CPH Youth Academy Promotes First Player

For months the speculation has been flying about who the first player would be to ascend from the youth academy to the first team.  That speculation came to an end this week when Nathaniel Tackett was promoted to the senior side.

There is some reservation about Tackett being the first choice.  He's been a solid contributor to the youth team, but not a standout.  He appeared 11 times for the youth team and register 3 goals, 2 of which came against the Cambridge Run.  He moved around the field and eventually found a home in central midfield.  Jorge Leavitt defended the choice by saying, "You have to understand what the purpose of this youth academy is.  For each kid we need to take that kid as far as he can go.  So whether or not Nathaniel is our best player is beside the point.  We've taken Nathaniel as far as he can go on this team.  It was time to let him move on to see what he can achieve elsewhere while at the same time giving another youngster a chance."

Jorge Leavitt and coach Jamie Whittington conferred with Tackett about his first team prospects.  The club policies state that Tackett is entitled to a protected spot on the roster.  But if both player and management agree the player can be sold to another club where his prospects might be better.  In Tackett's case all parties agreed that he would have more chance of playing first team soccer at another club.  So immediately after being promoted Tackett was put on the transfer list.

Said coach Whittington, "We would have loved to have our first youth player come right into the first team lineup, but people need to understand that that's not realistic.  Nathaniel has evolved beyond our youth team but doesn't fit in with our senior team, so it's best for all of us if he goes on to another club.  We didn't pressure him into this at all.  It was a mutual decision."

Tackett himself is excited about his future.  "I would have loved to have played for the first team, but I'm more interested in getting consistent playing time.  Cedar Park has been very up front with me, and of course I've developed into the player I am because of them.  I hope to always maintain some connection to the club, but I'm looking forward to leaving the nest."

UPDATE:  No buyer for Tackett was found, so he's settled in with the reserves.  His first team prospects are still not good, but in the coachs' view he can continue to develop with the reserves for the time being.