BRADENTON, FLORIDA – When we visited the U17 Men’s National Team program at their nice digs here a while ago, we had a chance to sit down with some of the players and hear from them.

A number of these players are currently in France playing in an international tournament there. Among those is talented winger Rubio Rubin of the Portland area.

Also taking the time to chat with us were goalkeepers Evan Louro of New York Red Bull and Paul Christensen of Seattle Sounders. These two provide the very definition of friendly rivalry. Click here to watch the video »

And then there are the young ones. Kevin Politz  of New York Red Bulls is older, but he looks after the three players on the roster who were born in 1997: Mukwelle Akale, Tommy Redding and Cameron Lindley. These four share an apartment at IMG and from the sound of it, have a great time pursuing their soccer dreams together. Click here to watch the video »

Thanks again to head coach Richie Williams and his staff for their  hospitality during my trip, and especially to program administrator Sam Pugsley for arranging everything.

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