Sapong Makes Strides in MLS after Excelling in U.S. Youth Soccer System By Mark Wysocki CJ Sapong, a Manassas, Virginia native, thrived throughout his youth on the pitch to emerge as one of the top United States players. As the reigning MLS Rookie of the Year, Sapong credits his achievements to the youth soccer system and the many available competitive programs. “Growing up in Virginia, there were a number of strong teams and leagues nearby to be a part of,” said Sapong. “The training and coaching provided all the necessary tools to be successful and play at the highest possible level. I remember playing in the NCSL (National Capital Soccer League) and Region I (an East Coast league of elite club soccer teams).” Sapong competed on numerous club teams throughout his youth. He spent a majority of his time serving the PWSI Magnum, a northern Virginia club team that was consistently in contention for national recognition. Additionally, he was a member of the Forest Park High School Varsity soccer team for four years, winning the Northwest Region and Cardinal District Player of the Year award in his senior year. Current elite youth club soccer leagues include the US Academy Development League, the Region I League, the Olympic Development Program, and NCSL, among others. These leagues continue to expand as the US further understands the importance of club soccer. Competing in club soccer has become a vital process in being recognized as a potential collegiate soccer player, while high school soccer appears to have less an impact on a prospect’s college opportunities. Tom Martin, Sapong’s coach at James Madison University, said, “Players can be found almost anywhere but the most competitive club leagues have the largest concentration of elite players so that is typically where we start our search.” The combination of Sapong’s talent and work ethic earned him an athletic scholarship in the fall of 2007. Over his four year career as a Duke, Sapong accumulated 37 goals and 21 assists while earning All-CAA First Team and National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-South Atlantic Region First Team honors, among his many awards. Sapong spent his college summers playing for local Player Development League (PDL) teams including D.C. United Academy, F.C. Fredricksburg, and Reading United. These teams were essential for his development as a rising soccer player with professional aspirations. “Playing for the PDL teams while I was on college summer break was really important for my growth,” said Sapong. “The training sessions were in a professional environment, there was great exposure to professional scouts, and most importantly, it allowed me to stay focused on my soccer aspirations in the off-season.” Upon finishing his collegiate career in the fall of 2010, Sapong was invited to attend the 2011 Major League Soccer (MLS) Combine to train in front of MLS scouts with 53 other top tier professional soccer prospects. After impressing the masses, Sapong was the first round selection of Sporting Kansas City and 10th overall pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. “The day I was drafted was the most exciting day of my life,” said Sapong. “It was something I had worked toward for twenty-two years and finally I achieved it.” “CJ is the most complete player to come out of JMU in my 25 years here,” said Martin. “He works hard and has a talent that you don’t see often. Don’t be surprised if he is down in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup.” Sapong got his first chance to play for the US Men’s National team earlier this year, competing in two matches. He made his international debut on January 21 in a 1-0 win over Venezuela. Sapong will continue to showcase his skills for the National team as they begin 2014 World Cup qualification this year. Associated Press. Sapong (left) and MLS Sapong is joined by many other professional players who have Commissioner (right) at the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. benefitted from the youth soccer system. DC United’s Bill Hamid and Andy Najar have found their way into the professional ranks after proving themselves in the DC United Academy. The two have been essential contributors to DC United this season as they command first place in the Eastern Conference. D.C. United. Najar (left) and Hamid (right) look to lead D.C. United to their first playoff birth in four years. The United States Youth Soccer organization has more than three million members participating in the sport. As this population grows and the training remains at a high level, US professional leagues will expand and more youth soccer players will become beneficiaries of the youth soccer system. Further, this movement could even see a more competitive US Men’s National team in international exhibitions and tournaments. .