While the Under-21s may have faced a number of European sides in their run to the Premier League International Cup final, a unique set of fixtures were presented to them in March as they faced Furman University and Seattle University in two friendlies
The unique opportunity presented by facing American opposition allowed the Eagles to understand how teams from outside their typical domestic opposition work both on the pitch and off the pitch, as the American sides spent a few days at the Academy in Copers Cope.
The two closely fought friendlies were played a week apart from one another, fitting perfectly into a two-week break the U21s side had from Premier League 2 Division 1 action.
Both university outfits are National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 - the highest possible level of competitive collegiate football in North America. The two sides play in their respective regional conferences, akin to how the MLS is divided into East and West.
Sam Craven, former professional footballer and founder of Vertex Soccer, who helped facilitate this trip explained more: “Typically Division 1 university sides come over for about 10 days and we set them up to play against two or three Category 1 U21 Academy sides. We do the touristy stuff in between and they also get to see some matches.
“We’ve got players in this team [Seattle], from South America, Canada, Mexico, Korea, Japan, Germany, all over the world. It’s not just American players here, and this is due in part to the huge recruitment budgets the universities have.”
These games not only presented an opportunity for the players and staff to learn and test themselves against foreign opposition from North America, but also a potential pathway for careers to progress.
If a player in the Professional Development Phase (PDP) aged 18-21 was to be released by Palace or any other club in the country, they may have the opportunity to earn a scholarship with one of the NCAA sides.
Palace offer an exemplary standard of after care for any player released from the club, and those who are unfortunately released at PDP level have a pathway to go to North America on a scholarship to earn a degree of their choosing and continue playing football.
Craven went on to explain: “The benefit of these fixtures for Seattle [and Furman], as well as Crystal Palace is exposing each other to foreign opposition, but there's also an exit route/player care route there.
“So whenever a player is released at Crystal Palace or any other Premier League club at 18-19 we will facilitate the placement of that player at an American university on a scholarship.
“For example, Seattle will have scholarship money available for the coming years - so if a player was to be released by Palace then they could be potentially signed up to a four year scholarship where they’ll earn a degree and continue to play football full-time.
“There’s nothing quite like this in the UK, so it is a favourable route for anyone who doesn’t get a professional contract. Last year we sent 97 players from Premier League Academies over to America on scholarships, but it’s not until they actually experience the level first-hand they can see this as an option if they don’t get a professional contract.”
Whether you’re a coach or director planning your next international soccer tour, or a parent exploring opportunities for your child, Vertex is your global connection to the professional game.Through our exclusive access to Premier League and EFL academies, Vertex delivers more than tours, we create pathways, opportunities, and unforgettable experiences.
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