Each year on National Signing Day, college coaches from all over the country anxiously wait as hundreds of athletes announce their college commitments.
This year, the NCAA National Signing Day features 27 Orlando City Youth Soccer (OCYS) players signing their National Letter of Intent to various universities across the country. Those universities include Clemson University, University of South Florida, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill and many others.
“This is a very exciting time of the year for all of our seniors,” said Executive Director Stephen Rammel. “We are aware that we are part of a pro model but we also understand that the majority of our club will go on to college. The quality of the colleges and the quantity of both boys and girls that we have that have received scholarships demonstrates our support and believe in our student-athletes going on to play and study and the collegiate level .”
Roughly 20 out of the 27 players were in attendance at the first annual OCYS National Signing Day this year and were recognized by Orlando City President Phil Rawlins, Head Coach Adrian Heath, OCYS Executive Director Stephen Rammel, OCYS Senior Boys Academy Director Paul Shaw and OCYS Senior Girls Academy Director Alan Hough.
“Playing in college is a huge part of the American sports culture and we understand how important it is for our members,” added Rawlins. “We’re delighted that so many of the players in our program are getting the chance to move on to the next level.”
This year’s number of OCYS commitments on National Signing Day doubles the 15 commits from the 2012-13 season, and according to Heath, is a direct representation of all of the hard work from everyone associated with the club.
“This shows that we’re moving in the right direction and speaks volumes for a lot of the people who have put so much hard work in the club,” said Heath. “I’m very pleased that so many of our kids are the getting the opportunities to play at some really good colleges and the commitment their parents have shown has been incredible."
