University, good grades and soccer go together in the US. If sport isn’t linked with studies, it loses its meaning and its roots. In the USA, the faculties give young people opportunities to be soccer professionals through their studies, which is why semi-professional scholarships were created. Of course, if you fail a subject, the scholarship is taken away and you no longer play. Interested? The requirements are to be a good student, speak English and play soccer.<\/p>\n
Universities with a signing up budget<\/strong> Semi-professional scholarships that pay for almost everything<\/strong> The US coaches are the ones who choose the youngsters<\/strong> If you don’t get to First, you’ve still got a degree from the US<\/strong> If you get signed up by a First from another League, they let you leave<\/strong> For players who came up against closed doors in Spain<\/strong> When they arrive in the US they’re local heroes<\/strong> Fathers encourage them and mothers ‘hold on’ to them<\/strong> Living like a First Division soccer player<\/strong> Maximum discipline in all aspects of life<\/strong>
\nIn the United States, it’s almost impossible to take the step towards being a professional soccer player without going through the faculty, which is why the Colleges have a financial allowance for it. \u201cWe told the Atl\u00e9tico Foundation about the idea, they liked it and they welcomed us and helped us,\u201d explains Gerardo Piris, Sports Unlimited coordinator.<\/p>\n
\nScholarships awarded by the universities include accommodation, three meals a day, tuition, student and sports insurance, and books. Many scholarship recipients are also given work on the university campus, so they can earn money of their own. Of course, if a player gets to play in the MLS their scholarship is taken away, as they would earn a lot of money in the USA First Division.<\/p>\n
\nPiris explains how they choose the Spanish players: \u201cWe make a selection and then the technical experts come over from the USA to watch training sessions and games, and they choose the ones they want to study there. The vast majority are more interested in physical power than in quality, their soccer is more physical than ours\u201d.<\/p>\n
\nWhat’s clear is that, if in the end, a player who goes to an American university never gets to play in a First Division team, they come back to Spain with a degree from there and with perfect English.<\/p>\n
\nIf a scholarship holder’s soccer level crosses borders and a European or Asian club spots a player… there’s no problem. The university lets the player go so they can continue their career.<\/p>\n
\nThese scholarships are designed and intended for players who had the door to First and Second divisions shut in their faces. In MLS they can live from soccer as true professionals and start, continue or complete their university studies.<\/p>\n
\nAs soon as they land, people make them feel like players. Although American soccer isn\u2019t quite like the Spanish game, the players quickly become used to it and give it an extra touch of quality and speed. They become heroes and idols. The trips to play matches are made by plane, and after they’ve played they give interviews.<\/p>\n
\nThe players are excited about the project, but their families are divided. \u201cWhereas parents want their children to live and enjoy this experience, mothers are very sad about their children leaving home,\u201d explains Piris, who says: \u201cparents have fears, questions and concerns, which is normal, but in the end they always choose the best for their child\u201d.<\/p>\n
\nJuanmi Li\u00f1\u00e1n, currently an Aravaca player, will be going to Saint Louis in the summer: \u201cI wanted to leave in January, but they had to find a faculty that had Journalism, which is the degree I’m studying in Spain, and there were no places until next academic year. That’s why I’m leaving in July to study and play there\u201d. Juanmi is excited about the challenge: \u201cThe truth is that when I found out about the player selection I didn’t hesitate to go and sign up. It’s an enriching experience for anyone. I’ll try to get to MLS. ”<\/p>\n
\nGerardo Piris, Sports Unlimited coordinator, makes it clear: \u201cPlayers who live in the US will have maximum discipline in all aspects. This applies to training, going to the gym and all the way through to nutritional and academic aspects\u201d. And if any player is interested but their family can’t afford it, “we’d try to get them a 100% scholarship so that they could go”.<\/p>\n