The United States U-16 girls' national soccer team is a youth soccer team operated under the auspices of U.S. Soccer. Its primary role is the development of players in preparation for the senior national team, as well as bridging the development between the youth competition levels of the U-15 and the U-17.
| Nickname(s) | Team USA The Stars and Stripes The Yanks | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Association | United States Soccer Federation | ||
| Confederation | CONCACAF (North America) | ||
| FIFA code | USA | ||
| |||
History
editThe U-16 team initially had no international competition and was used to prepare players for the U-19 level, at which the FIFA U-19 Women's World Championship was originally played.[1][2]
The current incarnation of U-16s was re-instituted in February 2015 under coach Tricia Taliaferro.[3][4] The team competed in the first women's edition of the Tournament of Nations (Torneo delle Nazioni) in Gradisca d'Isonzo, Italy, in April 2016. This tournament included the first-ever women's soccer game between the United States and Iran at any level, a 6–0 win for the United States with a hat trick from Summer Yates.[5][6][7] Patchy Toledo became the head coach of the U-16s in August 2022.[8]
Players
editCurrent squad
edit20 players were called up for international friendly matches against Germany on June 3–12, 2024.[9]
Recent call-ups
editThe following players have been called up in the past 12 months.
Coaches
edit
April Heinrichs[10]- Steve Swanson (2000–2002)[11]
- Sue Patberg (2003–2005)[12]
- Tricia Taliaferro[3]
- Barry Ritson[3]
- Katie Schoepfer[13]
Patchy Toledo (2022–present)[8]
References
edit- ^ Spethmann, Antje (April 2, 1994). "Evergreen's Smisek to coach U-16 team". The Olympian – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ McMorries (January 30, 2022). "Scotts Valley native pursues Olympic dream". Santa Cruz Sentinel – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ a b c "U.S. Under-16 GNT Kicks Off New Cycle With Trip To The Netherlands". United States Soccer Federation. June 10, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ Eskilson, J.R. (March 6, 2015). "U16 GNT coach chats about camp, roster". TopDrawerSoccer. Retrieved October 15, 2024.
- ^ Anthony, Kevin (May 4, 2016). "Yates a big hit in Italy". Tri-City Herald – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Foley, Brendan (May 18, 2016). "WHS Sophomore Soccer Star: Wingate finishes up Under 16 National Tournament in Italy". Wilmington Town Crier. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
- ^ Clark, Travis (May 4, 2016). "Standouts from the Tournament of Gradisca". TopDrawerSoccer. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
- ^ a b "U.S. Under-16 Women's Youth National Team Set To Gather At Nike Headquarters In Portland, Oregon". United States Soccer Federation. October 18, 2022. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ "U.S. Under-16 Women's Youth National Team Will Face Germany Twice In Aschaffenburg". United States Soccer Federation.
- ^ "U.S. WNT Pioneer April Heinrichs Named Winner of 2019 Werner Fricker Builder Award". United States Soccer Federation. January 9, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ "Steve Swanson". Virginia Cavaliers. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ "Sue Patberg". Emory Eagles. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
- ^ "U.S. U-16 USGNT Kicks Off 2020 with Florida Training Camp". United States Soccer Federation. January 21, 2020. Retrieved October 16, 2024.