Hi, It's me again, Michael.

As you know, I am the goalkeeper for Barca Academy U15 & U16 Blau team in Chicago; Barca Academy is a feeder club for FC Barcelona, Spain. Also, I have played in the ECNL league for Indiana Elite as a discovery player.

Here is a quick update since we talked last... it is unbelievable how time flies when you are busy...

Since the last time we spoke in April 2024, I was invited to the Barca World Cup tournament for the 3rd time in Barcelona, Spain. Third time is a charm :)

I have played another Barca World Cup 2024 where we took 4th place in the world. I was nominated as a goalkeeper of the tournament and man of the match in a game against La Masia, FC Barcelona's actual academy.

Then was Donosti Cup in San Sebastian, Spain where we made it to quarterfinals for second tier. I participated in the opening ceremonies and that was the most amazing feeling to be part in this tournament.

During fall season there were Quarterfinals for National League PRO in Mesa, AZ. followed by the ECNL showcase tournament in Las Vegas.

I had tryouts for the Barca Academy Residency Arizona for MLS Next league; the MLS Next, there is no higher league in U.S.

I have made it!!! I was accepted for the 2025-26 season, unfortunately my scholarship for the Residency Academy was not substantial enough for me to attend. I am trying out with local MLS Next teams so please keep your fingers crossed :)

Also this spring, I competed at the MIC-Mediterranean International Cup where we made it to quarterfinals in the second tier competing against teams like Atletico Madrid, CF Perlada, BCN Brazil.

What an Amazing Experience :)

Now, I have been selected to play in MAD CUP - Madrid Cup with the International ISL team; MAD CUP is more than an international football tournament. The MADCUP Football 2025 event will involve a group stage where teams are divided into groups of 4 or 5, with each team playing against their rivals in a single-leg match. The top two teams from each group will advance to MADCUP GOLD, while the third and fourth-placed teams will compete in MADCUP SILVER. It is an educational project that unites sport, tourism, culture, health and education around a great sports competition. MAD CUP 2025 takes place in Madrid, Spain, from June 17-26, 2025. The tournament includes Boys teams from U7 to U19 and Girl's teams from U12 to U19, from more than 30 countries. The tournament offers a unique opportunity for its participants to enjoy their passion for football, by playing an outstanding competition, where they will feel like real professional football players while sharing an incredible multicultural experience. The main venue of the tournament is the sport center of Atlético de Madrid in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), a city declared a UNESCO World Heritage. Site in 1998. The other venues will be located in different municipalities of the Community of Madrid.

Famous international soccer clubs like Benfica (Portugal), Porto (Portugal), Sporting (Portugal), Sevilla (Spain), Valencia (Spain), Ferencvaros (Hungary), Liverpool (England), Paris St. Germain (France) and Vasco de Gama (Brazil) will participate.

We have been drawn in a group with Atletico Madrid, Rayo Vallecano, CD Marino from Cannery Islands and other local clubs from Madrid. Wish us LUCK!!!

Thank you in advance for helping me out with this expedition, couldn't do it without you!

Here is a little history of how I got here...

All this does NOT happen without a lot of hard work, mud, sweat, and training. We practice as a team three times a week for two hours at a time. I have specialized goalie practice four times a week for at least an hour and a half each time. I have been a discovery player for Indiana Elite - ECNL League and their trainings. Then show time; we have few matches over the weekend that spill into the week as well for the Barca Blau teams.

Have I mentioned that I am a going to my sophomore year in Barrington High School as a full-time student? I have 3.8 out of 4 GPA while taking 4 AP Classes. Since 6th grade I have been taking German and Spanish classes. Also, I am still working on my Polish since it is my native language. It would be great to meet Robert Lewandowski and Wojciech Szczesny, a striker at FC Barcelona Club. I would love to meet Marc Andre Ter Stegen, since he is my inspiration and favorite goalkeeper in the world. I would love to impress him with my skills as a goalkeeper and my German language proficiency. Since I am both Polish & German, it would be amazing to meet my heroes, still waiting...

This is my goal in life! I want to be a professional goalkeeper, who wins the FIFA's Ballon D' Or trophy as a goalkeeper for the second time in the history. I am sharing my past, my present, high hopes, and dreams with you for my future since you are apart of my journey. As one famous T.V. hero said: "Futbol is LIFE!"

It has been my whole life, I have been training as a soccer player since I was 18 months old. I started to play organized soccer since I was 4 yrs old. I was trained in the goalkeeper position, but I never really fully committed to it. One faithfull summer five years ago, I decided to be a goalkeeper at the Barca summer camp. I have been training as a striker and I was quite good at it. This training helped me to be a better keeper in the long run. Who would have known...

My Father knew...All my soccer training and love for the game come from my father, who is my personal trainer and an ex-pro goalkeeper himself. It was the perfect place for me and I could show off my skills. It just felt right. I played my heart out to show my new friends and coaches that I could do it!!! I was scouted by Barca Academy Chicago to come and play for them as a goalkeeper; what an honor! And the rest is history...

After all my hard work in training and playing my heart out, I continue to improve and to be selected to represent Barca Academy Chicago at any and all tournaments national and international under ISL banner. I am the first choice keeper for all the games in the academy around my age group. I play for 3 Barca first teams U15, U16 and U17 and U15 for Indiana Elite.

I have attended special fall training sessions for a few years in Barcelona conducted by FC Barcelona coaches and players (my heroes), warm-up and friendly games with local Spanish teams. You know the rest already.... Who says hard work does not pay off!!!

This past season was incredible, it was challenging and the trainings were intense as the level of competition raises in and has pushed me to a new level. This would be the next step in achieving my dream of becoming a professional goalkeeper with FC Barcelona or any other European clubs. The road to becoming a professional goalkeeper is long, and the opportunities are few and far between. At this point in time, I am considered one of the best goalkeepers in my age group in the country. I am so excited about this opportunity because it is helping me get closer to my dream.

MAD CUP Tournament trip begins on June 16 - June 26, 2025. I am asking for your help and generosity to help to continue to chase this dream and make it come true. If I could ask for your financial help with this endeavor. Your generosity will help offset the costs of my trip: tournament fees, food & board, flight, and gear.

As you can understand, time is of the essence; like everything else in life, there is an opportunity that might not happen again. All your help is greatly appreciated, and let me say Thank You in advance for make this dream possible!!!

As always, I will share this adventure and game highlights with you on my Instagram Michael das wall Szymel (@michaeldaswallszymel) Instagram https://www.instagram.com › michaeldaswallszymel and on the YouTube link: Michael das wall Szymel n1 -YouTube or https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClti5oQO48Of_uKgYWRu6-A. You can see some of my current videos and some past ones from my games. I will be posting from the MAD CUP so you can share in my experience.

Thank You and God Bless!!!

Michael Nathan Szymel