By Ahmed Chama
CIS University in Madrid launched an Elite Soccer University Program (ESUP) in 2019, setting the stage for an unprecedented convergence of international soccer talent. This program, directly affiliated with the prestigious PA Team Soccer association, is not only reshaping the landscape of collegiate soccer, but also providing a unique platform for athletes from diverse corners of the globe.
This spring a total of 11 students are participating in the program. Most of them are male, but female players are also accepted, and, in fact, there is a female player this semester.
They are playing for local soccer teams like: Arroyo Fresno Femenino (Tia Danielle Theseira); Club Miramonte (Ryan Cate, Brendan French, Caleb Castaneda, and Patricio Moncayo); Oña de Sanchinarro (A-B: Eduardo Borjas, Víctor Lara, and Danny Seriani), and Valdebebas B (Zachary Zemmels).
The recruitment team and the sports department of CIS University began recruiting students in 2019. Across continents and time zones, they seek out soccer players who share a common dream: to join the prestigious CIS University Elite Soccer Program in Madrid. The recruitment process is a blend of intuition and insight, as the staff engages in personal interviews and evaluations with prospective players. It is in this stage when he identifies the spark of potential that could ignite a soccer career.
Once the chosen few are selected, their journeys take them to the heart of Spanish football. Tryouts with local clubs are the next step, a nerve-racking trial by fire. Yet, it is an opportunity for these aspiring stars to prove their mettle on the same fields upon which many successful footballers were born.
For those who make the cut, the ESUP staff’s unwavering support becomes their compass and beacon in a foreign land. The program extends far beyond club commitments. Players embark on a rigorous training regimen under the watchful eyes of seasoned coaches. Nutrition plans are meticulously crafted, ensuring each athlete reaches peak physical condition. Injuries are tended to promptly with access to physiotherapists, a vital resource in the demanding world of professional soccer.
“I’m not playing for any team currently, because I’m recovering from a knee surgery, but the program has helped and guided me through the recovery, and is also helping me find tryouts,” said Federico Tamayo, who played for Rupe Sahagun before his injury.
“The Elite Soccer University Program has been an incredible experience, specifically for ambitious athletes looking to improve. I spent a year playing soccer in Florida for IMG, and the Elite Soccer Program gave me a similar experience,” he added.
What sets this program apart is the personalized care each player receives. The coaches at the ESUP believe in harnessing individual potential to its fullest. Everyone in the program receives one personalized and game-specific football training session per week, along with three team training sessions, in addition to their typical league game on weekends. Hence, players are granted tailored treatment plans, honing their unique strengths and addressing their athletic weaknesses, as well as their mental and emotional well-being, so they can stay in game shape on the inside and the outside.
The students participating in the program are very thankful for this opportunity: —”The Elite Soccer Univesity Program is great for anyone who is seeking to play football at a high level and further their studies at the same time. As a football (soccer) player and a student who has come all the way from Malaysia, this program has opened up a lot of opportunities for me. I have been a member of this program for almost two years and I enjoy every part of it,” stated Tia Theseira, who plays for Arroyo Fresno Femenino.
This program is helping many students with their soccer careers nationally and internationally: —“The ESUP has been very beneficial to me. First of all and most importantly, I was able to get a spot on a Division 1 soccer team in the US for next season. I also have improved as a player through my practice sessions. Playing soccer in Spain is a unique experience that I think can help anyone become a better player,” explained Brendan French, one of the participants in the program.
As the coordinator of the Elite Soccer University Program, Nacho Campo reflects, —”Our program isn’t just about soccer; it’s about nurturing dreams and building better individuals.” Ryan Cate, who plays for Club Miramonte this year, agrees: —“While some weeks can be challenging, I believe this program has helped me to grow as both a player and a person. I’d absolutely recommend it to serious players looking for an alternative to typical college soccer elsewhere. I have seen my game IQ and knowledge continually improving while simultaneously getting an education.”
