Twenty-two FASA graduates make 2014 college soccer commitments

Fredericksburg, Va. – The Fredericksburg Area Soccer Association (FASA) is celebrating another outstanding group of student athletes in its efforts to prepare players for college soccer careers, as 22 members of the club have signed National Letters of Intent to compete at a range of NCAA programs (see full list below).

“I am so proud of these players, each and every one of them,” said Pete Cinalli, FASA’s College Recruiting Director, General Manager & head coach of the club’s U17 Impact Elite team. “Clearly they have worked incredibly hard to put themselves in a position to be recruited.

“Placing over 20 FASA graduates into college programs again in 2014 is an outstanding accomplishment.”

Cinalli heads an aggressive program put in place at FASA to assist players with the complex process of college recruiting and admissions.

Starting around the Under-14 age level, student-athletes and parents alike are comprehensively educated about academic standards, campus visits, educational requirements, NCAA regulations and much more, as the club seeks to prepare players for the next level not only on the field, but also off it.

“I hold individual meetings with each FASA team from U-14 and up each year. And every player – along with at least one parent – attends, as every aspect of the college recruiting process is covered,” explained Cinalli. “We discuss the importance of academic excellence, college visits, creating highlight videos, and so on. This includes the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved and what to expect as they progress from 8th grade through each year of high school.

“Our coaches also play a major role. In addition to skills training, it’s preparing them to not only get recruited, but to be successful at the college level.”

Those who reach that level are commemorated at FASA’s headquarters office, where the walls are decorated with photos of former FASA players playing in college. The facility also hosts a commitment celebration every year, where players gather to celebrate their achievement with family members and coaches.

“Seeing all of them at our signing party in their college jerseys along with their FASA coaches was a very special sight,” said Cinalli of this year’s crop. “All had parents and family members there to share in the special celebration that we held in our club office.”

The club typically averages between 15 and 25 college commitments each year, and many players in FASA’s 2015 graduating class have already made verbal commitments.

“We expect next year’s group to be as large or larger,” added Cinalli proudly. “If I had to sum it up in to one word, it would be commitment. Our club is fully committed to providing the opportunity for players to reach their goals and dreams.”