New Jersey City University

JERSEY CITY, NJ…In preparation for the CONCACAF qualifying for the 2008 FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup, the United States U-17 Women's Soccer National Team recently held its training camp at New Jersey City University's Thomas M. Gerrity Athletic Complex from June 6-13. The U.S. Team is vying for the first-ever world championship in this age group.

 

NJCU's manicured, well-maintained natural grass facility has become a popular practice destination for national and professional soccer teams over the last decade. Among those who have practiced at NJCU's complex are the New York Red Bulls of Major League Soccer, and national teams from Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, Honduras U-17 and Panama.

 

The training camp was in preparation for the CONCACAF U-17 women's championship, which will be played from July 17-26 in Trinidad and Tobago, with the top three teams advancing to the World Cup in New Zealand, October 28-November 16.

 

U.S. Head Coach Kazbek Tambi invited 26 players for the camp at NJCU, with 21 making the final roster. Among the local talent on display was Jennifer Pettigrew of Kearny, NJ, one of only three New Jersey prep players invited.

 

During the week-long camp, the team played three matches, including a game against the Jersey Sky Blue of the USL W-League. The U.S. roster is mostly made up of players born in 1991 and 1992, with three players from 1993.