Tate Papworth
While much of the worlds has stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one year 11 student from Caroline Chisholm Catholic College is continuing to take giant strides towards his dream.
In January, keen soccer player Juan Garcia traveled to Spain for a tournament in Madrid.
Originally his club, the Melbourne Knights were invited to go, but the club declined.
The father of a friend started to put together a team with the best players from the west in order to participate in the tournament and Garica got invited to the trials.
Garcia impressed and was appointed captain and number 10 for the team that was representing Australia.
The team played four games against top teams from Spain, including Escuela Huesca, Getafe, and Leganes.
Although they didn’t manage to win, Garcia’s determination shone and as a result he was scouted by Escuela Huesca.
“I was so determined to do well when I went over there and I think that showed,“ Garcia said.
“In the first game I got a really bad cramp, but I did everything I had to do … went back to hotel, got massages and was able to play the final three games to a high standard.“
Following the tournament, Garcia was invited back to Spain for two weeks of trials, and after just one week, offered a one-year scholarship to a soccer program.
“It’s exciting… a full year to continue getting better and hopefully get renewed,“ he said.
“This is something I’ve always wanted and worked towards and when you give it your all, anything can happen.“
Tate Papworth
