After months of tryouts, East Diablo Youth Soccer League Impact players Alyssa Schneider and Brielynn Tovani were chosen to join a pool of 30 players to represent Northern California in the National Olympic Development Program.

Schneider, who has been coached by EDYSL trainer Paul McIlvenny for the last five years, has been a member of the competitive KonFusion team since its inception. Like Alyssa, Tovani began playing at a young age. Prior to joining the KonFusion team, she played competitively with her older sister and was coached by her dad, Jeff Tovani, who is also a league trainer.

The U13 Impact teammates currently play for head coach McIlvenny and assistant coach Matt Lord. The girls will represent two age groups in the Olympic Development Program. Representing Northern California girls born in the years 1997 and 1998, Tovani and Schneider will compete at one of the highest levels of soccer.

Although the girls are understandably excited about representing EDYSL Impact, this unique opportunity inevitably incurs expenses. With the support and assistance of their coaches and the owners of Brentwood’s Sticky Chicken & Ribs, a fundraising event has been organized for Monday, Jan. 31 from 5 p.m. until close at the restaurant, 8335 Brentwood Blvd. A portion of all sales that evening will be donated to defray the girls’ expenses.

– Contributed by Kim Vredenburgh