Donovan Henry “has all the tools” according to U.S. U17 National Team coach Raul Diaz Arce. Diaz Arce scouted Donovan recently for possible inclusion in the U17 ‘89/’90 residency program with an eye on the U17 World Cup in 2007. However, the youngster whom some National scouts believe could be the top player for the U.S. at the U17 World Cup in 2009, was instead invited to attend the U.S. U15 National Team training camp in New Jersey from July 30th to August 5th. Unfortunately, Donovan Henry, though honored, had to decline the invitation because of a prior commitment. It happens that during that time Donovan will be in Europe where he will captain the Schulz Academy ’90 boys in the Megacard Summer Cup in Austria. The Megacard Summer Cup is one of Europe’s most important international U17 tournaments featuring clubs such as PSV Eindhoven (Holland), Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Glasgow Rangers (Scotland), Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia), and FSA Austria MAGNA (Austria) among other U17 teams from other countries.
In any event, Donovan Henry is accustomed to playing with and against top quality older competition. Two years ago, at age 12, he was spotted by then U.S. U17 National Team Coach John Ellinger who invited him to the U14 National Camp in Concord Mass. (with the current ‘90s). Donovan so impressed the coaches there that, on the final day, he was selected to play in the feature game of the camp. Ellinger has since been monitoring the progress of the youngster through scouts such as Diaz Arce and regular conversations with academy director Dr. Josef Schulz.
At Schulz Academy, Donovan trains with the ‘89s and ‘90s. Both age groups have won national championships, which speaks to their quality, and include national team players such as Josmer Altidore (now with the NY Red Bull), Julian Serrato and Karol Chorak (U18 National Team), and Shawn Barry (U17 National Team). Donovan Henry is no stranger to national titles himself. This year he captained the Schulz Academy ‘91s to a famous national title victory over CASL Elite in the US Club Soccer Champions Cup. One of Schulz Academy ’89 top players Jonathan Hohn commented, “Donovan is the fittest player in the club….he never stops running and never seems to get tired.” This is typical of the kind of respect Donovan commands from his older counterparts. He has a remarkable record having scored in every game he has played with the ‘89s/’90s. He hopes to continue this form in Europe.
Dr. Schulz, Head Coach of the Schulz Academy Teams: “Donovan for me is one of the biggest talents in the of the last 10 years. I give him even a chance to play along side Josmer Altidore in the World Cup 2010 in with the U.S. Men’s National Team. He is so consistent for his age, and that is the most important ingredient for a top player in the future. I am sure he is the fastest player in the in his age group”.
While the U.S. U15 National team will miss out on the services of Donovan Henry this summer, there still lies the possibility that they will have him for the Nike Friendlies in Bradenton in December ’06 as well as future events. This of course assuming the U17 National team does not snatch him up before then.
For updates on the Megacard Summer Cup 2006 (August 2nd through 6th) and Donovan Henry’s continued progress, please visit http://www.schulzsocceracademy.com.
