CARY, N.C. - In addition to having the best team in the NASL, the Carolina RailHawks also offer a highly successful U-23 program that recently won the USASA U-23 National Cup Championship.  Played last weekend in Bowling Green, Kentucky, the RailHawks won both of their matches in convincing fashion.  They defeated Lazio, a club from Utah, 6-2 in the semifinal match and then took down Scott Gallagher of St. Louis 4-0 in the final.

 Consisting of a mix of talented collegiate soccer players from all across the country, the program is designed to do much more than just win matches.  Head coach Dewan Bader has gone a long way in creating a professional atmosphere that the players can develop in.

 “We want to become a training ground for guys who want to move on to play professional soccer,” Bader said. “It has been a great experience, the guys who have come in have really enjoyed it, and they have all been very appreciative of the opportunity.

 Bader, a former professional himself, is in charge of both recruiting players to the team and assessing them in tryouts.  The program’s design leads to a combination of matches and intense, high level training that really helps in the player’s development.

 The colleges also benefit from having players in the program.  Bader went on to say, “The players go back to their colleges with a lot more confidence after working hard over the summer.  We give them a different perspective on how to see the game, and they can combine this with what they get from their college coaches to become better players.”

 Club head coach Martin Rennie has also played an important role in the programs development.  In addition to occasionally training the U-23’s, he has also given several of the younger players the chance to train with the senior side.  This has given the players great experience of what it takes to play professional soccer, as well as helped the older players in their match preparations.

 In addition to becoming better soccer players, the athletes involved are also given invaluable professional experience from people involved in professional sports.  Club president Curt Johnson gave a lecture to all the U-23 players about careers in professional sports separate from what you see on the field. 

 When speaking about the importance of the U-23 team, Johnson was sure to mention the off-field benefits of the program.

 “It is definitely more than just matches and training, it as an opportunity to see professionals on a day-to-day basis.  We also do everything we can to help educate the players on possible futures in professional soccer, whether it is playing or on the business side.”

 The RailHawks U-23’s will play their last exhibition match at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 23^rdat WakeMed Soccer Park.  The team will also be recognized at halftime during the senior team’s match later the same day against FC Edmonton, which takes place at 7:00 p.m. at WakeMed Soccer Park.  Fans with tickets to the RailHawks-FC Edmonton match will gain access to the U-23’s match as well.

 The U-23 program is sponsored by JRW Associates (www.jrwassoc.com), a United Benefit Advisors firm that covers over 10 million members.  JRW Associates plays a key role, as the program’s success would not be possible without their valued support.  Connie Moreadith, COO of JRW Associates, Inc, acknowledged the hard work that everyone involved with the U-23’s put in over the summer.

 “JRW Associates is proud to be the title sponsor of the 2011 RailHawks U-23’s.  Curt Johnson, Dewan Bader and his coaching staff have done a terrific job with these fine young men.  The U-23’s have exemplified that hard work, dedication and teamwork are the traits of champions.  Last but not least, we would like to thank all of the players who have worked so hard over the summer.  They are truly National Champions in every sense of the word!”