Florida Fire Juniors

Weston Maki, U16 Boys Florida Fire Premier team was invited to play with the Florida Olympic Development Program (ODP) state team at ODP Nationals February 27 – March 1st. Weston has been involved with ODP for 5 years. He is currently on the Region III pool team.

The 2015 US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program Championships took place Feb. 27- March 1 at the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, Ariz. Elite teams qualified by winning their respective age group at the US Youth Soccer ODP Regional Championships. The US Youth Soccer ODP Championships featured Boys and Girls teams in the 1998 and 1999 age groups and were comprised of all 4 regions. Florida was the top team in Region III and played the top team from Region IV which was Southern California who went on the to win the title.

When asked about his experience at the event, Maki said, “The experience was great getting to play against some of the best players across the country. It was a different atmosphere, the intensity level was much greater than an average club match. Especially the demand for perfectness considering the amount of academy and college coaches watching. I also played a position that I don’t normally play for the Florida Fire Juniors at outside back. The position was designed specifically for our formation and gave me the opportunity to go forward and create scoring opportunities as well as fulfilling my defensive duties".

"Overall, the trip gave me a taste of a higher level of play, and increased my knowledge of the game. It was a step in the right direction.” Maki said.

Congratulations from everyone at the Florida Fire Juniors on your opportunity with the Florida ODP State team Weston and all the best in the future!