Youth

Brooke Bollinger and Jackie Schaefer Called Up to U.S. U-17 Women's National Team

USA_OC Crests

ORLANDO - October 30, 2014 - Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) is proud to announce that Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) U15 Goalkeeper Brooke Bollinger and ECNL U16 Defender Jackie Schaefer have been called up to the U.S. U-17 Women's National Team (WNT) Camp.


The week-long camp will begin on November 1st in Carson, California.


"I think that both players going into a national team camp together is fantastic and should ease some of the nerves they both have," said OCYS Senior Girls Academy Director Alan Hough. "Jackie is such a smart player, and we're pleased that she joined our U-16 team. Brooke has been in the cycles for a little over a year now and has a bright future ahead of her. This call-up shows the platform that OCYS has to help players transition into the national level environment."


The announcement marks the second call up for Bollinger in 2014. The goalkeeper previously joined the U-17 Women's National Team in August for two friendly matches against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.


While commenting on the call up, Bollinger reflected on her previous experience with the national team saying, "Traveling to South Korea was an unbelievable experience. Playing against a team that was so technically strong and tactically organized made us all better and presented us with different challenges."


Schaefer, who recently won a national championship with the Jacksonville Football Club U-16 team, is entering her first national camp.


Upon receiving the news, Schaefer commented on the platform provided by Orlando City and ECNL saying, "Being called into a national team camp has created a lot of different emotions. It's a privilege and honor to wear the crest and represent my country. It's really a dream come true. I am truly grateful to everyone that has helped me over the years. With the combination of the National League with JFC, and ECNL with Orlando City, I am in the best position to continuously get better and prepare myself for college soccer."


For more information on Orlando City Youth Soccer and its various programs, visit www.OrlandoCityYouth.org.