Represent Soccer: The Players
Joey Roslan and George Watson speak about their "life-changing experience"
13 October 2017
Back in February, I spoke with Dan Jones, Founder and CEO at Represent Soccer, to find out more about what the company does and how they can offer young players an exciting pathway into football while gaining an invaluable education in the process.
Since then, midfielder Joey Roslan and defender George Watson have made the move to Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Minnesota, America.
The duo were originally with Vanarama National League South outfit Oxford City, but opted for a move State-side having been provided the opportunity by Represent Soccer.
“I found out about the scholarship programme through my soccer college at Oxford City,” said Watson.
“The main appeal of Represent Soccer for me was, firstly, how genuine and welcoming it felt when I started speaking to Dan and the team, and also the fact that the services they provide were a much cheaper option for me compared to other agencies I looked at.”
Represent Soccer offer players the opportunity to follow their dreams for just £895, and can also provide you with a highlights package, match coverage and a transfer package.
In addition to their affiliation to Oxford City, the team also has strong links with Reading-based CCS Academy UK.
“They gave me a big chance to play football in America and the price was exceptional, which gave me even more of a reason to choose Represent Soccer,” admitted Roslan.
“Everything is great – the schoolwork is challenging and the football is a high standard. The lifestyle is decent as there are so many things to do living near a big city, so I’m in the right location.”
Anoka-Ramsey have made an indifferent start to their campaign with six wins and seven losses from their opening 14 games played.
Crown is king
I spoke with crown green bowling sensation Greg Smith about the 'old man' stereotype
7 August 2017
Legends: Gianfranco Zola
A look back at the career of the mercurial Italian, who took England by storm
5 July 2017
However, only four of these fixtures have been played in the Minnesota College Athletic Conference, with the Golden Rams winning two and losing two so far.
“I’m absolutely loving my time in America so far,” continued Watson. “Although things on the pitch haven’t quite gone to plan in terms of results, off the pitch the school, area and teammates have all been unreal so far.
“I feel as if I have adapted very well to the lifestyle and culture, more of it seems a lot like home back in England, possibly because of the English lads out here.”
As well as Roslan and Watson, Anoka-Ramsey also has four more British players on the roster. Jake Cowie (Elgin), Louie Elliott (Bristol), Jordan Paton (Kircaldy) and Max Powley (Bristol) are all enrolled at the college, based in Coon Rapids.
Also in the soccer squad are players from Australia, Ecuador, Gambia, Liberia, Mexico and New Zealand, who have all come to further their sporting careers and education.
“I’m hoping to become a better soccer player and improve my grades to get me into a four-year school,” said Roslan, who is studying towards a sports management major.
“It gives me huge opportunities to progress to the higher levels of the sport.
“I would 100% recommend Represent Soccer. It gives an easier chance of making it pro as long as you put the hard work in. I think if you had the chance to that this experience and didn’t proceed with it you would regret it.”
Watson, who is aiming for a degree in the sports field to potentially own his own business if a career on the pitch doesn’t materialise, could only echo Roslan’s sentiments.
“I would 100% recommend it to anyone who is thinking of the possibility of moving out to America to pursue a scholarship,” he confirmed.
“It’s a potentially life-changing experience.”
