Home > News Index > Academy players to practice with Middlesbrough F.C.

Academy players to practice with Middlesbrough F.C.

 Print this page

2 locals bound for 'Boro

It's no ordinary vacation that a pair of local soccer players are ending their summer with. In fact, it's a trip overseas that could lead to bigger and better things in the not-too-distant future. Giovanni Bruno and Shaun Saiko head to England on Tuesday for a three-week stint with the youth program of English Premiership side Middlesbrough - an opportunity that stunned both Edmonton Juventus standouts.

"We'd heard some rumours and then we got an e-mail that said we were going. I was completely surprised but really excited right away," said Bruno, a 15-year-old defender heading into Grade 10 at Austin O'Brien high school.

Two years ago, Bruno's team had the chance to train with Boro's under-13 squad and then again this spring, his travelling team tangled with the club's under-14 crew. It was then that Dave Parnaby and Ron Bone, who head up Middlesbrough's youth program, contacted friend Len Vickery, the University of Alberta coach who had taken his Green and Gold select side to England, expressing their interest in Bruno and Saiko.

"They both have a prototypical body shape and have played a high level of soccer," said Vickery. "Their skills have developed to a good stage at this point and they have a strong game awareness."

Bruno expects to be put the test against Boro's best youngsters.

"It's going to be a real challenge, firstly because in England soccer is taken so seriously," said Bruno. "And the players will be a bit older and will have played at a higher level in top facilities. It'll be challenging but a really good experience too."

Saiko, a 14-year-old attacking midfielder out of Namao who lists Arsenal's Thierry Henry as his favourite player, is eager to get the trip underway. The pair will be staying at a hotel just down the road from Boro's home field, the Riverside.

"They must have liked what I did," said Saiko of his invitation. "I'm just excited. I want to get over there. I want to try and fit in and if I try hard and work hard enough I think I can.

"The pace will be different and getting to know the guys will probably be the most difficult thing."

The duo will have a good chance to eye the talents of Boro's newest star attraction, striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink - maybe getting a better idea of what is takes to play at the Premier level. Under new FIFA regulations, recruits are not allowed to sign professional contracts until they hit age 18, but this opportunity marks a good start for Bruno and Saiko to follow their dreams.