS NEXT group excelled in the Grand Canyon State, winning all three of their fixtures and securing a second place finish out of 134 total teams in their age-group. After trailing 2-0 at half time in their opening fixture, the group didn't concede again over their remaining four-and-a-half hours of play, outscoring opponents 13-0.
A solid collective showing by the club was capped off with BU19 MLS NEXT's Colin Blanchette being chosen to play in the Academy Division Uncommitted All-Star Game, featuring the best players at the event who have not yet decided on where they will be playing at the next level. Blanchette started at left-back and clocked significant minutes in the contest.
Coaches and players returned home with plenty to be proud of and valuable lessons learned as the club looks ahead to an important Spring.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
Onwards and Upwards
A successful business trip on the Gold Coast saw our G2012 GA team secure their place in the next round of the Girls Academy Champions Cup. The multi-stage event represents the very highest level of competition within the Girls Academy. Only 16 of the top clubs nationwide qualify automatically, with four additional wildcard spots awarded based on individual team performances at the GA Nationals. Our G2012 GA team earned their place by winning the Northeast Conference and following that up with two wins at Nationals, narrowly missing out on a semifinal berth by just one goal against the eventual national champions. Over the past 12 months, the group has worked relentlessly to earn opportunities like this, and Rhode Island Surf is incredibly proud to be the first team from the Ocean State to compete at the Girls Academy Champions Cup.
Regarding the team's performance in California, G2012 GA Coach and Rhode Island Surf General Manager Aleksej Skundric had this to say, "This team is made up of highly ambitious players who understand that growth comes from competing at the highest level. From day one, our goal has been to test ourselves against the very best. I could not be prouder of the girls’ performance at the Champions Cup. We faced three top-level opponents, put absolutely everything we had into all the games, stayed true to our style of play, and pushed through several challenging moments across the three matches. More than the results, the weekend reminded us what we are capable of and, most importantly, who we are as a team. Finishing the group with two ties and advancing to the next stage was the perfect way to cap off a great event. Now, with a trip to IMG in March ahead of us, we head into the winter with even greater motivation to keep working and improving. We’re excited for the next opportunity to test ourselves against the best teams in the country."
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
Surf Select Northeast I.D. Camp
Surf players from the Northeast region of the country flocked to Massachusetts in mid-December aiming to impress. The annual Surf Select Northeast Regional I.D. Camp brings together the top regional players from different Surf Nation clubs in an attempt to identify talented individuals to represent the program at various top-level events across the United States, Europe, South America, and Africa.
Rhode Island Surf was well-represented by a total of 38 players of whom were chosen by their coaches to attend the event. Well done to Angelee Rico, Avianna Tondreau, Julianna Palazzo, Lily Santos, Zoey Tanguay, Ara Berrios, Kensington Hannouch, Madilyn Clift, Ava Pantaleo, Bentley Young, Charlotte Herbert, Eden Dagan, Evie Godbout, Everly O'Connor, Natalie Bonvehi, Samara Filippo, Delaney Longval, Hollyn Got, Olivia Sauco, Sierra Rico, Raegan Hannouch, Taylor Mason, Abby Bennett, Annabelle Abbott, Ava Dimbleby, Evan Czynski, Libby Ledoux, Olivia Lanigan, Reese Doda, Reese Taji, Colton DiLucchio, Danny Gutierrez, Jack Keeley, Devin Cidade, Preston Cabral, Simon Gaeta, Greyson McCrory, and Jacoby Kane on earning their chance to impress!
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
Girls Academy Winter Showcase
December saw Rhode Island Surf's senior GA groups hit the West Coast and compete at the Girls Academy Winter Showcase in Norco, California. The club was represented by our GU19, G2009, G2010, and G2011 GA players at one of the top events in the country in terms of scout exposure.
An astounding 243 college and national team coaches could be found on the sidelines of Rhode Island Surf games to scout the talent on offer, once again showing the value of the club's player pathway for those that want to play beyond youth soccer.
Up against some of the top talent the country has to offer, Rhode Island Surf teams finished with an impressive record of 7-4-1. With valuable minutes under their belt, there is plenty of optimism as we look ahead to our sophomore year in the Girls Academy.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
A Worthy Nominee
Rhode Island Surf standout Olivia Sauco was named on the three-player shortlist for Surf Select Player of the Year, becoming the fourth Rhode Island Surf player to achieve such recognition.
With the Surf Select program, Sauco most notably captained the G2013 group to a 2-1 win over FC Barcelona at Surf Cup International in 2024, scoring both goals. With this nomination, Rhode Island Surf players have now been featured on the ballot four years in a row, highlighting our players' success on the regional, national, and international stages.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
College Commitment
There will be no shortage Rhode Island Surf alumni representing the club in collegiate soccer this Fall. The month of December saw a four club standouts commit their futures to programs in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York.
Isabella DiGioia is keeping her talents in-state, committing to Rhode Island College in early December. Her teammate Calla Bruno will head to the East Coast of Massachusetts and play at Endicott College. Another GU19 GA standout, Elaine Joy, will represent Rider University of New Jersey in the Fall. Lastly, BU19 MLS NEXT captain Kieran McGlynn will head to Upstate New York and play for Clarkson University.
Rhode Island Surf Monthly Fall 2025
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
New Kids on the Block
Rhode Island Surf’s footprint at the U.S. Youth National Team (USYNT) ID events continued to expand this fall, with five players earning invitations to the most recent USYNT Talent Identification Center held in Farmington, Connecticut.
Congratulations to Addison Boyns, Brynn Desrochers, Sonali Koo, Addison Longval, and Lila Slagle, all of whom were selected to participate in the November 5th session. Their inclusion reflects the quality, competitiveness, and development standard that Rhode Island Surf players continue to achieve.
This marks the third consecutive season in which Rhode Island Surf has seen a rising number of players identified for the national team pathway—further solidifying the club’s reputation as a consistent producer of top talent and a key contributor to the next generation of elite American players.
Their strong performances at the ID Center not only highlight their individual potential but also pave the way for future Rhode Island Surf players. Each invitation—and the professionalism and quality our players display once they arrive—helps cement Rhode Island Surf’s reputation within the national scouting network. As these players continue to raise the bar, they create new opportunities for the next wave of Rhode Island talent to be recognized and invited into the USYNT pathway.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
Derby Delight
The first weekend in September saw our MLS Next Academy Division and Girls Academy League groups make the short trip north to open their respective league campaigns with derby fixtures against local rivals Bayside FC.
On Saturday afternoon, B2013 & B2012 MLS NEXT both secured wins in what were our inaugural Academy Division fixtures, kicking off the club's new era in style. Our G2015, G2014, G2013, and G2012 Pre-GA & GA groups were in action the following day, battling through some unfavorable weather to secure four wins from four and achieve a clean sweep for the second year in a row.
A fantastic start to the Fall for all involved!
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
Champions Cup Group Announced
Following an impressive inaugural campaign—one that saw them finish top of the Northeast Conference in league play—our G2012 GA team has officially earned a place in the Girls Academy Champions Cup in Norco, California.
This achievement is especially significant as Rhode Island Surf secured one of only four national Wildcard spots, awarded based on standout performances at GA Nationals this summer, where the girls collected key wins and ultimately fell just 1–0 to the eventual national champions. Their effort, consistency, and competitive level on the national stage placed them among the country’s top-performing teams in the age group.
In California, the team will compete in a challenging Group C, facing:
- Cincinnati United Premier
- Utah Celtic FC
- Virginia Revolution SC
This selection marks a major milestone for the club and a testament to the players’ commitment, resilience, and growth throughout the year. We’re incredibly proud of the group and excited to see them represent Rhode Island Surf on one of the biggest stages in the Girls Academy.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
Gotham FC Partnership Begins
Rhode Island Surf's partnership with the recently crowned NWSL Champions is off to a brilliant start. A total of fourteen Rhode Island Surf players received invitations to the Gotham FC Center of Excellence in September.
The Gotham FC Alliance is a landmark development initiative led by 2x NWSL Champions.NJ/NY Gotham FC. This partnership establishes a Professional Player Pathway for young female athletes, offering them access to elite opportunities, coaching education, and a tangible route to the professional game.
Well done to Olivia Sauco, Addison Longval, Lila Slagle, Taylor DeVerna, Addison Boyns, Brynn Santos, Kayden Taji, Miya Garland, Alexa Barajas, Amelia Boisclair, Aubri Martone, Camryn Bromage, Eiley Simmons, and Stella Teixeira on well-deserved invitations!
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
MLS NEXT Festivites
December sees Rhode Island Surf's Senior MLS NEXT Academy Division groups travel to Mesa, Arizona for the prestigious MLS NEXT FEST. Labeled as the 'largest youth soccer scouting and talent identification event in the United States' (mlssoccer.com), the event will feature more than 30,000 players from 1,400 teams across the country from December 4th-15th.
Representing the club in our first appearance at the event will be B2011 MLS NEXT, B2010 MLS NEXT, B2009 MLS NEXT, and BU19 MLS NEXT.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
College Commitment
Three Rhode Island Surf standouts will be continuing their soccer careers after committing to play college soccer this Fall, further cementing the club's proven pathway to playing at the next level.
Ava Mello will be following her teammate Alicia MacRury to Southern New Hampshire University next Fall while fellow G07/08 GA player Elizabeth Johnson committed to Nichols College. Lucas Sauco of our BU19 MLS NEXT group will take his talents to the Big Apple in the Fall of 2026 after committing to play for the Brooklyn College Bulldogs.
Rhode Island Surf Monthly Summer 2025
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
STARS AND STRIPES
G2009 GA standout and 2023 Surf Select Player of the Year Alexa Barajas became the first Rhode Island Surf player to be called into a USYNT camp in July.
An impressive showing means she'll be traveling to Fayetteville, Georgia in September after being named in the U-16 Girls National Team Camp Roster.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
USYS National Championships
B2011 Elite Blue traveled to Orlando, Florida for the USYS National Championships in July on the back of previous success in Mesa, Arizona and Round Rock, Texas. Their journey leading to the Sunshine State had already seen them travel a combined distance of 4,515 miles across the continental United States.
Despite a spirited showing that saw them pick up a win and two draws in the group stage, the team fell just short of qualification for the knockout stages of the competition.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
GA Inaugural Season Success
Following a stellar inaugural campaign that saw them crowned as Northeast Conference Champions, G2012 GA headed out West for the Girls Academy Playoffs. An equally strong showing on the Gold Coast saw them fall just one point short of advancing to the final four.
Their inspiring performances in California, however, earned them a well-deserved wildcard spot at the prestigious Girls Academy Champions Cup this coming December. The nod makes them one of four teams invited across the United States.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
Surf Select
There was no shortage of Rhode Island Surf representation with the Surf Select Program this Summer. Over twenty players from the club were chosen to represent both blue and white teams at various elite competitions in the United States, Northern Ireland, and England.
Well done to Natalie Bonvehi, Delaney Longval, Hollyn Got, Olivia Sauco, Greyson McCrory, Addison Longval, Anna Venditelli, Jackson Orr, Liam Mowry, Brynn Santos, Fiona Sisson, Kassidy Price, Kayden Taji, Alexa Barajas, Amiyah Cromartie, Camryn Bromage, Dean Corvello, Devin Mowry, Leah Committo, Miya Garland, Gabby Cuellar, and Kieran McGlynn on their selections!
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
Up NEXT
September brings with it the beginning of a new era for Rhode Island Surf Soccer Club. Back in February, it was announced that Rhode Island Surf would be joining the MLS NEXT Academy Division, a new tier in North America's leading youth development platform for male soccer players.
This Fall will feature a nine-game league schedule for our B2013 & B2012 MLS groups, six of which take place in the Ocean State. Senior teams will get their first taste of action come December at MLS NEXT Fest in Mesa, Arizona following the conclusion of their high school seasons.
Click HERE for more information about the MLS NEXT Academy Division.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
College Commitment
A flurry of excitement took place in August as four Rhode Island Surf G07/08 GA players in the class of 2026 committed their academic and athletic futures to schools in three different New England states.
Ella Kauffman will be attending Brandeis University in the Boston area come next Fall. Makenzie Pires and Eve Richard will take their talents to the state of Maine, with Pires choosing the University of Southern Maine and Richard heading to the University of New England. Last but not least, Alicia MacRury will head to the Granite State as she's been recruited to play at Southern New Hampshire University.
RHODE ISLAND SURF MONTHLY
New Faces, Same Mission
Rhode Island Surf is excited to officially welcome four new members to our staff for the 2025/2026 season:
Javier Fernandez, DPL Director: A well-traveled coach internationally, Javier has worked with numerous professional youth programs in Europe, including stints with West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham City.
Dan Yarumian, Junior Academy Director: With the club since its inception through 2024, Dan returns with over sixteen years of coaching experience at the youth level.
Devin Jessop & Ethan Alfano, Coaches: Rhode Island natives and college soccer standouts Devin and Ethan bring with them energy and ambition as they join the boys coaching staff at Rhode Island Surf.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 8, 2025
Rhode Island Surf Joins Gotham FC Alliance to Launch Professional Player Pathway for Female Athletes
Rhode Island, July 8, 2025 — Rhode Island Surf is proud to announce it has officially joined the Gotham FC Alliance, a landmark development initiative led by NJ/NY Gotham FC, reigning 2023 NWSL Champions. This partnership establishes a Professional Player Pathway for young female athletes, offering them access to elite opportunities, coaching education, and a tangible route to the professional game.
Founded to connect top youth soccer clubs with a direct link to the NWSL, the Gotham FC Alliance is a strategic collaboration focused on talent identification, competitive development, and club-to-club support across the region.
"We are very lucky to have Rhode Island Surf as our 1st official Alliance Member in Rhode Island and partner with one of the most dynamic clubs in the region. This agreement is a true testament to their commitment to creating new opportunities for their young female athletes."
— Pierre Soubrier, Gotham FC – Pro Player Pathway Director
Gotham FC’s Player Pathway Vision
To REDEFINE the standards and structure of a professional women’s soccer development system in the United States, while generating homegrown talent for the Gotham FC First Team.
"This partnership with Gotham FC represents a significant step forward for Rhode Island Surf and our players. It connects us directly to one of the top clubs in the world’s best women’s league and creates a clear and inspiring path to the professional game. Our goal is to prepare and guide players who are ready to take that next step—and now, with Gotham, that dream is more accessible than ever."
— Brad Furnival, Rhode Island Surf – Girls Academy Director
What to Expect from the Rhode Island Surf – Gotham FC Player Pathway
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Dedicated Professional Player Pathway Staff linking Rhode Island Surf with Gotham FC to oversee player identification and development benchmarks.
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Talent ID Clinics hosted by Gotham FC, evaluating players ages 13 to 17.
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Formation of regional “Super Teams” at each age group for enhanced training environments.
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Launch of the Gotham FC ID Showcase Tournament in 2026.
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Continuing Education for Rhode Island Surf staff through collaborative programming with Gotham FC coaches.
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Direct Access to Gotham FC First Team, Second Team, and club resources.
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Ongoing collaboration between Rhode Island Surf Directors and Gotham’s Professional Player Pathway General Manager on future initiatives.
Rhode Island Surf joins a growing group of regional clubs aligning with Gotham FC to raise the bar for player development in women’s soccer. The alliance focuses on inclusivity and access, making the dream of professional soccer more tangible for the next generation.
"At Rhode Island Surf, we are committed to providing the highest-level opportunities for our players—on and off the field. Joining the Gotham FC Alliance reinforces our dedication to creating real pathways for young female athletes to reach the professional level. This partnership empowers our players to dream bigger, train harder, and see a future in the game that is both attainable and inspiring."
— Aleksej Skundric, Rhode Island Surf
About Rhode Island Surf:
Rhode Island Surf is a premier youth soccer organization committed to player development, excellence, and leadership on and off the field. As part of the nationally recognized Surf Soccer family, the club provides high-performance training environments and meaningful pathways for young athletes.
About NJ/NY Gotham FC:
Gotham FC is a National Women’s Soccer League club based in the New York/New Jersey area and the 2023 NWSL Champions. The club is dedicated to redefining the professional women's soccer landscape by developing elite talent, engaging communities, and setting new standards in player development.
REPRESENTING THE OCEAN STATE
On the shores of the Mediterranean...
VALENCIA, SPAIN: The first ever IDA Easter Cup welcomed 36 teams from multiple countries to the sunny coast of Southeastern Spain this past weekend. In addition to participating in the tournament itself, players were offered the unforgettable experience of immersing themselves in Spanish culture, touring the historic Mestalla stadium and even coming together off the pitch to enjoy Valencian paella.
Rhode Island Surf was well-represented by Annabelle Fiore, Delaney Longval, Hollyn Got, Mya Lavigne, Raegan Hannouch, and Scarlett Fiore, all of whom were a part of the Surf Select Northeast GU12 squad that made the trip across the pond.
Following an opening day draw with Spanish giants RCD Zaragoza, the group produced two emphatic wins over Torrefiel ACE and UE Bentusser to finish as runners-up in the group on goal-differential. They met Zaragoza once again in the final, this time coming out on the wrong end of a 2-0 result.
"My experience in Spain was an amazing opportunity," said Hollyn, "I loved being able to play with highly competitive players in a different country while learning about Spain and their peoples' culture!"
Delaney had this to say of her experience, "I feel fortunate to have represented Surf Select in Valencia this past weekend. I enjoy making connections with other players in Surf Nation and playing against international competition. Experiencing Valencian culture was awesome!"
In sunny Central Florida...
ORLANDO/KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA: The 5th annual Easter International Cup presented by Rayados brought together top teams from the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica, among others, for an epic 4-day competition in the Sunshine State.
Brynn Santos, Kayden Taji, Addison Longval, Anna Venditelli, Jackson Orr, Liam Mowry, Evangeline Czynski, Reese Taji, Carter Cathers, Greyson McCrory, Charlotte Hebert, Eden Dagan, Evelyn Godbout, Everly O'Connor, Natalie Bonvehi, Samara Filippo, and Ara Berrios made up the list of Rhode Island Surf players representing Surf Select Northeast, while coaches Dan Yarumian and Lucas Santos took charge of the BU13 and BU9 teams, respectively.
Of the groups competing down South, the GU12 and GU13 teams were silver final winners in their respective brackets. Personal highlights included a winning spot-kick for Carter Cathers that put the BU12 group through to the silver final.
"It was great meeting new faces and seeing old," said Carter, "I really enjoyed the intensity of every match we played. It's always cool having a team made up of players from many different Surf clubs!"
Brynn Santos had this to say, "I'm grateful for the chance to have been a part of this Surf Select team. Playing in competitive games with all of this amazing talent from across Surf Nation was an experience I'll never forget!"
"The Easter Invitational was so much fun. I loved meeting new teammates and playing with familiar faces from years past. The teams we played were high-intensity and presented good competition," remarked Reese Taji.
One thing is certain, Rhode Island Surf's influence and player quality was ever-present over the Easter period. Focus now returns to the remainder of the season at club-level, where these players will continue to showcase their quality at the highest levels. Until next time!
RHODE ISLAND, FEBRUARY 28TH, 2025
Rhode Island Surf is excited to announce our addition to MLS NEXT's new competition tier slated to begin play in Fall 2025.
Launched in 2020, MLS NEXT is the most elite platform for youth player development in North America. With a commitment to innovation and providing access and representation, MLS NEXT players receive the best training and coaching as they prepare for their futures, both in soccer and in life. Throughout a season, MLS NEXT hosts four marquee events across the country, including the Generation adidas Cup, which features MLS academies playing against the top international clubs. Membership for the 2024-25 season included 29 MLS academies, 122 Elite Academies (151 total clubs), 753 teams and over 16,000 players across the U.S. and Canada. Official partners of MLS NEXT include adidas and Allstate.
Previously unveiled in January, the new tier will feature more than 1,200 teams from more than 220 clubs across regional divisions during the regular season. Each division will be managed by leading league operators across the youth club landscape with a strong commitment to player development. The New England region will be operated by the National Academy League (NAL).
Regular season play will be accompanied by regional tournaments and an opportunity to attend MLS NEXT national events, as well as coaching development and education programs. The regional tournaments will serve as qualifying for a championship event at the MLS NEXT Cup Playoffs later in 2026. These events will be marquee talent identification opportunities for college, professional, and national team scouts to evaluate players. Players competing in the new tier will also be eligible to play high school soccer.
Speaking on the club's addition, here's what Boys Director Martin Yarumian had to say, "Rhode Island Surf is excited to join MLS Next's new competition tier in the Fall of 2025. This new league allows us to provide our players with a platform to learn, develop, and compete at a higher level. We feel, as a club, that this is a great step in providing the best environment possible for our members. We look forward to both the new challenges and opportunities that await our great club!"
Coach, owner, and former MLS player Scott Cannon had this to say on the matter, "Having played in Major League Soccer, I know firsthand what it takes to reach that level. With Rhode Island Surf's acceptance into MLS Next's new tier, we now have a unique opportunity to provide a clear pathway for our players to reach the highest levels of soccer in the United States. I'm excited to share my experience and help these young athletes develop the skills and mindset needed to reach their full potential and pursue their professional soccer dreams."
For a full breakdown of the divisions and participating clubs, click HERE
For more information regarding MLS NEXT, click HERE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"KAIZEN: CHANGE FOR THE BETTER"
The excitement surrounding our ambitious next chapter continues to build. Rhode Island Surf is delighted to announce the appointment of Brad Furnival as our new Girls Academy Director! As we take these next steps forward as a club in supplying an additional elite tier to our girls program, we recognize the necessity in supporting this growth with not only the top personel, but the right hires that share the same ideology of continuous improvement. Brad will be joining current staff members Aleksej Skundric, Lindsay Longval, and Max Philpott to form the Rhode Island Surf Girls Elite Director's Committee.
Furnival joins Rhode Island Surf as one of the most recognized names in the New England youth soccer landscape, most notably being named the 2021 Massachusetts Youth Soccer Girls Competitive Coach of the Year. He brings with a him wealth of honors, experience, knowledge, and most importantly, passion for youth soccer. In addition to his 2021 honor, Furnival's accolades include:
- 4-time Massachusetts State Champion
- USSF B License in coaching (currently enrolled in the A license program)
- 10 years of experience as a Club Director
Speaking on Furnival's appointment, Girls Director Aleksej Skundric had this to say, "Brad is a personal friend, an exceptional coach, and most importantly, a great person who shares the same vision, passion, values, and ambitions with everyone at Rhode Island Surf. He joins our executive team as someone who is incredibly excited about the prospect of being able to further develop and positively impact our Girls Program. I can't wait to welcome him to our coaching staff and write the next chapter of our journey!"
"Having coached against Brad previously, I can personally attest to not only his professionalism, but also his understanding of the game and passion for developing players and teams," said Girls Assistant Director Lindsay Longval. "This passion, combined with his experience, make him a perfect fit for our future growth and development. I am excited to work with Brad as we continue to grow and expand our ability to provide the 'Best of the Best' playing experience and opportunity for female players in Rhode Island and surrounding areas."
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A PART OF SURF IN BRAD'S WORDS:
"I am beyond excited to embark on this new chapter as the Director of the Rhode Island Surf Girls academy. It is truly an honor to be entrusted with the responsibility of guiding and shaping the future of the Coaches, Teams & Players.
I am particularly thrilled to be a part of this club as their mission statement and values truly align with my own. The club's focus on developing players from an early age, instilling a love for the game, and fostering a strong sense of teamwork and sportsmanship resonates with me deeply. I have always been impressed with the club's dedication to develop their own players from the onset, which is testament to the club's success.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to the club for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to lead such a talented group of coaches, teams, and players as we embark on our journey to compete within the prestigious Girls Academy League.
Together, we will strive for excellence, push boundaries, and ultimately make a lasting impression. Let's dive in, work hard, and achieve greatness together. I can't wait to see what we will accomplish as we ride the waves of success!"
As of today, Brad begins his journey with Rhode Island Surf! The executive board is fortunate to add a leader of his caliber as we head into our next chapter, and are confident that he will make this club the place to be for female players that yearn to play at the highest level. If you encounter Brad on the field, be sure to give him a warm welcome to our community!
RHODE ISLAND SURF ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH SKILLMASTERS
THE FUTURE OF SURF IS NOW...
RHODE ISLAND, April 15th, 2024: Rhode Island Surf is ecstatic to announce our new strategic partnership with Skillmasters, a leading player-evaluation software used by top youth soccer programs across the United States! Beginning this year, Rhode Island Surf will provide our players with biannual testing conducted by Skillmasters-certified staff to provide your player with top-notch performance data, designed to guide their development in the right direction. Our first use of this technology will be during the Girls Elite I.D. Clinic taking place on April 27th, which you can register for by clicking here.
Skillmasters is a United States-based platform that aims to provide clubs with the proper tools to maximize their development. "The Universal Soccer Rating (USR) tests were designed by Skillmasters and its soccer partners to assess a player's decision-making abilities, game understanding, and on-field intelligence using a set of 19 physical, technical and cognitive tests. Players receive scores for their test results based on their performance relative to the average test results of all other players from the same age group and gender in Skillmasters' universal database" (Description provided by Skillmasters).
Partnering with local club organizations, Skillmasters uses sessions run by coaches to implement their USR tests and gather data. Here is what you can expect from the newly-formed partnership:
- Performance analytics: Rhode Island Surf coaches will be provided with an advanced analytics platform that will allow us to make data-proven decisions related to the ways in which we conduct training sessions.
- Personal Player Development Tools: Video analysis, skill assessments and personalized training plans will be made available to Rhode Island Surf players that participate in testing.
We look forward to the ground-breaking development our players will experience through Skillmasters. Join Rhode Island Surf as we continue to pioneer the youth soccer landscape, one ambitious leap at a time!
RHODE ISLAND, MARCH 27TH, 2024
Rhode Island Surf is excited to announce our addition to the Girls Academy League beginning in the 2024-2025 season. Considered to be the leading youth development platform for the best female soccer players in the United States, admission to the league marks yet another milestone in the club's upwards trajectory that has been achieved in such a short history.
Founded in 2020, the Girls Academy League (GA League) has taken a unique approach in their development as an elite-level competition. In its current state, there are 10 conferences consisting of 94 clubs, 14,000 players and 1,200 advisory panel members. "The Advisory Panel affords players the opportunity to nominate and maintain a player-led board that represents the thoughts, opinions and vision of the players" (girlsacademyleague.com).
Assistant Girls Director Lindsay Longval had this to say of Rhode Island Surf's acceptance into the competition, "Since its inception, Rhode Island Surf has set our goals on not only competing in our region, but advancing competitive levels and opportunities beyond for players in Rhode Island. Our acceptance to join the Girls Academy League is a proud moment. This comes from the hard work and commitment of our players and coaches, with tremendous support from the families. The Girls Academy League is a unique elite female platform which shares a similar holistic athlete development philosophy to RI Surf. The player voice is fostered, included, and respected. We are excited to be aligning ourselves with the Girls Academy League and clubs to provide our players/teams with the nation's best competition, development opportunities, and proven collegiate pathways. While this announcement will prove to be impactful for the advancement of both Rhode Island Surf and the Rhode Island soccer community, we are eager to continue our hard work with our sights set higher to truly showcase what our players and coaches are capable of."
"Rhode Island Surf is both proud and honored to accept membership into the Girls Academy League," said Girls Director Aleksej Skundric, "We are excited to partner with a league and clubs that share the same vision of player empowerment and holistic athlete development as RI Surf. The unique elite female platform with proven collegiate pathways; and the nations best competition, will surely benefit not only our players, but the soccer landscape of Rhode Island. There is no better platform to align our values and future advancement of player and team opportunities than the Girls Academy League.
Speaking on the addition of Rhode Island Surf, League Commissioner Trish Hughes had this to say, "Rhode Island Surf brings a surge of talent and determination to the Girls' Academy, showcasing strong leadership and unwavering competitiveness. Their addition not only broadens our presence in Rhode Island but also strengthens the competitive landscape within the NE conference. With Rhode Island Surf on board, we embark on a journey towards new heights, propelled by their passion and commitment to excellence."
The staff here at Rhode Island Surf maintains a deep devotion to providing the highest levels of competition in our player pathway, ensuring our athletes are able to develop in an environment best-suited to their abilities. Exciting times lie ahead for the club and its players!
DALLAS, TEXAS
Last weekend, five of our girls teams travelled South once again to take part in the DPL 2024 Summit. Three of those five (G2007 Elite Blue, G2008 Elite Blue and G2009 Elite) competed in a Champions League-style format that guaranteed a quarterfinal match-up and several consolation contests if they were to bow-out early. Both G2010 and G2011 Elite teams played in a showcase-style event that guaranteed three games.
The DPL's latest high-level event promised excellent competition and a warmer climate for our teams to find their form before their respective Spring Seasons kick-off in April. In an unfortunate turn of events, a 70-year daily rainfall record in the Dallas-Fort Worth area led to the second day of games being cancelled. Coach Jim McGirr did his best to look at the bright side of a rather-gloomy situation, "The weather wasn't agreeable but it lead to some quality team bonding in the hotel, at the mall, cattle drive and plenty of team meals!"
After a resumption of play on day three and a seamless second half of the tournament, our G2007 Elite Blue team battled their way to being crowned as Summit Champions.
G2007 ELITE BLUE
With only nine players available to make the trip, G2007 Elite Blue were already up against it before they even stepped on the field. Using Surf Nation to his advantage, Coach Pat McCue was able to bring guest players from our G2007 Elite White team as well as New England and Dallas Surf to help push for the trophy.
An opening 2-0 win in the quarterfinal launched the team into a matchup against reigning Summit Champions Sunrise Sting SC. In a tightly-contested semifinal, serial goalscorer Emma Kucal was able to latch onto a hopeful through-ball and slot the ball into the far corner past the onrushing goalkeeper, setting the stage for a final against City SC San Diego. A 2-0 win against the very talented City side secured the trophy for the group, an unbelievable accomplishment for Coach McCue and his team.
"The DPL Summit in Dallas, Texas was a thrilling event for our 2007 Girls Elite Blue Team, culminating in a hard fought victory," said McCue. "Despite heading to Texas with just 9 members of the team, our squad rose to the occasion, bolstered by the addition of 6 exceptional guest players from RI Surf G2007 Elite White, New England Surf, and Dallas Surf."
"Our path to victory was marked by outstanding performances and resilient teamwork. We secured impressive results throughout the tournament, including notable wins over Timbers North FC (2-0), 2023 DPL National Champion Sunrise Sting (1-0), and City FC San Diego in a tightly contested final (1-0). A key factor in our success was the tenacious defense displayed by our girls, who worked tirelessly to protect the goal throughout the weekend. Their efforts, coupled with superb goalkeeper play, resulted in an incredible achievement: zero goals conceded over the entirety of the tournament. In the final matches, our team showcased adaptability and tactical prowess, strategically absorbing pressure from City while capitalizing on counterattack opportunities. This approach proved decisive in securing the crucial victory and ultimately clinching the championship title."
G2008 ELITE BLUE
After suffering defeat in their opening fixture at the hands of Charlotte Soccer Academy, our G2008 Elite Blue team's shot at becoming champions came to an unfortunate end. Determined to reverse their fortunes in the coming games, they used the wash-out to regroup, and more importantly, rediscover their form.
After walking away from Tampa as bracket winners, the group knew there was a certain quality they had lacked in their opening contest. In their following two fixtures, they rose to the occasion with two victories over talented New England Surf and Spokane Sounders sides.
G2009 ELITE
Another side that managed to leave Tampa as bracket winners, G2009 Elite had a different look as they stepped onto the field in Dallas. With a few members of their squad unable to make the trip, it was to be an uphill climb towards the trophy.
Following defeat in their first fixture against Sunrise Sting SC, the group managed to put in a better performance in their second match against Florida Hawks, but still fell short 2-1. On their last day in Dallas, the girls rallied and defeated Arizona SC 2-1 courtesy of a last-minute winner by midfielder Eiley Simmons.
Coach Martin Yarumian had this to say about his team's time in the Lone Star State, "The DPL Summit was a good platform for our teams to kick off our spring season. Our 2009 Elite girls received quality competition in all three games and were able to bond off the field as well. As the tournament went on, the girls played better and better and that was one of our goals. We will now shift our focus to the league and hope to hit the ground running. All in all, it was a great experience in Dallas."
G2010 ELITE
Despite facing disappointment at their opening fixture being cancelled, our G2010 Elite team had a strong display in Texas. A convincing 7-1 win in their opening match was followed by a 1-1 draw to fellow Surf Nation club Walnut Creek.
After managing to win the Surf Nation Champions League in February, the group continued to push onwards and continue their upward trajectory in terms of both form and development.
Speaking on their weekend, Coach Luis Rabielli said, "The Dallas Summit was a fantastic experience for our team. We engaged in two competitive games, which I believe will serve as valuable preparation for our upcoming league play. I'm immensely proud of our group and eagerly anticipate what the near future holds for us."
G2011 ELITE
With their first game also being cancelled due to rain, our G2011 Elite team was eager to get on the pitch in Dallas. Despite losing a cagey opening game 1-0, the girls remained optimistic going into their second and final match of the competition.
That optimism was evident in their result, as they walked away 5-0 winners, putting in an impressive display that saw them through to a 1-1 record on the weekend.
Speaking on his teams' performances (both G2008 Elite Blue and G2011 Elite), Coach Jim McGirr left Texas with a positive outlook on the months ahead, "The DPL did a great job of adjusting to make sure we had the best opportunity to compete in the safest manner possible. This Summit was still another enjoyable opportunity to compete, playing teams all the way from Spokane, WA to Charlotte, NC. We got off to a difficult start but finished strong, coming home with victories and a better feeling towards our preparation for the Spring. We will now look forward to that!"
