New York Magic - F.A. Euro News Release - www.faeuro.com
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
BROOKLYN, N.Y. - F.A. Euro recently sent two of its Under 14 players, Nick Garzon and Steven Fernandez, to AC Milan to spend a week training with the club’s youth academy and experience the sport from a professional and European perspective. For them, it was pure magic.
The boys trained with both AC Milan and AS Varese and experienced firsthand what it’s like to be a professional when they were given a surprise tour at Milanello. In addition, the boys got to meet and spend time with AC Milan first team stars such as Stephen El Shaarawy, Robinho, and Kevin-Prince Boateng.
Alongside F.A. Euro president Joe Balsamo and the club’s Angelo Orlando (1994 UEFA Europa Cup Winner with Inter Milan) and Lodovico Costacurta (AC Milan Youth Coach), the boys spent an intense week training competitively. It is thrilling to announce that both Steven and Nick were invited back to train with AC Milan this September, where they will be watched closely by scouts from the powerhouse Italian club.
"I believe that Joe Balsamo and F.A. Euro have tapped into an innovative plan in discovering talent in the U.S. and giving players the opportunity to be seen by these European organizations,” Garzon’s father, John, said. “This is truly the opportunity of a lifetime for these two young aspiring players, with extremely promising futures in the sport. FA Euro has created a bridge between soccer in the US and Europe.”
"My experience has been great. I feel I could’ve played my best if I wasn’t so nervous, but it made me realize that no matter where you are, you have to play your best because you never know who’s watching," Garzon said. "I’ve enjoyed playing with the 98 Varese team and the coach was impressed by my ability on the pitch.
"As of now my goal is to play with the 98 Varese team, play with them competitively, and then work my way up to Milan’s youth side. I wish the trip had been longer than a week; I’m so excited to be invited back and I want to thank Joe and [F.A. Euro] for the opportunity and belief they have given me. I really will work hard back home in the states these next few months for when I go back, and to improve my ability as a player."
Fernandez had a stellar campaign, scoring four goals in an exhibition match against a local side in Milan. He has been invited exclusively from AC Milan to return in September
"Steven is only 12 years old and he has made a tremendous impact for a player so young, especially at Milan," Costacurta said. "He fit in perfectly with the side and is a player that is spoken much about. He has the potential to be extraordinary and I am very confident that we will see and hear much more about him in the coming months."
