IASA Player, CJ Lyle plays for the Manchester City Academy
17/08/2010
CJ Lyle from, Stamford CT, played for the Manchester City Professional Youth Academy team last week against his fellow compatriots from Missouri who were on tour with John Roselein, IASA Head Scout and Director of the ODP program in Missouri.
CJ gave a brief account of his experience and enjoyed every minute of the opportunity.
CJ said, “My experience at Manchester City was different from any other soccer experience I have ever been associated with. The speed of play was much quicker than the American game and there was more physical contact then I have ever experienced. I had to think and react twice as fast”.
CJ went onto say:” I think I was much more technical than them but their movement and thinking off the ball was faster than mine, I think the style of play may have been a factor in that. I guess the conclusion to my thoughts would be that it is just simply a different more developed style of play, but understandably, being they grow up with the sport. I think the American boys and I can truly succeed here. We Americans are very determined to be the best and we will do anything to accomplish that. Last, the adrenaline of putting on the Man City jersey was amazing”.
Mark Ellis, IASA director of football, commented on CJ’s performance and said, ‘CJ shows a lot of promise and was not out place playing with the Manchester City Academy Team. These Manchester City players have grown up with top coaches and play every day against top players – their speed of thought and the ability to play under pressure takes time to develop. I’m confident that CJ can get there with time – he has very good technical ability - we know we can make CJ a top player too because he has the drive, passion and attitude do what it takes”.
CJ and the rest of the IASA boys will get more opportunity to play against professional academy teams as IASA is presently lining up a couple of showcase games in the coming weeks against Hull City (Championship) and Bolton (Premiership) youth academy teams. This will give all the IASA boys opportunity to develop their game against the very best.
Richmond – IASA has now opened its enrollment for the 2011 year. Interested applicants need to apply as soon as they can in order to be considered for entrance in 2011. IASA is expecting a greater demand for places than in 2010 given the positive feedback and experiences from parents and the players presently attending; students are advised to get their applications started early.
Also IASA will be operating a month long football training opportunity for players looking to enter in 2012. This will take place in July 2011. More information will be coming soon on this summer experience program.
Link to this page: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/n/983.aspx
