International Soccer Academy has started its 2024/2025 season with four elite football programmes in Europe. Players from the United States, Canada and Australia arrived in Spain and Germany to join the prestigious clubs FC Bayern, Hertha BSC, Cadiz CF and Algeciras CF. These players will train intensively under the guidance of some of Europe's most renowned coaches, setting the stage for a season full of growth, competition and opportunity.
Co-founder of the International Soccer Academy, Eddie Loewen, expressed his enthusiasm for this season by remarking that ‘we are delighted to offer even more opportunities for young football players to experience the best European training environments’.
The players train more than 20 hours a week with their UEFA PRO-licensed coaches Klaus Augenthaler at FC Bayern, Patrick Weiser at Hertha BSC, Pablo Sánchez at Cádiz CF and UEFA A-licensed coach José Galán at Algeciras CF.
Players from residential academies in Europe play international football matches every week. Hertha BSC's Integrated Academy faces the highest level of U-19 competition in Germany: the U-19 Bundesliga clubs RB Leipzig and Hallescher FC. For their part, Cádiz CF have faced tough teams from the Spanish ranks and are undefeated after six matches. FC Bayern's Global Academy is also undefeated.
‘We've seen tremendous results from our programmes in previous seasons,’ said Diane Scavuzzo, co-founder of the International Soccer Academy. ‘It's not just about the game. We want these young football players to walk away with a deeper understanding of the world, as well as develop their talents on the field, and be ready to take the next steps in their career, whether that's playing college football or a professional football contract.’
International Soccer Academy player update: Oliver Reece of Maryland signed with SV Meppen of the U-19 Bundesliga and is currently the starting goalkeeper. George Acurero of Utah has had a fantastic start to the season with Rot-Weiss Essen of the U19 Bundesliga. Pennsylvania-born El Salvador national team player Francis Castillo (Philadelphia Union/UPSL and FC Delco) signed a contract with Cadiz CF U-23. The International Soccer Academy youth football players are from all over the United States and played for MLS, MLS Next, ECNL and major regional leagues. Other former players from last season who have secured a contract to play in Europe include Jacob Stauber (Culver City CF - California), Ichiro Koyama (SpVgg Weiden - Virginia), Josiah John (FA Euro NY - New York), York Knipprath (LA Surf SC - California ), Rawley Ford (Barca Residency Academy - Utah ), Hugh Eaton (Strikers FC Irvine - California ), Santiago Munevar (San Diego Surf SC - California ), Angelo Marino (Shattuck-St.Mary's - Minnesota ), Siddharth Rai (Seacoast United Soccer New England - New Hampshire ), Evan Merideth (Strikers FC Irvine - California ), Brandon Gjikani (Real Arizona FC - Arizona ) and Baeden Marott (Brooke House College FA - Colorado). Past graduates of this elite residential football programme who signed contracts include Creighton Braun, JoeJoe Richardson, Michael Scavuzzo, Ty Walker, Jake Lazarus, Colin McGinnity, Connor Louden, Michael Divano and Caleb Simmons.
Cádiz CF's Pablo Sánchez praised the exceptional quality of the International Soccer Academy's selection of players. ‘This year's group of youth players is extraordinary, not only in terms of ability, but also in their mentality and dedication. We are seeing players who are eager to learn, improve and make their mark in European football.’
Francis Kioyo, performance coach of Hertha Berlin (UEFA B+), said: ‘We push our players to reach their peak physical condition, making sure they are ready for the intense European style of play. It's not just about developing footballers, but elite athletes who can cope with the demands of top-level competition.
Michael Scavuzzo, assistant coach (UEFA B) and team manager of Hertha BSC, stressed the importance of professional player development. ‘Our programme offers more than just technical training to prepare for a professional contract or a university career. We focus on developing leadership qualities, mental toughness and teamwork. This combination is what really makes our athletes stand out, both on and off the field.’
During their time in Europe, these student athletes remain within the US school system studying online at the globally recognised high school ASU (Arizona State University).