Example Page 1 – Page 6 of 11 – International Soccer Academy

07 Apr 2022

Diane Scavuzzo Press Release, Sportwerk, Train in Germany Permalink

International Soccer Academy and Sportwerk Academy Form Partnership to Expand Access to High-Quality Youth Soccer Opportunities in Germany

Diane Scavuzzo April 7, 2022

THOMASTON, Conn. and OCHTRUP, Germany, April 7, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — International Soccer Academy, the country’s groundbreaking elite youth soccer player development organization providing authentic opportunities for talented Americans in Europe, today announced a partnership with Könige und Grafen Sportwerk Ochtrup, Germany’s leading sports performance center equipped with the latest technology for State-of-the-art performance diagnostics to enhance the youth soccer players’ development.

Currently partnered with FC Schalke 04, International Soccer Academy launched its Integrated Academy with the Bundesliga club last year and is now expanding its groundbreaking soccer initiatives to include the Sportwerk Academy, which will launch with a team of 22 talented U18/19 players which will compete against regional clubs and Bundesliga academies.

“It is outstanding that the International Soccer Academy gives talented American and Canadian young footballers the opportunity to get to know and experience German football culture in our Sportwerk Academy,” Paul Schomann, UEFA Pro License and former coach of German Youth National Team.

Leaders in innovation, International Soccer Academy and Sportwerk Ochtrup will place an emphasis on making player development fun by using technology that allows players to become immersed in a digital game-like environment which seriously improves players’ skill and performance.

“American soccer players know that training in Germany is a great benefit, and now they’re realizing that harnessing the power of sports performance technology is a huge advantage,” said Eddie Loewen, Cofounder of International Soccer Academy. “By partnering with Sportwerk Ochtrup, we can improve player development opportunities, providing elite youth soccer players with access to one of the best state of the art programs in Germany.”

Considered a secret weapon by Bundesliga giants, International Soccer Academy’s Sportwerk U18/19 players will train with the latest sports technology, including the SoccerBot360, which the professional players at RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg use.

A highly innovative simulation system that improves individual player performance, the SoccerBot360 immerses the player in the center of a large 360-degree digital arena testing reaction speed, technical accuracy, peripheral vision, and speed. This is only one of several top of the line technology tools at Sportwerk Ochtrup’s expansive professional training environment. Players will also benefit from the Speedlab with digital measurement technology, as well as Bundesliga quality football fields, UEFA A licensed coaching staff and onsite residential accommodations.

“The goal is always to provide exceptional player development opportunities for American youth soccer players and we are proud of our new partnership and launching the Sportwerk Academy,” said Diane Scavuzzo, Cofounder. “We want to provide amazing challenges to elite players to help improve their decision-making, speed of action and overal success in the game.”

“We are very excited about this unique partnership. The International Soccer Academy is a professional organization that scouts the best talents in the U.S. and Canada,” said Michael Schmidt, Managing Director Sportwerk. “These talents now have the opportunity to develop into professional footballers in Germany’s most modern sports academy and to be recommend to the top clubs.”

A nationwide player identification search will scout for top talent for the team which will compete against regional clubs and Bundesliga academies. Additional information and how to apply through a Virtual Tryout or Player ID Session is on International Soccer Academy’s website. International Soccer Academy represents some of most talented players in the USA and is working to meet the crucial needs of future soccer players today.

Media Contact:

Diane Scavuzzo, (858) 531-8300, [email protected]

Source:

International Soccer Academy

Read Press Release on PRNewswire

29 Mar 2022

Diane Scavuzzo Press Release, Train in France Permalink

International Soccer Academy and Strive Football Group Partner to Provide American Youths Opportunities to Play Soccer in France

Diane Scavuzzo March 29, 2022

International Soccer Academy and Strive Football Group Partner to Provide American Youths Opportunities to Play Soccer in France International Soccer Academy founders Eddie Loewen and Diane Scavuzzo join forces with Ravy Truchot, owner of Strive Football Group, to Help American youth soccer players take their game to the next level.

SAN DIEGO, Tuesday, March 29, 2022/International Soccer Academy (https:// internationalsocceracademy.com) and Strive Football Group (https:// www.strivefootballgroup.com) announced a strategic partnership today. The goal is to expand opportunities for talented American youth soccer players who want to be immersed in a professional environment in Europe and take their game to the next level. Strive Football Group and International Soccer Academy share a determination to provide an authentic pathway for highly talented and hardworking youths who have big dreams and the desire to to get the exposure to the professional clubs in Europe.

International Soccer Academy’s mission is to transform player development and provide authentic opportunities for American soccer players who want to train and play in Europe. Strive Football Group’s mission is to help international student-athletes coming from all over the world reach their full potential through a global network of professional partner clubs and integrated football academies among which the American Paris Saint-Germain Academy Pro Residency and the prestigious International Center of European Football (ICEF). Since 2017, Strive’s International Center of European Football has been developing international players able to play at the highest level in Europe. This fall, ICEF welcomed four International Soccer Academy players from across America into its 10-month Pro Residency program at their state-of-the-art residency campus in Evian, France.

“We are pleased to partner with International Soccer Academy and continue to provide a wider range of opportunities for US soccer players in Europe,” said Strive football Group’s owner, Ravy Truchot. The partnership brings together the power and experience of International Soccer Academy and Strive Football Group to provide new possibilities for players ages 12 to 20 years of age.

“It is rare to find another organization devoted to the player,” said Eddie Loewen, cofounder of International Soccer Academy. “We are thrilled to partner with Strive and our players at the ICEF are thriving; immersed in the professional player-centric atmosphere and training with dedicated UEFA A licensed coaches.”

“We are working relentlessly to foster the next generation of US soccer players and together, we will thrive the next generation of U.S. soccer players,” said FIFA World Cup Champion Blaise Matuidi, Chief Football Officer at Strive Football Group. Matuidi played for Paris Saint-Germain FC and Juventus FC among other European clubs before moving to the USA and signing with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.

American youth soccer players cannot wait patiently for urgent opportunities to improve their development as they age-out of the game and abandon their dreams of playing professionally in Europe. Authentic pathways to become a professional soccer player in Europe are rare in the United States’ youth soccer market.

“A shared passion for doing what’s right — and what is in the best interest of the player brought us together and we are proud to announce this partnership,” said Diane Scavuzzo. “Strive owns several professional football clubs and believes great coaching is the spark needed to make players unstoppable. We share this belief and look forward to all our combined players benefiting from our joint resources.”

America is a huge country with over 329 million people and only 27 Major League Soccer professional clubs. France’s Ligue de Football Professionel (LFP) counts 46 professional football clubs for a population of just 67 million people. Belgium’s football league system, sums up 24 professional football clubs for a population of 11.6 million. Even when you add all the professional clubs of varying levels in the US (31 USL Championship teams and 11 NISA clubs), European soccer has a rich heritage that reflects more than a century of passion and successful player development.

“Many youth soccer players dream of training abroad. Americans cheer for many sports but the world’s favorite game is soccer. In Europe, everyone talks soccer and it creates an unrivaled focus and passion. There is nothing comparable to heritage of European football,” said Scavuzzo.

International Soccer Academy announced a partnership with the Bundesliga’s FC Schalke 04 (https://schalke04.de/) earlier this year and 22 American youth soccer players born in 2003 and 2004 are living at the Schalke campus in Germany for the 2021-2022 football season.

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL SOCCER ACADEMY

Founded by Eddie Loewen and Diane Scavuzzo, International Soccer Academy is the world’s leading youth soccer to professional career bridging program, with an ongoing mission to provide a solid pathway for elite players aspiring to play abroad. Providing real, authentic, and expert development opportunities with top European professional soccer clubs, International Soccer Academy is focused on developing successful players who are driven to reach their goals of signing a professional contract or play Division 1 soccer.

Since inception of the first residential player development program in Mallorca, Spain in October 2020, four International Soccer Academy players have signed contracts to be paid to play soccer in Europe and over 35 player trials with European clubs have been set up

USEFUL LINKS:

International Soccer Academy (https://internationalsocceracademy.com)
Strive Football Group (https://www.strivefootballgroup.com/)
International Center of European Football (https://www.theicef.com/)
Paris Saint-Germain Academy USA Pro Residency (https:// residency.psgacademyusa.com/)

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Diane Scavuzzo [email protected] +1-858-531-8300
Lena Gil [email protected] 305-798-7269

20 Feb 2022

Diane Scavuzzo Hybrid Gap Sessions, Players, Signed Alumni Permalink

Mallorca Gap Session Alum Ty Walker Debuts

Exclamation Point in the Oberliga: U21 Beats Leaders Trier 2-1

Diane Scavuzzo February 20, 2022

The U21s of 1. FC Kaiserslautern started the winter break with an absolute exclamation point. After two early goals by Phinees Bonianga and Mohamed Morabet, coach Peter Tretter’s team beat the sovereign leaders Eintracht Trier 2-1 and thus significantly improved their starting position in the fight for participation in the promotion round before the last day of the main round.

The young Red Devils went into the game against the big favorites with a few personal question marks. While winter newcomer Mike Scharwath was temporarily absent due to illness, Leon Hotopp, who only returned to team training last week, celebrated a convincing comeback from the start. Ty Walker, who was still playing for the U19s the day before, made his debut in the Oberliga.

Read Full Article on the FC Kaiserslautern Website

10 Feb 2022

Diane Scavuzzo Bundesliga Program, FC Schalke 04, News Coverage Permalink

American Thanksgiving in Germany

Diane Scavuzzo February 10, 2022

Celebrated

The atmosphere festive, the food delicious: This is how the Schalke US team celebrated Thanksgiving at Schloss Berge. A classic was served – turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed sweet potatoes and apple pie made the hearts of the US boys beat faster. Board members Peter Knäbel, Bodo Menze, ex-professional goalkeeper Holger Gehrke, who is involved in the Mallorca soccer camp, and Diane Scavuzzo from the International Soccer Academy celebrated the American holiday with them. Traditionally, Thanksgiving is celebrated in the family circle at the end of November, which is why some parents had come specially, while others could be connected via Skype. Home leave soon beckons over Christmas, before the ball rolls again in the new year.

27 Jan 2022

Diane Scavuzzo Bundesliga Program, FC Schalke 04, Press Release Permalink

FC Schalke 04 Integrated Academy Set to Take on Hertha Berlin February 2

Diane Scavuzzo January 27, 2022

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY (January 27, 2022) – The FC Schalke 04 Integrated Academy Under-18 team, composed of 22 elite American and Canadian players immersed in the professional environment of the famed Bundesliga club, continues its immersive experience with a trip to Berlin and a match against famed Bundesliga power Hertha BSC.

A tall task lies ahead for the North American teenagers, as the group will face an undefeated (11-0) Hertha BSC U17 side who currently sits atop the Nord (North) division of the U17 Bundesliga. The U17 Die Alte Dame has scored 38 goals and conceded twice in their 11 games this season.

For the Schalke Integrated Academy, traveling to Berlin comes off two impressive showings for the squad of teenagers aspiring to sign professional contracts in Europe, with recent wins against regional clubs DJK TuS Hordel (2-1) and SpVgg. Herne-Horsthausen (5-0).

“Playing against one of the very best youth teams in Germany is an amazing opportunity for our American and Canadian players and a great benchmark of ability,” said Eddie Loewen, International Soccer Academy co-founder.

In its match against DJK TuS Hordel, the Integrated Academy continued to fight into the final minutes of a 1-1 score line when winger Dillon Bardhi (Scarsdale, N.Y.) was rewarded a penalty kick after a massive run saw him taken down in the box. Bardhi, remaining cool, calm and collected, buried his chance and sealed the seventh victory of the season for Die Knappen (The Miners).

One week later, on January 26, the Integrated Academy found even more success when they welcomed SpVgg. Herne-Horsthausen to the Knappenschmiede campus. After being up only 1-0 at halftime, the Schalke U-18 Academy found its offensive prowess in the second half, unleashing four additional goals. The win was a total team effort with five unique goal scorers getting in on the action: Jake Chung (Bellevue, Wash.), Alex Cole (South Orange, N.J.), Antonios Loukas (Lake Worth, Fla.), Reece Gaylor (Texarkana, Texas) and Trace Higham (Acworth, Georgia).

The Integrated Academy will face one final test match before departing for Berlin, taking on TSC Eintracht Dortmund on January 29.

“Schalke has been known for outstanding youth work for decades and is one of the most successful youth academies in Europe,” said Kai Brock, Project Manager. “These experiences and the passion of the coaches are 100% involved in this project. The player and his development are absolutely the focus here. Every player who participates in this program benefits from this professional environment.”

The groundbreaking initiative between International Soccer Academy and the famed Bundesliga talent development factory, FC Schalke 04, launched this fall and is a nine-month program that concludes in May 2022. International Soccer Academy partnered with Schalke to provide an authentic and real player development experience abroad for talented players in the USA and the unique collaborative Integrated Academy is the only program of its kind. The inaugural U-18 squad of 22 elite American and Canadian players has been training at Schalke’s famed Knappenschmiede (youth academy) and competing against regional academy teams (MSV Duisburg, Schwarz-Weiß Essen, FC Kray). The Integrated Academy is immersed in the professional environment of FC Schalke 04, living on the Knappenschmiede campus in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, and often training twice a day with one day a week off. Highly competitive matches to take on top-tier academy teams in the Bundesliga later in the season are scheduled with Schalke and Fortuna Düsseldorf among others.

MORE: Team information on FC Schalke 04 website

By the time most elite, high-level youth soccer players in America are 17 years old, they have been playing consistently with the same club for several years. The Integrated Academy team met for the first time on August 11 and has been quickly building incredible chemistry ever since.

Coached by dedicated, full-time UEFA A licensed coaches Jens Grembowietz (head coach) and Julian Kaliczok (assistant coach), who were handpicked by the Knappenschmiede, each Integrated Academy player committed to the life-changing opportunity knowing that they were pioneers paving the road for future American youth soccer players wanting to turn dreams of playing soccer professionally in Europe a reality. After an extensive nationwide search and thorough evaluation process that saw only one in every 10 players approved by Schalke scouts and offered a roster spot to join the Integrated Academy team, the Schalke sporting staff finalized the roster selection of 21 Americans from across 11 US states and one Canadian from Montreal.

MORE: Integrated Academy Roster Page

Knowing full well the sacrifices required to take such a leaping step forward along the pathway to becoming a professional soccer player, including leaving their family, teammates and friends back home, Integrated Academy players have seen first-hand the invaluable dividends of competing against the highest level of youth soccer players in Germany, while constantly being exposed to European scouts. Each member of the Integrated Academy has embraced the cultural experience of living in Germany and dedicated themselves to further developing their soccer abilities in order to become the best player they can be an inch closer to reaching their dream of becoming a professional soccer player.

###

Founded by Eddie Loewen and Diane Scavuzzo in 2020, International Soccer Academy is the world’s leading youth soccer to professional career bridging program, with an ongoing mission to provide a solid pathway for elite players aspiring to play abroad. Providing real, authentic, and expert development opportunities with top European professional soccer clubs, International Soccer Academy is focused on developing confident and successful players that are driven to reach their goals, whether that is to sign a professional soccer contract in Europe or the United States, or play Division 1 soccer.

To date, four International Soccer Academy players have signed contracts to be paid to play soccer with one additional player signing to play with a U19 Bundesliga club.

For further information, please contact:

Diane Scavuzzo

Co-Founder

[email protected]

+1-858-531-8300

International Soccer Academy – Links

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/internationalsocceracademy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalsocceracademyisa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalSoccerAcademyResidency/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/intsocceracad

*If you would like a higher resolution image than you are able to find online on our Flickr account, please let us know. However, please note that you can download the original high-resolution image if you wish from Flickr.

FC Schalke 04 U18 Integrated Academy – Information

Example player article: https://txkmag.com/news/sports/kickin-it-in-germany/

Article from Bundesliga: https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/frankfurt-and-schalke-to-stage-us-soccer-youth-player-trials-16323

FC Schalke 04 partnership announcement: https://schalke04.de/knappenschmiede/aktuell/us-kooperation-knappenschmiede-empfaengt-u18-team/

06 Jan 2022

Diane Scavuzzo Hybrid Gap Sessions, Players, Signed Alumni Permalink

Goalkeeper and American Jake Lazarus becomes 09er

Diane Scavuzzo January 6, 2022

With the 20-year-old American Jacob “Jake” Raymond Lazarus, SG Wattenscheid 09 can present an international new addition to the goalkeeping position. Jake is now part of coach Christian Britscho’s league squad and has been training with the team for several months. He will receive jersey number 13.

As a participant in the Mallorca training camp ” Train in Spain ” of the International Soccer Academy (ISA), the Californian goalkeeper was trained under professional conditions by Holger Gehrke (formerly Bundesliga professional at FC Schalke 04 and MSV Duisburg and goalkeeping coach of the Hungarian national team) and Eddie Loewen (formerly a professional at FC Remscheid and Arminia Bielefeld) and is now looking forward to the new challenge at SG 09.

Read Full Article on SG Wattenscheid 09 Website

05 Nov 2021

Diane Scavuzzo Bundesliga Program, FC Schalke 04, Press Release Permalink

American Teenagers Continue Dream of Becoming Professional Soccer Players in Europe While Balancing School Work at ASU Prep Digital

Diane Scavuzzo November 5, 2021

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY (November 5, 2021) – With the help of ASU Prep Digital staff and educators, six American Teenagers are continuing to pursue their dream of becoming professional soccer players in Europe: Christian Chandler, Cameron Hein, Trace Higham, Antonios Loukas, Colin McGinnity and Christian Pöhlein.

Immersed in the professional soccer environment of Bundelsiga club FC Schalke 04, the six Sun Devils live and train on the famed Schalke Youth Academy campus in Gelsenkirchen, Germany known as the Knappenschmiede, with 16 teammates from across the United States and Canada. The players often train twice a day with one day a week off, while playing games once a week.

The groundbreaking initiative between International Soccer Academy and the famed Bundesliga talent development factory, FC Schalke 04, launched this fall and is a nine-month program that concludes in May 2022. International Soccer Academy partnered with Schalke to provide authentic and real player development experience abroad for talented players in US and Canada, and the unique collaborative Integrated Academy is the only program of its kind. The inaugural Under-18 squad of 22 elite players have been training at the Knappenschmiede and competing against regional academy teams (MSV Duisburg, Schwarz-Weiß Essen, FC Kray, TSC Eintracht Dortmund). Highly competitive matches to take on top-tier academy teams in the Bundesliga later in the season are scheduled with Hertha Berlin, Schalke 04, Arminia Bielefeld and Fortuna Düsseldorf, among others.

The inaugural squad was handpicked by scouts and coaches from the FC Schalke 04 sporting department after an extensive nationwide search and thorough evaluation process. Only one in every 10 players were approved by Schalke scouts and offered a roster spot to join the Integrated Academy team.

MORE: Team information on FC Schalke 04 website

“I think that ASU Prep Digital is similar to college in the fact that the student has the responsibility for their own learning,” said Christian Chandler. “And beyond college, I feel it is preparing us for the real world.”

“During my first few months with ASU Prep Digital, I have built relationships with my teachers who help me with assignments, time management and other general questions,” Cameron Hein said. “As students we have now become responsible for our own learning and spending our time wisely around our soccer schedule.”

“I really like how responsive the teachers are,” said Deborah Pöhlein, Christian Pöhlein’s mother. “Their comments and explanations are so detailed. For example, on an essay, you can really understand what needs either more development or is good as is. I also like how Christine (D’Antonio), Christian’s learning coach, helps my son be on top of everything and stay organized. It’s really great to have one key person to discuss all matters with.”

“I think ASU Prep Digital has been great since I’ve started,” Christian Pöhlein said. “I have been able to resolve all of my issues and questions and I have complete control over what and when I want to do school.”

“ASU Prep Digital makes school easier when you’re in a residential program like we are because it frees up your day to train in the mornings with our coaches,” said Colin McGinnity. “I like being able to do sections of my courses throughout the day, it’s a lot easier than trying to do it in one long sitting. Also, our learning coach Christine (D’Antonio) is very helpful with anything we need, like adjusting schedules or helping with the program.”

Christian Chandler – Player Page

A Junior defensive midfielder from San Antonio, Texas Christian Chandler started playing soccer at age four. Prior to joining the FC Schalke 04 residency program, Chandler attended L.E.E. High School, where he won the Texas High School 6A State Championship as a sophomore. On the club side, Chandler played most recently for Classics Elite Soccer Academy and San Antonio FC. In nine games played this season for FC Schalke 04, Chandler has recorded one goal and one assist.

Cameron Hein – Player Page

Hailing from Frostburg, Maryland Cameron Hein started playing soccer at age five and made the switch to goalkeeper at age 12. Before making the move to Germany, Hein was Sophomore class president at Bishop Walsh High School in Cumberland, Maryland. The captain of his former club, FC Alliance West Virginia, Hein was selected to the Maryland State ODP (Olympic Development Program) from 2019-2021.

Trace Higham – Player Page

A Senior from Acworth, Georgia Trace Higham began playing soccer at the age of three. Prior to FC Schalke 04, Higham played his last two seasons for the highly respected Barça Residency Academy, the MLS Next Club in partnership with the Spanish soccer giant FC Barcelona (Casa Grande, Arizona). For the 2020-2021 season, Higham recorded five goals 11 assists where FC Barcelona successfully competed against elite clubs from across the country.

Antonios Loukas – Player Page

From Lake Worth, Florida Antonios Loukas is completing his Senior year with ASU Prep Digital. Before moving to Gelsenkirchen, Germany to chase his professional soccer dreams, Loukas played for South Florida Football Academy, an MLS Next club. A midfielder, Loukas is keeping his professional options open but is currently committed to the University of Connecticut. At FC Schalke 04, Loukas has scored four goals in nine matches played.

Colin McGinnity – Player Page

Playing soccer since the age of three, Colin McGinnity committed to the International Soccer Academy — FC Schalke 04 residency program to jumpstart his goal of playing professionally in Europe. Prior to Schalke, McGinnity played for Spokane Sounders and Eastern Washington Surf. A Junior from Colbert, Washington McGinnity plays the striker position.

Christian Pöhlein – Player Page

An attacking winger from Pennington, New Jersey Christian Pöhlein is a Junior at ASU Prep Digital. Before joining FC Schalke 04, Pöhlein played for Princeton FC and attended Hopewell Valley High School. So far this season, Pöhlein has recorded two goals and two assists in nine matches played for Schalke.

By the time most elite, high-level youth soccer players in America are 17 Years old, they have been playing consistently with the same club for several years. The Integrated Academy team met for the first time on August 11 and have been quickly building incredible chemistry ever since. In the 10 games played so far this season, the squad has posted a record of 5-3-2, netting 18 goals and conceding 15.

MORE: FC Schalke 04 Integrated Academy Roster

Founded by Eddie Loewen and Diane Scavuzzo in 2020, International Soccer Academy is the world’s leading youth soccer to professional career bridging program, with an ongoing mission to provide a solid pathway for elite players aspiring to play abroad. Providing real, authentic and expert development opportunities with top European professional soccer clubs, International Soccer Academy is focused on developing confident and successful players that are driven to reach their goals, whether that is to sign a professional soccer contract in Europe or the United States, or play Division 1 soccer.

To date, four International Soccer Academy players have signed contracts to be paid to play soccer with one additional player signing to play with a U19 Bundesliga club.

For further information, please contact:

Diane Scavuzzo
Co-Founder
[email protected]
+1-858-531-8300

Thomas Caughlin
Marketing and Communications Director
Player Operations Advisor – FC Schalke 04
[email protected]

International Soccer Academy – Links

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/internationalsocceracademy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalsocceracademyisa/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InternationalSoccerAcademyResidency/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/intsocceracad

*If you would like a higher resolution image than you are able to find online on our Flickr account, please let us know. However, please note that you can download the original high-resolution image if you wish from Flickr.

FC Schalke 04 U18 Integrated Academy – Information

Example player article: https://txkmag.com/news/sports/kickin-it-in-germany/

Article from Bundesliga: https://www.bundesliga.com/en/bundesliga/news/frankfurt-and-schalke-to-stage-us-soccer-youth-player-trials-16323

FC Schalke 04 partnership announcement: https://schalke04.de/knappenschmiede/aktuell/us-kooperation-knappenschmiede-empfaengt-u18-team/

27 Oct 2021

Diane Scavuzzo Bundesliga Program, FC Schalke 04 Permalink

Integrated Academy Team – training, test matches and stadium visits

Diane Scavuzzo October 27, 2021

Arrived at Schalke! The American U18 team, which will be guests at the Knappenschmiede until May 2022, has been at Schalke since mid-August. You can read what the young talents have experienced in the first few weeks on knappenschmiede.de.

Visit FC Schalke 04's Website and Read More on the Integrated Academy Team

11 Oct 2021

dscavuzzo FC Schalke 04, Integrated Schalke 04 Blog Permalink

FC Schalke 04 Integrated Academy Blog

dscavuzzo October 11, 2021

tidiane keita

Week 7 - Tidiane Keita

The week begins… For me, each week is unique. Especially in this sport that is soccer you never know what might happen in the future. The first step before starting my week is to look at the calendar. Thomas Caughlin, who is a big brother to me in this journey, makes sure to plan our schedule in detail. What’s special about this week is that there are no games. Usually, we play every Wednesday. We have been in Germany for 1 1/2 months and I think a week without games will give us a chance to recharge our batteries.

Normally, except for Saturdays and Wednesdays, training is always at 10 am. So I wake up at 8 am after a good night of sleep for about 9-10hours. I always start the day with a good breakfast. Usually what I have on my plate are eggs, croissant, yogurt with cereal in it, a fruit and a multivitamin juice. Then I get ready for my practice. I like to take my time in the morning, it allows me to think about my day and organize myself without pressure.

When I get to the field I do some dynamic stretching and warm-up to prepare my body for practice. I take care of my body and it is essential for me. Injuries are a footballer’s nightmare so it’s important to do things right. The theme this week is the counter-attack. We work on a theme because the academy is above all a formation. We don’t change the theme every week but we work with it to improve. We have been working on counter-attack for 2 weeks now. A good counter-attack always starts with the desire to defend to recover the ball. Some teams/players tend to defend and not to recover the ball. The problem that we have analyzed in our games is that if we recover the ball on the right side we force to counterattack on the right side. Sometimes the best way to hurt the opponent is to counterattack from the opposite side. Personally, I feel that the coaches have taught me a lot in the last months. I am a player with a defensive profile but also with good offensive qualities. The knowledge that the coaches have, has allowed me to take my game to the next level. Every day between 2 sessions or after the training I go to the gym to work physically. My ambitions and mentality require me to be on top of my form. This week I have double sessions on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.

On Wednesday, the coaches organized a soccer tennis game with a local German soccer team. This activity allowed us to continue our integration in this country. We had a great time. Another aspect of the International Soccer Academy residential program with Schalke is the German classes. Being able to communicate in German is essential in this country. It is not an easy language but with practice, I am optimistic to have positive results. As mentioned before, taking care of my body is in my priorities. That’s why I stretch every day. There are days that I don’t feel like stretching but I do it. It’s those little things that make the difference on the field. Taking ice baths is also in my routine. I only take them when I need it. I’m in a professional environment now so I have to behave like a professional everyday.

To conclude, the week was light. We felt that the players were tired so the trainings were more technical than intense. Every week is a new mission for me. Every day I do everything to give my best to make sure that I continue to progress. Personally, I am happy with my week and I hope to get closer to my goal…🙏🏾

Tidiane Keita, #28 Defender

tidiane keita

jake chung

Week 6 - Jake Chung

Coming Soon

jake chung

colin mcginnity

Week 5 - Colin McGinnity

One of the most interesting things I have experienced while I have been here at this program is going to the stadium to watch Schalke games. In my hometown, the closest thing I have to a Schalke game would be our minor league baseball team which doesn’t even come close to the environment of the games here. It amazes me how much everyone loves soccer here and how strong their team spirit is unlike what you see in the US. I had never gotten to experience a whole stadium packed with people who are all cheering as loud as they can when we score a goal, it’s amazing! It just makes me want to become a professional soccer player that much more.

Another thing I have loved while I’ve been here is the quality of the training sessions. The training here is always very intense and technical which makes it much more challenging than in the US, which is great when you are striving to be better. Our training never gets repetitive because we are always changing up drills and working our brains. In my time here I have also noticed that the coaches seem to analyze the game much better than my previous coaches which is very helpful because they can give you specific advice on what you need to be doing better. It is also very nice to have video analysis so we can really learn from our mistakes which really helps with improvement.

Lastly, it is very nice to have the freedom we have here. It makes living here a lot more interesting when you can go explore, meet new people, and just have fun. I find myself often going to our local market to buy snacks and other things I might want. I have also taken the train to other towns to see what it is like there and just to find something to do in our free time. Overall I have had a great time here and am very grateful to be a part of this program.

Colin McGinnity, #4 Forward

colin mcginnity

alec laible

Week 4 - Alec Laible

As my team and I end the first month since our arrival in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, I am reflecting on my variety of emotions and our constant activities. I, Alec Laible, want to give you an insight on what happens during a week at the Integrated Academy at Schalke 04.

Bright and early at 7:30 AM, a fresh new Monday makes it appearance on our schedule. After a tiresome 20 minutes of preparing for the day, we all head down to the lobby for the buffet-style breakfast, which is open from 6:30 AM to 10 AM every day. Beginning with crispy croissants and fluffy breads, to the cold, refreshing selection of cheeses and meats, and the assorted vegetables and eggs — you can become overwhelmed with the sheer quantity of food. Plus, add in the variety of juices, yogurt, and fruits — there is an enormous amount to chose from. Once I grab my plate and pick a seat, I prepare a warm tea and do some light reading before our training, which begins at 10 AM.

Around 9:50, the team will walk half a mile to today’s training grounds, greet the coaches by saying “Good morning,” and get physically and mentally prepared for practice. Trainings could be tactical plays, defensive positioning, offensive attacking plays — anything that will make us better in game.

Afterwards the soccer training session ends, the team takes the equipment back to our Schalke Academy storage room and we head back to the hotel for lunch, which begins right after training. Our chef, Anna, provides us with a variety of proteins, carbs, salads, vegetables, and fruits, making sure that we are staying fit but can also enjoy the meal at the same time. Before our second training at 1:30 PM, players can relax and enjoy a little down time.

For me, I unfortunately must ice my shins and elbows from previous injuries. At 1:15 PM, we begin our journey back down to the fields to have the second training session of the day. A much more intense and driven practice, filled with tactical plays and scrimmages. Once finished, we can do whatever pleases us until dinner which is at 6 PM. For my roommate and I, we prefer playing video games, watching movies, or working out. Dinner is served with a new variety of food, such as chicken or beef, ranging from carbonara to curry. We talk, listen to music, laugh, and then head back up to the rooms to watch movies. Although it is early, we hit the hay around 10:30 PM to be responsible for the next day ahead.

As you can see, that is just one day in the life of a player here in Germany on the Schalke Integrated Academy U18 team from the USA.

It certainly does take a toll onto your body after constant training and workouts, which I think is good. You eventually become adapted to the constant work being put in and the drive and thirst for more increases. On some days, about twice a week, there will only be one training session. This allows players to go to restaurants, travel to nearby cities, or train more on their own if they would like. Sundays are always available for traveling, if there isn’t anything that has to be done. For example, a group of us went to a nearby zoo called ZOOM Erlebniswelt. We spent the whole day exploring and learning about new animals and then went to a restaurant afterwards. While we did have to walk a little bit, trains are available anywhere that you would like to visit. Some of the other players tend to visit Dusseldorf and Essen frequently. All these trips can be made possible through the transit cards we were given. They allow us to travel anywhere around Gelsenkirchen for free, which is a good thing, or else we would all be going crazy.

While some players came here to play around, others came so their dreams could be achieved. To be successful, players must have constant grit and drive at every practice so that they can become their best. To even be close to having my dream become possible, I must work every single day to be me best.

Even when the weather changes from sunny to rainy instantly, or you must walk half a mile to the turf hall, you constantly remind yourself of what must be done to achieve what you want. Thankfully, I am always face-timing and talking to my family so that I don’t go crazy being here away from everyone. It does affect you and becomes shocking — but slowly you realize that this is it — this can be the first step to something great.

And, outside the hotel, during practice, in the city, anywhere you go, we represent Schalke. How amazing is that?

Alec Laible, #1 Goalkeeper

alec laible

x hafer

Week 3 - X Hafer

My 3rd week within the Schalke04 integrated soccer program was fantastic. the coaches in Germany are much more knowledgeable about fussball compared to back at home in the USA and have taught me already so much about the game.

In my free time this week, I spent it mostly stretching and doing schoolwork however, I did have some fun events with my teammate — like movie night, walking around my new hometown of Gelsenkirchen, and watching other Schalke 04 matches. Overall, it was a great, and productive week.

At first, it was hard living in a new country and adapting to new customs without any family by my side. Now, I am well situated and quite enjoy being in Germany learning more about soccer every day. I was disappointed on Wednesday because I did not start the match against Schermbeck, but when I went in, we turned the match around and ended tying the game. The team we played was not very technical but they worked much harder than us, and I think this is why the game ended in a tie.

The practices here are very different than back at home, the Schalke 04 coaches always have a new drill, training many different aspects of our bodies. Some of the morning and afternoon soccer practices are focused on position-based training, other days we train to become stronger physically — and we also have cognitive sessions where we have to think very fast and we do extremely technical drills. Additionally, we had tests done to calculate if we biologically developed later or earlier than our actual birthdate.

Every day I learn something new … getting me one step closer to my dream of becoming a professional soccer player. It is a blessing to be here.

X Hafer, #3 Defender

x hafer

andres lopez

Week 2 - Andres Lopez

This is the beginning of our second week being in residence in Germany and training with our two Schalke coaches. We are living within walking distance to the soccer fields and the professional stadium.

On Monday, August 16th, our team had 2 trainings with our Schalke coaches. The first soccer training was very different compared to a typical “normal” practice.

This practice was about discovering and recognizing our “bad” eye. We were each given an eye patch to cover our dominant “good” eye so that we could strengthen our “bad” eye. We then did some passing drills and I found it challenging as it was hard to measure the distance between the player and the ball. This soccer training was focused on eye-hand-leg coordination and we all need more practice.

Our second practice later in the day was pretty fun, we got to scrimmage and work on our positioning as a team. We have another match this week and we are preparing.

On Tuesday, August 17th, we had soccer training in the morning and a German language class in the afternoon. The German class was difficult because our teacher was teaching us way too much the first day. And the class was entirely in German, and as a player training at Schalke, I am eager to learn how to speak the country’s language, I do not know more than a few words.

On Wednesday, August 18th, we had 2 soccer training sessions. practices, our first team practice was incredibly intense. We did a 3v1 rondo drill and then scrimmaged shortly afterwards. Our second training was focused on strength and coordination with Coach Evan. We had 8 different stations set up, all with different equipment. In some stations, we would be squatting with weights and in others, we would be jumping over hurdles.

On Thursday, August 19th, our team had training on defensive and offensive positioning. In the afternoon, we had a second German class that was still very difficult. We started to learn sentences and useful daily words.

On Friday, August 20, morning practice focused on our offense being high pressed by our defense. I feel that we performed well defensively on high pressing and interrupting their gameplay.

On Saturday, August 21, we had our speed test at the indoor facility.

We first started with a warm-up and then got straight into it. We started with the short distanced run and we ended with the beeping test that would calculate how long we could run before giving up.

Later on in the evening, we went to the cafeteria near the fields and we watched FC Schalke 04’s pro team play. They unfortunately lost but it was a cool experience to be surrounded by my new soccer teammates watching the first team play and wearing the same logo as the pros.

On Sunday, August 22, we had an off day so 3 of my new Schalke Integrated Academy U18 teammates and I decided to take the train to Düsseldorf and Dortmund. The city of Dusseldorf was surprisingly empty but we later then found out that nothing was really open on Sundays, so that’s the reason why nobody was there. We then decided to explore our new surroundings and took a train to Dortmund that was only about 45 minutes away. When we arrived, we rented electrical scooters and rode to the Dortmund Stadium. At around 5 we left Dortmund and arrived back at our hotel — just in time for dinner. Pizzas were served, and they were great.

Andres Lopez, #5 Midfielder

andres lopez

christian rodriguez

Week 1 - Christian Rodriguez

Wednesday … day arrival. The night was full of fun and laughter as we were finally all together to meet and get our jerseys. We met our coaches and the personnel who created this program, and over dinner, all the players sat together and we learned more about each other — finding out previous youth soccer clubs and where we came from.

That was really the first bonding moment.

Thursday … The first training was intense and very scrappy, everyone was fighting to show off their abilities. The second training was a stretching workout session which was intense and good for the body, especially as some of the players were just off a plane the day before.

The meals are good and healthy, but also different at the same time compared to what we normally eat in the US.

Friday … We had a morning session that ended in an open scrimmage —The small match had very high intensity and good quality, especially as we have only been together for a few days.
Before training, team pictures were taken on the park Stadion pitch. We also had our first Team Meeting today — It was good and we talked about our team being a family as we go through this journey.

Saturday … was game prep with training to figure out possible starting group since we had a match the next day. This was also a day where everyone tried fighting for a spot with intensity as well as scrappiness.

Sunday … Today was our first game. It was good to see how we played together, despite the result. For being only a few days in, our first game went well knowing we have months to train and play together to get better. We got to see each other’s abilities in the match, as well as how the team gels together. It is all new. And, it is exciting.

Christian Rodriguez, #31 Defender

christian rodriguez

30 Sep 2021

Diane Scavuzzo Bundesliga Program, FC Schalke 04 Permalink

Kickin’ it in Germany

Diane Scavuzzo September 30, 2021

Written by Jonathan Weaver

In the Four States area where football is king, Reece Gaylor has made a name for himself on the soccer pitch. Reece, a junior at Texas High School, was selected to the first-team all-district lists in his freshman and sophomore seasons, as well as being selected to the USYS ODP South Region Pool Team. The talented Tiger has now taken his talents overseas to an Integrated U19 Residential Academy at Schalke 04 in Germany. Reece was selected after submitting a highlight film and application that was evaluated by the scouts at the German club.

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