Following the conclusion of the 2015-16, U14 US Soccer Development Academy Showcase in Dallas TBU’s Mason Judge was 1 of 36 players called into the U.S. Soccer Under-15 Men’s Youth National Team Camp held in Portland, OR from Aug. 7-14, by Head Coach Dave Van den Bergh.  

“First, on behalf of TBU want to congratulate Mason on being called into the camp and we are very excited and happy for him to have this opportunity but not surprised,” said TBU DA Director, Joel Harrison.  “Mason has embraced the challenge of playing in the DA since late in the 2014-15 season when he played as a DP up two years with the 2000’s.   He played in a couple of regular season matches and we invited him to the 2015 Showcase in Indianapolis, IN.  In our final game in Indy we played the Philadelphia Union.  Mason started at center back and had an outstanding game showing composure and resiliency while playing against players two years older.  This past June at the Showcase in Dallas Mason’s play was outstanding and it did not go unnoticed as shortly after returning from Dallas I received a call from US Soccer to let us know Mason would be receiving an invite to the camp.”  

We recently sat down with Mason to ask him about his experience at the camp.

What were your thoughts when you found out you had been invited to attend the camp?

• I was really excited and couldn't wait to get started.

What did you do to prepare for the camp?

• I did some preseason one on one training with TBU Coach Alex Delgado. I also had the opportunity to train with some of the University of Tampa players.  I also had to have an extensive medical and physical exam prior to attending. 

What was the first thing you did upon arriving?

• Things went fast.  We met the coaches and players and then we had a training session. 

What was your favorite part of the camp?

• The intrasquad scrimmaging and scrimmaging the U17 MLS Portland Timbers.

What was the training like?

• Training was very intense. The day after games we had long detailed tactical practices. 

What off field activities did you do?

• We visited and toured the Nike Headquarters where we also were able to do some Nike product testing.

You mentioned playing the Portland Timbers U17 Academy.  What was the result of the game?

• We won 6-0.

Did you receive any feedback from the coaching staff?

• They told me to continue to play up at the highest level possible and against bigger, stronger and faster players to challenge me.  The coaches also said I needed to work on the distribution of the ball with my left foot and to improve my positional play with and without the ball as a center back. They also said that I am a strong true defender.