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WHYFC Formally Launch PDL: Johnson and Guderian to lead team

By CP, 02/09/17, 2:30PM EST

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College-based team will begin play in May, 2017

Wilmington, NC – The Wilmington Hammerheads Youth Soccer Club (WHYFC) is thrilled to announce the addition of the Wilmington Hammerheads PDL team to the club.  The team will compete in the PDL (Premier Development League) and will begin competition in May, 2017.

The PDL is a nation-wide league with over 75 teams split into 10 regional divisions.  The season begins in May and ends in August and includes regional playoffs that lead to a National Championship.  The PDL plays an important part in the development model often serving as a summer league for the top college talent.

Surrounded by some of the top college programs in the country, the Wilmington Hammerheads have already begun conversations that will lead to top college players coming to Wilmington for the PDL season.  Fans of the Hammerheads can count on seeing top players from UNCW, NC State, UNC, and several other top programs

In preparation for the 2017 Season, WHYFC Director of Soccer Operations, Kevin Johnson, will be taking on the position as the PDL Head Coach. Johnson, a USSF “A” Licensed coach, has more than 20 years’ experience in coaching, which includes time in the U.S. Development Academy and with our U.S. Youth National Teams.

“I am excited about the opportunity we have in front of us.  Wilmington is a fantastic soccer community and the PDL has proven itself to be the league for future professionals.  We are quickly filling our roster with quality young men from around the country.  The common thread among them is that they all endeavor to be future pros.”

Alongside Kevin Johnson will be Shawn Guderian who will serve as the PDL General Manager. Guderian played soccer at UNCW while earning a sports marketing degree and also serves as a Director of Programming at WHYFC.

“It is an honor to be named the GM of the Wilmington Hammerheads. We are proud that Wilmington Hammerheads FC can offer the ability for an individual to play soccer under our badge from the age of 2 through 23. With the PDL being the Path for Pros, we are excited to showcase the most talented players in the state, region and country.”

WHYFC are also excited to announce the team will play its home games at UNC-Wilmington’s Varsity Soccer Stadium (pending final contract approval).  The grass playing service and environment will add to the soccer experience for both players and fans.

“We are very excited about this new chapter of the Wilmington Hammerheads.  We feel a huge responsibility to the community and to the fans who have followed this team for decades and we don’t intend to let them down.”

The Wilmington Hammerheads organization is looking forward to the upcoming PDL Season and the possibilities it holds for our community. For more information regarding Wilmington Hammerheads PDL, please contact (910) 392-0306 or visit www.wilmingtonhammerheadsyouth.com.