An Interview with Matt Lacey, Technical Director of Virginia Development Academy
Copa Rayados East Coast Hosts Some of the Best Youth Soccer Academies Across the East Coast
LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA (Monday, June 26, 2023)- We had the opportunity to sit down with Coach Matt, the Technical Director of the renowned Virginia Development Academy (VDA). VDA is part of the prestigious Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), which is considered one of the top youth soccer leagues in the country. . In this exclusive interview, we discuss VDA's participation in the upcoming Copa Rayados East Coast, a preseason youth soccer tournament showcase, and their reasons for choosing this event for their high-level teams. Let's dive into the interview!
[Interviewer]: Coach Matt, we're excited to be hosting you for our East Coast Cup Event. Can you share the three main reasons why you're choosing this event for your high-level teams?
[Matt Lacey]: Absolutely. Firstly, we value high-quality opposition. Copa Rayados East Coast offers us the opportunity to compete against strong teams, which is essential for the development of our players. Secondly, the tournament provides top-notch facilities, ensuring a professional and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Lastly, we appreciate the well-organized nature of the event, as it allows us to focus on what matters most: the games.
[Interviewer]: How many Copa Rayados events have you or your teams attended?
[Matt Lacey]: We have attended this event, Copa Rayados East Coast, and the Easter International Cup in Florida. Both tournaments have consistently met our expectations and provided a platform for our teams to showcase their skills against quality opposition.
[Interviewer]: Coach Matt, as a Coach and Director, overall, what do you look for in a tournament when choosing competitions for your team?
[Matt Lacey]: Quality competition is the number one priority for us. We aim to expose our players to challenging matches that push them to grow and improve. Additionally, we find it appealing when tournaments offer the opportunity to face a variety of teams from ECNL/MLS Next, as this further enhances the competitive experience for our players.
[Interviewer]: What are you most looking forward to for your teams at the Copa Rayados East Coast?
[Matt Lacey]: We are eagerly anticipating a well-organized event where our teams can compete against top-level competition on the East Coast. It's a great opportunity for our players to test themselves against some of the best teams in the region, and we're excited to see how they rise to the challenge.
[Interviewer]: Is there anything you can mention about the Copa Rayados events that stand out for you in comparison to others?
[Matt Lacey]: I believe the ability of Copa Rayados events to attract the best teams from any league is the biggest factor for us. This ensures a high level of competition, making the tournament a valuable experience for our players. The opportunity to face teams from various leagues and backgrounds adds a unique element to the event, and we appreciate the inclusive and competitive atmosphere it fosters.
[Conclusion] Thank you, Coach Matt, for taking the time to share your insights with us. It's clear that VDA prioritizes high-quality opposition, top-notch facilities, and well-organized events when selecting tournaments for their teams. We wish VDA the best of luck at the Copa Rayados East Coast and look forward to witnessing the exceptional soccer talent on display. Stay tuned for more exciting updates from the tournament!
About the Copa Rayados East Coast: The Copa Rayados East Coast showcase event will run August 25-27 in Loudoun County, VA. The event already has some of the top Boys and Girls ECNL, MLS Next,GA, and other high level teams competing in a showcase format. Copa Rayados East Coast will use top facilities Philip A Bolen Memorial Park and Hanson Park as sites for the games. Applications are still open. Interested teams can visit coparayados.com/coparayadoseastcoast.
About Virginia Development Academy: (VDA) is a highly regarded soccer academy based in Northern Virginia, United States. Established in 2009, VDA has gained a reputation for its commitment to player development and its success in producing top-level talent. The academy focuses on nurturing young soccer players and providing them with a pathway to compete at the highest levels of the sport. VDA is part of the prestigious Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), which is considered one of the top youth soccer leagues in the country. The ECNL provides a platform for elite youth players to compete against the best clubs in the nation.With its dedication to player development, strong coaching staff, and participation in the highly competitive ECNL, Virginia Development Academy has established itself as one of the premier youth soccer programs on the East Coast. The academy's focus on providing quality training, opportunities for advancement, and exposure to high-level competition contributes to its success in developing well-rounded and talented players.