19 May 2022
Bundesliga Program, Press Release, Train in Germany Permalink

Five North American Youth Soccer Players To Play Under 19 Bundesliga Next Season

May 19, 2022

NEW YORK, May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — International Soccer Academy today announced five North American youth soccer players on FC Schalke 04’s Integrated Academy will join Germany’s SC Verl and compete in the Bundesliga U19, Europe’s most competitive league for this age.

Congratulations to our five talented American & Canadian players joining SC Verl to play in the U19 Bundesliga

"We are very proud," said Eddie Loewen. "The signing of five players with SC Verl to play U19 Bundesliga from our International Soccer Academy / FC Schalke 04’s Integrated Academy proves our success."
"We are very proud," said Eddie Loewen. "The signing of five players with SC Verl to play U19 Bundesliga from our International Soccer Academy / FC Schalke 04’s Integrated Academy proves our success."

“This is proof of concept,” said Eddie Loewen — cofounder, International Soccer Academy. “The signing of our five players with SC Verl is living proof that our program works. We are proud to create the opportunity for American youth soccer players to compete in the world’s leading U19 league.”

Over the past 18 months, International Soccer Academy has successfully arranged over 65 trials with LA LIGA, Bundesliga and German clubs and a total of 12 players have signed contracts to play soccer in Europe.

“Our goal is to create a pathway for top American youth soccer players to become professionals or top collegiate impact players,” said Diane Scavuzzo, co-founder of International Soccer Academy. “We are proud SC Verl chose players from our FC Schalke 04 Integrated Academy. Competing in the U19 Bundesliga against FC Schalke 04, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen, FC Köln and other Bundesliga teams is a real dream for many teenage soccer players.”

International Soccer Academy’s exclusive partnerships with FC Schalke 04 creates a proven pathway for talented youth soccer players. The player development program is outstanding. Michael Volmari, SC Verl’s Sporting Director said, “We are very impressed with the players from International Soccer Academy’s program with FC Schalke 04.”

Players Selected by SC Verl:

DEFENDERS (3): Alex “X’ Hafer (Kingsville, MD/Baltimore Armour), Tidiane Keita (Montreal, Canada/MLS Montreal Impact), Jaime Villanueva (Tualatin, OR/MLS Portland Timbers)

MIDFIELDERS (1): Christian Chandler (San Antonio, TX/ECNL SAFC Pro)

FORWARDS (1): Keiquon Aaron (Brooklyn, NY/USL FA Euro)

Daniel Fröhlich, Head Coach of SC Verl U19 said, “We are excited to welcome these talented players and look forward to our success in U19 Bundesliga.”

SC Verl has won several championships and is an outstanding club focused on succeeding in the future of the game.

“I am proud to join SC Verl,” said Christian Chandler. “To play in the U19 Bundesliga is a huge opportunity for any player to showcase their talent.”

“This is the opportunity of a life-time and I am thrilled to be selected to play for SC Verl and compete in the U19 Bundesliga,” said Keiquon Aaron, who is in the Trinidad and Tobago Men‘s National U20 Team player pool for the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

“After playing for at FC Schalke, one of the best academy in the world, to now play for SC Verl is incredible,” said Tidiane Keita.

Jaime Villanueva said, “Excited to join SC Verl and play against some of the best teams in Europe.”

An exclusive partnership with Hertha Berlin is launching an U17 Integrated Academy this fall. Interested players for the 2022/23 rosters should complete the APPLY NOW form.

Contact:
Diane Scavuzzo
858-531-8300
diane@internationalsocceracademy.com

Read Press Release on PRNewswire
04 May 2022
Bundesliga Program, Hertha Berlin, News Coverage Permalink

Hertha Berlin and International Soccer Academy Launch News Picked Up By 375 Media Channels

May 4, 2022

International Soccer Academy and Hertha Berlin Partner to Increase Access to Amazing Youth Soccer Opportunities in Germany

Are you fifteen years old and dream of being on a youth soccer team playing against Bundesliga academies? This could be your lucky day.

NEW YORK, May 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Today, America International Soccer Academy and Germany’s Hertha Berlin announce a partnership to grow the international game of soccer and expand high-quality youth soccer opportunities in Germany. Starting in September 2022, talented American and Canadian youth soccer players will train and compete at Hertha Berlin’s Academy, one of the best professional youth soccer academies in Europe.

“Hertha Berlin is looking forward to be able to find and develop hidden stars,” said Pablo Thiam – Academy Director, Hertha Berlin

Hertha Berlin’s goal is to develop talented players into professionals and is the epitome of a modern football club; international, diverse, and focused on the future of the game. Working with International Soccer Academy, USA’s groundbreaking soccer organization providing authentic opportunities in Europe, a team of highly talented U17 players born in 2007 and 2006 will start training in Berlin this fall on the Hertha Berlin Integrated Academy and compete against Bundesliga academies as well as local competition.

“Hertha Berlin is one of the top Academies in Germany. We currently have 8 players from our Academy playing on the first team. With this partnership with International Soccer Academy, we hope to give American talents the opportunity and recognition that they deserve,” said Fredi Bobic – Sporting Director, Hertha Berlin.

International Soccer Academy & Bundesliga Hertha Berlin partner to expand opportunities in Germany for talented American youth soccer players

“We are extremely proud to announce our partnership with Hertha Berlin,” said Eddie Loewen — cofounder, International Soccer Academy. “Now we can bring a once-in-a-lifetime soccer training and an amazing cultural experience to more American youth soccer players.”

Hertha Berlin has consistently provided opportunities to youth players and their academy players have made appearances in over 450 League matches — with at least one youth player playing the entire 90 minute match, each game.

“The goal is to train ambitious footballers to become pros and be part of the future of football,” said Diane Scavuzzo, co-founder of International Soccer Academy. “We are driven to improve access for American youth soccer players with authentic integrated programs in top quality Bundesliga and European clubs.”

For decades, most American soccer players were ignored in Europe, and now this has changed. “The United States has proven to be a strong force to reckon with, when it comes to soccer talents. We are looking forward to be able to find and develop hidden stars,” said Pablo Thiam – Academy Director, Hertha Berlin.

Youth soccer players will be offered one of the sought after 20-player roster spots once approved by Hertha Berlin scouts. Virtual tryouts/nationwide scouting have launched.

“America has a plethora of soccer talent. Finding the next Pulisic or Reyna is our goal and why we have partnered with International Soccer Academy,” said Dirk Dufner – Director of Recruitment, Hertha Berlin.

The highly acclaimed FC Schalke 04 Integrated Academy U18 team was launched in 2021. Over 60 trials with professional Bundesliga, LA LIGA, and European clubs have been set up for International Soccer Academy players, with eight signings to date.

Media Contact:
Diane Scavuzzo
(858) 531-8300
diane@InternationalSoccerAcademy.com

SOURCE International Soccer Academy

02 May 2022
Bundesliga Program, Hertha Berlin, Press Release Permalink

International Soccer Academy and Hertha Berlin Partner to Increase Access to Amazing Youth Soccer Opportunities in Germany

May 2, 2022

NEW YORK, May 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Today, America International Soccer Academy and Germany’s Hertha Berlin announce a partnership to grow the international game of soccer and expand high-quality youth soccer opportunities in Germany. Starting in September 2022, talented American and Canadian youth soccer players will train and compete at Hertha Berlin’s Academy, one of the best professional youth soccer academies in Europe.

“Hertha Berlin is looking forward to be able to find and develop hidden stars,” said Pablo Thiam – Academy Director, Hertha Berlin

Hertha Berlin’s goal is to develop talented players into professionals and is the epitome of a modern football club; international, diverse, and focused on the future of the game. Working with International Soccer Academy, USA’s groundbreaking soccer organization providing authentic opportunities in Europe, a team of highly talented U17 players born in 2007 and 2006 will start training in Berlin this fall on the Hertha Berlin Integrated Academy and compete against Bundesliga academies as well as local competition.

“Hertha Berlin is one of the top Academies in Germany. We currently have 8 players from our Academy playing on the first team. With this partnership with International Soccer Academy, we hope to give American talents the opportunity and recognition that they deserve,” said Fredi Bobic – Sporting Director, Hertha Berlin.

International Soccer Academy & Bundesliga Hertha Berlin partner to expand opportunities in Germany for talented American youth soccer players

“We are extremely proud to announce our partnership with Hertha Berlin,” said Eddie Loewen — cofounder, International Soccer Academy. “Now we can bring a once-in-a-lifetime soccer training and an amazing cultural experience to more American youth soccer players.”

Hertha Berlin has consistently provided opportunities to youth players and their academy players have made appearances in over 450 League matches — with at least one youth player playing the entire 90 minute match, each game.

“The goal is to train ambitious footballers to become pros and be part of the future of football,” said Diane Scavuzzo, co-founder of International Soccer Academy. “We are driven to improve access for American youth soccer players with authentic integrated programs in top quality Bundesliga and European clubs.”

For decades, most American soccer players were ignored in Europe, and now this has changed. “The United States has proven to be a strong force to reckon with, when it comes to soccer talents. We are looking forward to be able to find and develop hidden stars,” said Pablo Thiam – Academy Director, Hertha Berlin.

Youth soccer players will be offered one of the sought after 20-player roster spots once approved by Hertha Berlin scouts. Virtual tryouts/nationwide scouting have launched.

“America has a plethora of soccer talent. Finding the next Pulisic or Reyna is our goal and why we have partnered with International Soccer Academy,” said Dirk Dufner – Director of Recruitment, Hertha Berlin.

The highly acclaimed FC Schalke 04 Integrated Academy U18 team was launched in 2021. Over 60 trials with professional Bundesliga, LA LIGA, and European clubs have been set up for International Soccer Academy players, with eight signings to date.

Media Contact:
Diane Scavuzzo
(858) 531-8300
diane@InternationalSoccerAcademy.com

SOURCE International Soccer Academy

Read Press Release on PRNewswire
10 Apr 2022
News Coverage, Sportwerk, Train in Germany Permalink

Sportwerk Academy and International Soccer Academy Launch News Picked Up By Over 364 Media Channels

April 10, 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, diane@InternationalSoccerAcademy.com

Source:

International Soccer Academy

Read Press Release on PR Newswire
07 Apr 2022
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

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, diane@InternationalSoccerAcademy.com

Source:

International Soccer Academy

Read Press Release on PRNewswire
29 Mar 2022
Press Release, Train in France Permalink

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

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 diane@internationalsocceracademy.com +1-858-531-8300
Lena Gil lgil@theicef.com 305-798-7269

20 Feb 2022
Hybrid Gap Sessions, Players, Signed Alumni Permalink
Mallorca Gap Session Alum Ty Walker Debuts
Mallorca Gap Session Alum Ty Walker Debuts

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

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
Bundesliga Program, FC Schalke 04, News Coverage Permalink

American Thanksgiving in Germany

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
Bundesliga Program, FC Schalke 04, Press Release Permalink

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

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 

diane@internationalsocceracademy.com

+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
Hybrid Gap Sessions, Players, Signed Alumni Permalink

Goalkeeper and American Jake Lazarus becomes 09er

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
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Info@InternationalSoccerAcademy.com
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