International Soccer Academy becomes partner of Hertha BSC
The Hertha BSC “Integrated Academy” has created a fantastic opportunity for a team of highly talented U17 footballers (born in 2006 or 2007) to train in the German capital for eight months, starting this autumn, and play matches against both fellow Bundesliga academies and local competition.
The partnership with the International Soccer Academy will offer youth players from the United States the opportunity to experience German football culture and develop their skills at a club with years of youth football experience.
Fredi Bobic, director of sport at Hertha BSC, said: “We have one of the best youth academies in Germany here. Currently there are eight players who have graduated from our development teams to play as part of the first team. Through our partnership with the International Soccer Academy, we hope to give American footballing talents the visibility and recognition they deserve.”
Pablo Thiam, head of sport at the academy: “We’re delighted to be partnering up with the International Soccer Academy. The United States has proved that they have the ability to bring a wealth of exceptional footballing talent into the foreground. It’s our goal to find the upcoming stars, welcome them into the Hertha BSC integrated academy and develop them.”
Dirk Dufner, director of squad management: “European football has largely ignored American footballers in recent decades, but that has changed over the last few years. The US have a huge amount of talented footballers, and the aim of our partnership with the International Soccer Academy is to find the next Christian Pulisic or Giovanni Reyna.”
Diane Scavuzzo, co-founder of the International Soccer Academy: “The goal is to help top American footballing talent develop into professional footballers, and give them a future in football. We are committed to improving access to top-quality training and providing real opportunities for our footballers at Bundesliga clubs.”
Eddie Loewen, co-founder of the International Soccer Academy: “We’re very proud to announce our partnership with Hertha BSC, a club with one of the best youth academies in Germany. From now on, we can offer more American youth players a once-in-a-lifetime chance and a new cultural experience.”
About the International Soccer Academy: The US-based International Soccer Academy has agreed several ground-breaking partnerships with professional football clubs in the Bundesliga. With an integrated academy program for both American and Canadian players, the International Soccer Academy offers a unique possibility for top players who wish to play abroad. With high-quality residential programs in both Germany and Spain, the academy, founded by Eddie Loewen and Diane Scavuzzo, has been able to organise trials for over 60 players with La Liga and Bundesliga clubs, seven of whom are now contracted professional footballers.