Arthur Pavlosky, Roman Martin and Ernie Reyes

Youth Soccer News: Manchester City Scouts Top San Diego Youth Players

CV Manchester's Jeff Illingworth invited Mark Burton from EPL's Manchester City to visit San Diego and attend several friendlies, as well as Surf Cup, to identify possible soccer stars of tomorrow.

On November 22 and 23, some of San Diego’s most elite youth players will have the opportunity to train in front of scouts for famed English Premier League Club Manchester City. Carmel Valley Manchester Soccer Club is sponsoring the try-out.

“This is the second professional try-out that we’ve sponsored for CV Manchester players,” said Director of Coaching Jeff Illingworth. “What’s different this time is we extended selective invitations to the Top U15 players in San Diego, because our singular goal was to expose one of Europe’s top soccer programs to the growing talent base here.”

Players from all of the top clubs in San Diego were present, including players on the California ODP and regional team rosters, as well as players from the 1996, 1997 and 1998 United States National team pool. “Last night’s friendly lived up to it billing,” said Illingworth.

“We matched up a city-wide, all-star team of U15 players against our CV Manchester U17 team for a full 90 minutes," said Illingworth. ”It was a spirited contest and one where both sides created plenty of opportunities."

The U15 all-stars lost to a strong CV Manchester U17 team 1:0 over 90 minutes of play.

Mark Burton, coach of the Manchester City’s academy program, was impressed. “It was a spirited contest and well worth my trip to see these young men play. There was plenty of skill on the pitch, and I think I was most impressed with the pace and speed of play. Bottom line: I expect to see many of these players make it to the next level.”

In an exclusive interview with SN after the game, Coach Burton said, “No doubt about it. The U.S. has incredible youth talent, and what we’re trying to do at Manchester City with recruiting trips like this is begin the process of giving players just like these the opportunity to grow and develop in our academy system.”

All-star workouts continue today at Ocean Air Recreation Center under the supervision of the CV Manchester coaching staff and Coach Burton. Afterwards, the boys will go into the Holiday break for Thanksgiving and return to competitive play in tournaments ranging from Las Vegas to the local Surf Cup and Thanksgiving Nomads Tournament. Over the next three days, the CV Manchester U15 squad will play in the Surf Cup against a strong field of teams, and Coach Burton will follow the squad and also have the chance to scout many of the same players that were on the San Diego All-Stars as they don the uniforms of their home clubs.

“At the end of the day, the best players deserve the best opportunities. At CV Manchester, that’s what we are all about. Billy Garton and I have been very deliberate about assembling the best coaching staff and marketing our club to players that are looking for a quality program to serve as a gateway to either play in college or the pros,” said Illingworth.

Earlier this summer, CV Manchester players toured Brazil with some of the club’s top talent receiving try-outs with professional clubs such as Palmeiras FC and Sao Paolo FC.  “Next summer, Manchester boys will tour England with friendlies against some of the top programs in Europe, including Manchester City and Manchester United,” said Illingworth.  “It is not about one professional try-out or one international trip, but more about creating a unique environment right here in San Diego for youth players to not only train and develop, but get top flight exposure to professional clubs.”

On a recent visit back to his home town of Manchester, England, Coach Illingworth had visited Manchester City’s Academy, where he played his youth soccer.  One of the professional coaches overseeing their youth academy is Mark Burton.  Coach Burton gave Coach Illingworth a full tour and presentation around what Manchester City has to offer the elite player.  “It was very impressive,” said Illingworth, who went on to say, “What was missing, however, was a comprehensive scouting system in the United States, which is increasingly seen as being rich in talent, particularly SoCal.” 

Roster includes: Lloyd Alexander, Bailey Buckley, Richard Cervantes, Sean Connors, Kane Cruz-Walker, Sergio Delgado, Kellen Gallagher, Jacob Hampson, Gary Kaiser, Roman Martin, Colin Morrison, Marcus Norris, Jonathan O’hara, Arthur Pavlosky, Ernie Reyes, Sergio Santana, Matt Mindel, Rey Ortiz, Isaac Arenas, Luca De La Torre and Jonathon Valela

"The best players need to know a club is committed to their overall development, including the best training, the best coaches, the best competition and – the best access to college as well as domestic and international professional opportunities.” 

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