From Arizona to Europe
FC Arizona: Nurturing Ground for Emerging Talent
Arizona may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of soccer hotbeds, but the Grand Canyon State has been quietly nurturing some exceptional talent within its youth soccer ranks. In recent years, the spotlight has turned to four standout players who honed their skills at FC Arizona before embarking on an extraordinary journey to sign professional contracts in Portugal. These young athletes, through their dedication and talent, have showcased the immense potential brewing in Arizona's soccer landscape.
Coach Ryan Purtell and Alejandro Aguilar: Guiding Lights at FC Arizona
FC Arizona, with its commitment to developing youth talent, has served as the breeding ground for these budding stars. Founded on the principles of fostering growth, discipline, and excellence, FC Arizona has provided a nurturing environment for aspiring soccer players to flourish. Under the guidance of esteemed coaches Ryan Purtell and Alejandro Aguilar, players have not only polished their technical abilities but have also acquired invaluable lessons in teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Known for its high level of youth soccer, FC Arizona provides a clear pathway to both UPSL and NPSL soccer, which are recognized as the highest levels of Pro-am football in the United States. This exposure to competitive play has been instrumental in preparing young talents for the rigors of professional soccer.
In addition to the Boys/Men's programs, FC Arizona both invests in and embraces Girls/Women's development under the guidance of former professional Tara Koleski. This holistic approach underscores the club's commitment to fostering talent and promoting diversity in the sport. As with the Boys / Men’s program the Women’s Team has likewise placed several players into Professional Clubs over the past 18 months.
Learn more @ www.fcarizona.com
The Immersion Experience in Portugal: Embracing Footballing Culture
The journey for these Arizona-based players took an unexpected turn when they seized the opportunity to participate in the International Football Developments immersion program in Portugal. This program offered them a unique chance to immerse themselves in the rich footballing culture of Portugal while attending school in Porto. It was here that they encountered a whole new world of football, characterized by its distinct methodology, intensity, and passion.
Embracing the Portuguese footballing ethos, these young athletes wholeheartedly committed themselves to honing their craft, soaking in the knowledge and expertise of local coaches and mentors. The experience not only broadened their horizons but also served as a transformative period in their personal and professional growth.
International Football Development:
Established in 2019 IFD - International Football Development is the direct result of a culmination of more than 25 years’ experience in the professional footballing world. Having its roots firmly planted with IFT (Individual Football Training) www.individualfootballtraining.com who have set the highest standard for more than 10 years our directors have established themselves as world class professionals with a proven methodology in developing and maintaining elite footballers globally.
It is with this history and knowledge that we proudly implement what we believe to be one of the world’s best international football development programs. Our system of combining individualized training, sports science, mental health, and nutrition with professional club placement sets us apart from all others.
There are many facets to individual player development which are carefully and professionally critiqued throughout. To truly evolve, however, you must be in a playing environment where this development can be implemented. It is this combination of specific individualized training with professional Club placement that makes IFD best in class.
IFD connects elite players with our highly ranked technical development professionals and provides them with exceptional experience in a safe environment while placing them within a professional club to truly PLAY, LIVE & LEARN.
The importance of Individual Development; Coach Castillo's Specialized Development Approach
Arizona based Coach Noel Castillo, who specializes in the individual aspects of player development, has been instrumental in honing the skills of many talented players. Noel's coaching philosophy emphasizes a “hard work pays off” approach to player development, focusing not only on skills acquisition but also on specialized movement. His mentorship has been instrumental in shaping the trajectories of three of these exceptional talents, instilling in them the resilience and determination necessary to navigate the competitive world of professional soccer. To learn more about Coach Castillo’s Individual development programs visit www.coachcastillo.com
Meet Arizona's Rising Stars
Riley Horne: Born in Australia, Riley Horne's soccer journey began in Asia and Germany before he spent two formative years at the Barca Residency Academy in Arizona. His talent caught the eye of Dave Rogers, then Director of Football at FC Arizona, who handed him his senior debut at the remarkable age of 15. Riley's diverse background and exposure to different soccer cultures have shaped him into a dynamic and versatile player. With his technical proficiency and tactical acumen, Riley continued his development with the FC Arizona NPSL / UPSL teams before venturing to Portugal for his next chapter in professional soccer.
Daniel Serrano: A native of Mesa, Serrano's love affair with soccer began at a young age, nurtured by the vibrant soccer community in Arizona. His stint at FC Arizona provided the perfect platform for his talents to blossom, under the watchful eye of Coach Castillo. Playing as a left or right fullback and utilizing his pace and footballing intelligence Daniel has just begun his professional journey. We are excited to see him take the next steps in playing and establishing himself as a regular starter.
Gordie Kiser: Breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes, Kiser stands as a testament to the growing presence of talent in Arizona's soccer landscape. Raised in Gilbert, Kiser's journey to Portugal's professional leagues has been marked by resilience and determination. A product of Arizona's progressive youth program, Kiser's dogged determination and physical pressure has seen him evolve over the past season. His ability to dictate play and orchestrate attacks has made him a valued squad member for his Portuguese club, inspiring a new generation of aspiring footballers back home.
Milan Landreman: Hailing from Chandler, Landreman's rise to prominence serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring soccer players across Arizona. A protégé of the Arizona Youth League, Landreman's journey began at FC Arizona's grassroots level, where he honed his skills and nurtured his passion for the game. Blessed with blistering pace and a lethal eye for goal, Landreman has made a seamless transition to the professional ranks in Portugal. His ability to unlock defenses and create scoring opportunities has endeared him to fans and coaches alike, promising a bright future ahead.
Arizona's Soccer Renaissance
The success of these four Arizona-based players is not an isolated phenomenon but rather a testament to the burgeoning talent pool and the quality of coaching prevalent in the state. FC Arizona, with its unwavering commitment to youth development, continues to be a fertile ground for nurturing future soccer stars. Under the tutelage of top-level coaches, young talents are not only mastering the intricacies of the game but also building essential life skills that will serve them well beyond the confines of the soccer field.
As Arizona's soccer renaissance gathers momentum, the world is beginning to take notice of the state's burgeoning talent pipeline. With players like Horne, Serrano, Kiser, and Landreman leading the charge, Arizona's soccer landscape is poised for a period of unprecedented growth and success. Their journey from local fields to the professional arenas of Portugal serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring soccer players everywhere, proving that with dedication, determination, and a sprinkle of Arizona grit, anything is possible.
If you would like to know more, please feel free to contact each of those involved via the links below.
FC Arizona – www.fcarizona.com
International Football Development Portugal – www.internationalfootballdevelopment.com
Individual Football Training Portugal – www.individualfootballtraining.com
Individual Development Arizona Coach Castillo – www.coachcastillo.com
9-Feb-24 – The Soccer Guy.
