Local Youth Players Show SPARQ

Two Area Youths Test High at Winter Showcase

February 5, 2009

The SPARQ training results from the U.S. Development Academy’s Winter Showcase were recently released and two players from New England clubs scored in the Top 10 in their respective age divisions.

Charlie Rugg of FC Greater Boston and Yamil Roman of Oakwood (Conn.) finished ninth and sixth respectively in their ages groups, U17-18 for Rugg and U15-16 for Roman.

And while all Academy clubs tested well against national benchmarks, one club led the way.

FC Milwaukee (Butler, Wis.) ranked among the top 10 Academy clubs each of the last two seasons, while two of the clubs players, Gavin Robertson (103.88) and Collin Monahan (99.20), posted the highest and third highest overall SPARQ ratings at the Winter Showcase. Their scores place them in the 99th percentile of SPARQ tests conducted around the world at this age group.

SPARQ, which stands for speed, power, agility, reaction and quickness, is an organization that provides physical testing and training for each Academy club as well as the U.S. National Teams. The overall SPARQ rating is derived from the four key soccer-specific athletic tests: Yo-yo intermittent recovery test, 20 meter sprint, Arrowhead Agility and Vertical Jump.

All Academy clubs will undergo a second round of tests during the Spring Showcase, with the idea being that the ratings can provide benchmarks and goals, while identifying specific areas that need improvement.

In addition to conducting the tests, SPARQ’s fitness expert, Paul Winsper designed themed training programs for Academy coaches to improve their team’s dynamic warm ups and strength conditioning. Winsper conducted coaching seminars at the last three Academy Showcases as well as overseen the execution of the on-site SPARQ testing.

“SPARQ Training is the cornerstone of physical preparation for soccer players and an integral part of a team’s overall training plan,” said Winsper. “The tools and programs provided by SPARQ help coaches and players monitor progress and prepare for the physical demands of competition. Stronger players will suffer fewer injuries; more explosive players will be first to the ball; and fitter players will be more effective throughout the course of a game.”

Top 10 SPARQ Scores U-17/18 SPARQ Rating
1. Gavin Robertson (FC Milwaukee) 103.88
2. Brad Jacobson (FC Westchester) 101.83
3. Collin Monahan (FC Milwaukee) 99.20
4. Levi Rossi (Real Colorado) 99.18
5. Mark Linnville (Greensboro) 98.50
6. Mike Mangotic (Internationals) 98.40
7. Jared Isenthal (Carmel) 97.65
8. Jeremy Shelley (CASL) 96.63
9. Charlie Rugg (FC Greater Boston) 95.58
10. Nick MacKain (Atlanta Fire) 94.55

*All of the above Academy players scored in the 98th percentile based on SPARQ’s Performance Guide. The performance guides bases these scores and percentile rankings from test data on a sample of 14-18 year old club and professional soccer players from the USA, Europe and South America.

Top 10 SPARQ Scores U-15/16 SPARQ Rating
1. George Fradenburg (Birmingham United) 97.25
2. Stefen Picton (North Meck) 94.73
3. Vlad Lekarev (CASA) 94.43
4. Zachary DeVille (San Diego Surf) 93.63
5. Kwesi Alleyne (Schulz Academy) 87.75
6. Yamil Roman (Oakwood) 86.93
7. Chris Somerville (FC Delco) 86.90
8. Tim Kreutz (Sockers FC) 86.33
9. Tyler Evans (San Diego Surf) 84.93
10. Momudu Sluwar (FC Delco) 84.55

*All of the above Academy players scored in the 95th percentile based on SPARQ’s Performance Guide. The performance guides bases these scores and percentile rankings from test data on a sample of 14-18 year old club and professional soccer players from the USA, Europe and South America.

Return from Local Youth Players Show SPARQ to Youth Soccer

ADD TO YOUR SOCIAL BOOKMARKS: