Living the Soccer Dream: Local Student Jaden Strumeier to Attend First-Ever Barca Soccer Residential Academy in US

MARLBORO TOWNSHIP, N.J., July 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Marlboro High School student Jaden Strumeier has been kicking a soccer ball pretty much since the day he could walk. Now, that dedication and passion are paying off in a big way: Strumeier will be attending the Barca Soccer Residential Academy in Casa Grande, Arizona during the 2017/18 school year. The academy is FC Barcelona's first residential program in the U.S., and represents the sport's continuing support for youth soccer development.  

"This is truly a dream come true," said Strumeier. "I have given up so many family functions, vacations and kids' fun stuff while growing up. All I've ever done is plan weekends of soccer. Now it looks like that sacrifice has been more than worth it."

Strumeier showed an early interest in soccer; he began kicking the ball at just 15 months. At 18 months, his dad set up cones throughout the house for young Strumeier to dribble around. His fancy footwork propelled him to organized competition at the Tab Ramos Soccer Center when he was only 3 years old.

For much of his childhood, Strumeier played competitively with New Jersey Soccer Academy 04 (NJSA04), a nonprofit organization working to promote youth soccer. He further honed his skills by attending the Players Development Academy (PDA) when he was 10.

"My playing time at PDA has been amazing," he added. "I worked with so many great coaches and experienced countless wonderful memories that will always be in my heart. But now, I'm looking to be a great and hardworking teammate for this amazing opportunity with the Barca Academy."

The Barca Soccer Residential Academy in Casa Grande is just the latest extension of FC Barcelona's influence over youth soccer. The organization is the world's third-richest sports team, and its star forward, Argentinian Lionel Messi, is one of the most recognized athletes in the world.

To make this academy possible, FC Barcelona is working together with Grande Sports World (GSW) in Casa Grande. The facility boasts eight professional fields plus an assortment of training facilities. Several MLS teams have used GSW for their own training camps. The residential academy will combine soccer and academics to develop well-rounded student athletes.

Ultimately, Strumeier would like to play for a top-tier college soccer program, or beyond. And, with the Barca Soccer name on his applications, his odds of earning an athletic scholarship at a division I school go up significantly. Strumeier would love one day to potentially play in Europe or the MLS.

"Playing professionally would be a dream come true for almost any kid that plays soccer in the US. The wonderful thing about soccer is that it challenges my intelligence and physical assets, on and off the field," concluded Strumeier. "'The beautiful game' has also kept me away from drinking, smoking or doing things that I shouldn't, and has also made me a more disciplined student." 

Media Contact:

David Strumeier
732-598-1800
[email protected]

SOURCE Jaden Strumeier