Aloha, my name is Logan Waiau and I am 17 years old. An amazing blessing and opportunity was presented to me on July 5th of 2022. A unique and extraordinary invitation was extended to me to attend an all-boys soccer academy, "The Talent Projekt" for 10 months in Bayern Germany. Only approximately 17 American soccer players in the whole United States receive an invitation for U17 and U19 teams. For a soccer player on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to pursue my goal of one day playing soccer professionally. I was provided with the facilities, training, and resources that are just not available to me here in Hawai'i and America. I was immersed in the widely recognized and highly regarded Bundesliga youth player development program through The Talent Projekt. This was a year of tremendous growth in my skill level as a goalkeeper, IQ of the game, and maturity & growth as a student-athlete navigating life in a different country. Having never left the country before, my whole outlook on life and the world changed drastically. This was one of the best experiences of my life thus far. I learned so much about myself this year, not to mention a new language, and how courageous I truly am to be strong enough to be away from my family for so long.

During my year in Germany, I also received very humbling news that I was selected as the Goalkeeper for the very first U18 Hawaiian National Team. Our Nā 'Ālapa Hawaiian National Team will be traveling to New Zealand on July 17, 2023, to play in our very first international tournament in Auckland. I have also been invited back to The Talent Projekt to spend my senior year abroad training at the highest level beginning Aug 2nd, 2023. I am averaging a 3.9 GPA which is equally important in both my academic and athletic success.

This opportunity to continue my training in Germany is essential to my growth and success as a Goalkeeper in the sport that I love so much. The training that I am getting, and the matches that we are playing against top Bundesliga teams are helping me with opportunities to play abroad as well as staying on top of my game as the goalkeeper for the Hawaiian National team. I am also able to give back to my community by training younger goalkeepers when I am home during Winter and Summer breaks. I am humbly seeking financial sponsorship or resources to help me with my academy costs which include meals, boarding fees, and training. It is an upfront cost which makes it much more challenging. Any aloha and support are greatly appreciated and will help me to continue on this amazing journey in pursuit of my soccer goals.

Respectfully,

Logan Waiau