SCHALKE SCOUTS FOR TOP YOUTH SOCCER PLAYERS WITH INTERNATIONAL SOCCER ACADEMY

Only Five Roster Spots Left: Schalke & International Soccer Academy’s Integrated 2003/04 Team Takes Shape

This is the real deal: FC Schalke 04 reviews every candidate for the Integrated Academy, with all players approved by the Bundesliga club prior to a roster spot/contract being offered. Schalke’s goal is to use the International Soccer Academy’s program to strengthen its long-term efforts in the USA and to identify players from America. 

UPDATED – YOUTH SOCCER NEWS: International Soccer Academy (ISA) is less than two months away from the official start date of its joint project with FC Schalke 04 —  the groundbreaking INTEGRATED ACADEMY which is a residential program in Germany for highly talented youth soccer players. The program kicks off this August with a U19 team of 2003/2004 youth soccer players from all across the USA.

There are only a few roster spots left on this prestigious integrated academy squad that will take on Bundesliga academy teams and compete in a series of games while training and living immersed in Germany starting August 11, 2021.

What makes this program so different and groundbreaking is the unique and one-of-a-kind partnership — Schalke 04 coaches will train American youth players following their highly successful, world-renowned methodology at the Schalke complex in Germany.

Schalke coaches and scouts have been and continue to be involved every step of the way. From watching hours and hours of player highlight reels to approving or rejecting players who have applied through virtual tryouts or attended one of the player identification tryouts held all across America.

2021 International Soccer Academy Program & Tryout Information

The 2021 International Soccer Academy programs kicks off this August.

Only one out of ten players on average are approved for this U19 INTEGRATED TEAM at Schalke 04 and a few spots remain for exceptionally talented and dedicated players with the desire to learn from one of the great Bundesliga masters.

While the in-person tryouts (which were held all across America, from California to Florida as well as Washington State to New York/New Jersey area) are over, VIRTUAL tryouts through Zoom calls will continue to be held by International Soccer Academy and Schalke 04.

To apply, follow the request info button on International Soccer Academy’s website. (Video highlights are required for the application process.)

Related Article: FC Schalke 04 Partners with International Soccer Academy to Launch Team for 2004s

The Special International Soccer Academy & FC Schalke 04 Partnership

In March, International Soccer Academy and FC Schalke 04 announced their partnership and plans for the first ever integrated team to train at the German club and mirror the player development of its legendary academy known as the Knappenschmiede.  

For the first time ever and for a full academic year, the top youth soccer players selected from the nationwide search will be able to join the residency program. The players will live, learn and compete under the guidance of the Schalke Academy, led by Program Director Mario Grevelhörster.

“This allows us to look for and hopefully find great American soccer talents.”

Mario Grevelhörster, Program Director at FC Schalke 04

“The player is who matters. Always,” said Peter Knäbel, who was Senior Director Knappenschmiede & Development (Technical director for youth and development, FC Schalke 04) when the partnership was launched but has now joined the Board of Directors responsible for Sport and Communications, looks forward to watching the American players develop in Germany. “The cooperation with International Soccer Academy is a win-win-situation for both sides.” The new director Knappenschmiede & Development is Mathias Schober.

Knappenschmiede History

As the second largest sports club in Germany, and the fifth largest in the world, seven times German Champions FC Schalke 04 has one of the most successful youth academies in Europe.

Over 100 graduates of the Knappenschmiede have celebrated their debut in the Bundesliga, which includes FIFA World Cup Champions Manuel Neuer, Benedikt Hoewedes, Julian Draxler, and Mesut Ozil. 

“Schalke offers young American players a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to succeed in one of the best soccer academies in the world.”

Peter Knäbel, Senior Director Knappenschmiede & Development

Americans Developed at FC Schalke 04

As mentioned, FC Schalke 04 is committed to the active recruitment of American players. The German club hopes to identify additional talent in the United States, which has proven to be successful for the club in recent years.

The American prospects at the Integrated Academy will be developing on the same grounds as did current U.S. Men’s National Team and Juventus player Weston McKennie.

Recognized for their appreciation of American talent, Matthew Hoppe is Schalke’s most recent addition to the first-team roster. For the latest update on Hoppe, visit our recent coverage. The 20-year-old from Yorba Linda, California, follows the FC Schalke path to the professional ranks that has attracted other American prospects.

Nick Taitague (VA) of the FC Schalke 04 reserve squad and Evan Rotundo (CA) of the FC Schalke youth academy are the other Americans currently suiting up for the Bundesliga club.

Unlike so many other options offered in the American youth soccer market, the chance to train under Schalke-hired soccer coaches and live steps away from the VELTINS Arena where the first team plays is really unique. Only time will tell how many participating players will be offered the chance to remain in Germany and be awarded a contract. But one thing is for certain,

this program is a life-changing experience that can help players reach the next level and become impact DI players.