Coby Atkinson trained with various Bundesliga Clubs such as TSV 1860 Munich and Fortuna Duesseldorf, before going on trial with TSG Hoffenheim and then DSC Arminia Bielefeld.
Hoffenheim declined to sign him and so Atkinson continued to play in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (DA) for Boca United (Fla.) and then the MLS’ Portland Timbers Academy.
At 17, Atkinson was faced with the decision to either continue the path in the USA leading to College — he had multiple prestigious offers from great schools, or go the USL Pro path — or to give it a shot in Europe.
ATKINSON DECIDED TO TAKE A GAP YEAR BEFORE GOING TO COLLEGE AND GIVE IT A SHOT IN GERMANY.
“Arne and I organized trials with professional clubs in Germany for Coby with TSG Hoffenheim, 1.FC Nuernberg, Hannover 96, SV Werder Bremen and, last but not least DSC Arminia Bielefeld,” said Loewen.
