Warren Offered a Professional Tryout with Scottish First Division Team Airdrie FC
Soccer News: Temecula FC and former Chaparral High School standout, Santiago “Santi” Warren, was offered a professional tryout with Scottish First Division team Airdrie FC. Santi will travel from California to Glasgow, Scotland where Temecula FC Director of football, Willie Donachie, will meet Santi and escort him to Airdire FC for his two week trial with the renowned Scottish League One side.
“Santi’s main assets are speed and goal scoring which are invaluable,” said Donachie. “In world football, these traits are hard to find and players with these gifts are in high demand. It will be a great experience for Santi to practice and compete with some very good international players in Scotland.”
Santi will be the third Temecula FC player to earn a European tryout in the last twelve months. Santi, who made his Men’s Pro team debut for the Quails at just 17 years of age, has been a standout for Temecula FC over the first two seasons in the NPSL (USA 4th Division).
“Santi definitely has something as a player,” states TFC Owner, Brandon Jantz. “I noticed it at 9 years of age when I first coached Santi. He was very strong and quick and wanted the ball all the time and that was exactly want you want to see from a player his age – very hungry to get goals. Since that time, Santi has grown and matured into a solid player and we wish him success with his trial in Scotland. It’s great to see Santi earn this opportunity.”
Temecula FC is a semi-professional soccer team currently competing in the Southwest Conference of the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) (US 4th Division). The team offers a competitive youth development academy for all age levels. “The purpose of Temecula FC is “development” at ALL levels and preparing players for college placement and trials in the USA and Europe”, said Jantz. “Preparing players to compete at the highest levels is the sole reason Temecula FC was formed.”
“Temecula FC has grown exceptionally over the last twelve months and foresee many youth players achieving college placement, going abroad, or into the USL, NASL or MLS for tryouts over the next few years,” said Jantz, “We have had 4 of our U17 players make their debut for the NPSL team over the last 2 months and will continue to look toward our youth teams to add talent to our NPSL first team.”
SoccerToday had a chance to speak with Warren while in Scotland:
Andrea Garcia: Where did you play youth soccer? How long have you been with Temecula FC?
Santi Warren: I played youth soccer with Arsenal FC in Temecula and for the Temecula Valley Hawks. I have played with Temecula FC NPSL team for 2 years.
Andrea Garcia: How did you get connected with Airdrie FC?
Santi Warren: My coach Brandon Jantz set it up with Willie Donachie. Willie used to help Brandon coach our team, Willie has contacts in Scotland which made this trip possible.
Andrea Garcia: How was your flight to Scotland? When do you return to America?
Santi Warren: It was a 16 hour flight to Scotland, but it was a beautiful flight and went great. I will be back October 1st.
Andrea Garcia: Have you ever traveled outside the U.S. before?
Santi Warren: Yes, in 2011 I traveled to England with my club team Arsenal FC and in 2014 I traveled to Mexico with Temecula FC.
Andrea Garcia: How do you think Temecula FC prepared you for a professional tryout?
Santi Warren: I felt confident thanks to the standard Coach Brandon holds every session. He always wants the best out of every player and he pushes players to think hard.
Andrea Garcia: How is soccer/training different in Scotland then America?
Santi Warren: The difference I see is the aggression of players and training. The players in Scotland are rough and the training is constantly fast pace.
Andrea Garcia: What’s your favorite thing about Scotland so far?
Santi Warren: The way training is run here. It’s sharp and keeps you mentally focused.
Andrea Garcia: What advice would you give to younger players that want to standout/be noticed?
Santi Warren: My advice for young players would be to come into every training session focused and ready to work harder than everyone else. It’s important to train on your own as well.
Andrea Garcia: Who is your favorite player and team?
Santi Warren: My favorite player is Cristiano Ronaldo and my favorite team is Real Madrid.
Andrea Garcia: What do you think about traveling the world playing soccer?
Santi Warren: I think it is amazing. I get to see different types of cultures and styles of soccer, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Photos Courtesy of Santi Warren
