Let us introduce you to Kevin. An American student and soccer player who is 18 years of age and plays his soccer for Minnesota Thunder Academy.

We spoke with him about his experience as part of the Elite Player Training Program in this short interview.

Q: First of all Kevin, let us know why you chose to do the Elite Player Training Program?

A: I chose to do the EPT because I felt I hadn’t reached my full potential as a player yet. I wanted to get better and reach a higher level than where I was before.

Q: What was the main reason you chose to come to Spain for this program?

A: Well, I really thought this would be the best way for me to grow and improve to reach the level I want to reach.

Q: What is the level of soccer like here in Spain compared to back home?

A: The level in Spain is generally much higher and certainly more technical than in the United States.

Q: What skills or abilities have you improved and/or gained as a result of playing for a Spanish team in a Spanish league?

A: I have improved my touch and technical ability a lot. I have also become a smarter player, and more physical as a result of playing with older players.

Q: Have your Spanish language skills improved? How so?

A: Yes. There’s no doubt I improved my language skills. I knew a little bit of Spanish before coming, but certainly now I feel much more comfortable in a conversation than what I was before.

Q: Describe a typical day for you as a soccer player on the Elite Player Training Program.

A: Normally, we wake up and go to the gym in the morning. After that we take Spanish classes and then we go back home for a while in the middle of the day for having lunch and to take a rest. Later, each one of us coach a team of little kids and then we have our own training after that.

Q: Have you been able to get to know the region and learn more about the culture during your time here?

A: Yes. We have various cultural activities each month to help us understand the local way of life better and to experience the Spanish culture.

Q: What advice would you give to a future player taking part in the Elite Player Training Program?

A: I would advise them to put in as much effort as possible. All the tools to succeed are available here, but ultimately, it’s like anything else; You get out what you put in.

For more info on our soccer programs and the Elite Player Training program, click here.