USMNT Players Gio Reyna and Joe Scally Share Their Expertise with Youth Soccer Stars
In a groundbreaking mentorship session, U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) icons Gio Reyna and Joe Scally recently met with players from the North American branch of the International Soccer Academy (ISA) at Borussia Mönchengladbach, a club in the Bundesliga, Germany's highest professional football league. This unique event allowed young talent training in Germany to receive invaluable guidance on the complexities of transitioning from American youth soccer to professional player careers in Europe.
The session featured open discussions where Reyna and Scally shared their personal journeys, emphasizing the discipline and focus required to succeed on an international scale. Both players articulated that the environment in Europe is intensely competitive, presenting transformative experiences for aspiring soccer professionals. Reyna expressed, "I wish opportunities like this were available when I was younger," underscoring the significance of experiencing European football culture at a young age. He encouraged American youth to consider similar paths to enhance their careers.
Scally echoed these sentiments, reflecting on his own influences as a young player. He mentioned his admiration for Kyle Walker, a renowned right-back in the Premier League. "Watching players like him, who are exceptionally athletic, has profoundly shaped my approach to the game," said Scally. This recognition of role models made it clear that studying elite players is crucial for development.
Both players highlighted the importance of competition, recounting how they began playing against older opponents, which accelerated their growth and understanding of the game. Scally pointed out that "starting two years up forced us to think faster and play smarter." Their experiences allowed them to gain skills and confidence that would separate them from their peers.
During the Q&A, ISA players inquired about maintaining a balance between rigorous training and personal life. Reyna emphasized the necessity of consistency in daily habits over intense training sessions, while Scally advised a thoughtful approach to mental well-being amid the pressures of a professional season.
The recent performances of ISA’s Borussia Mönchengladbach Integrated Academy Team have showcased the effectiveness of their training model, culminating in 54 trials and seven contract offers during the Fall 2025 semester alone. Such impressive results illustrate the growing recognition European clubs have for ISA's systematic player development. This semester also saw teams competing against leading European opposition, honing their skills to meet the demands of high-level soccer.
Looking ahead, ISA has plans to identify promising talent at the upcoming 2025 MLS NEXT Fest in Arizona. With their technical leadership on scouting missions to find the next wave of American soccer stars, they remain committed to nurturing U.S. talent for professional opportunities in Europe. The organization invites aspiring players to apply for evaluations for the 2026/27 season, reflecting their continuous growth and outreach in the youth soccer scene.
In conclusion, the mentorship by Gio Reyna and Joe Scally represents not just an individual effort to give back but a larger movement towards developing a pathway for American soccer talent in an increasingly globalized sport. As ISA continues its mission, they aim to empower the next generation of athletes, providing them with resources, opportunities, and invaluable hands-on experiences.
The session featured open discussions where Reyna and Scally shared their personal journeys, emphasizing the discipline and focus required to succeed on an international scale. Both players articulated that the environment in Europe is intensely competitive, presenting transformative experiences for aspiring soccer professionals. Reyna expressed, "I wish opportunities like this were available when I was younger," underscoring the significance of experiencing European football culture at a young age. He encouraged American youth to consider similar paths to enhance their careers.
Scally echoed these sentiments, reflecting on his own influences as a young player. He mentioned his admiration for Kyle Walker, a renowned right-back in the Premier League. "Watching players like him, who are exceptionally athletic, has profoundly shaped my approach to the game," said Scally. This recognition of role models made it clear that studying elite players is crucial for development.
Both players highlighted the importance of competition, recounting how they began playing against older opponents, which accelerated their growth and understanding of the game. Scally pointed out that "starting two years up forced us to think faster and play smarter." Their experiences allowed them to gain skills and confidence that would separate them from their peers.
During the Q&A, ISA players inquired about maintaining a balance between rigorous training and personal life. Reyna emphasized the necessity of consistency in daily habits over intense training sessions, while Scally advised a thoughtful approach to mental well-being amid the pressures of a professional season.
The recent performances of ISA’s Borussia Mönchengladbach Integrated Academy Team have showcased the effectiveness of their training model, culminating in 54 trials and seven contract offers during the Fall 2025 semester alone. Such impressive results illustrate the growing recognition European clubs have for ISA's systematic player development. This semester also saw teams competing against leading European opposition, honing their skills to meet the demands of high-level soccer.
Looking ahead, ISA has plans to identify promising talent at the upcoming 2025 MLS NEXT Fest in Arizona. With their technical leadership on scouting missions to find the next wave of American soccer stars, they remain committed to nurturing U.S. talent for professional opportunities in Europe. The organization invites aspiring players to apply for evaluations for the 2026/27 season, reflecting their continuous growth and outreach in the youth soccer scene.
In conclusion, the mentorship by Gio Reyna and Joe Scally represents not just an individual effort to give back but a larger movement towards developing a pathway for American soccer talent in an increasingly globalized sport. As ISA continues its mission, they aim to empower the next generation of athletes, providing them with resources, opportunities, and invaluable hands-on experiences.
Topics Sports）
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