From Albertville to Europe: Help Eddie Vega

Eddie Vega discovered his love for soccer at an early age. He began playing at the age of five and was coached by his father, Jorge Vega, in the AYSO program all through his teen years. In 7th grade, Eddie tried out for the Aggie High School soccer team who was then under the supervision of Coach Matt West. Eddie was one of the three 7th graders who made the team and was soon moved up to varsity. Later through his high school years, Eddie played an important role under the leadership of coach Chad Oliver. Eddie graduated from Albertville High School in 2017 and signed to play soccer with William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He graduated from William Penn University in May 2020 with a major in Industrial Management and minors in Business and Economics. 

After moving back home, Eddie continued to work on his mental and physical shape trusting that God would soon open a door for him to play soccer again. The opportunity came in April when Eddie attended FUTBICO Soccer Tryouts held in Atlanta, GA. Eddie was selected and will be going to Texas in November to attend their National Showcase. A week before leaving for his Atlanta tryouts, God opened another door. Coach Tony Bily, who has been preparing a team in Texas to travel to Europe, contacted Eddie. Every player is undergoing a six-week camp before leaving for Europe. Eddie was asked to fly out to Texas for a week where he had the opportunity to train with the team. Just a few days before coming back home, Coach Bily approached Eddie and extended an invitation to accompany them to Europe. Eddie will return to Texas in June to continue his training before leaving for Europe on July 5th.

These players have the drive to play professional soccer and will now have the opportunity to try out in Europe. While in Europe, Eddie will travel to Italy, Austria, Slovakia, Czech Republic, and Hungary to showcase his abilities and gain valuable playing experience. The team will be accommodated in a hotel in Naples, Italy where they can focus fully on the preseason games and successful debut in professional soccer. The well-structured program is giving Eddie and other players a competitive edge in top European academies. An individual player trial will be offered for 2 weeks with the top European academy teams. Players will be selected by local academy coaches. At the end of the trial period, players will be evaluated and individually approached by scouts or coaches.

We would like to thank you in advance for helping Eddie fulfill his childhood dream. Our community has played a role in this too. Eddie is representing everything and everyone that made him not only the player but also the person he is now. He is representing Albertville High School, AYSO, Marshall United, FUSION, AGGIE Soccer, VARSITY Radio Station, William Penn University, COG Puerta Abierta, Compassion City Church, coaches, teachers, mentors, friends, and family. We understand that we are all going through hard times and for that, we humbly appreciate your sacrifice and willingness to help. We ask that you keep Eddie and his family in your prayers. Once again, thank you and God bless you.