Aussies on the ball with ambitious goals at ERIE

WORDS: Jason Oxenbridge PHOTOGRAPHY Supplied

As soon as Gold Coaster Zac Reid could walk he was kicking a soccer ball.

It didn’t always go where he wanted, but he had a steely determination to get it rolling in the right direction.

Fast forward 14 years and Zac is living out his childhood dream with a scholarship in the US at the elite Villarreal Erie Academy at the Erie Sports Center in Pennsylvania.

Reid family farewells Zac at the International Airport

With red, white and blue stars in his eyes, he’s a long way from his Gold Coast home, school mates at Kings Christian College and his former team mates at clubs Broadbeach, Robina, GC Knights or Magic.

Zac at age 3

And while he misses mum’s home cooking and his mates, he’s making the most of the opportunity to study and train abroad. “The training here is a lot more technical, physical, a lot faster and there is more intensity,” he says. “I just want everyone to be proud and to do what I love and to live the best life I can because this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me.”It’s that maturity and determination that makes Mum Jade beam with pride and emotion.

Jeremy, Zac & Edgar on campus in the US

“Just to hear that makes me cry as I’m so proud of him and the person he is,” she says.“The fact that he can recognise and appreciate where he has come from and where he is going shows the type of boy he is. “We moved from South Africa to Australia to give our kids a better life. Our aim was to give the kids the best opportunities and it’s so great to see Zac fulfilling his dreams.

“We always said enjoy what you do, work hard and be humble and the world is your limit.” Not to be outdone, younger sister Summer is on a sports scholarship at Kings. “Two kids both in scholarships doing what they love.. I can’t believe it sometimes,” says Jade.

Zac gives credit to his coaches including coach Cristobal Soto at his former Broadbeach United Soccer Club. “When I was playing football on the GC I played for Magic, Gold Coast Nights, Robina City and Broadbeach United, where coach Cristobal really inspired me,” Zac says. “He was always so passionate and energetic; I always liked his training sessions and he always made me laugh.” Cristobal recalls Zac always having something special – it was more than raw talent. “There are a lot of talented players, but Zac had this ambition to go further,” he says.“He had the passion. He was always wanting more than the others, always pushing.

“Zac had to fight hard for his dream and it’s cool to see him doing what he loves. He always showed perseverance.” Zac is one of a growing number of youths joining the elite US training academy launched by former Gold Coast United boss Troy Bingham.

Erie’s multi-sports complex has 10 soccer fields, dorms to house 400 student-athletes, a private school, cafeteria and a top-of-the-range sports medical centre that provides care for student-athletes, staff and the local community.

One of the state-of-the-art fields is an 11v11 full-size indoor soccer dome which enables training and competition all year round.

Part of Bingham’s drive and inspiration was to create better pathways for junior players in Australia to train and play on the global stage.

“There’s a lot of potential in Australia, with limited pathways. Our academy prepares players for college and professional level opportunities as they are developed in the Villarreal methodology and get to compete at the top semi-professional level in the USA,” he says.

There’s also a strong duty of care to protect and nurture junior players. When Zac was rushed to hospital with a burst appendix while training, mum Jade was constantly on the phone to Bingham and her son.

“Troy has been super supportive and is one of the kindest people I know. He takes on a lot of responsibility for these kids,” she says.

For Edgar Hungwa, the motivation for applying for a scholarship at Erie was to better his chances at becoming a professional player while studying.

Edgar played his junior soccer in Melbourne, where he was with three clubs, including Box Hill United under 21s.

Edgar Hungwa in action

“Training and boarding at Erie has been an amazing and unique experience – the facilities are very professional, and the training is intense,” he says.

Another junior player signed up at Erie is Sunshine Coast junior Jeremy Szabo who played with Sunshine Coast Fire.

He says the desire to play and study in the US was a ‘dream come true’.

“I have always wanted to experience the American college life, as well as learn more about the US in general. I saw an increase in the quality players going to the MLS (Major Soccer League) and I was motivated to see if I could play at that level,” he says.

“The training in Erie is intense due to the high-level coaches we work with who design their training sessions based on the highest European standards.

“The boarding experience has been eye-opening, and I’ve had the opportunity to befriend people from different nations.”

For Zac and his new mates, the opportunities are endless as they pursue their dreams abroad, pitting their skills against the best on the big stage.

 Visit link here: eriesportscenter.com if you want to take your game to the next level, youth and adults welcome.