14-Year-Old Jarrett Reeser Takes Talents to Italy
Jarrett Reeser of the Central California Aztecs has signed a contract with the youth academy of Varese Calcio S.S.D. of Milan, Italy. Reeser was the leading goal scorer for the SoCal division during the 2016/17 U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) season with the Aztecs.
Youth Soccer News: 14-year-old Jarrett Reeser is living his playing dream as he takes his talents to Italy for the upcoming 2017/18 season.
The California native has signed with Varese Calcio S.S.D. of Milan, Italy, and will be departing at the beginning of the month. Reeser has dual citizenship with an Italian passport and was invited on various trials in Italy. However, the journey to achieve success abroad is a long road that should never go unnoticed.
At the age of five, Reeser started playing soccer in AYSO Canyon Country Region 677. At seven, he made the transition to club soccer with Real SoCal-SCV, formerly the Santa Clarita Magic. He was taken under the guidance of Italian international Cristiano Scapolo, a former professional player in Serie A for Inter Milan, A.S. Roma, Bologna and S.S. Napoli.
“Jarrett is a very technical player,” said Scapolo. “He is relentless and understands attacking situations. He is able to be very efficient in goal scoring opportunities and has incredible work ethic.”
Reeser played under Scapolo for six years at the highest club level of Flight 1 in the SCDSL. Coach Scapolo has been a huge influence on Reeser as he looks up to him in the highest regard and respect. Scapolo identified Reeser’s level early and the passion that he has for the game. As a result, he spent the last three summers training in Italian camps with AC Fiorentina, A.C. Milan and S.S. Lazio to gain additional training in the European and specifically Italian style of play.
During his most recent 2016/17 U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) season, he played for the Central California Aztecs U13/U14 teams under coach Ray Sanders. Reeser was the leading goal scorer (28) for the SoCal division in USSDA competition and number four nationally. He played in the 2017 U14 USSDA Showcase in Westfield, Indiana, in June and recorded five goals as a 2003 player during the three-game event.
“There are a lot of players that are talented and obviously Jarrett has a ton of talent, but the reason why he has had this success is because of his character,” said Sanders. “Whether it’s at training or during a game, he has a professional approach and determination that backs up what he says he wants to accomplish. This is why I expect him to continue to succeed while in Italy and beyond.”
In 2016, Reeser was invited by ISL Futbol Academy to play in the largest youth soccer tournament in the world — Mediterranean International Cup (MIC) in Barcelona, Spain.
In February, he went to Varese Calcio S.S.D. for two weeks to train with the 2003 academy team and was also able to play with the team in four matches during the A.S.D. Quatrosport Tournament in Milan. Reeser scored four goals and recorded four assists during the tournament.
The most notable came against the world famous Inter Milan Academy where Reeser scored the lone goal in a 1-0 victory. He received the player of the tournament award and was honored by this achievement as he was the only American player competing. After the two-week trial, Reeser was extended an offer to join the team for the upcoming 2017/18 season.
Reeser’s parents remain extremely supportive of his decision to move to Italy as he follows the dream of playing professionally.
“He puts the work in that is far beyond his years, and we understand especially in the soccer world that players that aspire to become professional have to be ready early — usually around 18-19 years old,” said Matt Reeser, Jarrett’s father. “College is obviously something we both value as parents with us both earning advanced level degrees, but this is Jarrett’s chance to develop and take advantage of his time. He will be attending the International School of Como, which has a tremendous academic reputation in the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma program.”
Reeser’s father highlights the passion displayed by his son over the years.
“Since Jarrett was very little he has gravitated to soccer,” said Matt Reeser. “I thought that he would play football but his love for soccer was very clear. His passion started with playing and then watching the European leagues of LaLiga and Serie A.”
Reeser is dedicated to improving his game in all areas as he makes watching film a must during his training regimen.
“He is either playing, watching or studying the game somehow,” said Matt Reeser. “He reminds me of the way Peyton Manning studies film. He would watch a play and be able to say what they did right, what went wrong and how that could have been better. He has tremendous vision of the field and his soccer IQ is off the charts.”
Reeser understands that the best players in the world have to be in the most professional environment. The level in Europe is extremely high and to have success there will better develop him to meet his life goal of becoming a professional soccer player.
