August 23, 2019
1:57 PM MDT
Player Insider: Brooklyn Raines
Hello, my name is Brooklyn Raines and this is my 2nd year at Barça Residency Academy. I am from Illinois and I have 3 brothers and 1 sister. I started playing soccer when I was 3 years old with the YMCA. I joined the club Inter FC at the age of 5. I played with Inter FC until I was 13 years old when I started playing with Barça Residency Academy.
Last year I was on the U15 DA and I learned a lot. I learned how to play the 6 position which is the CDM. I learned how to distribute and be more aware of what is around me on the field. The coaches taught us Barça’s style of play which is possession based with lots of ball movement. The coaches taught me a lot and really pushed me to improve my game and be the best version of myself on and off the field.
I also got the opportunity to train at La Masia. At La Masia I got to train with Infantil A which is their U14 age group. It was an awesome experience. The players were all technically, physically, and mentally amazing. I learned to move the ball faster due to their high speed of play. While we were in Barcelona we also got to see the Barcelona U19s play as well as the first team. It was really great to see both teams play and see how the style of play is implemented at the highest levels. Since that experience I have tried to replicate their style more effectively in my own game.
Overall my first year at Barça Residency Academy was fantastic because I got to make friends, learn from great coaches, and develop as a player. I am looking forward to my second year at Barça Residency Academy. I will once again be on the U15 DA, and hope that as a returning player I can help lead the team. I know I will learn more from the coaches and continue to grow as a player. My goals for this year are to make the U14 US Youth National Team, be captain of my team at Barça, win the U15 DA Cup, be chosen to go back to La Masia, and to get straight A’s at school. With the support of my family, friends, and coaches I think I can achieve my goals.
