Connor Hall was just one of the 220 children born in 1993 to try out for the Michigan Olympic Development soccer team at Oakland University from Aug. 1-5.
Now, Hall is one of 60 kids still playing for a shot at making Michigan’s regional tournament team next summer.
‘It feels cool knowing you are one of the best in the state,? said Hall.
Connor’s road to a spot on the US national team is not short or easy. During the winter and early spring, he and his teammates train at Total Soccer in Wixom with hopes of making the next cut down to 36 spots. The extremely skilled players who make the final regional ODP team compete in a regional tournament next summer featuring over 500 players from eight different states. After the regional tournament, the field will be pared down to 136 finalists, of which 30-40 will make up the US national team.
While a place on the national team is not assured for Connor, he has enjoyed considerable success already on the soccer field.
Connor helped his Waterford Warrior team, coached by Clarkston resident Jim Campbell, gain admittance to the Premier Farmer Jack League this past year. The PFJL is the top youth soccer division in the state.
Connor also helped his three-on-three soccer team qualify for the state tournament this summer.
‘I’m smaller than all the kids, but faster than most,? said Hall.
Last year at Clarkston Middle School, Connor ran sixth grade cross country and this year plans on playing seventh grade football, basketball and track.
‘He keeps us running. Every night it’s some sort of practice or game. However, I wouldn’t have it any other way,? said Jimmy Hall, Connor’s father.