Skylah Dias - Bio (1999 - U18 Boys)

Skylah is once again the Captain of his U18 Boys soccer player (1999) for the 2016 / 2017 season. He is the center midfielder and is the Co-Captain of the GPS Massachusetts NPL Team. Skylah’s coach is GPS Director of Coaching for Boston, Coach Matt Hardiman. Skylah's team is once again the 2017 Massachusetts State Champions, earning them a back-to-back State Championship.  They are have won 3 of the last 4 years of State Titles, "2017, 2016 and 2014."  Skylah’s team one the 2016 Massachusetts State Championships and also advanced to the NPL Finals. They placed 2nd in their bracket and did not advance to the semi-finals. Skylah’s 2016 High School season he was Captain of his High School Team for his Junior year, and was selected by the coach to be the captain for his High School for my final high school season next year as well, making me a two-year captain. Skylah finished the 2016 season with; 14 Assist and 10 goals, was Awarded MVP for my High School Team (second year), was Awarded All Conference, and made All Conference All Star Team for the Southcoast Conference (second year), was selected for All Herald (The local newspaper called the Herald News out of Fall River Ma, selects the top 10 players out of 7 local schools and once again this year I was selected at one of the top soccer players in the area (second year), was selected for the Southeastern Massachusetts All Star team, and was going to be selected to the All-State Tournament by the conference but my school did not submit the application in time (per my coach let me know of this). Skylah’s GPS Team in June of 2015 won both the NPL and Mid Atlantic Regional advancing to 2 US National Championship Tournaments in Westfield Indiana. They placed 11th in the NPL Championships Tournament and were Crowned the 2015 - U15 US National Cup Champions in Westfield Indiana. Skylah was named MVP in the 2015 U15 US National Cup Champions semi-finals game, as he was selected by the opposing team. In December of 2014 Skylah’s GPS NPL U15 Boys Team went undefeated in the Disney College Showcase Tournament and winning their division (Co-Captain). Were they were ranked, #1 in Massachusetts, #7 in Region 1 and now 16th Nationally. Skylah scored the two first goals in the two first games. In 2014 as the Captain of his GPS Crusaders Team, he helped to lead his team to a Northeast Region 1 Championship and a Massachusetts State Championship as well. GPS team finished 34 nationally, 25th in the region and were crowned Massachusetts State Champions. Skylah was the Captain of his GPS Massachusetts Crusaders Elite team, GPS Crusaders Elite Region 1 Team, and was also captain of his Fall River Youth Soccer Town Travel Team for the 2013/2014 seasons. Skylah attends Joseph Case High School in Swansea, Massachusetts and made varsity in both his freshman and sophomore years of High School. During his freshman season, he made honorable mention as a freshman in the "South Coast Conference” and as well in the “All Herald News." As a sophomore he made Varsity Soccer Team in both his freshman and sophomore years. He has been the starting center midfielder and played in every game, for every minute of every game for the Varsity Soccer Team these past two years. Skylah scored a total of 14 goals and had 21 assist during the season past two seasons. Skylah’s High School accomplishments are below to view. Also as a Sophomore he was awarded “MVP” of the High School Soccer Team, finished as the lead scorer and lead assist for the team, was awarded to be the “Captain of the team” next year (as a junior), awarded to the "South Coast Conference All-Star Team" and made “All Herald News." Skylah brings with him a sold resume, and has played at a high level for his age. He’s knowledgeable and a solid player that brings a lot to the table. He brings mental confidence, great skills, and unbelievable vision and awareness of the field. He has a strong ability to read the game, strong skills on the ball and strong physical attributes as well. He’s and explosive player and is consistent in games and in practices. He a powerful player and is very determined and focused. Skylah is technically, physically and tactically the most complete player. He has excellent communication skills that allowed him to be a leader on his teams and added organizational asset. Even as very strong attacking midfielder, he’s defensively versatile enough to play every position on the field. Skylah’s biggest quality on the field is his ability to make great decisions on and off the ball. He’s a great decision making, communicates well on the field, executes well under pressure, his movement on the ball is consistent, he has a great upper body strength, he’s quick, and has endless endurance and is well conditioned. Skylah is a quality player, has the mindset and desire to play this game. He’s a leader and takes control of the game and succeeds in the process. He has a solid short and long pass, set pace, leadership, enthusiasm, knowledge of the game, versatility (can play as a strong attacking midfield (inside or outside) or defender, can make quick and positive decisions. He has great touches, he’s solid and skilled with both feet, has a phenomenal work ethic and shooting accuracy. He has fast feet, with excessive speed and controls the ball very well. Most importantly he’s a smart player and very comfortable with the ball. He has the potential to train and play at the highest level and is great to watch. He is a team player, coachable and a very modest child who often is rewarded with compliments on his great leadership, skills and talent by his teammates, opposing coaches, his past and present coaches and as well as many parents. Skylah also brings years of great techniques that he has learned, from playing Futsal under the leadership of Coach Bill Sampaio (President of New England Futsal Academy and National Director of Coaching for the United States Futsal Federation) since he was 6 years of age. Playing futsal has helped Skylah gain a strong technique in tight spaces; it has dramatically improved his awareness of the game and has helped him as an Elite Player to make quick decisions. Skylah on a yearly basis makes the easy transition from Futsal to outdoor soccer very easy, mirroring the same techniques he’s learned in Futsal. Skylah is physically fit, conditioned and has great stamina. He takes it upon himself to work out on his own conditioning and strength training on a weekly basis. He without hesitation can perform and a high level consistently through the game. In February of 2014, Skylah returned from the “US Youth Futsal National Tournament” where he was co-captain, lead his team in goals - 10, and had 5 assist, as his team finishing 2nd in the country at the Nationals losing 4-3 against a Futsal Academy Club that trains 9 months a year, 4 days a week for three house a session, when in fact his Futsal Team only came together weeks prior to the tournament. In 2013 at the US Youth Region 1 tryouts, Skylah was selected by “US Men’s Fusal National Coach Keith Tozer and his team of coaches” to develop the first ever US Youth Futsal Region 1 Futsal Team. He is now a part of the first every US Youth Region 1 Futsal Team headed by Coach and Futsal Director Soorena Farboodmanesh. He was also selected for the 2014 US Futsal Regional Team. Skylah was invited to Kansas for July of 2014, as he is participating in a first ever US Youth Futsal Festival, ID Camp and US Youth National Tryouts. This is headed once again by the US Men’s Fusal National Coach Keith Tozer and his team of coaches. Skylah was injured and was unable to play or tryout for the US National Team but still attended the event. Due to overwhelming commitments to his premier soccer team, Skylah was unable to commit to the 2015 0r 2016 National Futsal Tryouts. Skylah has played Futsal and Soccer at the; “Local, State, Regional, and National Level” on several occasions since the age of 6. Skylah has often been asked to play up for GPS teams in either games or tournaments with GPS as a center attacking midfielder and has been a vital contribution to the team. Skylah has the ability to transition well to the technical, tactical, physical, and physical demands of high lever soccer, and he's a blue chip player. Skylah is an impact player on all his teams and has the ability to make that quick transition in the game and environments. He takes the time to know the game, the players and studies professional games each day to help him improve with aspirations to make the US National Teams, Play in College and Professionally one day. He always has the desire to be number one in the classroom and on the field, but never a selfish player. Skylah works hard to be number one on the field and off as he’s academically right on target making honors and high honors consistently each semester and year. For several years he volunteered as a peer mediator at his middle school as well, as he’s looked at as a leader in his school. The paragraph below is a short description of Skylah coming from his Coach: Skylah is a fantastic leader within the GPS-MA. He shows a real sense of maturity in everything he does and has a wonderful personality. His work rate and passion for everything he does is immense and he never quits. He is not only a technically strong player but his understanding and knowledge of the game is great. He has become a player that his team mates look up to and is someone who can be relied on in any situation to remain strong throughout. He has a bright future within the game of soccer and continues to be an integral part of the current team he represents. - Matt Hardiman (GPS-MA Boston Director of Coaching) Additional Information on Skylah: Personal Information • Height 5’ 8” • Weight 145 lbs. Academic Achievements Cumulative GPA: 3.7/4.0 GPA / Weighted: 3.398 (Take Maximum amount of Honor Courses) • PSAT – (Taken in October – no results yet) • SAT - CR score: TBD • SAT - M score: TBD • SAT - W score: TBD • ACT score: TBD Honors: Academics: 2016 Upperclassmen Fall Leadership Summit • He was just selected by my school as one of 12 students to partake in a leadership conference with other schools in Massachusetts. o It was the 2016 Upperclassmen Fall Leadership Summit and took place on November 10th.  o He was chosen for my leadership in the school and in the classroom. Elementary and Middle School “High Honors from 2nd – 11Th Grade” High School Class Ranking • Class Rank: 38 out of 118 (Start of Junior year) High School Honors • 2014 / 2015 Freshman year / Honor Roll • 2015 / 2016 Sophomore year / Honor Roll • 2016 Junior year (fall) / Honor Roll (STILL IN JUNIOR YEAR) Honors Classes: • 9th Science • 10th Geometry, Biology, History, Spanish • 11th Chemistry I, World History II, Algebra II, MCAS Results: • Spring of 2015 (freshman) – o Introductory Physics / Advanced score 260 • Spring 2016 (sophomore) - o English Language Arts / Advanced score 260 o Mathematics / Advanced score 266 Activities/Interest: ¥ Soccer Community Service • Volunteered for my church for festivals each year. • Raised money for Cancer Walks • Volunteered at Nursing Home Where my mom worked Team Awards – Premier Soccer / Futsal: • 2014 / 2016 Massachusetts State Champions (Co-Captain) • 2015 US National Cup Champions (Co-Captain) • 2015 Placed 11th in the county in the NPL (National Premier League) at Nationals (Co-Captain) • 2014 Undefeated Champs in the Disney College Showcase Tournament (Co-Captain) • 2015 Undefeated NPL Season • Won 3 South Coast Conference Championships (Town Travel Teams - (Co-Captain) • Won 1 Massachusetts District Soccer Championships (Co-Captain) • Won 3 Futsal State Championships (Co-Captain) • Won 2 Massachusetts State Premier Soccer Championships (Co-Captain) • 13 Regional Appearances (Futsal and Soccer), won 10 Regional Championships (Co-Captain) • 9 National Appearances in Futsal and Soccer (placed 1st, 2nd two times, 3rd and 6th) (Co- Captain) • Two time 2014 and 2015 US Youth Futsal Region 1 Futsal Team Member (U16) • Invited to July 2014 and July 2015 US Futsal National ID Camp headed my US Men’s Futsal National Coach Keith Tozer two times. • Was selected to and ID Training session headed by U16 FC Bayern Coach Sebastian Dremmler and Chief Youth Scout Jürgen Jung in December of 2014. Individual Awards: Premier Soccer • Captain on most teams I played on • Received numerous MVP Awards • Captain of the GPS Futsal National Team (U14 - 2nd in the Country) • Captain of the GPS Crusaders (U14 / U15 – State Champions) • Captain of the GPS NPL Team (U15 – 2 -Regional & 1 National Championships) • Voted MVP in Semi-Finals US National Cup Championship Match July 19, 2015 • Made GPS National Teams 2013 (soccer), 2014 (soccer / futsal), 2015 (soccer / futsal) • Captain of the GPS NPL Team (U16 SEASON UNDERWAY) • 3 - time Varsity player (Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Year) • 2- time Varsity Captain (Junior and Senior Year) • 2 - time MVP for High School Soccer Team • Awarded for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association / South Coast Conference All-Star Team (Top 16 Players in Conference) • 2 – time Awarded All-Herald (The Fall River Herald News Paper) one of the top 8 players in the area. • 1 – Time Awarded Honorable Mention for 2014 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association All-Star Team (Top 32 Players in Conference) (Freshman Year) • Freshman Year - Nominated by Coach for the 2014 South Coast Conference All-Star Team • Freshman Year - Awarded Honorable Mention for all Herald (The Fall River Herald News Paper) High School • Freshman: ¥ 2014 - Made Varsity Soccer Team "as Freshman," starting at Center Midfielder, played every minute of every game. ¥ 2014 - Nominated by Coach for the South Coast Conference All-Star Team ¥ 2014 - Awarded Honorable Mention - South Coast Conference / Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association All-Star Team for High School (as a freshman) ¥ 2014 - Awarded Honorable Mention for all Herald (The Fall River Herald News Paper) • Sophomore ¥ 2015 - Made Varsity Soccer Team "as Sophomore," starting at Center Midfielder, played every minute of every game. ¥ 2015 – Awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) of my High School team (as a sophomore) ¥ 2015 – Awarded for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association / South Coast Conference All-Star Team (Top 16 Players in Conference) ¥ 2015- Awarded the Captain of my High School Team (in my Junior – 2016 season) ¥ 2015 - Awarded All-Herald (The Fall River Herald News Paper) one of the top 8 players in the area. • Junior ¥ 2016 - Made Varsity Soccer Team "as Junior," starting at Center Midfielder, played every minute of every game. ¥ 2016 – Awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) of my High School team (as a junior) ¥ 2016 – Awarded for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association / South Coast Conference All-Star Team (Top 16 Players in Conference) ¥ 2016- Awarded the Captain of my High School Team (in my Senior year (second season– 2017 season) ¥ 2016 - Awarded All-Herald (The Fall River Herald News Paper) one of the top 8 players in the area. Coaching References: Coach Matt Hardiman (GPS - Premier Soccer) (781) 330-3469 mhardiman@globalpremiersoccer.com Coach Peter Bradley (GPS - Premier Soccer) (781) 891-6910 pbradley@globalpremiersoccer.com Coach Steven Manteiga (High School) 508-641-1837 smanteiga@yahoo.com Coach Ben Figueirdo (U.S. Futsal Federation Coach / Premier Soccer Coach) 508-837-3520 coachben6@aol.com Coach Bill Sampaio (U.S. National Futsal Federation Coach) 774-526-3209 sampa3@cox.net Coach Alex Couto (College Coach for UMASS Boston and Wentworth) colincouto@gmail.com Skylah Dias (2018) 645 Marvel Street Swansea, MA. 02777 Cell: 774-991-2304 Home: 774-991-4949 Email Address: Skylahdias111@outlook.com NCAA Clearinghouse ID: 1410890564 Social Media - Bio / Accomplishments:   BeRecruited https://new.berecruited.com/athletes/2471377/blog/skylah-dias-2018-bio-age-16   Blogger: http://skylahdias.blogspot.com/   On Facebook: Skylah Dias https://www.facebook.com/pages/Skylah-Dias/777024518977315?sk=timeline 2014 US Futsal National Tournament – Edited Video: • https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1YYWqdFaci6T3FlSXlQNDU3Qkk/edit News Articles: July 2015 Local U15 boys' soccer team brings home National Championship • http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20150722/SPORTS/150728656/0/SEARCH July 2015 Youth Soccer: Local six start for U15 New England champs Club qualifies for U.S. Nationals July 9-13 • http://www.southcoasttoday.com/article/20150620/SPECIAL/150629983 July 2014 US Youth Futsal Festival Training and US Youth Futsal National ID Selections Invite: • http://www.usyouthfutsal.com/events/futsalid/799052.html June 2014 Local Boys Represent Massachusetts in Region 1 Soccer Championship • http://ojornal.com/portuguese-brazilian-news/2014/06/local-boys-represent-massachusetts-in-region-1-soccer-championships/#axzz35yhSkeSX June 2014 U14 Boys Youth Soccer Team Crowned Southcoast Soccer League Champions • http://ojornal.com/portuguese-brazilian-news/2014/06/u14-boys-fall-river-youth-soccer-team-crowned-south-coast-soccer-league-champion/#axzz35yhSkeSX June 2014 Massachusetts U14 Boys State Champs • http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2014-MA-State-Cup/Schedule/U14-Boys/Division+1/ May 2014 Northeast Region 1 Champions • http://events.gotsport.com/events/results.aspx?EventID=34008&GroupID=341173&Gender=Boys&Age=14 February 2014 Global Premier Soccer U14 Elite Boys placed 2nd in the Nation: • http://masspremiersoccer.com/2014/02/19/gps-massachusetts-u14-elite-boys-placed-2nd-in-the-nation/ June 2014 Cover of the Action shot of the day: Dodging a slide tackle for Captain U: • http://learn.captainu.com/2014/05/16/action-shot-day-dodging-slide-tackle/ April 2014 On the Cover of GPS April Camp Brochure: • http://masspremiersoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Skills11NorthFULL.pdf April 2012 Local boys play in National Soccer Tournament: • http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120801/PUB05/208010485 September 2012 Local soccer team is the best of the best: • http://www.wickedlocal.com/article/20120904/News/309049876

A dream trip for two local soccer players

A dream trip for two local soccer players

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/news/20170830/dream-trip-for-two-local-soccer-players

GPS-MA NPL U18 Boys are once again the 2017 Massachusetts State Champions, earning them a back-to-back State Championship.  We have won 3 of the last 4 years of State Titles, "2017, 2016 and 2014."

Skylah Dias (2018) Highlight Video “2016 Spring Season- with GPS-MA NPL Elite U16 Team”

Skylah Dias (2018) Highlight Video “2016 Spring Season- with GPS-MA NPL Elite U16 Team” https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwtrpCz3aln7MkR0cnBNZW5HOUU/view

ALL SCHOLASTIC BOYS' SOCCER: The best on the pitch

ALL SCHOLASTIC BOYS' SOCCER: The best on the pitch http://www.heraldnews.com/sports/20170112/all-scholastic-boys-soccer-best-on-pitch

Skylah Dias - Bio (1999 - U18 Boys)

Skylah is once again the Captain of his U18 Boys soccer player (1999) for the 2016 / 2017 season. He is the center midfielder and is the Co-Captain of the GPS Massachusetts NPL Team. Skylah’s coach is GPS Director of Coaching for Boston, Coach Matt Hardiman. Skylah’s team one the 2016 Massachusetts State Championships and also advanced to the NPL Finals. They placed 2nd in their bracket and did not advance to the semi-finals. Skylah’s 2016 High School season he was Captain of his High School Team for his Junior year, and was selected by the coach to be the captain for his High School for my final high school season next year as well, making me a two-year captain. Skylah finished the 2016 season with; 14 Assist and 10 goals, was Awarded MVP for my High School Team (second year), was Awarded All Conference, and made All Conference All Star Team for the Southcoast Conference (second year), was selected for All Herald (The local newspaper called the Herald News out of Fall River Ma, selects the top 10 players out of 7 local schools and once again this year I was selected at one of the top soccer players in the area (second year), was selected for the Southeastern Massachusetts All Star team, and was going to be selected to the All-State Tournament by the conference but my school did not submit the application in time (per my coach let me know of this). Skylah’s GPS Team in June of 2015 won both the NPL and Mid Atlantic Regional advancing to 2 US National Championship Tournaments in Westfield Indiana. They placed 11th in the NPL Championships Tournament and were Crowned the 2015 - U15 US National Cup Champions in Westfield Indiana. Skylah was named MVP in the 2015 U15 US National Cup Champions semi-finals game, as he was selected by the opposing team. In December of 2014 Skylah’s GPS NPL U15 Boys Team went undefeated in the Disney College Showcase Tournament and winning their division (Co-Captain). Were they were ranked, #1 in Massachusetts, #7 in Region 1 and now 16th Nationally. Skylah scored the two first goals in the two first games. In 2014 as the Captain of his GPS Crusaders Team, he helped to lead his team to a Northeast Region 1 Championship and a Massachusetts State Championship as well. GPS team finished 34 nationally, 25th in the region and were crowned Massachusetts State Champions. Skylah was the Captain of his GPS Massachusetts Crusaders Elite team, GPS Crusaders Elite Region 1 Team, and was also captain of his Fall River Youth Soccer Town Travel Team for the 2013/2014 seasons. Skylah attends Joseph Case High School in Swansea, Massachusetts and made varsity in both his freshman and sophomore years of High School. During his freshman season, he made honorable mention as a freshman in the "South Coast Conference” and as well in the “All Herald News." As a sophomore he made Varsity Soccer Team in both his freshman and sophomore years. He has been the starting center midfielder and played in every game, for every minute of every game for the Varsity Soccer Team these past two years. Skylah scored a total of 14 goals and had 21 assist during the season past two seasons. Skylah’s High School accomplishments are below to view. Also as a Sophomore he was awarded “MVP” of the High School Soccer Team, finished as the lead scorer and lead assist for the team, was awarded to be the “Captain of the team” next year (as a junior), awarded to the "South Coast Conference All-Star Team" and made “All Herald News." Skylah brings with him a sold resume, and has played at a high level for his age. He’s knowledgeable and a solid player that brings a lot to the table. He brings mental confidence, great skills, and unbelievable vision and awareness of the field. He has a strong ability to read the game, strong skills on the ball and strong physical attributes as well. He’s and explosive player and is consistent in games and in practices. He a powerful player and is very determined and focused. Skylah is technically, physically and tactically the most complete player. He has excellent communication skills that allowed him to be a leader on his teams and added organizational asset. Even as very strong attacking midfielder, he’s defensively versatile enough to play every position on the field. Skylah’s biggest quality on the field is his ability to make great decisions on and off the ball. He’s a great decision making, communicates well on the field, executes well under pressure, his movement on the ball is consistent, he has a great upper body strength, he’s quick, and has endless endurance and is well conditioned. Skylah is a quality player, has the mindset and desire to play this game. He’s a leader and takes control of the game and succeeds in the process. He has a solid short and long pass, set pace, leadership, enthusiasm, knowledge of the game, versatility (can play as a strong attacking midfield (inside or outside) or defender, can make quick and positive decisions. He has great touches, he’s solid and skilled with both feet, has a phenomenal work ethic and shooting accuracy. He has fast feet, with excessive speed and controls the ball very well. Most importantly he’s a smart player and very comfortable with the ball. He has the potential to train and play at the highest level and is great to watch. He is a team player, coachable and a very modest child who often is rewarded with compliments on his great leadership, skills and talent by his teammates, opposing coaches, his past and present coaches and as well as many parents. Skylah also brings years of great techniques that he has learned, from playing Futsal under the leadership of Coach Bill Sampaio (President of New England Futsal Academy and National Director of Coaching for the United States Futsal Federation) since he was 6 years of age. Playing futsal has helped Skylah gain a strong technique in tight spaces; it has dramatically improved his awareness of the game and has helped him as an Elite Player to make quick decisions. Skylah on a yearly basis makes the easy transition from Futsal to outdoor soccer very easy, mirroring the same techniques he’s learned in Futsal. Skylah is physically fit, conditioned and has great stamina. He takes it upon himself to work out on his own conditioning and strength training on a weekly basis. He without hesitation can perform and a high level consistently through the game. In February of 2014, Skylah returned from the “US Youth Futsal National Tournament” where he was co-captain, lead his team in goals - 10, and had 5 assist, as his team finishing 2nd in the country at the Nationals losing 4-3 against a Futsal Academy Club that trains 9 months a year, 4 days a week for three house a session, when in fact his Futsal Team only came together weeks prior to the tournament. In 2013 at the US Youth Region 1 tryouts, Skylah was selected by “US Men’s Fusal National Coach Keith Tozer and his team of coaches” to develop the first ever US Youth Futsal Region 1 Futsal Team. He is now a part of the first every US Youth Region 1 Futsal Team headed by Coach and Futsal Director Soorena Farboodmanesh. He was also selected for the 2014 US Futsal Regional Team. Skylah was invited to Kansas for July of 2014, as he is participating in a first ever US Youth Futsal Festival, ID Camp and US Youth National Tryouts. This is headed once again by the US Men’s Fusal National Coach Keith Tozer and his team of coaches. Skylah was injured and was unable to play or tryout for the US National Team but still attended the event. Due to overwhelming commitments to his premier soccer team, Skylah was unable to commit to the 2015 0r 2016 National Futsal Tryouts. Skylah has played Futsal and Soccer at the; “Local, State, Regional, and National Level” on several occasions since the age of 6. Skylah has often been asked to play up for GPS teams in either games or tournaments with GPS as a center attacking midfielder and has been a vital contribution to the team. Skylah has the ability to transition well to the technical, tactical, physical, and physical demands of high lever soccer, and he's a blue chip player. Skylah is an impact player on all his teams and has the ability to make that quick transition in the game and environments. He takes the time to know the game, the players and studies professional games each day to help him improve with aspirations to make the US National Teams, Play in College and Professionally one day. He always has the desire to be number one in the classroom and on the field, but never a selfish player. Skylah works hard to be number one on the field and off as he’s academically right on target making honors and high honors consistently each semester and year. For several years he volunteered as a peer mediator at his middle school as well, as he’s looked at as a leader in his school. The paragraph below is a short description of Skylah coming from his Coach: Skylah is a fantastic leader within the GPS-MA. He shows a real sense of maturity in everything he does and has a wonderful personality. His work rate and passion for everything he does is immense and he never quits. He is not only a technically strong player but his understanding and knowledge of the game is great. He has become a player that his team mates look up to and is someone who can be relied on in any situation to remain strong throughout. He has a bright future within the game of soccer and continues to be an integral part of the current team he represents. - Matt Hardiman (GPS-MA Boston Director of Coaching) Additional Information on Skylah: Personal Information • Height 5’ 8” • Weight 145 lbs. Academic Achievements Cumulative GPA: 3.7/4.0 GPA / Weighted: 3.398 (Take Maximum amount of Honor Courses) • PSAT – (Taken in October – no results yet) • SAT - CR score: TBD • SAT - M score: TBD • SAT - W score: TBD • ACT score: TBD Honors: Academics: 2016 Upperclassmen Fall Leadership Summit • He was just selected by my school as one of 12 students to partake in a leadership conference with other schools in Massachusetts. o It was the 2016 Upperclassmen Fall Leadership Summit and took place on November 10th.  o He was chosen for my leadership in the school and in the classroom. Elementary and Middle School “High Honors from 2nd – 11Th Grade” High School Class Ranking • Class Rank: 38 out of 118 (Start of Junior year) High School Honors • 2014 / 2015 Freshman year / Honor Roll • 2015 / 2016 Sophomore year / Honor Roll • 2016 Junior year (fall) / Honor Roll (STILL IN JUNIOR YEAR) Honors Classes: • 9th Science • 10th Geometry, Biology, History, Spanish • 11th Chemistry I, World History II, Algebra II, MCAS Results: • Spring of 2015 (freshman) – o Introductory Physics / Advanced score 260 • Spring 2016 (sophomore) - o English Language Arts / Advanced score 260 o Mathematics / Advanced score 266 Activities/Interest: ¥ Soccer Community Service • Volunteered for my church for festivals each year. • Raised money for Cancer Walks • Volunteered at Nursing Home Where my mom worked Team Awards – Premier Soccer / Futsal: • 2014 / 2016 Massachusetts State Champions (Co-Captain) • 2015 US National Cup Champions (Co-Captain) • 2015 Placed 11th in the county in the NPL (National Premier League) at Nationals (Co-Captain) • 2014 Undefeated Champs in the Disney College Showcase Tournament (Co-Captain) • 2015 Undefeated NPL Season • Won 3 South Coast Conference Championships (Town Travel Teams - (Co-Captain) • Won 1 Massachusetts District Soccer Championships (Co-Captain) • Won 3 Futsal State Championships (Co-Captain) • Won 2 Massachusetts State Premier Soccer Championships (Co-Captain) • 13 Regional Appearances (Futsal and Soccer), won 10 Regional Championships (Co-Captain) • 9 National Appearances in Futsal and Soccer (placed 1st, 2nd two times, 3rd and 6th) (Co- Captain) • Two time 2014 and 2015 US Youth Futsal Region 1 Futsal Team Member (U16) • Invited to July 2014 and July 2015 US Futsal National ID Camp headed my US Men’s Futsal National Coach Keith Tozer two times. • Was selected to and ID Training session headed by U16 FC Bayern Coach Sebastian Dremmler and Chief Youth Scout Jürgen Jung in December of 2014. Individual Awards: Premier Soccer • Captain on most teams I played on • Received numerous MVP Awards • Captain of the GPS Futsal National Team (U14 - 2nd in the Country) • Captain of the GPS Crusaders (U14 / U15 – State Champions) • Captain of the GPS NPL Team (U15 – 2 -Regional & 1 National Championships) • Voted MVP in Semi-Finals US National Cup Championship Match July 19, 2015 • Made GPS National Teams 2013 (soccer), 2014 (soccer / futsal), 2015 (soccer / futsal) • Captain of the GPS NPL Team (U16 SEASON UNDERWAY) • 3 - time Varsity player (Freshman, Sophomore and Junior Year) • 2- time Varsity Captain (Junior and Senior Year) • 2 - time MVP for High School Soccer Team • Awarded for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association / South Coast Conference All-Star Team (Top 16 Players in Conference) • 2 – time Awarded All-Herald (The Fall River Herald News Paper) one of the top 8 players in the area. • 1 – Time Awarded Honorable Mention for 2014 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association All-Star Team (Top 32 Players in Conference) (Freshman Year) • Freshman Year - Nominated by Coach for the 2014 South Coast Conference All-Star Team • Freshman Year - Awarded Honorable Mention for all Herald (The Fall River Herald News Paper) High School • Freshman: ¥ 2014 - Made Varsity Soccer Team "as Freshman," starting at Center Midfielder, played every minute of every game. ¥ 2014 - Nominated by Coach for the South Coast Conference All-Star Team ¥ 2014 - Awarded Honorable Mention - South Coast Conference / Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association All-Star Team for High School (as a freshman) ¥ 2014 - Awarded Honorable Mention for all Herald (The Fall River Herald News Paper) • Sophomore ¥ 2015 - Made Varsity Soccer Team "as Sophomore," starting at Center Midfielder, played every minute of every game. ¥ 2015 – Awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) of my High School team (as a sophomore) ¥ 2015 – Awarded for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association / South Coast Conference All-Star Team (Top 16 Players in Conference) ¥ 2015- Awarded the Captain of my High School Team (in my Junior – 2016 season) ¥ 2015 - Awarded All-Herald (The Fall River Herald News Paper) one of the top 8 players in the area. • Junior ¥ 2016 - Made Varsity Soccer Team "as Junior," starting at Center Midfielder, played every minute of every game. ¥ 2016 – Awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) of my High School team (as a junior) ¥ 2016 – Awarded for the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association / South Coast Conference All-Star Team (Top 16 Players in Conference) ¥ 2016- Awarded the Captain of my High School Team (in my Senior year (second season– 2017 season) ¥ 2016 - Awarded All-Herald (The Fall River Herald News Paper) one of the top 8 players in the area. Coaching References: Coach Matt Hardiman (GPS - Premier Soccer) (781) 330-3469 mhardiman@globalpremiersoccer.com Coach Peter Bradley (GPS - Premier Soccer) (781) 891-6910 pbradley@globalpremiersoccer.com Coach Steven Manteiga (High School) 508-641-1837 smanteiga@yahoo.com Coach Ben Figueirdo (U.S. Futsal Federation Coach / Premier Soccer Coach) 508-837-3520 coachben6@aol.com Coach Bill Sampaio (U.S. National Futsal Federation Coach) 774-526-3209 sampa3@cox.net Coach Alex Couto (College Coach for UMASS Boston and Wentworth) colincouto@gmail.com Skylah Dias (2018) 645 Marvel Street Swansea, MA. 02777 Cell: 774-991-2304 Home: 774-991-4949 Email Address: Skylahdias111@outlook.com NCAA Clearinghouse ID: 1410890564 Social Media - Bio / Accomplishments:   BeRecruited https://new.berecruited.com/athletes/2471377/blog/skylah-dias-2018-bio-age-16   Blogger: http://skylahdias.blogspot.com/   On Facebook: Skylah Dias https://www.facebook.com/pages/Skylah-Dias/777024518977315?sk=timeline 2014 US Futsal National Tournament – Edited Video: • https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B1YYWqdFaci6T3FlSXlQNDU3Qkk/edit News Articles: July 2015 Local U15 boys' soccer team brings home National Championship • http://www.heraldnews.com/article/20150722/SPORTS/150728656/0/SEARCH July 2015 Youth Soccer: Local six start for U15 New England champs Club qualifies for U.S. Nationals July 9-13 • http://www.southcoasttoday.com/article/20150620/SPECIAL/150629983 July 2014 US Youth Futsal Festival Training and US Youth Futsal National ID Selections Invite: • http://www.usyouthfutsal.com/events/futsalid/799052.html June 2014 Local Boys Represent Massachusetts in Region 1 Soccer Championship • http://ojornal.com/portuguese-brazilian-news/2014/06/local-boys-represent-massachusetts-in-region-1-soccer-championships/#axzz35yhSkeSX June 2014 U14 Boys Youth Soccer Team Crowned Southcoast Soccer League Champions • http://ojornal.com/portuguese-brazilian-news/2014/06/u14-boys-fall-river-youth-soccer-team-crowned-south-coast-soccer-league-champion/#axzz35yhSkeSX June 2014 Massachusetts U14 Boys State Champs • http://tournaments.usyouthsoccer.org/events/2014-MA-State-Cup/Schedule/U14-Boys/Division+1/ May 2014 Northeast Region 1 Champions • http://events.gotsport.com/events/results.aspx?EventID=34008&GroupID=341173&Gender=Boys&Age=14 February 2014 Global Premier Soccer U14 Elite Boys placed 2nd in the Nation: • http://masspremiersoccer.com/2014/02/19/gps-massachusetts-u14-elite-boys-placed-2nd-in-the-nation/ June 2014 Cover of the Action shot of the day: Dodging a slide tackle for Captain U: • http://learn.captainu.com/2014/05/16/action-shot-day-dodging-slide-tackle/ April 2014 On the Cover of GPS April Camp Brochure: • http://masspremiersoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Skills11NorthFULL.pdf April 2012 Local boys play in National Soccer Tournament: • http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120801/PUB05/208010485 September 2012 Local soccer team is the best of the best: • http://www.wickedlocal.com/article/20120904/News/309049876

Local soccer stars set to defend national title in Colorado

Local soccer stars set to defend national title in Colorado Four local soccer players will be out to defend their national title when they head to Aurora, Colorado on July 22-25 to vie for the U.S. Club Soccer National Cup. http://www.heraldnews.com/sports/20160708/local-soccer-stars-set-to-defend-national-title-in-colorado

2016 NEP Massachusetts State Champs - GPS-MA NPL Elite U16 Boys

My GPS-MA NPL Elite U16 Boys Team are the 2016 NEP State Champions and qualified to compete in the 2016 National Cup VX Finals in Aurora, Colorado on July 22 - 25, 2016 to defend our 2015 National Title. http://ojornal.com/portuguese-brazilian-news/2016/06/southcoast-players-help-gps-teams-win-state-titles/#axzz4CY8Nq1IK

2015 All-Scholastic “Herald News” December 22, 2015

July 2015 Local U15 boys' soccer team brings home National Championship

July 2015 Local U15 boys' soccer team brings home National Championship The Global Premier Soccer-MA National Premiere League Elite U15 Boys recently won a pair of regional tournaments, qualifying for a pair of national tourneys which took place July 8-20 in Westfield, Indiana. They can officially be called national champions. The Global Premier Soccer-MA National Premiere League Elite U15 Boys recently won a pair of regional tournaments, qualifying for a pair of national tourneys which took place July 8-20 in Westfield, Indiana. At the NPL Nationals, which took place July 9-13, the team finished in 11th place, but then bounced back after a three-day layoff and was crowned champions in the US National Cup (National Cup XIV), which ran July 17-20. The team features six players from the area (Aidan DaSilva of Westport, Troy Mattos of Somerset, Jacob Castro of Swansea, John Aguiar of Somerset, Skylah Dias of Swansea and Kendall Pacheco of New Bedford). "They made two nationals and that is beyond unbelievable said team manager Neal Dias. "It is very rare to win two regionals and play in two nationals. For them to come back and win the second one is beyond incredible. It's something they will remember forever." The locals completed their crowning achievement with a 2-1 victory over FC Florida Elite in a game in which they held a 2-0 lead at the break and held on for the victory. "We did a great job possessing the game," Dias said. "We had 15 shots on net in the second half, but their goalie kept them in the game." In five games during its title run, GPS-MA scored 17 goals and allowed three. "The defense is incredible," Dias said. "Everyone is taught to defend and taught to attack. They move as one." Prior to the trip to Indiana, GPS NPL was ranked third in Massachusetts with a 15-3-1 overall record (.789 winning percentage). Prior to a scoreless draw against Explosion FC Cannella on June 21, GPS NPL had won eight consecutive matches, outscoring the competition 24-2. For one of the team members, this national championship is only the beginning. DaSilva, who attends Bishop Connolly, left for Ireland on Wednesday after being selected to the GPS International Soccer Team as one of the top players in the country in his age group. "He will be playing against some of the best club teams in the world," Dias said. Dias said it's still hard to grasp the fact the team was able to make a run at a pair of national titles. "We were gone for 13 days," Dias said. "It was a huge commitment for the players and parents and it paid off. One of the parents said that the stars were aligned. This just doesn't happen very often. I'm really proud of them."

Youth Soccer: Local six start for U15 New England champs

Youth Soccer: Local six start for U15 New England champs Club qualifies for U.S. Nationals July 9-13. The GPS-MA NPL Elite U15 boys soccer team avenged a 2-1, double-overtime defeat in the state championship game held two weeks ago with a 2-0 victory over the Scorpions for the 2015 New England Premier League (NPL) Championship this past weekend. The win puts the NPL Regional champions in the U.S. Nationals to be held July 9-13 in Westfield, Indiana. Among players on the team: midfielder Kendall Pacheco of New Bedford and NBHS, defender John Aguiar of Somerset and Bishop Connolly High School, goalkeeper Jacob Castro of Swansea and Bishop Connolly), cocaptain/midfielder Skylah Dias of Swansea and Joseph Case High School, defender Troy Mattos of Somerset and Somerset/Berkley H.S., and defender/midfielder Aidan DaSilva of Westport and Bishop Connolly. The six locals who have played soccer from age eight play for GPS Massachusetts, and all six were selected for the GPS-MA NPL Regional Team. The team is comprised of the best GPS Regional Players in the Northeast Region. On a roster of 21 players, these six are on the starting line-up. Last year the same six were on the same team and won the 2014 Massachusetts state championship. In December of 2014 they played in the country's toughest and top-ranked college showcase tournament at the Wide World of Sports Facility located at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. They went undefeated and captured the 2014 U15 Boys championship in their division, qualifying for a return trip to Disney in December for a title defense. That victory at Disney placed the team 19th out of over 3,500 U15 boys teams in the country and made them a group getting attention from national and college coaches. The Massachusetts State Playoffs were in held in early spring, and GPS-MA NPL Elite U15 team won all three preliminary playoff games totaling 15 goals while allowing none. They advanced to the state finals on May 30-31 when they fell in double overtime the Scorpions to finish ranked second in Massachusetts. During the past spring season, the GPS-MA NPL Elite U15 went undefeated, scoring 47 goals and allowing three while competing in the division ranked just under the US Academy Division, “the National Premier League (NPL).” The NPL was created to elevate and change the competitive youth soccer landscape by extending developmental principles espoused by U.S. Soccer into more age groups and clubs by linking competition with player development and identification platforms and by providing meaningful weekly competition culminating in the NPL Finals. GPS-MA NPL Elite U15 team won the NPL Conference placing first. They were able to advance to the “Final Four NPL Tournament” held June 13-14.

2015 Needham Memorial Day College Showcase Tournament - CHAMPS!

Today my team became the 2015 Needham Memorial Day College Showcase Tournament - U15 CHAMPS! http://events.gotsport.com/events/schedule.aspx?eventid=43113&FieldID=0&applicationID=2734077&action=Go

2015 Spring Season - NPL U15 Conference Champs

My GPS-MA NPL Elite U15 Team just completed our regular season. We went undefeated and scored 47 goals and only allowed 3 against us in the National Premier League (NPL). https://events.gotsport.com/events/results.aspx… We also won all three preliminary Massachusetts State Play-Off Games scoring 15 goals and allowing ZERO scored against is. A combined total of 65 goals for 3 against! My team won the NPL Conference placing 1st place, as were, Conference Champs!

Victory At Disney -Local Players Capture Disney Soccer Showcase

The last time we heard from this team, the GPS-MA NPL Elite U15 boys team had just captured the Massachusetts U-15 state title, to earn a spot in the Region 1 Soccer Championships, which were held at the campus of the University of Rhode Island (URI). There, they managed to make it out of the first round, before bowing out to the Arlington SA Eagles Red from Virginia, a team that at the time was ranked 7th in the nation. After that, every player went is separate way, most heading out to their freshmen year in high school. Once the high school season ended, the GPS Crusaders Massachusetts Elite team was disbanded as GPS combined its New England teams into just one side. As a result everyone had to try out and not all of the Crusaders survived the cuts. But six local players did --- Skylah Dias, a varsity freshman midfielder at Case High School in Swansea; Troy Mattos, a freshman from Somerset High; Jacob Castro, a Varsity freshman goal keeper from Swansea who attends Bishop Connoly; John Aguiar, a Varsity midfielder from Somerset who also attends Bishop Connoly; Kendall Pacheco, a sophomore midfielder from New Bedford High and Aidan DaSilva, a Varsity central defender from Westport attends Bishop Stang. They helped the GPS-MA NPL Elite U15 boys team win the coveted Disney's Soccer Showcase presented by AS Roma this December at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. The tournament, rated as the country's top youth soccer tournament by a Soccer America magazine survey, was played from December 27-30 and featured 660 teams, including the Italy-based AS Roma U18 academy team. In addition there were six of the nation's No. 1-ranked teams, as well as 30 U.S. Soccer Federation Developmental Academy teams and clubs, along with 64 boys and girls teams competing in the U.S. Youth Soccer National League. Obviously, this tournament is available only to the top teams in each state. According to the organizing committee "teams are selected to compete in Disney's Soccer Showcase based partly on overall results in high-level competition - including league play, state cups and premier leagues - over the last seasonal year." A total of more than 11,000 athletes and more than 20,000 coaches and fans participated in the tournament, making it "the leading college recruiting event in the country." "Disney's Soccer Showcase began in 2000 with 68 teams and eight fields with the intent to give amateur athletes an opportunity to showcase themselves in front of college coaches." Facing such strong competition appeared to be a bit overwhelming for the GPS side, primarily because the team took in a number of new players and in effect this would be the first time they would play as a team. But, as most had shown at the Massachusetts State Tournament in June, this team never shies away from a challenge. "It was a very intense tournament," Troy Mattos acknowledged. "The teams there are much stronger than the high schools in this area. The games were played at a much faster pace, there was less space, less time to decide what to do, we were always under pressure." First up, on December 27, were the Michigan Wolves, ranked second in their state. GPS won, 3-2. Skylah Dias had the opening score. "I came up from midfield, exchanged a wall pass with Chukwuma Onyejose and that allowed me to slip past their defense so I buried the shot in the top corner," Dias recalled. The following day, GPS slipped past the Coral Gables SC Toros, also ranked second, in Florida, 2-1. Dias also had the opening score. "I remember tapping the ball over a defender, did it again near the sideline, cut to the middle, beat another defender and then tucked it in," Dias said. Kendall Pacheco turned in the game winner. "That's one of the memories I'll savor, scoring the winning goal against Florida," Pacheco said. "I remember the ball was crossed towards the area, one of their defenders made a bad clearance and I pounced on the rebound and scored." The final round-robin game pitted GPS against the Storm SA Black, the fifth ranked team in the state of Georgia, a game that would determine which team advanced to the title match. Again, GPS prevailed, this time by a 4-2 margin, a major struggle since GPS was forced to play shorthanded after only 12 minutes. 12 minutes into the game, GPS suffered a red card and was down a player for the remaining time in the game. GPS changed their strategy, leaving only one player at the top, holding a strong midfield and defense. Storm SA Black went up 2/1 with a PK in the box on a hand ball. GPS maintained their composure and stayed the course coming back in the second half to win 4/2. The final was on December 30, against Alpharetta Ambush SC Red, the fifth ranked club from the state of Georgia, a team that had breezed through the other side of the bracket, allowing only one goal in the three games played during the first round. As it turned out, the Ambush, unlike what their name suggests, never mounted much of a challenge and were crushed, 4-0. Here is how Jarrod Heil described the game for the local newspaper: "Although both teams were undefeated in the tournament when they came into the championship game for the U15 Black Division, NPL Elite completely rolled over Alpharetta Ambus. Alpharetta let in three goals before the 29th minute was over and never found their footing in the 4-0 loss. “(I’m) very happy with the performance. The boys played well today,” said Matthew Hardiman, head coach of NPL Elite. “It’s been a good tournament (and we) enjoyed it.” "Chukwuma Onyejose got the scoring going early for NPL Elite as he capitalized in the 5th minute on a pass from his twin brother, Chukwudi Onyejose. Andrew Stevens made it 2-0 in the 14th minute when he sent a ball in from around midfield that slipped in between the keeper’s mitts and crossbar. "Andrew Willer-Bell had Alpharetta’s best chance in the 20th minute when he broke free from one defender and put a nice ball on net that was saved by the goalkeeper. "Eric Barry capped the first half for NPL Elite when he went on a run down the right side, faked a shot at the goal line, cut back to the middle and put a left footer to the bottom right corner in the 29th minute. Chukwudi Onyejose got a goal of his own when he blasted the ball in at point blank in the 61st minute that capped the game that sank the spirits of Alpharetta." A 4-0 score in a championship game is a rather surprising outcome, but for the local boys it was easy to explain. "We played much better than in the other games," pointed out Aidan DaSilva. "Also, we have very fast forwards and their defense didn't seem to be that good. Also, once we started scoring they seemed to get discouraged and after a while it looked as if they kind of gave up. Once they realized they couldn't win, they stopped fighting and we kept going." After the tournament, the rankings were updated and the GPS boys are beginning to make a name for themselves at the national level. They remain the top team in Massachusetts, improved to number 11 in Region 1, a jump of seven spots, and are now ranked 22 in the country, a climb of 13 places. For the boys, the trip to Disney provided a lifetime of memories and a number of lessons, including the realization that playing at this level is much more challenging than playing in high school. "This was the most competitive tournament I ever played in," said Aidan DaSilva. "There is no comparison between this tournament and high school. On this team nobody has a guaranteed spot, every player knows his role and knows what he has to do. It's tough to keep a starting job because we have so many great players, so there is no let up, ever." "The difference is that the teams at Disney held more possession, whereas some high school teams don't pressure as much," added Kendall Pacheco. One of the things I learned and that I'll bring back to New Bedford High is being a better player with the ball, as I learned to play off the ball, learned how to read the game better." "It was a very intense tournament," agreed Troy Mattos. "The teams there are much stronger than the high schools in this area. The games are played at a much faster pace, there's less space, less time to decide what to do, we were always under pressure. "There is no comparison to the high games I played," Skylah Dias said. "The tempo is much higher, everyone on the team knows what to do each time they get the ball, and the opponents are also much tougher, they're stronger, pressure so we can only have one, two touches before getting rid of the ball. "This was more challenging than high school because we didn't know our opponents, so there was a little fear going into the games. It was nerve wrecking." "When I played in high school, I was going up against a lot of 18 year old players, guys who were physically stronger, so that was a challenge," Jacob Castro suggested. "But in this tournament, we ran into players who were much more technically skilled." The bottom line is that playing in the tournament not only opened some doors as more than 100 college coaches were in attendance, but also made everyone a little better for the upcoming season. "This will definitely make me a better player when I return to (Bishop) Stang because I'm going to be so used to playing under heavy pressure, where we pay for every mistake. It's a much tougher pace than in high school," said Aidan DaSilva. "I learned that I need to keep my head up, to always beware of where my opponents are," Troy Mattos added. "Playing on this team puts me a step ahead for the high school games, because they are not played with the same intensity, and that means the game will flow a little easier for me." Most of the parents also made the trip and were equally pleased with the strong showing from the GPS boys. "It was a great experience for the whole family," confirmed Victor DaSilva, Aidan's dad, who is currently putting the finishing touches on his new Sagres Restaurant. "It was good to so many good teams, in a good competition. And of course it was nice to see coaches from so many colleges watching our players because that will open some doors for them." "And we shouldn't overlook that this is the first time they played as a team. Some new players came in, but still the team and good team play, they're a really good team." Next up is the challenge to try to defend their state title and having new players on the team is not a challenge since all newcomers are excellent players. "Having new players on defense didn't turned out to be much of a problem, because the new players came from other GPS teams and all of our teams play the same way, the same style. And also we had been practicing for a while, so it was OK, I had no problems because of that," said keeper Jacob Castro. "Our goal for the Spring is to try to repeat as Massachusetts State Champions, After that, we'll see," added Aidan DaSilva. "We are practicing very hard to try to retain out state title," explained Skylah Dias. "We're playing indoors, playing futsal. Everybody knows that we have to go all out in every practice because there are great players on this team and everyone is good enough to start if somebody else slacks off. There are 20 players on the roster, but only 18 can dress for each game, so every week two players will be watching from the sidelines. We earn our spots at practice." Hopefully in June will have more good news to spread about the team. Caption: Names in the sequence that there in the photo where all 6 are there together: Skylah Dias (Swansea – Case High), Troy Mattos (Somerset - Somerset High), Jacob Castro (Swansea – Bishop Connoly), John Aguiar (Somerset / Bishop Connoly), Kendall Pacheco (New Bedford – New Bedford High), Aidan DaSilva (Westport – Bishop Stang). http://ojornal.com/portuguese-brazilian-news/2015/01/local-soccer-players-capture-disney-soccer-showcase/#axzz3P0PZudvP

Skylah Dias and Jacob Castro from Swansea will be trying out again for the U.S. National Team

They made the Region I Futsal Select team this summer and then — when it came to take the next step — midfielder Skylah Dias failed to make the U.S. U-14 National team due to injury and goalkeeper Jacob Castro, both from Swansea, was selected as an alternate. For many that would be the end of their dreams, but for these two talented players that was merely the first step in what they hope is a golden trip, a journey to national acclaim. This fall both were scouted and both answered the bell as once again they were selected to make the Region 1 team. They are two of only 12 players from the East Coast to get a call to go to Olathe, Kansas, sometime in February, and fight for a spot on the U.S. National team. “We were scouted during the season, but I’m not sure why we were selected, only that they saw us play and felt that we were good enough to make the team,” explained Dias. They went through “the ropes” last soccer season, when they had to endure a grueling try-out, held in Boston, back in October of 2013. They spent five exhausting days at the try-outs, a stamina challenging affair that consisted of three workout sessions per day, basically a daily testing battle as only the best survived to move on to the following day. Last year, the final candidates came from all of the states affiliated with Region 1 — all six New England states, Delaware, Eastern New York, Western New York, Eastern Pennsylvania, Western Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia and West Virginia, D.C., as well as Florida and even some who had traveled from the Bahamas. This time around Dias and Castro were invited — along with 48 other players — to go to Mansfield and scrimmage, so that U.S. Futsal National Team Head Coach Keith Tozer could monitor them and evaluate which players had enough talent to eventually make the national team. It was a fierce four-day combine, which included three workouts per day, and streamlined the numbers so that only the best fit and skilled players made it to the next level. Both Dias and Castro became Massachusetts U-14 State Champions in the summer as members of the GPS Massachusetts Crusaders Elite Team, but had to take different routes this fall since the premier team, once the players reach high school age, plays only in the spring. Dias enrolled at Joseph Case High School, in Swansea, Castro chose Bishop Connolly in Fall River. As starting freshmen on their high school teams, the two boys took their lumps, but they firmly believe that the experience will help them become better players. “It was fun, even though we did not win many games, but I got to play a lot and learned quite a bit from (Case High) coach (Steve) Manteiga, I enjoyed it,” Dias said. “In terms of adjustment, I’d say the biggest challenge was getting used to the way the team (Bishop Connolly) played, which was totally different (from the GPS Massachusetts Crusaders Elite Team),” Castro added. “I also found it more difficult to play against players that were bigger, taller and stronger. It was more challenging going for crosses into the box because I crashed against bigger players.” “The major difference between playing against kids your own age and in high school, where I was freshman and many teams had mostly seniors on the team, kids who were three, sometimes four years older than me, was the physical side,” Dias pointed out. “They were stronger and could push me around so that took some adjusting to. But as the season went on, I adjusted. I didn’t mind, I actually enjoyed it, because it’s probably going to help me in the long run.” These challenges, facing bigger, stronger opponents should prove helpful when the two local players make the trip to Kansas to fight for a spot on the U.S. National team. “It will help me in the long run because it helped me learn to play against, bigger, stronger players,” Castro said. Dias was the starting center midfielder as a freshman at Case High and was selected to the Southeastern Massachusetts All-Star Team, thanks to the 2 goals and 10 assists that he knotted during the season, while Castro, also a freshman, was the starter as well at Bishop Connolly and was also selected to the Southeastern All-Star Team, thanks to what evaluators suggested as saving over 50 goals for the season, and two penalty shots in the post-season MIAA tournament, which helped Connolly advance in the playoffs. Now that the high school season is over, Dias and Castro will once again become team mates with the GPS Massachusetts Crusaders Elite Team and will be heading to Florida for the Christmas break to compete in the top College Soccer Tournament in the Country at The Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney World. This will give them additional exposure before some of the top college coaches in the country, as they will face some of the best teams in the U.S., which should improve the possibility of becoming Division 1 collegiate prospects. Read more: http://ojornal.com/portuguese-brazilian-news/2014/11/skylah-dias-and-jacob-castro-from-swansea-will-be-trying-out-again-for-the-u-s-national-team/#ixzz3KNY75XUr A GateHouse Media, Inc. Site Under Creative Commons License: Attribution Non-Commercial Follow us: @Ojornal1 on Twitter | OjornalNewspaper on Facebook