Report: Las Vegas youth invited to trial with academy team at Spanish club Espanyol

Las Vegas – Christmas has arrived early for young Isaac Calderon, a seven-year-old soccer talent from Nevada: Isaac has been invited to a team trial at the academy team of Spanish Primera League (LFP) Reial Club Deportiu Espanyol. Oriol Olivé Duñach, Academy Scouting Director at RCD Espanyol, gave the good news to little Isaac’s family this week through an official letter, according to the player’s agent.

Calderon is a student at Universal FC and Soccer School, where he plays on the Under-9 and U-11 teams. Born in 2005, he would be one of the youngest players in American soccer history to be invited to try out for a professional team’s academy in Spain.

Universal FC Soccer School competes in the Nevada South Youth Soccer League locally and organizes training tours to Barcelona, Spain every year for players from all over the U.S. So far the school has developed several players who are playing in the ranks of MLS academy teams, including D.C. United and Chivas USA, as well as players in Catalonia, Spain.

Universal FC alumni Aldo Moreno and Jose Arreola have committed to travel to Las Vegas next week to work with Isaac’s camp to help him get ready for the trial. Moreno (’00) is a two-time ODP Region VI Champion with the Nevada team, and is currently playing for D.C. United Academy. Arreola plays at the Chivas USA Academy.

The man responsible for the invitation is Marco Goes, President of OX Marketing Esportivo in Barcelona. Mr. Goes is a football scout for several European clubs, including Espanyol. Goes is now Isaac’s representative in Barcelona.

OX Sports Marketing is a “boutique athlete marketing group” and “official representative of RCD Espanyol in the Americas,” according to a press release. OX Sports Marketing represents other American players currently competing in first Division academy teams in Barcelona, including Hayden Canizalez (’98) at CE Sant Gabriek and Richie Velez (’97) at UDA Gramanet.

Founded in 1900, RCD Espanyol is one of the oldest football clubs in Spain’s La Liga and the crosstown rivals of FC Barcelona. Throughout its history, RCD Espanyol has been home to world-famous players, many of which have also starred on the Spanish national team.

If Isaac gets signed, he will have the opportunity to compete at one of the highest levels in European youth football. The Calderon family have begun to raise funds for the flight to Barcelona for their child. If anyone is interested in helping with funds, please contact OX Sport Marketing North America at 702-286-9392 or by email at [email protected].