North Texas Youth Pursue Soccer Dreams at Real Madrid Tryouts
In Southlake, young soccer enthusiasts from North Texas gathered this week, each hoping to seize a rare opportunity: training with the legendary Real Madrid in Spain.
Hosted by ULETE Sports, the event attracted 250 aspiring athletes from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Unlike standard training sessions, this tryout held the promise of a life-changing experience for those who excelled.
Real Madrid, in collaboration with Abbott, a global healthcare leader, organized the tryout, allowing young players to compete for a coveted spot to train at the club's prestigious facilities in Spain.
"Just looking at this jersey they gave me for the tryouts, I was shocked," remarked Jake Ciccarello, a participant. "It's just so cool being out here."
The excitement of having a world-renowned club like Real Madrid conduct tryouts in North Texas was amplified by a special guest appearance.
Clint Dempsey, former star of the U.S. men's national team, surprised attendees with his presence, offering invaluable advice and encouragement to those aiming for a position at "La Fábrica," Real Madrid's esteemed youth academy.
"Clint Dempsey is my hero," Ciccarello expressed. "I have a signed photo of me and my two brothers, and he signed it and it's hung up on our wall. I love Clint Dempsey. I think he's the best."
Dempsey, who has strong connections to Texas, expressed pride in witnessing such opportunities arise in the state.
"I'm happy they're doing this in Texas, especially in Dallas, which has been a second home for me," Dempsey stated. "Giving the youth access to these types of experiences is only going to make you a better player."
Out of the 250 hopefuls, only two will earn the chance to travel to Madrid. Despite the slim odds, optimism filled the air.
"It would be a dream come true," Ciccarello said. "Who doesn't want to play for Real Madrid? I mean, they're the best team in the world. They have Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, all these great legends of the game. Luka Modrić is still kicking... It would mean everything to me."
This inaugural tryout has sparked discussions about future events of its kind.
Regardless of whether these young athletes make it to Madrid, Dempsey believes that initiatives like this are beneficial for American soccer.
"To be honest with you, I think we've always had a lot of great talent," he noted. "I don't think that many players have had the opportunity to take it to the next level. Whether it's not being on the right club team or not being able to afford it. I think it's great to have these types of opportunities to do something special in your life, and hopefully they take advantage of it."
