Meet 5 standout Eastern Pennsylvania youth soccer players on the Olympic Development Team

GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Congratulations to Simon Keenan, Brayden Lush, Erik Matthews, Rhys Smith and Zoe Youman for being chosen to play soccer for the Olympic Development Program (ODP), playing with Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer.

Eastern PA Youth Soccer “exists to promote, foster and perpetuate the game of soccer on the youth level in the territory designated as Eastern Pennsylvania and foster the mental, physical and emotional growth of the eastern Pennsylvania youth through the sport of soccer. The ultimate vision of our Association is to be the best youth sports organization in the country through the provision of services, education, and opportunities to the youth of eastern Pennsylvania,” according to their website, epysa.org.

Simon Keenan, age 12, has been playing soccer for 8 years. Simon hopes to play soccer at the collegiate level at either Penn State or the University of Indiana. His ultimate goal is to play for a MLS (major league soccer) team. Realizing that his coaches are correct when they’ve told him, “To be the best you have to train more than everyone else,” Simon is his happiest when he’s on the soccer field. Speaking of soccer, he loves soccer, “It’s just the best, there is nothing better than soccer.”

Pre-game, Simon tries to stay focused on what he needs to do and said, “I pray before every game with my family.” He finds playing on a team fun and when not playing soccer, Simon enjoys listening to music and hanging out with friends and family.

Levi Haines gave Simon the best advice, “If you want to be the best and achieve your goals, you are the only one who can change that.” Simon also added, “Thanks to my Mom and Dad for driving me everywhere and paying for me to play soccer.”

Brayden Lush, 12, has also played soccer since he was 4 and loves the fast-paced, competitive game. Being on soccer teams has taught him, “The team’s needs come before your individual wants. You may not be placed in a position you want but it is the position your team needs you to be in.” Brayden’s pre-game ritual includes eating honey-nut cheerios for breakfast and not using any electronics (tv, phone, iPad, etc.) until after the game.

Erik Matthews,12, is an 8-year soccer player who also aspires to continue playing in high school and college. Coach Thomas provided an important piece of advice, “Education comes first and soccer second.” He finds his biggest challenge, “My biggest challenge is being mentally tough. I managed it by focusing on trying to be the best I can be.” Playing on a team has taught Erik how to work well with other people and to enjoy the competition of going against good teams and players. He enjoys mountain biking and playing with friends when not playing soccer.

Another ODP athlete, Rhys Smith, 11, who’s been playing soccer for 7 years, and has set some very ambitious goals for himself both on and off the field. Not only to play soccer at the highest level possible, he hopes to attend one of the military academies. Rhys spoke of soccer, saying, “I love the intensity and competing with and against people. I just love everything about soccer in general!” Rhys added, “I used to have a really bad attitude when I played soccer if things didn’t go my way, or if teammates didn’t put as much effort into a game as I thought they should. My parents, coaches, and even teammates have given me advice on how to overcome that which has helped me be more positive with my teammates and myself.”

10-year old Zoe Youman has been playing soccer since 2019. She also hopes to one day play professionally. The best piece of advice I received from her coaches is to focus on being in her designated position on the field for better passing and scoring opportunities. Zoe loves, “that I get to play on a team with my friends and when I get to score goals or assist in scoring goals,” and added, “The night before my game I make homemade garlic bread with my family and on the car ride to my game I listen to music.”

When not playing soccer, Zoe likes to swim, go to the beach, fish and camp. Before playing soccer, she was active with Taekwondo from 2015-2020.

The enthusiasm all of the athletes have for soccer and the potential and growth from playing on an ODP team should help all of them meet their ambitious goals. Good Luck!

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