February 1, 2018
Written by: Cameron, U-17 Barça Academy Player
I came to Barça Academy on August 1, 2017 and have never looked back. Prior to my arrival here, my soccer career all started in Palo Alto, California where I was born. I grew up playing multiple sports but once I got to the age of nine and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, I fell in love with the beautiful game of soccer. Since living in Arizona, I have played for Sereno, Valparaiso and SC Del Sol, which are part of the U.S Youth Soccer league. I had a great experience playing club soccer, going to regionals and playing for state championships but it was time for a change.
The change that I wanted to make was to play in the Developmental Academy league which is the top league in America for youth players. I came to tryouts here at Grande Sports World before they announced the partnership with FC Barcelona. Once I came for the tryout I knew instantly that this is the next step in my career for soccer and for my schooling. On the soccer side, they have beautiful fields, a weight room, ice pools and hot pools. Academically, they have a school on site that is affiliated with a college (Arizona State University). After they announced the partnership with FC Barcelona, I was in shock. My family and I are huge Barcelona fans and knowing that I could have the chance to play for them gave me the chills.
Ever since I arrived on August 1st, I have been having the time of my life. The training here is like no other that I have ever experienced. Every training session I learn something new, whether it is tactically or a technical part of the game. Another thing that makes the training so great is that we are practicing how FC Barcelona practices. Our practices are always extremely competitive and hard. Not only have I grown on the soccer side here but also I have grown as a person. I have matured and learned that without good grades I will go nowhere in life. Study hall is given after school every day for an hour where I can finish my homework and prepare for my assessments.
Barça Academy is a dream come true for me. We are treated like professionals and have everything needed to succeed in life. Not a day goes by where I don’t improve on something in life. This place has changed my life and made me a better person. I am having fun every day that I’m here and I’m also living out my dream.
Want to be a part of Barça Academy? Register for camps at:
https://grandesportsacademy.regfox.com/new-gsa-soccer-tryouts-summer-camps
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @barcaacademyaz for all your Barça Academy news and updates.
