THREE KENDALL SC PLAYERS ATTEND ADIDAS ESP
Pablo Punyed and Kevin Ante Chosen to All-Star Team
July 19, 2004 – Earlier this month, Eduardo Jimenez (U17B), Pablo Punyed (U18B) and Kevin Ante (U18B) had the honor of traveling to California to participate in the Adidas ESP program, the most recognized development camp in the United States. Adidas ESP has helped advance the skills of some of today's top young soccer stars. The event, which featured a selection of many of the top 150 boys players in the country was held on the campus of Cal-Poly Pomona. The participants are selected by invitation only based on recommendations from a national scouting network.
Since being founded in 1997, Adidas ESP has served over 1,000 of the finest youth players from across the United States. It is where the top high school age players come together to improve their soccer skills, test their competitive ability, learn about managing off the field challenges in preparation for college and other growth opportunities, and get scouted by college and professional team coaches. More than 100 college coaches attended this year’s event in addition to coaches from all MLS teams.
"Participating in the ESP camp has been one of the greatest experiences in my life," said Eduardo Jimenez. "The guys in camp are very committed and play the game at the highest level. As for the organization, it was extremely professional and first class."
The 136 players were divided into 8 teams and 2, 4-team divisions. Following group games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a championship match and placement matches were played Monday morning. Punyed and Ante were also selected to play in the all-star game on Sunday night.
Past adidas ESP participants have gone on to play at the collegiate, professional and World Cup levels of soccer. Notable alumni include: Pat Noonan (New England Revolution, US Men's National Team), Danny Szetela (Columbus Crew, U20 National Team), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution, MLS Rookie of the year 2005, Generation adidas), Josmer Altidore (Red Bull NY, Generation adidas, U20 Men’s National Team), Brad Guzan (CD Chivas USA, Generation adidas, US Men’s National Team), and Jonathan Spector (Manchester United FC). |
