Maybe 11-year-old soccer phenom Joshua Pynadath, can be the first world-class American soccer player in my generation, the odds are against him, but this is a good first step.
According to a story via Joe Strange of the Daily Mail, the Los Altos Hills California native, is set to join Spanish soccer giants Real Madrid, becoming the first American to play in their youth system.
Madrid faced competition for Pynadath’s signature, from rivals Barcelona, but were able to lure the 11-year-old to the Spanish capital after a previously successful trial was to the kid’s liking.
Pynadath, will sign a one-year minimum deal in the autumn, and he and his family will move to Spain, where he will attend the American School of Madrid. He told the Los Altos Town Crier, he was excited upon hearing the news that he had been accepted, simply because the competition is so stiff.
‘Both trials were very serious, as kids are fighting to either keep a spot or to earn a spot.
‘It was a very good feeling to be able to play well against this top competition since the level and speed of play over there is amazing.
‘I was blown away when I got the official news from Real Madrid.
‘They told me that I was the first American that they have ever accepted into their academy. I told them that I would set a good example.’
Check out Joshua in action here:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8B8tolN1tVc?feature=player_embedded&w=640&h=360]
H/T to Deadspin for the video.