The 2010 Houston Dynamo Residential Elite Camp, presented by Statoil, continued Tuesday with the potential Dynamo Academy prospects waking up with butterflies in their stomach. Tuesday was fitness testing day!
During the morning session, the groups were split up as usual, but instead of training, the groups were put through a series of tests which are applied to measure speed over 20 meters, recovery rate, mobility, speed when changing direction, and anabolic rate, all key components in the process of evaluating potential Academy players.
After the series of tests, players heard from Dynamo Director of Youth Development James Clarkson about what it means and takes to be a Houston Dynamo Academy player. He spoke about the responsibilities, attitudes, and commitment that each player needs to reach the next level. Clarkson stressed that “Skill and ability is what will get you into the Academy, but character is what keeps you here!”
During the half-day break and lunch, the players embarked on the second round of World Cup futsal, as well as taking the time to relax and watch the Brazil-North Korea World Cup game on TV.
The afternoon kicked off with the age groups again playing each other in 11 v. 11 matchups. In Game 1, the 96s played the 97s to a hard-fought 1-1 draw. The game was well-played all around. In Game 2, the 98s defeated the 99s in a 4-1 triumph. In Game 3, the 93s surprised the 92s in a 3-1 stunner. The last game of the evening saw the 95s beat the 94s in a 3-1 victory.
After a pleasant pasta dinner, the Academy prospects enjoyed an evening filled with more World Cup futsal, as well as late-night pizza just before bed.
