BW Rhode Island Girls Program
Club adds former Portuguese National Youth player - coach Ben Figueredo
 Friday, April 18
RHODE ISLAND – In only three full seasons of Super-Y League competition, the Blackwatch Rhode Island girls program has shown a strong presence within the New England Region and has subsequently established a solid reputation for fielding quality teams. During the 2007 season three of four teams qualified for the Super Y-League North American Finals highlighted by the U16 girls advancing to the championship match where they lost 2-0 to Cleveland Internationals.
“Super Y-League competition has been a very positive experience for our players and our club,” said BW Rhode Island Girls Co-Director, Seth Coulter. “We are fortunate to play in a strong region which prepares us for the challenges of the North American Finals in Tampa.”
“The quality and class of the finals is second to none,” added Coulter. “We look forward to the challenge of earning another bid to the finals in 2008. It is always a tough challenge to advance from the New England Region, but with strong preparations and a determined group, we hope to have the opportunity again, this fall.”
Blackwatch Rhode Island has also made professional steps to enhance the quality of its players’ experience and training. The girls program will be led by Co-Directors, U17 Girls Head Coach Martyn Hollands and Coulter.
Hollands has extensive coaching and program development experience with a solid history of successful players and teams. Coulter also has a strong background in training solid players. He has served with Blackwatch Rhode Island President, Scott Cannon and Hollands as Super Y-League New England Region ODP Scouts and National ODP staff coaches.
“Both Martyn and Seth bring a fresh dynamic to the Blackwatch girls program,” said Cannon. “We have a clear direction and sense of purpose with the development of the girls program and will provide our players with soccer opportunities unmatched by other clubs within Rhode Island and in the region.”
“We have added coach, Ben Figueredo, who played for many years with various Portuguese National Youth Teams before coming to America, to train our U13 girls,” said Cannon. “I am pleased with the successful progress of Blackwatch Premier and am excited have a strong staff of coaches to continue that trend of developing some of the region’s best players and teams.”
Blackwatch Rhode Island girls program ranked fifth in the 2007 Super Y-League Top Eleven. They will field teams in U13-U17 age divisions for the 2008 Super-Y League season.
Team Capsules
U13 Girls
“In our inaugural year in Super Y-League our U13 Girls have been working very hard,” said Coach Ben Figueredo. “[We have been] focusing on technical development, individual skills and tactics. It has been a pleasure watching these girls become a united team and taking their soccer to a higher level of understanding technically, tactically, physically and psychologically. Our team will be led by our captains Kathryn Bealka and Gabrielle Peloquin.”
U14 Girls
The Blackwatch Rhode Island girls’ U14 team is returning from a very successful season last year with a record of 9-0-1 as the New England Region Champions.
This year’s team is very excited to return to the playing field and hopefully continue their success.
"The girls are excited to compete,” said Head Coach Ross Maki of the upcoming season. “The New England Region is very competitive with some very talented and well coached teams. Our focus will be to continue to develop as a team and compete at the highest level possible."
The team was well represented at this year’s Super Y-League ODP National Camp. Players selected were; Taylor Levy, Alison Lizotte, Haley Schachter, Paige Almeida, and Ana Bowden. In addition, Taylor Levy and Paige Almeida also play for the Mass ODP U14 team as well.
U15 Girls
After a strong U13 season two years ago, the team struggled with some injuries and unlucky results during the 2007 campaign. Though the team netted 24 goals, they allowed 14 and ended up on the losing end of some close games that prevented them from earning full points. This year coach Jarred Stand will be taking the reins. He is looking to bring the team back to top form.
“Though the team had a tough previous season, I am confident we have the quality of players to put together a more competitive season this time around,” said Stand. “The team is led by returning Super Y-League ODP players, Andrea D’Headouville and Samantha Whittier, along with Lauren Grady and newcomer Brittany Zina.
U16 Girls
After three consecutive years earning North American Finals berths and a trip to the championship match last fall, the U16 girls are hungrier than ever.
Increasing their training regimen and adding more talent during the offseason, the team is working to contend once again for the opportunity to represent the New England Region.
“We know that every game in our region is a battle,” said Coulter. “Each team in New England has very talented players. They are well coached and organized in their play and are capable of competing for the Region. Hopefully our versatility, depth and tactical framework will provide us with the competitive edge necessary to continue our success.”
The team had seven players selected for Super Y-League ODP Camp. Two of those players were selected to the Super Y-League Select Team.
U17 Girls
Under Hollands, the U17 girls have advanced two out of three years to the North American Finals and are looking to earn back to back honors this season. With a full complement of returning players as well as some additional talent, the team looks primed to accomplish that objective.
“I am quite pleased with the dynamic of this team,” said Hollands. “The players have a strong work ethic, solid team camaraderie and quality leadership. They are focused on improving themselves and developing as players and team.
We are working hard on our season preparations and we hope to put ourselves in a positive position to compete within the region first and then look beyond if given the chance.”
The team is led by captains Allison Nagle and Sarah Wooley.
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