After a successful season, the ’97 EWSA Hammers Black finished top the U16 First East Division. In doing so, they secured a coveted spot in the statewide NCYSA Premier League.
The Hammers dominated the competition by notching 10 wins against one loss. Along the way, the Hammers scored a league best 45 goals and only allowed 10.
At the conclusion of the season, the Hammers competed in the NCYSA State Cup. In group play, they beat #2 ranked team CASL Elite Black 1-0, and NC Fusion Premier 3-0, proving they can play with the elite teams in the state.
The team members are Jonathan Bailey, Elijah Strong, Ryan Killen, Daniel Alioto, Ryan Patton, Derek Kaple, Justin Charamut, Nathan Gage, Ryan Mays, Jesus Ibarra, Christopher Guzman, Christian Guzman, Gabriel Gonzalez, Josiah Gonzalez, Josiah, Mujica, Tyler Dacaret and Jarod Haynes. The boys were born between Aug. 1, 1998 and July 1, 1999.
Nathan Bird, the coach of the Hammers, had this to say, “The boys have worked tremendously hard behind the scenes and been pursuing this venture for some time. The boys possess great talent and collegiate prospects for the future, a true pleasure to work with” Coach Bird, a native of Nantwich, England, is Director of Coaching for EWSA as well as Regional Director for Premier UK Soccer.
EWSA tryouts for all age groups begins Monday, May 19 – 21, at East Wake Middle School in Knightdale. For further information, please contact Nathan Bird at nbird.premieruk@gmail.com.
