U.S. U-18 Pineda gets invite
- by Soccer America , Oct 31, 2013
Nike Chance is a talent search that gives young players over 16 years of age from around the world an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of elite coaches and mentors from the top of the sport. Since 2010, Nike Chance has provided elite training opportunities to thousands of talented players, 19 of whom become pros.
“I was really excited and speechless,” Pineda said after receiving his invitation. “These opportunities are what you work for, so I’m hoping to have a great experience from this and learn some new stuff to become a better soccer player.”
At the Nike Academy, selected players will have the opportunity to prove their professional potential as they will be assessed on their technical abilities through various drills and match competition. Matches will be observed by the full coaching panel and Nike Academy scouts.
Over the summer, Pineda played with the U.S. U-17s who won the Niigata International Tournament in Japan.
“It was always my goal to get back in, and mentally I think I have become a better soccer player,” Pineda said. “Every time I get on the field in practice, I’m keeping in mind how to take advantage of these opportunities to play with top-level guys and learn new things to make yourself better and also make your teammates better.”
