Donovan Henry called up for National Team duties
Donovan Henry, U15 member of the Schulz Academy team, just came back from a 10 day camp in California with the U15 National Team, and spoke with us about his experience he had there.
You must be very proud about the situation, that you are one of the best players in your age group in the country?
"Yes, I am. It was a great experience, and especially the fact, that I started in the games gave me a lot of confidence."
What was the biggest difference between the training with the National Team and your club training?
"In general the pace of the play was very impressive in comparison to the games in my age group U-15. But because my club team Boca Juniors, and Schulz Academy gave me the opportunity on a constant basis to practice with the U-17 players there wasn’t really a big difference."
What feeling did you get when you first put on the National Team uniform?
"The feeling was unbelievable. I just wanted to perform well for the team. I feel that way each time I wear the uniform."
What are your plans for the next few months?
"I am invited for the National Team Camp on April 26th in Argentina as one of 18 players in my age group. We are flying to Argentina to play the U16 National Team of Argentina, and some very famous club teams. I am already very excited. It will provide me with some international experience."
Do you prepare yourself specifically for these tasks?
"I will have regular club practice, and in addition some special training session with my coach Josef Schulz. I am in a lucky situation that I can leave my school, Boca Preparatory School, at 2:10 everyday to go to special practices. I also work on my own, practicing individual skills, and I often watch the professional and international games on TV as there are many things I can learn from watching the pros."
What are your goals in the future?
"Like many kids my age, I want to become a professional soccer player in Europe. I know it’s a dream, because the level in Europe is already so high. But I think with the natural talent of speed I have, and the coaches around me, I can reach this dream. Especially last year when I was with the U17 Schulz Academy Team at the biggest U17 tournament of the year in Europe, I realized that I can play against these guys from other countries. They were all very good, but we were beating most of them, and for me being 2 years younger than all the other players at this time to be voted into the All Star Team of the Tournament showed me that I am on the right track."
We will follow your next steps, and especially good luck for the games in Argentina. Thanks for the interview.
"It was my pleasure. Thank you."
