Soccer Player Takes Shot at Pros

Fernando C. ’21 plays in showcase game for Alianza de Futbol in Madrid, Spain Nov. 13, 2019. This fall, Fernando was named the top U17 player at a New York showcase among 500 high schoolers. (Alianza de Futbol)

Junior receives invitation to play in Madrid showcase 

This fall, Fernando C. ’21 displayed his versatile soccer skills in a New York soccer showcase among top high school players and received invitations to play in front of professional scouts in Los Angeles and Spain.

“This whole experience has been surreal to me,” Fernando said. “Through patience, discipline, and perseverance, I have been able to live out my dreams.”

Fernando plays for New York Soccer Club. (NYSC)

Fernando’s dreams became reality when he was named the top under-17 prospect in the Allstate Sueño Alianza showcase in New York over the summer. There, he competed with over 500 high school players in an effort to stand out in front of scouts from highly distinguished organizations including the New York Red Bulls, Cruz Azul, and Pachuca.

After his noteworthy play, Fernando received an invitation to participate in a national showcase in Los Angeles and a direct invitation from the Red Bulls and Cruz Azul youth academies.

“The competition was extremely tough, and I am glad [the teams] believed in me,” Fernando said. “I never imagined the opportunity would come so soon, but I am grateful for it.”

In mid-September, Fernando took the next step on his dream journey, accepting the invitation to participate in the National Showcase in Los Angeles, California.

Twenty-two of the best high school players from across the country took part in the five- day showcase, and scouts from some of the best soccer leagues in the world, MLS, Liga MX, and La Liga, evaluated the players in action. After impressing these scouts, Fernando received another invitation to attend a soccer camp with coaches from La Liga, the top division of the Spanish soccer league system.

“After his noteworthy play, he received an invitation to participate in a national showcase in Los Angeles and also received direct invitations from the Red Bulls and Cruz Azul youth academies.”

“The invite from the La Liga coaches was a dream come true for me,” Fernando said. “I hope to receive an offer from a La Liga team to stay in Spain and pursue my goal to be a professional soccer player.”

Fernando hopes his success will inspire other young soccer hopefuls.

“I remember as a kid thinking about playing soccer in Spain,” Fernando said. “With hard work, anything is possible, and I hope that my story will influence other kids to dedicate themselves to pursuing their passions.”

Fernando’s work ethic has only grown stronger as his skills continued to improve and the realization set in that he could play soccer professionally.

“I continued to work hard because I knew if I did, I might actually make the pros,” Fernando said. “The sport has taught me so much and has helped me grow, not only as a player, but as a person.”