Soccer California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 13, 2024) - Cal North has named Casey Clark as Director of Goalkeeping for the Cal North Olympic Development Program.

The Cal North ODP Director of Goalkeeping will be tasked with overseeing and enhancing the development of goalkeepers within the Olympic Development Program (ODP). This role involves creating a structured framework for goalkeeper development, refining the tryout process, integrating gameplay evaluation, implementing pregame warm-up routines, designing structured training modules, and providing mentorship for goalkeepers. 

"We are pleased to announce that Casey Clark will be joining the Cal North ODP Leadership team as the New Director of ODP Goalkeeping. Casey embarked on this new role with Cal North ODP beginning in August for the first ODP try-out and will take this specialized role and will bring to ODP a comprehensive approach to goalkeeper development that encompasses both technical skill refinement and holistic player growth," said Joyce Bordley, Managing Director for Cal North ODP. "Casey comes to us with an extensive background from being a professional Goalkeeper to founding a national program and platform for Goalkeepers to compete and receive support."

Clark grew up in Denair, California and went on to play collegiate soccer at Doane University in Crete, Nebraska, where he served as team captain, named G-PAC Conference Player of the Week in five different occasions, was a thee-time Honorable Mention All-Conference Goalkeeper and became the first soccer player in Doane University Men's soccer program to receive NAIA National Defensive Player of the Week honors.

"I look forward to implementing a framework in the goalkeeper department that I wish I had as a young keeper. As we establish this new position, I aim to create an environment that fosters growth and excellence, along with additional resources for off-pitch education through online workshops and a mentorship program," said Clark. "This will help guide players towards achieving their personal goals while mastering, in my opinion, the toughest position on the pitch."

Clark continued his playing career after college and signed semi-professional contracts in the Premier Developmental League (USL2) with Lane United FC and Saint Louis Lions. He then signed for St. Louis Ambush, a professional indoor soccer team based in St. Charles, Missouri playing in the Major Arena Soccer League, where he played for four seasons. In 2019 Clark went on to sign for Louisville City FC of the United Soccer League (USL Championship).

"I have had the privilege of playing and coaching around the U.S. and learning from so many quality players and coaches along the way. Biggest thing I've learned is there are many ways to play & coach this position," he said. "It is our job as coaches to give the players the tools to be successful and let them decide how they want to use them. My hope is to leave each and every keeper better than I found them."

During his time in Missouri, Clark also worked for Missouri Youth Soccer Association as an ODP Goalkeeper Coach for three years before making his way back to Northern California. During this tenure, Clark founded a successful national program and platform for Goalkeepers to compete and receive support. 

"Growing up in the Cal North system, furthering my career around the U.S. and then making my way back to lead the goalkeeper development side of Cal North ODP is truly full circle for me," said Clark. "The ability to work with a great organization in my home state, to give back to the next generation, is an honor."

Clark currently holds the United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeper Level I & II certification and a B.A. from Doane University in Psychology and Business Administration.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (September 12, 2024) - Kendall Conway is player that has been with the Cal North ODP program since 2020. Her standout performances and talent has put her on the U.S. Women Youth National Team's radar, getting called up for camps and even winning her first major tournament with the U.S. Under-15 Women’s Youth National Team during August in Costa Rica. 

Conway scored five goals and had one assist in this tournament, playing a key role in the fourth consecutive CONCACAF Girls’ U-15 Championship for The Stars and Stripes. 

We caught up with Kendall, a promising and rising star that has developed tremendously the last several years with the Cal North Olympic Development Program, her current club, Lamorinda Soccer Club and now with the U.S. Under-15 Women’s Youth National Team. 

Cal North: Let's kick things off by telling us and the Cal North community a little bit about who Kendall Conway is?

Kendall Conway: I am 15 years old and a sophomore at Justin Siena High School in Napa.  A fun fact about me is that I am a triplet so that’s pretty cool. My older brother (by a minute) is Jack and my younger sister (by a minute) is Kaitlyn. They are my best friends and we are very close.

Cal North: When did you get started playing soccer and how do you remember first getting involved in the sport?

Kendall Conway: I first started playing soccer when I was three years old when I lived in New York City. I loved to kick the ball in Central Park. My parents got us involved with every single sport when we were younger to try and tire us out.  

Cal North: Who encouraged you to play soccer?

Kendall Conway: My Mom was an amazing soccer player and I have always wanted to be like her and follow in her footsteps.

Cal North: Who is Kendall Conway outside of soccer? What other activities do you enjoy doing besides soccer?

Kendall Conway: I am really focused on school and I spend a lot of time studying in the car going to and from soccer practice.  I love hanging out with friends and I love to travel.  I have a dirt bike that I enjoy riding and of course I love to shop!

Cal North: What is your favorite soccer team?

Kendall Conway: The U.S. Women’s National Team is definitely my favorite team. Professionally, I like Racing Louisville FC because I am a huge fan of Coach Bev Yanez. I also like Chelsea. I’ve had the opportunity to train with Conor Gallagher and that was incredible. He has a wonderful work ethic.

Cal North: Who is your favorite soccer player or role model?

Kendall Conway:  My favorite soccer player is Rose Lavelle. I love how she plays and creates opportunities. She is a game changer. My role model outside of soccer is definitely my Dad because he is so hard-working and he pushes us every day. I love him for that and he’s always so positive.

Cal North: What is your current club and former clubs that you have played for in Northern California?

Kendall Conway: I play for Lamorinda Soccer Club and I absolutely love it. I love my coaches and my teammates. I am very lucky. Prior to Lamorinda, I played for the 2008 Napa United girls team and the 2009 Napa United MLS Next boys team. Before Napa United, I played for Sonoma Valley United.

Cal North: When did you first join Cal North ODP? How has the experience been playing Cal North ODP?

Kendall Conway: I first joined Cal North ODP in 2020. It has been a wonderful experience as I have had outstanding coaches and developed great friendships with my teammates who come from all over northern California. I remain in touch with my ODP coaches and they have been very helpful with my development as a soccer player and as a person. I also remember being really, really nervous because ODP was my first big tryout, but it helped me learn to prepare and practice on my own. I really enjoy playing with Cal North ODP because I get to play more soccer and I get the exposure to different playing styles with high-quality players from all over northern California.

Cal North: How was the process of getting identified by the US Women's Youth National team? Do you remember your first call-up?

Kendall Conway: I have participated in several U.S. Soccer Talent ID Centers, Regional Mini Camps, and National Camps with a pool of players. Each step along the way has been very challenging, but extremely rewarding. My first call up was back in October of 2023 to the U-15 National Team Camp in Portland. I remember I was at soccer practice and at the end, Coach Mo gathered all of the girls together and said, “Kendall come up here” and he told me I had made it! I knew the roster was going to be revealed soon, but I just didn’t know exactly when. I was on Cloud Nine and it was the most exciting news of my whole entire life. It was so nice to celebrate with my coaches and teammates.

Cal North: In January you were playing at the 2024 West ODP Championships with Cal North. Has it been a full 360 change playing at the next level with the youth national team now?

Kendall Conway: The 2024 West ODP Championships was very special. My Grandma passed away the week prior and I remember scoring a goal from far out. I made a heart with my hands and raised it to the sky. My teammates celebrated with me and it was an unbelievable feeling that I will never forget. I wouldn’t say it’s been a whole 360 change playing with the youth national team. ODP has definitely helped me with learning different playing styles and adapting to playing with different teammates. I would say the pace of play with the youth national team is so fast and everyone is very talented, driven and competitive, which is an incredible environment to learn in.  

Cal North: Talk to us about the camp in Europe and now the CONCACAF Girls' U-15 Championship? How were these two experiences?

Kendall Conway: When I went to Europe with the U.S. National Team in June, I was a little nervous to be going overseas to play against other countries, but I’ve never been so excited for something. To help prepare, I practiced more with the older girls and boys at my Club.  For CONCACAF, I had the experience of playing against Germany and the Netherlands earlier in the summer, but this time it was an actual competition and we were playing to win a championship. This brought a lot more nerves, but much more excitement, too. Every time I have the honor of being with the National Team, I learn and grow so much as a player. The coaches are all so amazing, encouraging and passionate. It’s soccer around the clock which I absolutely love and being able to represent my Country is the greatest honor in the world.

Cal North: How has it been adapting to your new teammates at the national level?

Kendall Conway: It has been easy because we all share the same passion – we all love the game of soccer! I am in awe of all of them and it has been so much fun getting to know them and learn about their different backgrounds and pathways. The bond between everyone is just amazing and these relationships, like the ones I have developed thru ODP, will last a lifetime. Everyone is so funny, loving, caring and welcoming – like your sisters, and it’s just so much fun.

Cal North: How did the Cal North ODP help you prepare to then be identified by the US Women's Youth National team?

Kendall Conway:  ODP is a terrific organization and has an extensive network. Some of the ODP coaches are U.S. National Team scouts or have connections to the different U.S. National Teams. ODP has helped prepare me to play in high-pressure situations and in big tryouts over an extended period of time.  

Cal North: What advice would you give to everyone in Cal North ODP that is looking to break into the US youth national teams?

Kendall Conway: I would say if you are already on ODP, you are on the right path as you have already proven that you are a really good player. Keep working hard and it is the practice you do on your own when nobody is watching that can really help you improve. Work on your conditioning, learn to be technical and watch a lot of soccer. Also, take advantage of what people are willing to help you with. Finally, the most important is to have fun playing the greatest game in the world!

Read: USA Wins Fourth Consecutive Concacaf Girls’ U-15 Championship With 3-0 Victory Over Mexico On Goals From Mia Corona, Mak Whitham and Meila Brewer

In an effort to provide all the education and resources needed to better understand the impact of a possible turf field ban happening in Santa Clara County and the City of Sunnyvale, Cal North would like to provide the following information. 

On April 14, 2024, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 to study the ramifications of artificial turf on county land, with Board President Susan Ellenberg and Supervisor Cindy Chavez voting no. The proposal came from Supervisor Otto Lee, who raised concerns about the negative environmental and health effects of the materials.

Read the full article Santa Clara County to study ban on artificial turf by the San Jose Spotlight.

On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors are planning on voting to ban artificial turf. 

Cal North DOES NOT support that ban, as it will limit the field space for Cal North member clubs and leagues to function properly during fall and spring seasons, not to mention summer tournaments. The ban will also bring implications not only to the soccer community, but to the rest of youth sports organizations that operate on artificial turf fields during certain times of the year. The ban of turf fields will additionally bring higher costs on field rentals, as maintenance and repair will be an issue due to the already high demand from youth sports organizations. In addition, it immediately puts a new eight field facility planned for the Santa Clara Fairgrounds at risk. 

We are asking our soccer community to please visit the Advocating for Synthetic Turf on Athletic Field Surfaces in Sunnyvale website for more information, and to NOT SUPPORT THE BAN. There are several ways that you can help this ban to not go through, visit the website to see all the possible ways you can support your soccer community. Please send an email to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors at BoardOperations@cob.sccgov.org to express your concern and to oppose the proposed ban.

The Game Day Facilitator oversees recreational youth soccer matches to make sure there is a safe, fair and enjoyable soccer environment for players, coaches and spectators.