Atlanta Fire United U9 Elite Girls Soccer Team wins Rush Tournament
DACULA, Ga. — On November 13th the Atlanta Fire United (AFU) U9 Elite Girls Soccer Team ran over to their parents to give them an ovation, just as they had done all season. The squad just won the Rush Tournament with a 4-0 record, capping an incredible fall soccer season. After every game, Coach Parker Young has his team run to the parents’ sideline and clap for them. It is a sign of respect he is instilling in his young athletes, along with all the skills they are learning.
The AFU U9 Girls Elite team is part of the Atlanta Fire United Academy program. They posted an incredible record of 17-1-2 this fall, and their time together is not done yet. Following winter break they will play spring ball together as well. While Coach Parker has his athletes learn and play all positions, the girls naturally started to fall into certain roles.
The unit is led by lead scorers Katie Rentz and Ansley Donastrog, two academy returners from last year. Adding some shifty playmaking to the offense are Mya Donald and Sayuri Mickle. Both Mackenzie Cole and Naida Hecimovic bring physicality and toughness to the offensive front. Meanwhile, Hazel Sams is the Academy returner that holds down the defensive efforts. Blakely Moore adds power to the defense with her big foot and the youngest on the team, Hayden Ramey, is deceptively tough. “Coach Parker says it’s my superpower,” she says with a giggle. Camryn Thomson adds heady play and leadership to the back field. In the goal, Julia Silvers de Faria has developed into a trustworthy goalkeeper.
All eleven girls look forward to developing in multiple positions but had a rewarding time this fall finding their roles. “This is one of the best groups of girls I have gotten to coach,” says Parker, “but I say that every year.”
Parker is a product of Atlanta Fire United himself. He grew up in the AFU program and after graduating college did not want to leave the soccer world. “I was given the opportunity to coach in AFU’s Academy and never looked back,” he adds, “I have been so thankful to get to share my passion with the kids in the community for the past eight years.”
The team’s goal for the spring is to continue to develop while having fun. They intend to shoot for a no-loss season, and with this talent it is quite possible! Keep your ears and eyes out for these names at higher levels in the future. The AFU U9 Girls Elite Soccer Team has some rising stars!
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