The 2003 Elite Girls team was formed in August 2016 because of the switch to birth year. Given the fantastic season they’ve had, the short time together apparently hasn’t been a factor at all. The group of girls, coached by Craig Harrington, is the current champions in the Florida State League, as well as winning the SRPL East region premier division. At this writing, regionals are on the horizon in North Carolina and then the group will transition into either playing in the ENCL or NPL 2017-18. Pretty impressive for having been together less than a year. There must be a key to that success. “We try to be a team that dominates the opposition in all areas of the game. To play attractive, attacking soccer,” Harrington explains.

possession-based, creates numerous scoring chances, and controls the game by keeping the ball.” When it turns over, the 2003 Elite immediately applies pressure on the player with the ball, and seeks to recover it as soon as possible. Their motivation? “Ambition to be the best team and players in the country.” Harrington says, “We have long term targets that we set as group, i.e. win our league. But we take it one game at time.” Helping them accomplish goals is a group effort to put team first. “The players are extremely close, always thinking ‘team’ before their own ego and demonstrating an emotional intelligence coping with pressure. They put in an incredible amount of work together on the training field and in their games.

which is a trait I value, and they are able to find common ground of interests with each other.” Asked what he would say about his team if he were bragging about them to a friend or another coach, Harrington replied: “They always give their maximum, driving each other on beyond their limit. The players have made great progress ever since I took charge of the team and I feel that there is more to come. I feel very proud to be their coach. They always show great character and great personality in every situation. You need to have character and clear ideas in the way you play. For that, I congratulate the players. Ultimately, it’s a group of young ladies who are inspired, empowered, and energized to do bold and great things in life.”