Former SchulzAcademy goalkeeper, Joerg Stadelmann, who is playing in England since summer 2011, arranged a tryout for another 4 Schulz Academy players. Midfielders Juan and Manuel Gonzalez, and defenders Nigel Blair and Alex Trujillo flew to London last week to tryout for several clubs in the London area. “It’s a good opportunity for them, and although the tryouts are for some of the lower leagues you still can make a good living if you get a contract. And then it is on them how far they make it. The most important is the opportunity, and I think we are the number one address in the US when it comes to developing players and giving them the opportunity in Europe”, says Dr. Josef Schulz, president of the Schulz Academy.

 

Nigel Blair showing his jumping capabilities in a game against Jacksonville Destroyers.

 

“From our 18 players we had on the PDL and the Adult League roster, 12 players signed contracts in Europe this season, and for some others like for example the 4 players who are in England right now, we are working on tryouts or agreements with clubs in Europe”. I think that’s a pretty good ratio“, states Stephan von Lattorff, Manager of the Schulz Academy. 

 

Alex Trujillo taking a hard shot.

 

“It is not easy but technically we are more than capable to keep up with the players there”, states Manuel Gonzalez after the first few practices overseas.
“Even in the lower leagues the game is played very fast and physically everybody is top”, describes Juan Gonzalez his first impressions after the first few days.

 

After 2 weeks the players either will sign professional contracts with an English club or return to the academy and working even harder to make it happen in the next transfer window in January.

 

Manuel Gonzalez keeping the ball close to his foot in a game vs Central Florida Kraze.