The Making of Champions
In the Beginning
Back in 2004, Mark Nutter and Andy Hulbert formed the 24-7 UK Soccer Academy (24-7) and quickly transitioned from being paid trainers to being the first paid head coaches for the Castro Valley Soccer Club
(CVSC), eventually appointed Directors of Coaching. This watershed moment has transformed CVSC from a solid, respected organization to one that is now highly competitive at all age groups. This team in particular, is one of a number of CVSC teams that are beginning to successfully compete with the very best soccer academies throughout the country.
The Journey
The U14 Castro Valley Girls’ Soccer Team has taken quite a unique path on our journey to compete with the best teams in Northern California and beyond. While in existence since U9, the team has gone through a metamorphosis in the past 5 years into something that is almost unrecognizable today. While there remain a number of charter members from that U9 team, there has been a steady stream of new faces added in the past two years as word has spread about the team’s accomplishments and the club’s great training. It has been a whirlwind experience that has taken CV United Green from a gotsoccer ranking of #55 in California North all the way to our highest ranking of #8 in the span of 12 months. While many teams take the most direct path to winning early in their quest to reach Premier status, this team created a 3 year plan, brought everyone on board and then proceeded to execute the collective vision in ways that professional clubs would be proud of. In a testament to the dedicated efforts of everyone involved, the team is two years ahead of schedule and continuing to build on their successes, week in and week out. Benefiting from having quality trainers and coaches from an early age, the girls have developed at a rapid pace. They work hard in practice and push themselves, but never forget to laugh and have fun. Coaches, parents, and especially the players see the power in focusing their efforts and putting aside individual glory toward a common purpose. There is a connectedness to what they have accomplished and a validation that good people working together can achieve amazing things. To say that they are greater because of the sum of all their parts is the understatement of this story.
At the Top
It begins with their coach, Mark Nutter, an “A” license coach born and raised in the UK who grew up with a ball and who believes that development, learning to play the game, communication and a strong work ethic far outweigh winning as a core goal, especially at the younger ages. He understands that playing the game the right way, with possession and creativity, may result in losses at an early age, but will lead to success on the field later as the girls begin to develop. This in turn helps to keep the girls and parents motivated through the long stretches that are often a by-product of year round soccer. He has worked with the team to create short term and long term goals and sent a clear message to everyone involved that there is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel.
Behind the Curtain
Trainer/Coach Garry Agnew, another 24-7 “A” license coach and former professional player in Scotland and England, adds another dimension to this team. CVSC and 24-7 feel that having a second coach work with the team once a week helps keep things fresh; this allows the girls to learn from another source and hear the same concepts, but from a different perspective. In addition, our assistant Coaches Scott DeMasi and Oliver Cunningham put in countless hours working with the girls, reinforcing the concepts and reminding them of the messages that will pay dividends later (“Back Foot!” and “Work Rate!” to name a few). These coaches give all they have to this team and do it with a sense of pride and selflessness. They are the support behind Coach Mark and help this team in ways that cannot be measured. This balanced approach has been a big part of our success.
The parents also step up immensely and take on many rolls that support the team, no matter how large or small the task. Whether it’s opening their house to a video session to break down game film with Coach Mark, booking hotels for future tournaments, organizing team fundraisers, or carrying the player bench to the sideline each game…everyone understands that it truly does take a village to raise a team. It is a special chemistry that has filtered to every aspect of our little soccer community.
The Future
It is never easy to predict what the future might hold, but the team and the club are doing everything they can to put the players in the best position to be successful in soccer and in life. In addition to their lessons on the pitch, they are working with the girls and their families to prepare them for what lies ahead. Individual and family meetings to discuss player interest for college, current GPA, areas in need of academic support, etc. are all areas they will be focusing on. In addition, speed training, time in the gym, and meetings with the club’s sports psychologist are also available and highly encouraged to players on the team and throughout the CVSC competitive program. As a team they have played many tournaments in Southern California and Nevada and have also been considering additional trips outside of California and even a possible trip to England/Europe next year. The future looks very bright!
Competitive Highlights
One of the things they pride ourselves on is that winning is important, but it’s just a small piece of the bigger picture. Rankings are certainly not the end all; however, a high ranking can help get better seedings in tournaments, which can subsequently attract premier players to our club, etc. It’s also a motivation at practice when the girls see the fruits of their labor and understand the cause and effect between hard work and positive results. To demonstrate the impact of this concerted approach, it’s important to know that prior to the achievements listed below, our team had made the jump to the Premier Division full of confidence after a very dominating stint in the Gold Division and proceeded to lose all 10 Spring Premier League games. It was a humbling experience, but one that signaled to everyone on the team that in order to play with the big girls, we had to learn to play tougher, think quicker and act more fluidly as the concepts began to form. All of that led to us becoming the team they are today. Here are just a few of the highlights from what they have accomplished in tournament play over the past 16 months since that eventful winless Spring:
- Reached the Semi-finals of the Central Valley Platinum Level Magic Cup. Defeated the #5 team in California, Sporting White and lost 2-1 to the #2 team in California/#9 Team in the Nation, Orchard Valley Heat. OV Heat went on to win the tournament 3-0 in the finals against the #4 team in Northern California, Sporting Green.
- Castro Valley has now reached at least the semi-finals in 12 straight tournaments
- Castro Valley has the second highest winning percentage (75.9) in the U14 Girls top 50, with the exception of Santa Rosa Freeze, the #1 Team in California.
- Two girls made it on the CYSA Olympic Development Team. These two players also attended the ODP Region Pool Camp.
- Three other girls made it to the CYSA Olympic Development District Team. These three players also attended the ODP State Pool Tryouts.
Player Statements
Jessica Matias Lima #1: I’ve been playing soccer for 6 years; this is my second year with CV United. This team has always been there for me, whether I missed a goal or saved a goal – their support is always there. The coaches are very helpful; I love how they taught me a lot of new techniques for goalie. Without both the players and the coaches I feel that I would never become this good. Soccer has changed my life because I found some thing that I absolutely love to do. When I am in the field I feel that everything shuts down and I am in soccer mode. I love soccer.
Maia So-Holloway #2: Playing for Castro Valley has been one of the best choices I’ve made in a while. The girls here are absolutely spectacular. The ability to meet new people whose personalities may be much different than the personalities of people at school is absolutely golden. The coaching doesn’t get much better than what Castro Valley has to provide. Our coaches are hilarious, nice, and really well trained. The mix between my love of soccer, my teammates, and my coaches are really why CVSC is truly the best thing ever.
Alyssa “AMD” Dupuis #3: “It has been such an honor being on this team for the past 3-4 years. Soccer has taught me leadership, respect, and many other traits that make up who I am today. This team is my life and I love every person on it. We are all one big family and I have a feeling it will stay that way for years to come.
Alyssa “ACE” Escoto #5: Being on Castro Valley United Green has been a great experience! I’ve played soccer since I was 5 years old and have been on this team for 3 years. The girls on this team are so awesome! They are the reason why I continue to play the game. We have come a long way together and it’s teamwork that makes us successful.
Taylor DeMasi #6: Soccer has taught me life lessons I couldn’t gain anywhere else. It has created some of my greatest memories, but more importantly soccer has given me the friends I have today and will keep forever.
Madison McNamara #7: Searching for a new team was hard. My first team had super nice girls, but was not a super team. The second team I went to was a super team, but didn’t have very nice girls. When I came to Castro Valley it had the best of both. This is a decision I will never regret. Being on Castro Valley for 3 years has taught me a lot. It’s not about the parents’ and their feelings about how we should play. It’s not about the coaches and what they think about our technical or physical skills. It’s not about our ranking, whether it’s #1 or # 1,000. It’s about those 60 minutes when me and my teammates work our hearts out and give everything we have for each other.
Kirsten Wong #8: This is only my first year with this team and I already see a big difference in myself. Because of the great training from our coaches and the motivation from the players, I have improved a lot in individual skills, teamwork, responsibility, and communication. This team is great! All the girls love soccer, try their best and really make me feel like a part of the team.
Jamie McPherson #9: Playing for Castro Valley United is amazing. I’ve played here since I was 8 and our team keeps improving every year. Playing soccer has helped me mentally and physically. It is really great playing with all these girls! It’s like having a whole other family. I love to hang out with them on and off the field.
Demi “DG10” Gonis #10: My name is Demi Gonis and I eat, sleep and play soccer. Castro Valley has taught me so much about the game I love, soccer. CVSC has helped me to improve my soccer technique and tactical skills in the game. It has also improved my teamwork skills. Our team has learned to work together on and off the field. Castro Valley Soccer Club has taught me the importance of winning and losing as a team and if you work hard and play hard together there is a positive outcome in the end. It’s been a blast and honor to play with the Castro Valley Soccer Team. My dream is to play professional woman’s soccer and I know with the support and guidance from my coaches Mark, Scott, Oliver, and Garry, and along with my team, I can reach my goal. CV YOU KNOW!!!!!!!!
Arianna Alfaro #12: Playing soccer is fun but being part of CV United has not only been fun but it’s help me realized who I am both on and off the field. I’ve learned that competition can be fun. I’ve learned that individual talent has been important but when we pulled together and play as a team we were able to win championships. The time commitment of being on this team has taught me how to balance sports, school, and still have time to hang out with my friends. None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for our coaches who have a made a huge impact in my life.
Jordyn Cunningham #14: When I came to this team a couple of years ago, I didn’t know what to expect. Lucky for me, it was the best decision. They took me in like I was family and our friendships will last a long time. The soccer is awesome. We all want to get better and it shows every time we train or play. Thanks to Coach Mark and all the CVSC coaches because they all work together, I never stop learning, which is important to me so I can live my dream of playing top soccer for a long time.
Kasidee Wiley #15: Along with my Faith and my Family, soccer has become a top priority in my life. Joining the Castro Valley team has helped me step my game up. In the short time I’ve been there my foot skills have improved greatly, and I’m really starting to understand the mental and physical parts of the game. I’ve already made some great friends and I love my coaches. My goals for myself personally are to continue getting good grades, and work hard on my soccer skills, so that I will achieve my ultimate goal, and that is to play soccer in college. The moment I tie my cleats its, “GAME ON!”
Elizabeth “E” Moreno #16: Playing with CV United has got me set for a better future. It has taught me responsibility, sportsmanship, and loyalty. It’s a good set of team with a good set of players with a great bond. I think we will get really far with this team, I hope this team stays together as long as it could.
Sunim “Sunny” Chang #19: Sometimes it takes playing and training with a couple of teams before you find the team where you fit and learn the most. I started playing soccer when I was eight years old in the rec league, running hard and not knowing what I was doing. But I had a Dad who’s crazy about soccer and coached me through the game. After playing in three different teams, I finally found a great team, Castro Valley United and 24-7 UK Soccer. This team was the perfect fit for me. 24-7 UK Soccer has knowledgeable coaches who are great with developing fundamentals. My coach gives us the “incentives” to keep improving by giving us a present of 10 or more push-ups when we make a mistake over and over again. Castro Valley United is truly united because every girl has a place and every girl can learn new skills.
Sienna Ruiz #24: I am a better player for who I play with and against and I am proud of my club and team for our tremendous progress and growth.
Parent Sound Bites:
Tim & Desiree: It has been a blessing for Jamie to be a part of this team with great training and such a good group of girls. We love our Castro Valley soccer family.
Derek & Kay: It’s not how you start…it’s how you finish and these girls continually show that that when soccer or life knocks you down, you just have to keep picking yourself up. Soccer is like life and the lessons they learn on and off the field will stay with them forever.
Oliver: The CVSC Family has been a great addition to my family. My daughter is improving and so is the team. The soccer seems to get better with each year. The players are hardworking, winners, and they all have a great sense of humor. CVSC brings the passion out of each player and the families are in it together. The 24-7 Coaching Staff has done a remarkable job with the club and I am sure the best is yet to come.
Dino and Tammy: When Demi had the opportunity to play for Coach Mark and the Castro Valley Soccer Club U14 Girls’ Team, it was a no brainer! Demi loves her Castro Valley teammates! The parents and players are like family. We know that her coaches, Mark Nutter, Scott DeMasi, and Oliver Cunningham will teach her to adapt to change, challenges, physical capabilities, and different personalities, as well as, help Demi to continue to build the ability to strive, overcome and win against the best soccer teams around. Most importantly, playing soccer will give her some of the best memories a soccer girl could ever hope for!
