The Early Years: The Pathway From Age 7 to 13
What makes a youth soccer player go the distance and get signed at a young age by a giant club known for player development? This is the story of San Diego’s Evan Rotundo who always dreamed big and worked hard.
16-year-old Evan Rotundo just signed with Germany’s Bundesliga giant, Schalke 04.
A well known Southern California standout, Rotundo was always up for participating in any soccer activity and his passion for the beautiful game is built into his DNA.
Where did this talented young teenager start playing soccer in America’s finest city? From the young age of 7-years-old until the beginning of his teenage years, Rotundo played with San Diego’s Albion Soccer Club.
In his six seasons at Albion SC, he helped his team win countless championships and earned the respect and admiration of his coaches. During his development at Albion SC, Evan was coached from U8 to U12 by Wayne Crowe, Director of Soccer and supported by many coaches within the nationally recognized youth soccer club.
“Evan Rotundo started with ALBION at U8 and played through to U13,” said Wayne Crowe. “During this time, he was in a team that excelled with success, earning multiple tournament championships including becoming Cal South State Cup champions at the U9 age group, national champions at the U12 age group, and Regional Finalists at U12.”
“Evan was part of a successful team, surrounded by good players,” said Crowe. “The birth year change came into play at the end of his U12 year and split his team into two, the 2003s and 2004.”
‘‘It’s great to see Evan sign a professional contract and achieve a goal he has had from an early age.”
Wayne Crowe, Albion SC Director of Soccer
“We always saw a pro player in Evan and we did everything to create the best pathway for his development,” said Noah Gins, CEO Albion SC. “Prior to Evan being eligible for the U14 National Team because of his age, we advocated for him to play up and benefit from the bigger opportunity.”
“We are proud to support our talented players. Once we were able to get the US National Team staff to be aware of Evan, he was asked to join the Youth National Team roster the following year,” said Gins.
“His dedication to the game and hunger to always improve was evident throughout his journey,” said Crowe. “It is rewarding to see him achieve this goal and look forward to continuing to see his progress”
Read: 16-YEAR-OLD EVAN ROTUNDO SIGNS WITH BUNDESLIGA’s SCHALKE 04
