Five Sault United Futbal (Soccer) Academy (SUFA) players have been invited to train with English Premier League team coaches at the West Ham United Academy, at the Olympic Stadium in London, England in March.
In August, the five players, Nathan Lajunen, Taylor Barker, Luke May, Jake May and Dayna Templeton were invited to attend North American International Professional ID Camps in the U.S., run by the West Ham coaches. “To be invited to train with the best players from Canada and the U.S. is, in itself, a great accomplishment.” commented Bill Howe, SUFA Director. “To have all five of our players selected to attend the England training is beyond what we had hoped. It’s further testament that our program philosophy of, long-term development and focusing on players over teams, is the right approach.”
Players who attend will be training with top talent from around England, the U.S. and Canada. Staying onsite at the Olympic stadium, they will receive coaching from Academy and development centre coaches, tickets to West Ham games and entry to various sites to explore the city. The training is touted as an immersive footballing and cultural experience unlike any other. In addition, all players receive an automatic invite to the 2017 National Camps in North America in order to continue their pathway within the West Ham United International Academy.
All of the kids have been training with SUFA for the last six years and are prime examples of what can be achieved with hard work, dedication, drive and a great attitude. “Parents provide a lot of support in getting their kids to this level, and of course our dedicated coaching staff who give their all, but ultimately it’s the kids who do the work and make it happen.” said Howe. “They come to learn and train hard, every single session. “They may not have garnered a lot of trophies or medals along the way, but we all think that trophies and awards can’t match being asked to train in England by a top Pro Club. These children were never in this for the hardware, they were in it for the hard work, and now, a bit of the glory.”
*****
Sault United Futbal Aademy (SUFA) is a soccer academy located in Sault Ste. Marie, providing year-round professional soccer training to kids from age three to 16 of all levels and abilities. Whether they want to learn the sport, supplement their club training, or play competitively, SUFA focuses on the player, skills training and having fun. The Academy’s philosophy centres on an inclusive approach focused on skill development in a fun, safe and positive environment by professional, certified, and passionate coaches. For more information visit www.saultunitedfc.net. Registration is open now and programs begin in October. For more information contact the Academy at; sufasoccer@gmail.com.
Left to rightL: Luke May, Jake May, Dayna Templeton, Nathan Lajunen, Taylor Barker
