From a tiny gymnasium at Wilfrid Jury Public School to the second largest city in Italy.
“I’ve been invited to a camp in Italy for AC Milan,” said Matthew Czajkowski, 11, of London, Ont.
Czajkowski, who plays for AEL FC, has been noticed by one of soccer’s world powers.
“Matthew is going to be going to AC Milan, one of the biggest clubs in the world, one of the most prestigious,” said Milton Gougoulias, president of AEL FC.
“He’s one of five players who was invited to Italy, so he’s very fortunate and a fantastic player.”
AEL FC has contacts with professional agencies, and after seeing Czajkowski on tape, he got the invite.
“From like 11 to 12 years old they take them and then they mold them into what they want to see,” said Gougoulias.
“That speaks volumes for Canada. We’ve got the World Cup coming here next year and look at the talent that we’re bringing out and we’re taking to the mecca of soccer in Europe.”
His footwork is phenomenal, however, to achieve those skills, he’s worked hard. He spends hours every day and practices five days a week.
“I just do like rebounding and practicing my touch and doing my dribbling skills. I also maybe do a little bit of shooting,” said Czajkowski.
He idolizes Cristiano Ronaldo and hopes to one day follow in his footsteps. For now, it’s one step at a time.
“I hope I can get a contract to go to a Major League Soccer team,” said Czajkowski.
His teammate Jack Gougoulias is also on the verge of earning a tryout in England. He was invited to Millwall FC, however negotiations for young children are complicated.
“It’s a business,” said Milton, Jack’s father. He added that while his club pushed for the tryouts, the kids were the one’s who earned them.
“They put the work in when they train five times a week,” said Milton. “They live, they breathe, they eat soccer, and the results are showing.”
