Waltham, 9^th December 2009; MPS Bulldogs standout Declan McCabe enjoyed a unique thanksgiving break at Disney World in Florida as part of the US U14 National Development Program.

Fresh from performing for the rising U15 Bulldogs at the Super-Y League National Finals, midfielder McCabe (Weston) was one of 36 players nationwide invited to perform in a serious of games against regional opposition at the Orlando resort.

“Declan has had a wonderful year, individually and collectively with the Bulldogs,” said MPS Director of Player Education Andrew Moir.  “To be one of 36 players selected nationally is an honor and a tribute to his individual dedication over the years.”

The players traveling to Disney World represent the first group of ‘96s (birth calendar year) to enter the U.S. youth national team system.  The group was split into two teams, each competing in three games.  From this event, the group will be narrowed down to a squad of 18 who will travel to Mexico in January to compete as the US U14 National Team.

The U.S. Under-14 National Development Program began in August 1997 with the belief that to continue to compete with the elite countries on the international level, the U.S. would have to build a base of soccer players from the youth level up.  The Under-14 program introduces young players to a level of soccer they would not otherwise see at such a young age and allows the country’s top youths the chance to experience soccer at its highest level and in an international setting.

“At MPS our mission to produce players who can compete at the highest levels of soccer,” said Moir.  “Declan’s achievement should be inspiration to the younger players in our club as we aim to continue to develop youth soccer players in Massachusetts.”

For more information on the US U14 NDP please see HERE 

To find out more about playing opportunities in the MPS Premier Team Program, please contact Mark McDevitt at mmcdevitt@mpsbr.com or 781-891-6900 ext 12.