18-Year-Old American Soccer Player Ty Walker Reaches For His Dream
Many players dream of becoming a professional soccer player — few ever have the chance to prove their talent.
International Soccer Academy is excited to announce 18-year-old defender Ty Walker has been on trial with RCD Mallorca since February 9, 2021. The trial began as a one week evaluation and was extended to a fourth week.
“My trial with RCD Mallorca is amazing. The best way to learn is by playing with better players and to see what they are doing,” said Walker whose family lives in North Carolina. “I really like playing this style of soccer and it felt great to be invited back — it means I’m one step closer to what I want to accomplish … earning a contract to become a professional soccer player.”
It is Unusual for a Trial To Be Extended for Four Weeks. Walker Has Talent.
This is Walker’s second session with International Soccer Academy’s Mallorca Spain program for collegiate D1 players whose soccer season had been impacted because of the pandemic. Walker was accepted into the inaugural fall session as a highly talented youth player. Nineteen players participated in the fall session and seven trials at professional clubs were provided to the players — and one player signed a pro contract.
Read: 19-YEAR-OLD CREIGHTON BRAUN SIGNS PRO CONTRACT WITH EUROPEAN CLUB and A DAY IN THE LIFE: WHAT’S IT LIKE AS A 19-YEAR-OLD WHO TURNS PRO IN EUROPE?
Previously playing at MLS’ New York Red Bull Academy, Walker impressed the International Soccer Academy coaching staff and was sent for a one week trial with the Bundesliga’s Eintracht Frankfurt U19s before the pandemic forced a moratorium and suspension of trials. In January, Walker returned to Mallorca to continue his training.
”At International Soccer Academy’s program, Ty Walker has demonstrated that he has the ability to play on the professional level,” said Eddie Loewen, co-founder of International Soccer Academy. “It was not a surprise that Ty was invited to trial at RCD Mallorca, and it is always a good sign when a player is asked to continue and return for a second consecutive week. Asked to continue for a third week is outstanding.”
RCD Mallorca, based in Palma on the island Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, is currently sitting at the top of the table in the league’s Segundo Division, fighting their way back in the top of tier of LA LIGA to once again take on Barcelona and Real Madrid.
“I am happy for Ty — because of his hard work, his game has improved and he is now ready for European football,” said International Soccer Academy’s Associate Coach Holger Gehrke who is the former Goalkeeper coach for the Bundesliga’s Shalke 04 and the Hungarian National Team. “Walker’s play is great.” Gehrke, who made 86 appearances in the Bundesliga, knows what it takes to be successful in the game and only recommends the highest caliber of players for trials.
“At International Soccer Academy, our players train with pro coaches who provide them with the skills and mental strength to perform at their peak,” said International Soccer Academy Assistant Coach Chris Ketels. “Ty’s extended trial with RCD Mallorca is further proof of the success of our program.”
Prior to joining International Soccer Academy, Walker also played for Minnesota United’s Academy, as well as the Charlotte Independence, Indiana Elite and Chicago Fire Northwest.
“Finding International Soccer Academy has been a tremendous benefit to our son,” said Brad Walker, Ty Walker’s father. “Ty truly progressed in skill, mindset, attitude and confidence under the top-notch guidance at International Soccer Academy. These coaches are outstanding and their attention to detail has been exceptional. The International Soccer Academy team did not miss any detail providing great development and care for each athlete.”
“I highly recommend International Soccer Academy to any player who wants to experience a truly immersive peek into what it takes to be a professional soccer player,” said Walker.
International Soccer Academy has four additional trials arranged for other players in the spring session.
For more information on International Soccer Academy, please visit InternationalSoccerAcademy.com or email.
