For the last nine years, generation adidas international has partnered with premier adidas clubs to develop U.S. youth soccer at the international level through its Select programs. Talented players are invited to train at the Real Madrid Foundation, A.F.C. Ajax, and F.F.C. Frankfurt, three of the world’s most powerful soccer clubs. Nominated players had to submit soccer resumes and were selected by the program selection committee. LAGSD nominee, B01 Elite player Mateja Milasinovic, was chosen to participate in the program at one of the most respected youth academies in the history of soccer, AFC Ajax.
The program included:
- 6 training sessions at the AFC Ajax complex, employing AFC Ajaxʼs methodologies
- Individual assessment in order to improve and perfect skills
- 1 AFC Ajax coach for each group of 15 to 25 players, or 2 AFC Ajax coaches for 25 to 40 players
- Comprehensive methods for complete technical and tactical development
The boys played competitive games in both Amsterdam, against AFC ajax youth academy ’00 and ’01 teams, and in Rotterdam, against Excelsior ’01 and ’02 teams, both of which were wins for Mateja’s team. The boys also enjoyed sightseeing in Amsterdam, Volendam, and Rotterdam while getting the fantastic opportunity to watch two live Champions League games and one AFC Ajax Reserves game.
LAGSD player Mateja Milasinovic commented, “Generation adidas international gave me the opportunity to train with some of the best youth academy coaches in the world at AFC Ajax, which helped me develop individually and more importantly as a team player. I would like to thank all of the LA Galaxy SD coaches who recommended me for this experience of a lifetime!”
Click here to view a video of Mateja’s assist during one of the games.
For further information on the program Mateja participated in please visit:
http://generationadidasinternational.com/program/ajaxselect
