Nicole Pickering blazed the trail in 2023, becoming the academy's first representative by being selected for the G2009 Cal South ODP™ team. Her selection opened doors for others, especially on the boys side. Julian Alborzian quickly achieved the next roster spot for the B2008 ODP™ team, followed by Logan Cummings and Axel Soto, both securing positions on the B2010 team's roster pool, also in 2023.
The momentum continues into 2024, with Isaac Negrete being chosen for the B2008 team and Alan Hernandez strengthening the B2010 roster pool winning a spot. Their selections represent not only a prestigious high value achievement, but the culmination of their countless hours of dedication, long practices, off days training, and unwavering commitment to excellence on the pitch.
"Each of these athletes embodies the spirit and philosophy of FC7Soccer®", says Afsheen Alborzian, President and Chief Technical Director. "For each of these players, their selection to the ODP™ program reflects both their personal growth, and our academy's dedication to developing well-rounded and highly technical soccer players."
The Olympic Development Program™, renowned for identifying and developing elite youth soccer players, serves as a crucial steppingstone toward higher levels of competition. For these six FC7Soccer® DA™ star athletes, it represents an opportunity to train alongside the region's top talent while catching the eye of college and pro scouts with potential to be chosen for the US Soccer® youth national team and possibly ranked nationally by publications like "Top Drawer Soccer™" (TGS).
As these young soccer stars continue their athletic journey, their success stories continue to inspire the next generation of FC7Soccer® Development Academy players, proving that with dedication, proper guidance, and unwavering commitment, every athlete's dream of reaching elite levels in soccer can become a reality right here in Santa Clarita.
The entire FC7Soccer® DA family celebrates each of our star athlete's achievements, recognizing them as not just individual triumphs, but as milestones that strengthen our entire soccer community. We ask all of you to take the time to congratulate them. -FC7Soccer® Management